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Chapter Text

It was a completely normal and ordinary day for Sonic. Wake up, go out for a jog, and return home running away from the crazy amount of fans he had. 

Ok... maybe not so normal. 

He was a pretty well known athlete, and Paris being one of the most touristic spots didn't help either. 

Sonic became a bit more well known after going to the Olympics and winning first place as part of the Paris's men's 4x400-meter relay team. He became the youngest male mobian Olympic track and field athlete to compete in the Olympics at the age of 15.

Because of this, many sports companies wanted him to model their clothing to appeal to their younger audiences. One thing led to another, and now he's known for his looks and his fans won't stop running after him!

But no one can out run the "fastest thing alive" or at least that's what they called him on TV. 

He made it back home to his house, where he lived with his brother Tails, and his uncle Chuck. 

"Hey Unc! Im hoooome!"

"How'd it go my boy?" uncle Chuck answered from the living room.

"It was crazy today! I had to run through the subway and back through the cinema to outrun the crazy mob." Said Sonic as he took his bag and left it on a hook in the entrance of his home. As a little yellow blur appeared in his peripheral vision.

"Is my prototype working good so far Sonic?"

"Yeah, thanks Tails! I don't think I could've outrun the mob if it wasn't for the app you made for me!"

Tails settled on the couch next to uncle Chuck with a proud grin on his face. "That's good to hear! I'm glad I could do something to help you not have to be escorted through the city."

"And that makes two of us," added uncle Chuck. "I'm glad you could get a little bit of normal back after all you've been through."

Sonic sat down on the recliner next to his brother. "Yeah. I miss the freedom that I used to have. To feel normal for once. I love to run but having to run from people because I was in a store for a little too long, gets old. I envy you Tails."

"Don't say things like that Sonic. I know how hard things got for you to do normal things, but now things are looking up!" Said uncle Chuck as he handed Sonic a form with a smile on his face.

"Wha- what's this? It this a-"

"It's your schedule in Françoise Dupont!" Uncle Chuck smiled.

"But you said it would be too risky for me to go to school! A-are you for real!?"

"Wow Sonic we would have the same class!" Added Tails excitedly.

“Don’t argue with me Shadow.” 


“But Stone, I don't think-”

“You know I can't do anything against your grandfather's wishes.” 

“I know.”

“Here, your schedule for tomorrow.”

“Thank you Stone.”

Shadow sat down at the dining table alone as his Uncle's assistant left the room. His grandfather had promised him lunch together, but he always ended up getting caught up in his lab. He took the paper Stone had given him and unfolded it. He opened his phone to compare the paper to a photo that was sent to him.

It seems like I have classes with Rouge again this year. At least that's something to look forward to.

He ate his salad and got up to go to his room upstairs. 

As he entered the door he pulled out his phone to text his best friend (though he will never admit it) Rouge.

Hot_topic: We have the same class this year again.

Thatbatbaddie: EEEEE

Thatbatbaddie: IM SOO EXITED FOR THIS YEAR WBY? 😚

Hot_topic: Furthering my education seems pretty obligatory.

Thatbatbaddie: boo your no fun ☹️

Hot_topic: *you're

Thatbatbaddie: This isnt an essay I'm just texting handsome

Hot_topic: *isn't 

Hot_topic: School is starting tomorrow so that means I can change my name back.

Thatbatbaddie: nooooo

Thatbatbaddie: you will always be hot topic to me 😔🥀

Shadow: The dare only lasted the summer. Too bad.

Thatbatbaddie: gtg I still have to find out what outfit I'm gonna wear tmrw 😚

Thatbatbaddie: see ya hun

Shadow: ok 👍

Shadow turned off his phone and sat down at his desk.

I don't see the excitement Rouge finds in school.

Shadow had met Rouge in school four years ago. She's one of the few people he's actually opened up to, other than Miss Vanilla as a teacher, who he's had almost every year since he's entered Françoise Dupont. He will never admit it but having them around during school has always been nice. Rouge, being the extrovert she is, would always find ways to get him out of his comfort zone.

He's yet to open up to anyone else.

“But master-”

“Nooroo, remind me of the history of these jewels.”

“I um… many centuries ago, magic jewels bestowing extraordinary powers were created. These were the miraculous. Throughout history heroes have used these jewels for the good of the human race. Two of these miraculous are more powerful than the others. The earrings of the ladybug, which provide the power of creation, and the ring of the black cat which provides the power of destruction. According to legend, whoever controls both of these jewels at the same time will achieve absolute power, being granted the ability to make any wish they desire come true.”

“I want that absolute power, Nooroo. I must have those two miraculouses.”

“B-but nobody knows where these miraculous are!”

“I found you though my little Nooroo… your miraculous… remind us of its powers again.”

“The brooch allows you to give someone their own super power, and to make that person your devoted follower.”

“Then when it comes to luring super heroes, what could be better than creating supervillains?”

“But master! The miraculous aren’t meant to be used for evil purposes!”

“I must have this absolute power!” he slammed his fist on the table.

“Your miraculous is in my control! I AM YOUR MASTER NOW! And you must obey me.”

“Yes master.”

“Nooroo… dark wings rise!”

“KNUCKLES! IT'S URGENT!”

“I- uhh huh?” The echidna said, still half asleep glancing at his alarm clock.“It's 3 in the morning Wayzz! Did we run out of kale again? We could go shopping tomorrow-”

“Master, it's the emerald!”

“WHAT!?” The red echidna shot up and ran as fast as he could to his desk where the emerald sat glowing in the dark room. 

“The emerald is sensing a miraculous being used! Wayzz tell me, do you sense something further?”

“Master, I can feel the distress Nooroo is going through. My fellow chao can sense it too.” The green chao said while flying around frantically.

“Do you think the miraculous is being used for malicious purposes?”

“Im afraid so.”

The knuckles pressed the top of the emerald and opening up like a lotus flower, the shining jewel revealed to be a box with many pieces of jewelry sitting inside. 

“If this person has the butterfly miraculous then I assume they must have the peacock aswell… I need to stay alert… We need to take action.” He said while hovering over the two jewels that sat in the center of the box resembling yin and yang.

“Are you implying-”

“Yes Wayzz” The echidna picked up a ring and a pair of earrings.

“Master, using multiple miraculous at the same time is dangerous-”

“I know Wayzz. I don't plan on using them. I need to guard the emerald, I swore I would.” He told the green chao as he put the jewels into two small separate boxes. “I need to find two exemplary holders for the cat and ladybug miraculouses. It's the only way we can keep the rest of the miraculous safe.”

Knuckles had to somehow find two heroes and quickly before the butterfly holder took action.

And on top of everything Knuckles had school tomorrow.

Stone went upstairs to wake up Shadow, only to find the hedgehog already dressed and ready for school.

“Good morning Shadow! Would you like a latte as well? I just prepared one with Austrian goat milk for Ivo and Mr. Robotnik.”

Shadow grabbed his backpack and lifted it over his shoulder.

“Could you make two?” He asked.

Stone smiled and nodded. He already knew who the other one was for.

“Is Rouge in your class again this year?”

“Yes.”

Stone led Shadow to the kitchen and turned on the coffee maker. Shadow enjoyed his coffee black, while Rouge liked his classic lattes with a heart on top.

“Here you go Shadow. Say hi to Rouge for me.” Stone handed Shadow the two drinks in disposable cups.

“Thank you.” Shadow walked out of the kitchen and put on his shoes. 

Stepping outside Shadow felt a nice breeze and heard the bustle of the city. Paris was particularly nice today with cumulus clouds slightly covering the sun. The streets were full of people going to work and taking their kids to school. As Shadow changed his shoes to rollerblade mode, (a gift from his grandfather) Shadow skated across the street only to notice a car honking at a distracted mobian.

