Chapter Text
There was nothing but darkness and the occasional grunts of training, clanks of metal objects in the distance. A shady man dressed in formal attire steeped through a darkened corridor made entirely of metal. He was visibly buff and around the age of 40. His short bolde hair were clad by a small golden crown, a Miraculous, even though the Kwami was nowhere to be seen. He walked until he reached a large door, pulling a lever hidden in the darkness. Soon it opened, revealing a training hall in front of him. The stark contrast between the dark corridor and the hall was obvious. Light emanated from the celing beacons, illuminating the training participants, aged no younger than 18, putting in effort into various exercises, from warm-ups such as squats to full-on obstacle courses built thanks to highly-advanced technology. The entry of the shady man drew attention of every single trainee, especially those who have been in this faclity for more than just months and who knew what was about to unfold.
"Gather, recruits" The man's deep voice sounded. "It is time for an announcement"
Everyone heard his voice and moved towards him, though some of the new recruits, like Belle, a 19-year-old girl with red hair and a happy-go-lucky smile, didn't do it instantly, to the annoyance of some long-term trainees.
"We are at your service, Primate" answered Caleb, a man in his early 20s with a huge devotion to the organisation.
Even though the mysterious man's name was different and he did not activate the Miraculous to give him the magical clothing, everyone referred to him by his superhero name that was given to him by the leader of this organisation. Primate cleared his throat, simultaneously scanning the crowd of over fourty people with a judging gaze, letting Caleb's words hang in the air, echoing through the strong walls.
"You have been in training for the Hidden Heroes organisation for... different ammounts of time. Some have been here since the beginning. Others have barely been recruited" He started, more so to draw attention of the few careles trainees than to explain anything. "Today it was decided by our glorious leader that a test is to be carried out by me. You will be split into groups of two - new recruit and an long-time trainee. That shall prepare you to be partners in case your pair gets to be new Miraculous holders to finally start fulfilling our mission" He explained.
In the next minute pairs were delegated and soon stepped into a large part of the training hall. This specific ground was different, made of a lighter material. All of it was surrounded by computers and cameras. This was virtual training. Primate stepped in front of the main computer, pressing a long sequence of buttons to separate the pairs into multiple identical situations - a fight against Primate himself, or rather his holographic version. He then turned on the loudspeakers of the facility.
"Twelve of you will be chosen as Miraculous holders. It will be based on your performance. The rest will be approached later in order to help you... forget about the Hidden Heroes" Primate explained.
Every trainee understood the message, and every trainee wanted to be the next hero, a Miraculous holder. Even so, some pairs stood no chance with the holographic Primate - this version of him being after the transformation into his hero form. The Monkey Miraculous gave him the look of a really strong monkey-man with brown and golden colors being the prime ones of this new suit. This Primate still had his muscled physique, and the suit complimented it. The tail served as a weapon just as much as the feet, the fists and the Miraculous weapon - the staff that was handled with precision and near perfection by Primate.
Some pairs, like a girl with a holy cross necklace paired with a relaxed and brazen man, were doing quite well. As luck would have it, Caleb the prodigy was paired up with the cheery Belle.
"Don't get in my way" Caleb warned, preparing to fight.
His black hair moved with his well-maintained body. He was fast, strong and determined to win, and he did not plan to trust Belle one bit.
"Okey then, mister know-it-all..." the girl answered sarcastically. "Just remember that without the crown he won't be transformed, giving us an actual chance" She added quickly.
Caleb hated to admit it, but she was right. Thus he focused on hand-to-hand combat, trying to find a way to weaken or overpower the holographic Primate long enough to take his crown. With a quick punch he got the fight going, although the staff gave holo-Primate the advantage. The muscled man used the weapon to strike Caleb from different angles, keeping him at a safe distance. One time holo-Primate lowered hus guard, baiting Caleb. Just as the young man was about to strike, Belle pushed him away, which saved Caleb from a punch that now hit the young woman, hitting her against the wall. Caleb got somewhat annoyed by what happened, but had no time to argue with Belle's decision. Holo-Primate started another attack with his staff. That's when Belle decided to be creative. She did a slide under the hologram's legs, tripping him just a bit, wich let Caleb dodge the upcoming staff hit, and then hit back. Holo-Primate tripped over Belle, hurting her a bit. That's when simulation ended for every pair of trainees. Belle had to stand up on her own, since Caleb was more focused on Primate's next words.
"The training is over, and I have evaluated your individual and team-wide assets in this simulation" Primate started as he circled all participants, hands wrapped behind his back. "Most of you will follow Princess Sting, who should be here any minute now" He continued, mentioning the only Hidden Hero other than the organisation's leader and Primate that is an active Miraculous Holder. "For now... I need Caleb and Belle to follow me" Primate added further, looking straight at the unlikely duo.