The car was going to hit him.

Shadow instinctively skated to the mobian and grabbed his arm, pulling him away, dropping his coffee on the road. 

“Huh!?”

The car zoomed by. If it wasn’t for Shadow the car would have hit them.

“HOLY GAIA!” The red mobian shouted. Grasping his chest while heaving, the mobian looked at his rescuer.

“Shadow!? Oh my Gaia thank you! I-“

Realizing who he had rescued, Shadow responded, “You need to be more careful. Rouge would have been very upset if I hadn't saved you in time.”

Knuckled collected himself before realizing what Shadow said, his muzzle turning into the color of his fur.

“My coffee.” Shadow said looking down at the now squashed cup on the road with a disappointed scowl on his face. He looked at his hand that held Rouge’s latte, lifting up the lid only to find a messed up heart shape that swirled into the liquid below. Knuckles followed his gaze and realized what had happened.

“I really appreciate what you did for me.”

Nodding with a muffled grunt, Shadow skated slowly and Knuckles walked the rest of the way silently, arriving at the stairway leading to the school entrance. Only to hear the bell ring. 

Realizing the whole incident caused them to be late both Shadow and Knuckles ran up the stairs. Nearly tripping, Shadow realized he hadn’t put his skates away and stopped to change them back. Running into the classroom a little after Knuckles had entered, he sat down in his spot next to his friend.

“Heya handsome, you’re always so punctual I thought something had happened.” 

Shadow held up the cup, handing it to his friend Rouge. The bat opened the lid finding a muddied out shape that slightly resembled a heart.

“Now I know something did happen, Stone always makes the most perfect lattes, and what happened to yours-“

“Don't worry about it.” Shadow interrupted. Not wanting to press any further, Rouge took a sip of her latte.

“Fine. The latte tastes great either way… ooh! Did you see who is in our class-”

“Settle down everybody!”

“Welcome class!” Miss Vanilla stood in front of the classroom smiling kindly.

“I am so thrilled for this new school year! I see some new faces,” Miss Vanilla looks at Shadow and Rouge, “and some familiar ones. I am just glad for you all to be here. My name is Miss Vanilla, yes that is my first name, I just prefer to be called that. If you have any name you would prefer me to refer to you as, please tell me as I start roll call.”

Miss Vanilla grabs her attendance sheet and starts saying names.

Sitting down at the back of the class next to his brother, wanting to remain unnoticed, Sonic just stared at what was happening.

“Amy Rose” “Here!”

“Blaze” “Present!”

“Knuckles” “Here.”

This was all new to him. He had never gone to school, even as a kid. He had always been home schooled, Tails though, being the young genius he was, couldn't be taught at home, he needed to go to a proper school to be assessed. He changed grade levels for his intelligence.

“Mighty” “Here.”

“Miles Prower? “Here! Also I go by Tails.”

“That’s wonderful, thank you for sharing that with me, Tails.”

As the teacher continued down the list, Sonic looked at his brother in confusion, and Tails took note of that. 

“Shadow, I know you're here…”

“Silver?” “Here!”

Before Tails could explain what was going on, Sonic suddenly jolted at the mention of his name.

“Sonic?”

 On instinct he jolted up and in a panicked voice he yelled, “PRESENT!” Which in response the class giggled and gasped. 

Embarrassed, Sonic sat down and Tails laughed at him. 

The teacher continued on saying names. As Sonic looked at his brother and whispered “You should have told me they call out your name!”

Tails whispered back “I thought it was something that you already knew about!” He let out a giggle.

“Now that that’s situated, I am going to have to move some of you around, I will try and place you in spots accordingly.”

A few groans came out of some students, but Miss Vanilla ignored them.

“Sonic, Tails, could you both sit at the front?”

Sonic and Tails both got up and sat forward, at least they were still together.

“Shadow and Rouge, could you please sit behind them? And Surge I need you at the front. Amy sit next to Knuckles…”

After a bit of shuffling the class was finally situated. 

“Ok class these will be your seats for the school year. Remember them. Now let’s all go to the library to grab our math books.”

Everyone started getting up, but a loud muffled yell startled the class. Knuckles panicked assuming the worst.

No! Not right now! I haven't even chosen anyone yet!

He nervously reached for his backpack and a miraculous box fell out. Knuckles hadn’t even realized he dropped it.

Sonic realized the red mobian had dropped a box of some kind. He picked it up and handed it to him.

“I think you dropped this?”

“Ah! Thank you.” Realizing his panicked state could have cost him another miraculous being lost, Knuckles cringed.

Get a grip Knuckles. You need to be more careful. If that guy hadn't been kind enough to hand me back the miraculous then we would have been doomed.

“Everyone stand back, I'll check what's going on.”

As soon as Miss Vanilla opened the door, a young bee waving a piece of paper came rushing in with a flushed crocodile following behind.

“MISS VANILLA! MISS VANILLA!”

“CHARMY GET BACK TO CLASS! I JUST CAME TO DROP OFF YOUR LUNCH!”

Miss Vanilla grabbed the jittery bee by his shoulder.

“Charmy? Vector? What happened!?”

“Hehe, sorry to startle you Vanilla! You know how kids are nowadays!” The crocodile snatched the piece of paper that Charmy had tried to hand to Miss Vanilla.

“Miss Vanilla! Vector had written a mrf-” Vector held his hand over Charmy's mouth. 

“DONT WORRY BOUT’ IT VANILLA!” Vector screeched in a panicked voice. 

Obviously trying to change the subject Vector pointed at a purple chameleon that was part of her class.

“OH HEY ESPIO! Whaaat are you doing in Vanilla's class haha?”

“Vector, we went over this. She's my teacher. We are kinda in the middle of class right now soo…” The purple chameleon awkwardly glanced away.

“Oh! Right! Now Charmy, let's get out of Vanilla's fur and take you right back to class hehe. See ya later Espio, and you too Vanilla, if you would like to. I- uh I mean- BYE!” The chaotic duo left awkwardly slamming the door on the way out.

Vanilla turned around to look at her class. “I um, didn't expect that today, gather your things and let's get going class!”

Heading to the library Rouge bumped Shadow with her elbow. 

“Now that was more entertaining than any telenovela huh handsome?” Rouge smirked. 

In the back of the group Sonic went up to the red mobian he helped out earlier.

“Hey! I never really caught your name!”

“I'm Knuckles.” The echidna responded. “And, you?”

Sonic was super excited. He is finally going to make a friend. And bonus! He doesn't even know who he is!

“I'm Sonic the hedgehog. Glad to meet you!”

“I think I've seen you from somewhere… have you been to this school before?” 

Having his cover almost blown, Sonic responded nervously, “Haha nope! I've been home schooled most of my life. I just thought going to school would be fun!”

“Only you then.” Knuckles added with a smirk.

“Charmy holy Gaia! You can't just do things like that! I could get in serious trouble.” Vector scolded.

“Yeah yeah, see ya later gator!” 

“Charmy, I'm a crocodile.” leaving the school Vector cringed. Not at the awful joke Charmy made, but what happened in Vanilla's class. When Vector got in his car he pulled out the paper Charmy was waving around earlier. And crumpled it up, embarrassed by the situation.

I don't think Vanilla would ever be into a guy like me. I'm a wreck.

Soon a little purple butterfly landed on the crumpled piece of paper.

Knuckles stood at the back where he could see all of his classmates. 

I need to choose someone I could easily access if needed, someone that has the potential to be a hero. 

His eyes landed on the pink hedgehog he was sitting next to earlier in class.

Maybe Amy? She's got a strong heart and she has always been nice… nope. Nevermind. She's too nice. She would give her miraculous the second they start asking.