Caleb instantly fell on one knee, bowing to Primate with gratitude. Belle just stood there, watching with both curiosity and a sight of concern. She was not 100% sure of everything happening around her, but still deciding to follow the two men. As Primate led the two through another dark hallway, the others were split into two groups by a woman who clearly looked after her apperance. Princess Sting was a lady in her 30s, a beauty with long brown hair topped with the bee Miraculous in its inactive form and a long dress. Her smile way coy, almost cruel as she lead the larger group away from the training area. Minutes later, she guided the remaining ten through the same corridor as Primate, Belle and Caleb went through. That was much later, though. Way after something very significant unfolded at the end of said corridor. Primate opened the door, stepping into the darkness. He revealed a pocket hidden on the underside of his elegant suit.
"Xuppu, showtime" He said calmly.
The light of a magical transofrmation illuminated the room enough to let Caleb and Belle see the real Primate in his Miraculous-powered form, not just the hologram of it. Just then purple lights started showing up one by one, revealing a beautiful glass desks, cabinets filled with notes and books, mirrors and sculptures of birds. In the centre of it stood the leader and creator of the Hidden Heroes. The woman stood in her transformed form. She was the holder of the peacock Miraculous. She hid her face behind her fan, as purple and dark-blue as the rest of her long feather-like dress. Behind it, a tail-like addition stood proudly having crystals to compliment the mysterious and beautiful aura of the suit. Primate did a bow. Caleb fell on one knee one more, lowering his head, as if he was unworthy of seeing the woman. Belle just stood there, shocked, confused, but also determined. Her eyes were still trying to get used to the brightness of the room. The light was unfamiliarly strong for such a dark, hidden facility.
"Bird of Paradise, our glorious leader... I have brought the recruits that would... best fit the role you mentioned" Primate said simply.
"You have done well, Primate" The woman answered with a soft, yet somehow serious, tense and even controlling voice. "Now... you know what to bring" She added.
Primate immediately disappeared behind another door, made entirely of beautiful glass and valuable gemstones. Caleb dared to stand back up. Just then, Bird of Paradise looked back, seeing Primate return with two small miracle boxes which he then placed on her table. She then turned her gaze back to the two young trainees.
"Your combat skills were noted by Primate, Caleb. Your reflex and ability to talk confidently was also seen, Belle. That is why you have been chosen for a specific and very important mission" She began. "From this day on you will be holders of two of the most important Miraculouses I possess here, ones of the ladybug and the black cat, creation and destruction" She added, shocking and amazing both Caleb and Belle. The young man simply bowed down as a thank-you showcase, while Belle took a tenative step forwards.
"That's... incredible" She said happily.
Belle tried speaking more, but Caleb hit her arm rather roughly with his own, and then Primate held his hand up to show that Belle should remain silent. He then picked one of the miracle boxes, looking at the leader of the Hidden Heroes.
"As you know..." Bird of Paradise started talking anew. "Our organisation has been recruiting people willing to... fix Time City, the city that's just above our lair. Or at least its outskirts... We aim to rid it of turmoil, crime, corruption and everything else that has been poisoning its beauty. You have been citizens of it long enough to be aware of the many problems, such as the corporations outpowering the government and creating technology to monitor and, in the future, control civilians. You have escaped the city's grasp just like we did. Just like I did. And now, you will spread our influence by being heroes that help and spread news of our future salvation of Time City" She explained. "But we have an enemy. A traitor who has taken the moth Miraculous from us. He has long been gone, but he is surely hiding in Time City. Supreme Moth. He will act quickly once he notices your actions. He will akumatize people, using them to defeat you. That is why you will not only need to help the people and explain to them why you are aiding them, but also your secondary task is to find Supreme Moth and take his Miraculous, bringing it back to me" She added. "And if you find the two Miraculouses that I have not found in my years of building the Hidden Heroes, ones of the goat and rooster, bring them to me as well. I require all of them to complete our mission of salvation" She explained further.
Brid of Paradise then beckoned Primate to come closer, whispering something in his ear. The man understood the task given by his leader.
"Caleb, come forth" He ordered with a serious tone.
The young man tried to hide his excitement and relief, maintaining a serious face as he stepped in front of Primate.
"Caleb, your task will be to fight. To destroy those who will stand in the way of our goal. That is why you will receive the black cat Miraculous" Bird of Paradise explained.
Primate passed the miracle box to Caleb, who bowed his head again, thanking both his suprevisors.
"From now on, you will be known as Leo Noir. Your costume will fit that name and your quest" said Bird of Paradise.
"I shall wear the name with pride" Caleb answered, determined to serve and obey.
Belle was taken aback by this. Not by Caleb's reaction, but by the fact that both the costume and the name was chosen for them. She shook that thought out of her mind quickly and observed further.
"Open the box, and then... transform" Primate ordered.
Caleb followed the instructions, opening the miracle box. In it was the black cat ring in its inactive form. As soon as the box opened, a flash of light appeared and out of it Plagg, the black cat Kwami, showed up. He floated in one place, an empty expression on his little face.
"I'm Plagg" He said in a blank voice. "To transform say: Plagg, claws out" he added equally emptily.