What about Tails? Nope, he's smart, but he seems too young to carry such a big responsibility. 

Definitely not Surge. 

I don't think I could trust Rouge well enough to not sell off the jewels. 

Shadow however… I mean, he did help me out today. He acted quickly and is reserved enough to not talk about a secret like this to anyone. If fate chose someone to be the ladybug holder then it's him.

I don't think I know anyone else well enough to trust them… 

I mean there's that Sonic guy. His selflessness really shined through when he returned the box to me. He could have kept it for himself. And he seemed pretty nice…

A loud boom was heard outside of the school. Everyone ran towards the window to see what was going on. There was destruction everywhere. Broken glass from the windows of the school, civilians running away, but in the midst of it all, was a big rock monster outside. It started throwing cars and ran off towards the Eiffel Tower. 

Miss Vanilla signaled everyone to stand back and yelled, “Everyone! Stay calm! I need you all to go home to your families! Stay safe! You are all dismissed!”

“Wow Sonic did you see that! That was such a strange phenomenon! It was like straight out of a comic!” Tails told his brother excitedly. “Let's go home! I need to send out my drone to record the monster!”

Dragging his brother by the hand, Tails accidentally made Sonic bump into Shadow, who was holding Rouge’s half drunken latte, spilling it all over his fur. 

Shadow growled. “Watch where you're going!” 

Before Sonic could apologize, Tails dragged him away running to the exit.

At home, Sonic went to his room and turned on the news. The mayor was giving some sort of speech about the supervillain. The policemen seemed utterly useless against the beast. Some of them had gotten badly injured and were sent to the hospital. The chief that was getting interviewed had a cast on his right arm. This was a crazy first day of school.

Shadow went home angrily. It was the first day of school and his jacket was already ruined, the new guy was getting on his nerves, and on top of it all a huge rock monster destroyed the school entrance with a car. That last bit seemed a bit too surreal to him. This was going to be the start of a crazy school year.

Shadow glanced down at his desk, noticing that there was a small box that wasn't there before. Did his grandfather leave this for him? Did Rouge leave one of her jewels behind when she last visited?

“What’s this doing here?” Shadow picked up the jewelry box and opened it. 

“THE FUCK!?” 

Suddenly a bright red light shined and he dropped the box instinctively. Appearing in front of him a small red creature floated taking the place of the bright glow. 

He jumped back ready to attack. 

“Is that a giant bug!? A mouse? A bug-mouse!?” The absurdity of the words he just said couldn’t even describe the weirdness in front of him.

“It’s ok! Don’t be alarmed!” The little red creature said.

“THE FUCKING BUG-MOUSE TALKED!”

Shadow started throwing punches at the creature but couldn't land a single one. It was flying too fast, dodging every blow.

“Listen to me Shadow! Everything may seem a bit strange to you but-”

Shadow grabbed a glass cup he had on his vanity and trapped the bug-mouse.

“Ok! If that makes you feel safer.” The thing said calmly.

Shadow leaned forward towards the glass cup. “What are you? And how do you know my name?” He demanded.

“I am a chao! And my name is Tikki. Now just let me explain.”

Sonic saw a box and examined it. It looked familiar but Sonic couldn't quite put his finger on it. He picked it up to examine it and opened it up.

“WHAT THE-” A shining green light filled the room and soon taking its place a small glow turned into a small black creature. 

The creature yawned.

“NO WAY! You're like a genie in a lamp!” Sonic gawked at the creature.

“I met him once. So what? He grants wishes? Big deallll. Im way more personable! Plagg. Nice to meet you.” The little black cat looking thing floated towards his foosball table. “Ooh swanky!” 

He bit one of the pieces.

“Hey! Don't touch that! Hey-”

“Ooh, so shiny! Can you eat this!” The cat thing bit the joystick of an arcade style game. “No you can't! Ooh what about this?”

Plagg started biting almost everything Sonic had in possession. Sonic ran around the room and jumped, grabbing the creature and landing on his bed.

“I still don’t know what you're doing here!” Sonic said while holding it.

The creature looked up at him looking a bit annoyed. “Look, I am a chao. I grant powers. Yours is the power of destruction got it?”

“Nuh uh.” Sonic said, confused.

“Good. Now got anything to eat? I’m staaaaarving!” The chao rolled his head around. This thing seemed to be really dramatic.

“Tails is pranking me right? Wait- he couldn’t be… he’s too busy with his drone.” Sonic thought aloud.

Phasing through Sonic's hand the chao took a more serious tone. “Tails must never know I exist. Or anyone for that matter!” 

“This is absolutely ridiculous.” Shadow grabbed his phone. “I know someone who really likes jewelry, she would be glad to take my place-“

“No! Nonononono! No! Im your friend Shadow! Nobody must know!” Tikki phased through the glass cup stunning Shadow. “Shadow you're the chosen one!”

“This is nuts! A super hero!? I can’t even go out without being recognized! What good is a hero that's basically imprisoned in his own house!” Sonic said to the chao who was currently unrolling a toilet paper roll. 

“Thats no good! That’s why it’s all going to change soon! If you’re willing to change that is.”

Sonic held up the ring indecisively.

“So, I have to break the object the butterfly is hiding in?” Shadow asked while putting on the earrings.

“It’s called an Akuma! Which you must then capture.” Tikki explained. 

The earrings glowed and turned into a pair that Shadow would willingly wear on a daily basis. Stunned, Shadow looked at Tikki. This whole thing seemed so absurd.

“Ok. What’s the charm thing again?”

“The lucky charm! It’s your superpower!”

“Tikki, I don't think I’m cut out for this. I’m not cut out to save anyone.” 

Not after what happened.

“You must trust yourself Shadow! Just say spots on!” Tikki said enthusiastically.

“Spots on?” Shadow repeated, when suddenly his earrings glowed brightly and a bunch of lights that looked like tiny ladybugs glowed over his body.

“Wha-“

Tikki suddenly disappeared into the earrings. Leaving Shadow alone to assess what had just happened. Shadow looked down at his hands.

Why are my gloves red? Wha-

Shadow looked in the vanity mirror finding himself dressed up in a ladybug-like superhero costume.

What in Gaia’s name is going on?

“Tikki? Can you hear me? Give me my normal clothes back.” Feeling a nearby vibration, (since when can he feel vibrations like that?) Shadow realized Stone was likely to come into the room.

“Shadow? Did you arrive safely?”

 Shadow didn’t know what to do so he went out to his balcony to avoid being seen by Stone. He searched his body to find the yo-yo Tikki had mentioned earlier.

Tikki said to throw it and it will grab on to anything right?

As soon as Shadow threw the yo-yo it pulled Shadow forward with immense force.

“Yeah! And you transform by saying claws out.” Plagg said, sitting inside an empty toilet paper roll. Sonic put on the ring only for it to turn into a gold color, something Sonic would wear. 

“Ok then. Plagg, claws out!” 

Being dragged away Plagg yelled, “WAIT! NO! I HAVEN'T FINISHED EXPLAININGGG!” A bright green light glowed and Sonic posed like he has been waiting for this moment his whole life. Bright green paw prints covered his body and Sonic had probably watched too many anime’s because he looked like he was having the time of his life. 

After the lights disappeared the blue hedgehog looked down at his hands.

“Too cool!” Sonic checked himself out in his mirror. He glanced at the TV to take one more look at the foe he would be fighting soon, when he noticed a little yellow figure running behind it.

His little brother was running after the rock monster. 

Determined, Sonic jumped out of his window and extended his staff.

“Do you think you made the right choice, Master?” Wayzz asked Knuckles as he wandered around the emerald.

“I can only hope I did. The fate of the world depends on it.”

“I think I’m starting to get the hang of this.” Sonic was walking along his staff between two buildings trying to reach his brother when he suddenly pauses as he hears something falling towards him. 

“Gah!“

Shadow fell from the sky and crashed into the blue hero, his yo-yo wrapping around them both, dangling them from Sonic's staff. 

“Well, nice of you to drop in.” Sonic said with a smirk on his face. Still dangling from Sonic’s staff.

Realizing how close they were, Shadow retorted, “I didn’t do it on purpose.” As he pulled on his yo-yo to let them both go. 

Shadow watched as the hero in black landed with ease and suspended himself onto the ground as well.

“I bet you're the partner my chao told me about! I’m…mm… Kuro Kat. Yeah! Kuro Kat! And you?”

Pulling the yo-yo Shadow realized he also had to come up with something.

“Im-“ As Shadow was about to introduce himself a building falling in the distance caused the ground to shake. 

Tails

Kuro Kat then grabbed his staff and propelled himself onto the roof of a nearby building.

“Hey! Where do you think you’re going?” Shadow yelled.

“To save Paris right?” Kuro Kat responded. He jumped away following the commotion near the fallen building.

Trust yourself, trust yourself

Shadow followed behind him, suspending himself up with his yo-yo. In the distance Kuro Kat landed in front of Tails, who was about to get hit by the monster.

“Hey! It’s not very nice to pick on people who are smaller than you!” Kuro Kat remarked, holding his head high. 

“I guess you’re talking about yourself.” The monster lunged at Kuro Kat. As the hero dodged the attack, Kuro Kat yelled at the fox, “Go somewhere safe!” The twinned tailed fox nodded and hid behind a block of broken concrete down the street. Grasping his tablet, he continued to record.

Real life superheroes! Wow! 

“This area is too crowded! Let's lead him to the Stade de Princes to avoid any more casualties!” Shadow announced, 

Kuro Kat grabbed his staff and bonked the villain on his head. “Follow me rocky road!” 

The monster shrieked and yelled, “MY NAME IS STONE HEART!” And followed them to the field. 

Shadow’s eyes widened. The monster was shaped like a crocodile mobian and could talk. Putting two and two together Shadow realized he looked similar to the guy that barged into Miss Vanilla's class earlier. Tikki mentioned akumas are based on negative emotions, this guy must have been so affected by the interaction he got akumatized.

Jumping from building to building, the duo landed in the middle of the stadium. Stoneheart following close behind.

The villain started swinging his bulky arms at Kuro Kat, but he dodged the attack, landing on Stoneheart's back and hitting him hard with his pole. He leapt off the villains back and landed on his feet. Looking up to see the damage.

There was no damage.

Kuro Kat was shocked to see that the monster instead got bigger.

In the distance Tails arrived at the scene to record the fight from afar.

Shadow was petrified to say the least. This was too much. 

I couldn't save her. 

I can't be the hero they need me to be. 

I cant-

“I could really use some help right now, partner!” Kuro Kat interrupted his train of thought. 

As Kuro Kat continued to fend off the villain with a parry from his staff, Stoneheart picked up a soccer goal and threw it in his direction. Kuro Kat swiftly avoided the attack but soon realized it was about to hit Tails. He launched himself up in the air and threw his staff between the walls of the stadium entrance where Tails was hiding, shielding him from the impact. Using this moment to his advantage, Stoneheart picked Kuro Kat up and grasped him in his hand to the point of drawing out his breath. A silent squeak came out of his mouth, as he grimaced at the sudden weight crushing his body.

Seeing the need his partner has, Shadow decided to let go of his insecurities for now. He threw his yo-yo under the villain's legs and tripped him, causing him to release Kuro Kat from his grasp. 

Still disoriented, Kuro Kat face planted into the opposing goal with Shadow running close behind. 

“That was cool wonderbug, now let's kick his rocky behind!” Kuro cat lunged forward to attack again but Shadow pulled him back by the shoulder. 

“Wait! Haven't you noticed he gets bigger and stronger with every attack!? Only an idiot would continue to-”

“OK then! Let's use our powers. CATACLYSM!” a glowing green light glowed from his hand, turning into bubbling black orbs of destruction.

“Apparently I destroy whatever I touch.”

“I don't think you even need a superpower to do that,” Shadow rolled his eyes. 

To test out his power Kuro Kat touched the goal to see what it could do. 

“NO YOU IDIOT! DON'T DO THAT!” Shadow tried to warn but it was too late. 

The goal turned into dust in less than a second, turning around with a burst of confidence, Kuro Kat lunged forward to attack the villain.

“KURO KAT! WAIT” Shadow yelled but Kuro Kat had already put his hand on the monster, expecting it to crumble like the goal, but it didn't.

“Uh oh. Hehe…” Kuro Kat laughed nervously. “I guess I only get one shot to use my power.” 

The monster swung his arm and pushed Kuro Kat back causing him to face plant again into the goal. While getting up he saw his partner crossing his arms. 

“And now you have five minutes to transform back- DIDN'T YOUR CHAO EXPLAIN ANYTHING TO YOU!?” Shadow said, annoyed.

“I guess I got a little too excited." Kuro Kat laughed nervously while rubbing his neck.

“It seems like it's up to me then… lucky charm!” Shadow yelled and a pink glow with small ladybugs swirled up creating an object, a- was that a wetsuit?

“Wow. What a great superpower,” Kuro Kat said sarcastically, “I hope I don't have to wear that, I can't swim.”

“My chao told me to break the object where the… Akuma was hiding.” Shadow explained holding up the suit. 

“Well he seems to be entirely made out of stone-”

“His hand. It's still closed, like if he was protecting something in it,” Shadow explained while observing the villain's clenched fist. “He never opens it. The object isn't on him. It's hidden in his fist.”

“So what's your plan?” Kuro Kat asked, putting his hands on his hips. Shadow looked around. His eyes landed on a hose next to Tails and the lucky charm. 

“This.” Shadow picked up the hose and tied it into the wetsuit. He grabbed his yo-yo and wrapped it around Kuro Kat's legs.

“Woah-”

“Dont resist. Trust me.” Shadow swung Kuro Kat around like a rag doll. Honestly after all the mistakes Kuro Kat made, Shadow would be lying if this wasn't slightly funny to him.

“MY PARTNERS GONE CRAZY!” Kuro Kat shouted, landing into the fist of Stoneheart, taking away his breath. 

“Catch me if you can fool.” Shadow taunted the villain and jumped into the other fist, releasing a crumpled piece of paper. Shadow looked around the stadium. 

“HEY, FOX! THE TAP!” He shouted to Tails, who immediately sprung up to turn it on. 

The water filled up the suit instantly, shocking the villain, causing him to let go. Shadow jumped out of his grasp to grab the akumatized object from the floor. And ripped the paper apart. A small purple butterfly came out. And Stoneheart immediately turned back into the mobian he was before.

“This guy is awesome. He's crazy awesome.” Kuro Kat said to himself.

“Wha- whats going on? What am I doing here!?” Vector spoke with wide eyes, glancing up at the two super heroes in front of him. 

“He doesn't remember anything?” Kuro Kat asked.

“No, he wasn't in control. The butterfly miraculous holder was manipulating him to cause all that destruction.” Shadow said while looking at Vector.

“So he's innocent? Wow. How cruel. Manipulating someone with their emotions like that.” Kuro Kat helped Vector up. 

He looked at Shadow with a smile on his face. “That was great mr. bug guy! You did it!” 

“We both did it together, partner. Forgive me for the sudden throw.” Shadow cringed, scrunching up his muzzle.

Kuro Kat lifted his fist up. “Pound it?” Returning the gesture Shadow lifted his fist up as well. “Pound it.”

I haven't done anything like that since-

A sudden flash coming from Kuro Kat's ring startled them. “You should get going, before you transform back-”

“Wow! Real life superheroes! Cool! Are you going to be protecting Paris from now on?” Tails asked, holding up his tablet to record. “How did you get your powers? I've got a ton of questions to ask you- um erm, what are your names?” 

“Kage Bug. My name is Kage Bug.” Shadow said, pulling out his yo-yo.

“And you?” Tails raised his tablet towards Kuro Kat.

“I'm Kuro Kat! At your service.” He bowed dramatically and pulled out his staff.

“Wow! Super awesome!" Tails exclaimed excitedly. 

Throwing his yo-yo up and extending his staff both Kage Bug and Kuro Kat jumped up to the top of the stadium. 

“See ya around, Kage Bug!” Kuro Kat yelled, disappearing into the distance.

Arriving home, Kage Bug detransformed back into Shadow. With a bright red light, the chao from earlier appeared in front of him.

“See I told you! Just trust yourself and everything will be alright!” 

Still unsure, Shadow held the chao up. He heard the rushing of something downstairs and got up. “Tikki hide.” The chao hid and Stone immediately bursted in. 

“Shadow! My goodness,” Catching his breath, Ivo's assistant continued, “I called the school, and they said they dismissed all the students! I thought you got hurt by that villain!”

Shadow was taken aback by this, he didn’t think anyone would care. 

“I'm fine, Stone. I just- I decided to hide somewhere safe. The attack was right outside the school, so I hid in the… subway.” Shadow lied.

Stone composed himself and wiped down his clothes. “I’m glad to hear that. Dinner is ready. Would you like to eat it here?”

Considering his chao, Shadow shook his head yes. Did Tikki need to eat? He didn’t know.

“Ok Shadow I’ll be right back.”

As Kuro Kat jumped through his bedroom window he detransformed with a bright green flash. Sonic picked up Plagg. 

“Wow, that was awesome! Kage bug was awesome!”

“That's great and all but I'm staaaaaarving!” The dramatic chao said holding his hand (paw? Flipper?) on his head like he was going to faint.

“I’ll see what I can find.” Sonic said laughing at the absurdity.

Turning on the TV to see what was on the news, Shadow almost dropped the control. 

“Reporting live in front of the Eiffel tower, just as we were about to celebrate the arrival of our two new superheroes, Kage Bug and Kuro Kat, a new wave of panic is sweeping across the capital as dozens of people are mysteriously transforming into stone monsters. It's simply unbelievable!” 

Shadow looked at Tikki with wide eyes.

“These victims transformed into stone beings are still like statues. Authorities are perplexed by what could happen to them! Will they come to life or be frozen in time forever?”

“Camembert cheese. Great. Fantastic. All you like to eat is camembert, which means I'm gonna smell like stinky old cheese.” Sonic grumbled

The sound of someone rushing down the hall and bursting through the door caused Sonic to jump and Plagg to hide.

“SONIC DID YOU SEE!?” Tails came rushing in the room holding his tablet. “I was the first one to videotape the two new superheroes!” Tails said excitedly twirling around his tails. “I think I might be getting more footage soon!” 

“Why is that Tails?” Sonic asked.

“Because look!” Tails pointed at something on his screen. It was a live newscast of people being turned into stone monsters. Sonic gawked in horror.

“Little buddy, you can’t be putting yourself in danger like that! It was already risky enough for you to go after the villain. You said you were only going to use your drone!” Sonic told the kit. “You're only 8, I know you want to find out the science behind all this, but this is  too risky.” Sonic said, putting his hand on Tails’s shoulder.

“I know Sonic, I’ll be more careful!” Tails reiterated.

“Ok little buddy, thanks for filling me in! I’ll watch your videos while I eat ok?”

“Ok… since when did you like camembert cheese?” Tails asked confusedly, pointing at the smelly cheese.

“I- um, I’m trying to be more open to different cuisines. I can’t spend all of my life eating only chili dogs!” Sonic urged with a smile.

“Ok then. I’m happy for you! I’ll see you later, I might open up a blog about my findings!” Tails excitedly left the room, closing the door behind him.

“Plagg what was that!?” Sonic got up in shock, “I thought we defeated him!”

“Did you capture the akuma?” Tikki asked while munching on a cookie.

“What does that have to do with the other stone beings?” Shadow asked, confused.

“An akuma can multiply! That’s why it must be captured! If Vector’s emotions become negative again the akuma will turn him back into Stoneheart! He’ll control the stone beings and bring them to life to serve as his army!”

“So that means… this is all my fault.” Shadow said, hyperventilating.

You couldn’t save her.

“I knew it!”

You failed.

“See Tikki? I wasn’t the right one for the job! I’m only going to make things worse. I can’t protect anyone-“

“Keep calm, it was your first time!” Tikki said, trying to keep things positive, “You’re going to go back, and capture the akuma, and everything will be alright!”

“I CANT! I told you!” Shadow quivered, clenching his fists with tears in his eyes.

She’s dead because of you.

“I'm only going to make things worse! Kuro Kat can handle things without me. I’m done.” He turned his back on her before she could see him crumble.

“Only a ladybug miraculous holder can capture akumas and repair damage caused by supervillains!”

“If Kuro Kat can’t capture the akumas then just find another holder.”

“But-“

“Forgive me Tikki.” Shadow reached for his ears to take off his piercings.

“No! Don't take them-“

In a flash Tikki was gone.

“I'm sorry Tikki.”

“That crocodile has a sensitive heart… it won’t be long until anger and sadness strike again.”

“He and the stone beings will come alive. Then we will see how long Kage Bug and Kuro Kat will stay hidden.”

“They will be powerless against us.”

“Everyone will be powerless against us.”

Chapter Text

Sitting at the top of the Eiffel Tower, a purple butterfly multiplied into two, then four, eight, sixteen, the tower was soon covered in a purple haze of akumas. Those unfortunate enough to be touched by one stayed still, like a weeping angel, waiting to be brought back to life.

“Paris is relying on our new heroes, Kage Bug and Kuro Kat to save the day. Our lives depend on them.”

“Sonic! Look at this!” Tails entered the living room. He took out his tablet to show him a website.

“It’s the kittybug blog! Taking all the science, and latest news about the coolest superheroes!” He said, twirling his tails in excitement. 

“Woah check out how many views you have on your first video!” Sonic commented. 

“Yeah! And I'm so exited to see what else these heroes can do!” the fox pulled up an article he wrote on his tablet. “My theory is that the jewels these heroes have, give them their power. Based on what they said before they left the scene!”

“Oh wow,” Sonic said, trying to act surprised, “What do you know so far about the supervillain?”

His brother was smart. If anyone could come up with a theory that could lead them to the butterfly miraculous holders defeat, it's him.

To bad he can't share his secret identity.

“In the video I took, the heroes talked about a villain, but referred to the one they just fought with as a regular civilian, and upon further inspection, they're right.” 

Tails pulled up another video he took. “I interviewed Vector, the guy that was turned into the rock monster, and he said he doesn't remember anything! The police didn't know what to do. They let Vector go, but I dont think they trust him very much.”

“Well kiddoes,” Uncle Chuck said, “It's off to school with you two. And Tails…”

“Yeah uncle Chuck?”

“Be more careful taking them videos, alright?” 

“You got it!”

“Wow! What a crazy first day wasn’t it Shadow?” Rouge said, putting her phone away, “First, you arrive late to something for the first time, a supervillain attacked the school, a famous athlete is in our class, and now we have two new superheroes in Paris!”

Shadow turned to look at her. “I knew about all the crazy superhero stuff,” Shadow grimaced, glancing towards his backpack.

He had brought the earrings to give them to Rouge later on when she wasn’t looking. 

“Wait, what do you mean famous athlete? Everyone seems normal to me.” Shadow asked.

“Your seriously telling me you dont know who Sonic is?” Rouge giggled. “Sometimes it's like talking to a fifty year old with you.”

“Sonic? The annoying blue hedgehog?” He recalled. “That faker who yelled ‘present’ to annoy everyone?” 

“Wow. I didn't know you had a thing against the ‘fastest thing alive’ hon.”

“The fastest thing alive? Please. He's just a faker that puts on a fake smile for the press.” Shadow rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. “Yesterday, he was the one who bumped into me.”

“The one who made you spill my latte?” Rouge put her hands on her hips. “The school was under attack Shadow. He was probably panicked like all of us. There was so much commotion with the villain, I dont think it was personal hon.”

Outside the school Vector was dropping off Charmy and Espio, but was being held off outside.

“You're the guy who turned into that monster yesterday!” A parent yelled.

“You shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a school building!”

“Those children dont even look like you! You probably kidnapped them you monster!” 

Vector tried to keep his composure, but that last one hit a nerve.

“That's because I adopted them! I already told you, I dont remember anything!”

“My brother got affected by one of your spooky butterfly things! He's frozen in place because of you!” Cried a parent.

“I have nothing to do with the butterflies!” Vector argued.

“Once a monster, always a monster.” One of the parents spat.

“Dont let them get to you Vector. I know you're innocent.” Espio looked up at Vector. “They dont know you like we do.”

Taking in a deep breath, Vector nodded and walked back towards his car.

“I kind of feel bad for the big guy.” Rouge whispered. “This kid that's in our class has this blog about these heroes. In one of his videos, he interviewed the guy.” She said while walking up the stairs. “He really doesn't remember anything.”

Entering the classroom, the duo sat down at their seats. They were still a bit early, with half of the class still missing.

“I think it's crazy how good these heroes look, especially the red one.” Rouge pulled out a picture of Kagebug taken from the kittybug blog. “The red coat? With the boots? And the spots? Now that is a great costume. And look at the jewelry!” Rouge gawked.

“You seem to really like those heroes.” Shadow murmured.

“Of course! Why wouldn't I?”

“All those stone beings out there?” Shadow argued.

Rouge crossed her arms. “I think they are just getting started. They're probably planning out their next move.”

She pulled out her phone to show another picture. “Kage Bug and Kuro Kat both handled the job, I'm sure they will handle this next problem aswell.”

Shadow looked away. “I dont think they're up for the job.”

“Stop being so grumpy Shadow. I know you might be worried, but I trust these heroes. And you know I'm not quick to trust anyone.” Rouge smirked. “You need to learn to relax a bit handsome.”

“Whatever.” Shadow thought for a bit, “You mentioned you liked the costume. What about the earrings?” Shadow asked, trying to change the subject.

“The jewelry is fascinating! The fox from our class theorized that that is where the heroes get their powers from.” Rouge chimed.

“So, do you think if you had one of those jewels, you would become a hero like them?” 

“I would gladly become a superhero! Especially if it came with having such a nice ensemble.” Rouge said, applying her lip gloss. 

Sonic came in running into class with Tails running behind him slamming the door shut.

“That was close.” Tails murmured while catching his breath. “I didn't think people would find out you came here so quickly!”

“Welp, that's life.” Sonic said, putting his finger under his nose, his signature pose when he has won a race.

Seeing Rouge distracted for a second, Shadow slipped the box into her school bag.

Who does this blue gumball son of a bitch think he is? Did he have to come into the classroom like that?

Shadow rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. Sonic took note of that.

“Ok class, settle down!” Miss Vanilla said, “I know how unsettling it was for a supervillain to pop up at our school, but we must stay calm.” She picked up a piece of paper on her desk. “I don't know why the school didn't give any of us a day off,” She grumbled, “But we must keep moving forward. I will now be taking attendance.”

“Amy Rose?”

“Im sorry Vector, I think we're going to have to fire you from the agency.”

“What! I- you can't!” Vector complained, “I have kids! What about the rent!?”

“I don't really know what to do for you, Vector. You were one of the best detectives I've ever had in this agency, but now that you turned into… whatever that was, we can't risk you hurting our other employees and clients.”

Not wanting to put up a fight,  Vector backed down. “I understand.”

“I'm sorry. Here's your last check.”

Heading out of his boss’s office, Vector finally exhaled, realizing he held his breath for most of the interaction.

Heading back to his car, he opened the door and sat inside, holding back tears.

I can just find another job.

It's fine.

How will you pay rent?

I don't know.

What about the kids?

Vector opened the glove box of the car to put away his last check. When suddenly a crumpled piece of paper fell out. He opened it to see it was the poem he had written for Vanilla the day before.

The same object that had turned him into a monster.

Not this again.

Vanilla is surely going to hate me after all that.

Just like everyone else. 

Letting tears fall down his face, Vector sat in the parking lot, letting the feelings he has been holding in all day come bursting out. The fear everyone has for him. The fear Vanilla probably has for him.

A little black and purple butterfly came through the window crack of the car, landing on the piece of paper.

“Stoneheart… this is your second chance…” A voice whispered.

 “No! I will not turn into the monster they fear.” Vector countered.

“Just like the monster she thinks you are?” The voice grew louder, “With these powers, you can get rid of all of your problems. Isn't that what you want?”

“I-” Vector felt a pain similar to a migraine rushing to his head. Resisting this villain is too painful. Giving in to the voice, Vector’s eyes blurred.

“Yes Papillon.”

“Shadow?” “Here.”

“Silver? Here Miss.”

“Sonic?” 

Still a bit nervous, Sonic raised his hand with a facade of confidence.

“Here!”

“Ok! Surge?” “Here.”

“Tangle?” “He-”

Crash

Bursting in through the door the villain from yesterday appeared.

“Rouge get down!” Shadow hissed while pulling his friend under the class table.

Terrified screams filled the room.

“Tails! Let's get out of here!” Sonic pulled the kit out the door.

Stone heart picked up Vanilla with a gentle force for such a big monster.

“Vector? What are you doing!?” Vanilla yelped in shock.

“I am not Vector. I am Stoneheart.”

Espio ran up to Vector, keeping a bit of distance from him. “Vector! Please put her down! We can come up with a solution.”

Stoneheart looked at him blankly. The villain looked away and walked off with Vanilla in his grasp.

After Shadow was sure the monster took off, he helped Rouge up.

“The supervillain headed east, we should go west to avoid it.”

“Right, let's go! Come on Shadow!” Rouge said, running away.

Shadow, noticing she left her bag, which held the miraculous, and ran after her. “Wait! You forgot your bag!”

Arriving at his house, Sonic sprinted to his room. 

“Im yet to complete a normal day of school.” 

Plagg flew out of his jacket. “A day off? It's been years since I've had one.”

“Oh no no no no. We've got homework to do.” Sonic said with his hands on his hips. 

Plagg groaned.

“Plagg, claws out!” Sonic said, as a bright green light glowed over his body, turning him into his alter ego.

Jumping out of his bedroom window, Kuro Kat heard screams coming from the east, so he ran towards the noise.

Jumping across buildings, Kuro Kat finally spotted Stoneheart and took his staff to vault on top of the monster, backflipping onto the street. 

“Hey stone face! Let the nice lady go!” Sonic yelled with a puffed out chest.

Upon feeling the impact, Stoneheart used his other fist to swing at the hero.

“Come on, Vector! Put me down! We can talk this out. There is no need for all of this!” Vanilla yelped from the grasp of Stoneheart.

Ignoring her pleas, the villain swung at the hero, his stomping causing the ground to shake. Kuro Kat took his staff and hit the stone being in his head, but the only result he got was a growth in the villain's stature.

“Oops, my bad.” the hero laughed nervously.

“I don't have time to deal with you.” Stoneheart growled.

From the alleyways, the former frozen stone beings came out, under his complete control.

“Get him.” Stoneheart demanded, and soon the other stone beings started swinging at the hedgehog.

“No! Vector! Don't!” Vanilla implored.

“I am not Vector anymore,” The villain grunted, “I am now Stoneheart.”

“Where are we going!?” Vanilla asked.

“We are going to go deliver a message, then we will be united together forever by a pretty little black butterfly.”

Vanilla gulped. Not because she was afraid of him. Nope, it's because she found this declaration quite romantic.

My goodness, why is this kind of hot? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!?

Getting away from the battle, Stoneheart headed west as Kuro Kat tried his best to follow behind, dodging all the blows given by the stone beings.

Suddenly, a pair of Miss Vanilla's students came into view.

Panicked, Shadow tried to run after Rouge, but it was too late.

One of the stone beings picked up a car to throw at Kuro Kat, but it ended up pinning Rouge under it.

Rouge let out a gasp of pain, tears streaming down her face, as blood pooled onto the ground. Her vision is narrowing. Every breath she takes causes a white-hot pain to come from her broken ribs. The amount of pain caused her to pass out.

“ROUGE!” Shadow cried, running towards his friend

No, not again! 

You let her die.

Shadow checked Rouge’s pulse, taking a deep breath. She is still alive.

Kuro Kat got momentarily distracted by Shadow’s situation, and took a blow from one of the stone beings, knocking him into a building.

“KAGE BUG! If you can hear me, I can use a little help!”

One of the stone beings grabbed Kuro Kat by the legs and threw him into another alleyway.

Shadow trembled. His cold demeanor fading.

He couldn't stand by and let this happen.

He will not let Rouge die like Maria.

Not when he has the powers to save her.

Determined, Shadow grabbed the miraculous from Rouge’s bag, and put the earrings on. Tikki magically appeared in a bright red light.

“I knew you would come around!”

“I can't sit back and do nothing. Not while Rouge is in danger.”

“Tikki! Spots on!” In a bright red flash Shadow transformed into Kage bug and took no time to spring into action.

Using his yo-yo, Kage Bug wrapped it around the car and a building to pull the car off of Rouge. He carefully picked her up and took her to the nearest place he could think of at the moment. 

Jumping through a window. Shadow landed in Knuckles home, startling the echidna.

“ROUGE! Kage Bug? What happened-”

“Please, get her medical help,” Kage Bug commanded, “I need to get back into the battle.”

Throwing his yo-yo, Kage Bug went after the stone beings.

Tikki said that I can repair damage by throwing the lucky charm up in the air. Hopefully once I defeat the villain, Rouge can be healed.

Kage Bug saw Kuro Kat in the distance, struggling to get away from the villain trying to pry off his ring. Kage Bug threw his yo-yo around the stone beings fist and pried it open, pulling Kuro Kat by the legs and onto a street lamp, hanging him upside-down.

“Sorry I was late, Kuro Kat. I was helping out some civilians.” Kage Bug excused.

“My, my, bugaboy, have I ever mentioned you turn my world upside-down?” Kuro Kat winked.

Kage Bug pulled the yo-yo up in the air, making Kuro Kat face plant onto the rooftop of a building.

“Do NOT call me that,” Kage bug sneered, landing next to him on the rooftop. “You're quite the jokester huh?”

Kuro Kat got on his feet, ruffling out his quills. “You know it!” 

Kage Bug rolled his eyes. “Well your comedic timing needs work. Look.” Shadow pointed to the Eiffel Tower. “If we want to save them all we need to go to the source.”

He ran towards the tower with Kuro Kat following behind. 

“That one.”

Stoneheart stood at the top of the Eiffel Tower with Vanilla in hand, yelling at the helicopters surrounding them. Around the Eiffel Tower, a barricade was made to try and protect the policemen surrounding the area.

Kuro Kat and Kage Bug both landed in front of the barricade.

“YOU CAN’T TAKE HER AWAY FROM ME!” Stoneheart yelled.

“PUT HER DOWN OR WE'LL SHOOT!” A police officer warned. It was the human chief who had his arm broken by Stoneheart the first time he was akumatized.

“Dont shoot! It will only make things worse!” Kage Bug shouted.

“You could end up shooting that lady!” Kuro Kat pointed at Vanilla.

The police officer sneered. “Move aside and let the professionals handle this!” He glared at the heroes. “You've already failed once.”

Kage Bug froze, clenching his fists.

“He's right. If only I had captured the akuma then none of this would have happened.” He put his hand on his mouth. Realizing he said his thoughts out loud.

“No.” Kuro Kat placed his hand on Kage Bugs shoulder. “He's wrong. Without us, they can't de-akumatize the villain. And with your lucky charm, we can turn everything back to the way it was.” 

He picked up Kage Bugs chin and pointed to the police officer. “His arm won't be broken anymore. All these collapsed buildings… only you have the power to fix all this damage.” Grabbing Kage Bugs shoulders, he looked him straight in the eyes.

“The only thing left to do is fix our mistakes. One thing I've learned in life is that when you really screw something up, you can't fix it on your own.” Kuro Kat took out his hand.

“We just have to live and learn.”

Kage Bug looked into his emerald eyes, and nodded, taking his hand.

Kuro Kat smirked. “Now come on, partner. We have a city to save!”

They ran forward to attack when suddenly a coughed up yell from Stoneheart stopped them in their tracks.

A whole swarm of butterflies came out of Stoneheart's mouth, forming a giant head, causing the him to fall down.

“People of Paris. Listen carefully.” The head spoke. “I am Papillon. Kage Bug, Kuro Kat, give me your ring and earrings now! What good have you done to deserve the miraculous? 

YOU have caused all this damage.

YOU are not heroes.

YOU have hurt these innocent people.”

Kage Bug walked forward, applauding sarcastically.

“Nice try Papillon, but we know who's the real bad guy. Let's not reverse the roles here.” He walked forward with his newly found confidence, and pointed at the kaleidoscope of butterflies. “Without you none of these innocent victims would be transformed into villains.”

Clenching his fists at his side he looked up at the head. “Papillon. No matter how long it takes, we will find you, AND YOU WILL HAND US YOUR MIRACULOUS!”

Kagebug jumped up, throwing his yo-yo at the head.

“This is who I am. A hero meant to protect anyone who tries to disrupt the peace! I AM ALL OF ME. YOU HEAR ME PAPILLON? No matter how many supervillains you throw at us, I'll see and feel the evil, and my hands will crush them ALL!” 

Kage Bug started capturing the butterflies in his yo-yo, as Kuro Kat stood there in awe.

“Time to de-evilize!” Kage Bug shouted.

Not a single black butterfly stayed where the haunting head of Papillon once was.

Landing on the tower, Kage Bug turned around to face the crowd of people. 

“Let me make this promise to you. No matter who wants to harm you, Kuro Kat and I will do anything in our power to keep you safe!” He grabbed his yo-yo and opened it up. A swarm of white butterflies flew out of the magical weapon.

With a newfound hope, the crowd of civilians watching cheered. Kuro Kat watched in awe at his partner.

“Whoever is beneath that mask. I love them.” Realizing he said that out loud, he glanced around in hopes that no one heard him.

The victory was short-lived as Stoneheart roared behind Kage Bug.

“YOU WONT TAKE VANILLA AWAY FROM ME!” 

Kuro Kat joined Kage Bug up in the Eiffel Tower and took out his staff.

“Come to me, my stone beings!” The villain roared.

The tower was soon shaken by all the monsters climbing up it.

“What do we do now? We can't attack him without hurting Vanilla!” Kuro Kat asked, looking at his partner.

Kage Bug looked up. “Yes, but we know where the akuma is.”

Kuro Kat nodded, “Right! In his clenched fist! The one he's holding her in.”

“We know he's in love with her so… why don't we use that to our advantage?” Kage Bug smirked.

“What?” Kuro Kat asked, dumbfounded.

“We bring them closer together.” Kage Bug said vaguely as he pulled out his yo-yo to swing away.

“Um… I'm not really following, but I'm gonna trust you. Something tells me this is how it's going to be from here on out.” Kuro Kat said, using his staff to jump up to follow him.

Reaching the top of the tower, Stoneheart roared.

“How do you plan on getting 'em’ closer that they already are?" Kuro Kat asked his partner while fending off the stone beings.

“By using my power. LUCKY CHARM!” A swirl of lady bugs appeared to reveal a polka dotted parachute pack.

“I'm trusting you, Kage Bug!” Kuro Kat yelled.

Nodding, Kage Bug put on the parachute and yelled, “The hand! Get ready!”

Kage bug wrapped his yo-yo around Stoneheart and the arm that held Vanilla. 

“Pucker up!” Kuro Kat yelled as Kage Bug pulled the yo-yo, causing Vanilla to land a kiss on the cheek.

Flustered, Stoneheart let go of Vanilla, and the crumpled piece of paper. Vanilla yelped, falling from the Eiffel Tower.

“CATACLYSM!” Kuro Kat summoned his power and extended his pole from the tower, grabbing the paper, causing it to disintegrate.

“Your turn Kage Bug!”

The black and red hero opened up his yo-yo. “No more evil doing for you little akuma-”

Noticing that Vector had turned back to normal, both him and Vanilla were falling. Glancing at the butterfly, Kage Bug shouted, “KURO KAT! Grab Vector!”

Nodding, Kuro Kat extended his pole again, grabbing Vector. Kage Bug reached for his parachute, grabbed Vanilla, and pulled. The parachute blew open, and Kage Bug threw up his yo-yo up to capture the akuma at the same time.

“Got you!” He yelled.

Landing safely, Kuro Kat and Kage Bug settled the pair down.

Kage Bug took his yo-yo and opened it back up once more.

“Bye bye little butterfly.” Kuro Kat said, smirking at Kage Bug.

“That's a dumb thing to say.” Kage Bug said.

Kuro Kat smiled, “No it's not! Everyone loves my quips.” 

Kage Bug rolled his eyes. Holding the lucky charm in hand, Kage Bug tossed it up.

“Miraculous Kagebug!” He yelled, and a swarm of little magic ladybugs swirled around all of Paris.

Looking up in awe, Kuro Kat looked at Kage Bug. “Are you seeing what I'm seeing?”

“Yes.” Kage Bug responded at a loss for words, looking up at the pink and red glow.

“It's magical, it's simply… um, miraculous!” Kuro Kat said.

“Now that was the dumbest thing I've heard come out of your mouth.” Kage Bug crossed his arms. “Miraculous? Really? Like in the jewels we wear? That's reaaal funny.”

“I know, I'm a genius.” Kuro Kat teased.

“What am I doing here- huh? Vanilla?” Vector asked, looking around in confusion. “Did I turn into a monster again? D-did I hurt her? I'm so sorry I-I-I don't know what came over me I-”

“You didn't hurt me, Vector.” Vanilla said, putting her hand on his cheek. Vanilla picked up the piece of paper that had been put back together by the magic ladybugs. “I just wanted to say that I like you too Vector.”

“I think you two have things to talk about,” Kuro Kat teased.

“I-I- um.. I-”

“I think your poem is beautiful Vector,” Vanilla smiled, “And no, I don't think you’re a monster, you just had a bad day and Papillon used you. You couldn’t control what was going on.”

“Thank you Vanilla.”

The beeping of Kage Bug's earrings interrupted the wholesome moment.

“I've got to go. See you around, partner.” Kage Bug pulled out his yo-yo and threw it.

“I can't wait, Kage Bug.”

“They may have won this battle, but we will win the war.”

“Dont worry, your wish is sure to come true my dear Papillon.”

“And then I woke up in Knuckles's house! He rushed me to the hospital but by the time we arrived the magic ladybugs fixed my wounds!” Rouge recounted. “I'm still kind of getting phantom pains though. My therapist said it's normal.” 

“I'm just glad you are ok.” Shadow murmured.

“Holy Gaia! Were you worried about me?” Rouge teased.

“Not in the slightest.” Shadow lied.

Noticing a blue blur in his peripheral vision, Shadow huffed.

Sonic and Tails entered the classroom, sitting down behind the duo. Sonic took note of the gesture Shadow had made and frowned. Tails noticed the look on his brother's face.

“Why does that hedgehog seem to be mad at you, Sonic?” Tails asked.

“I think it might be because of the day Vector got akumatized for the first time.” Sonic shared, “I bumped into him and didn't have time to apologize for accidentally spilling his drink all over him.” He sighed.

“Ok class! Let's get started!” Vanilla said cheerily as she put a fresh bouquet of roses that had been gifted to her in a vase on her desk.

Class had just ended. Outside, the intense patter of rain droplets hit the pavement, as thunder rumbled softly in the distance. Shadow was waiting in the shade just outside the school entrance, waiting for the rain to stop to walk home. Sonic walked out with an unopened umbrella at hand.

“Hey.” Sonic said awkwardly.

Shadow grumbled and crossed his arms. 

Sonic sighed, opening the umbrella he had in his hands. And stepping out slightly into the rain.

“I just wanted you to know… I'm sorry for spilling that drink on you. I didn't mean to bump into you that day. I swear.” He turned around, emerald eyes locking with crimson.

“I've never been to school before… I've never had any friends besides Tails… but I guess he doesn't really count because he's like my brother.” He smiled. “This is all sort of… new to me.”

Now holding the umbrella out, Sonic smiled gently at Shadow. 

The black and red hedgehog looked at him with surprise. He didn't expect the famous athlete to apologize. He had assumed he was too conceited, too spoiled, to even show an ounce of sympathy. But that clearly wasn't the case. 

A small rumble of thunder interrupted the mutual silence between the hedgehogs. But that silence spoke a million words.

Shadow doubtfully took the offered umbrella. His mouth going dry and his heart pounding. 

What was this feeling?

A small click interrupted his momentary shock, and the umbrella closed in on him. Some of Shadow’s quills piercing through the fabric.

Sonic laughed softly.

Shadow opened the umbrella back up, looking at the blue hedgehog.

Shadow let out a soft chuckle.

Their laughter grew, and Shadow realized something.

It's been a while since he's laughed like that with someone.

Sonic had sparked something in him that no one else had ever done. Not even Maria.

“Ok then. I'll see you tomorrow, Shadow. Tails is probably waiting for me in the car.” Sonic smiled and walked towards the car waiting for him.

Still dazed by the interaction, Shadow responded. “Yeah… I'll see you tomorrow.”

He watched as Sonic walked away, his heart pounding rapidly. He put his hand over his chest.

“Why am I-”

“I might have an idea.” Tikki teased as she flew out of his backpack.

Shadow looked away from the chao as he felt his heart flutter.

Sonic entered his room, handing Plagg a slice of camembert.

“First week of school and we already have two love birds.” The chao teased.

He chuckled, “No… he’s just a friend,” The blue hedgehog took a deep breath and smiled.

“A friend.”