"Affirmative" Caleb answered, sliding the ring on one finger on his right hand. "Plagg, claws out"
*Transformation sequence* (Plagg floats inside the ring. Caleb stomps his left foot, the costume appearing on both legs. His hands move upwards on his torso and arms, creating more of his black costume. The hands then roam over his head, creating a magical, lion-muzzle-looking mask on his face, and then ears on its top. Then the hands roam over his neck, creating a fluffy mane-like material around it, giving him this intimidating presence. Then the belt tail appears on its own. Then two halves of the black cat's staff apprar in both of Caleb's hands. He spinds them seaparately, then unites them into one, thus ending the tansformation)
Belle stare at Caleb's new, rather indimidating but also somewhat nice look. Then Bird of Paradise asked Primate to bring three large glass shards. Two of those the man placed in front of Caleb and one he held in his hands at a distance.
"As adults, you can use your powers an infinite ammount of times. Yours, Leo Noir, is Cataclysm, which you can use to destroy an object either by touching it or by creating a small orb you can shoot out of your hand to destroy an object from a distance. Test it on the glass in front of you and in Primate's hand" Bird of Paradise expalined and instructed.
"Cataclysym" Caleb said, raising his right hand.
Dark light emanated from the hand now, and he pressed it to the first glass. It was reduced to black dust in seconds. Caleb repeated the power activation phrase twice more. The first one was used just the same as the previous use. During the second he squeezed his hand to form an orb he then precisely shot out to hit the glass in Primate's hand. All three glass pieces were now dust.
"Good" Bird of Paradise commented.
Primate then took the other miracle box and brought it to Belle.
"This is the ladybug Miraculous. It can create an object that will aid you in battle. It can purify Supreme Moth's akumas. It can also fix any damage that's done during your combats once the created object will be made to disappear. Your task, Belle, is to talk to crowds, creating objects to help your speeches. You will also combat alongside Caleb and use the items you make to help defeat any enemy. You will purify akumas if needed" Bird of Paradise explained. "From now on, you are Multispot" She added. "Transform" She finished.
Belle didn't answer. She just took the miracle box from Primate's hand, opening it. Inside were earrings that Belle equipped while a light circled her before revealing itself to be Tikki, the ladybug Kwami. Just like Plagg, Tikki had a blank expression and a hollow voice.
"I'm Tikki. To transform say: Tikki, spots on" the Kwami said.
Belle was concerned, but the thought of being a hero outweighed her worry for the magical creatures.
"Alright... let's do this" Belle told herself. "Tikki, spots on!"
*Transformation sequence* (Tikki floats into one of the earrings. The yo-yo appears in Belle's hands. She spins it around her torso, creating the magical suit full of ladybug spots from toe to chest. She then wraps the yo-yo around her waist and creates a bandana-like material across her red hair. This material also becomes part of the mast that Belle creates by sliding her fingers across her face. She then places her right hand on her hip, and does an 'oh-yeah' gesture with her left, ending the transformation)
Caleb didn't bother to look at his new teammate, his eyes still focused on Bird of Paradise.
"Multispot, your power is Lucky Charm. Use it to create an object you can use your Miraculous Multispot with to clean the mess that Cataclysm made" the leader of the Hidden Heroes ordered.
"Lucky Charm!" Belle shouted.
She threw the spinning part of yer yo-yo upwards, holding it by the rope part. Red and black light illuminated the already bring room more, creating the top part of a warning road sign depicting an exclamation mark. For some reason, her sight of how to use the object activated, showing Bird of Paradise and Primate, highlighting their statures with this red light. Belle didn't pay attention to it, blaming herself for not understanding the power.
"Miraculous Multispot!" She shouted.
Belle threw the road sigh in the air. the light mady by thousands of magical ladybugs made the sign disappear, and travelled the room, fixing the three glass pieces.
"Good" Primate commented in the same way again.
"You are ready to step out of the shadows, Multispot and Leo Noir. Do not fail me. Start gathering the support of people in speeches" Bird of Paradise ordered in a mysterious and demanding tone.
"And remember, you are meant to work together and obey our instructions" Primate said. "Thus you will not mess around, understood?" He asked in a serious tone.
Both the young heroes nodded their heads.
"Good. You must depart now. The elevator is the same one you came through on the day you came to me to be recruited" Primate instructed.
The new duo started walking through the corridor. Belle looked at her hands, the magical costume on them.
"This is... everything I wanted" She says to herself.
Just then, Caleb's elbow pushes against her again.
"Hey, what gives?" She asks, confused on this bully-like behaviour.
"I was chosen by the glorious Bird of Paradise. I weild one of the most powerful Miraculouses there is. And I get paired up with... A careless, pathetic recruit who, for some reason, got another powerful Miraculous, maybe even more powerful than mine" He answered, visibly annoyed.
"So you plan to what? Bully me? Do everything yourself?" Belle asked.
"I will not disobey Bird of Paradise and Primate. EVER" Caleb snapped back. "Now, you better give it your best or I'll have to do your work for yourself" He added.
"Oh yea, I can't wait to see this intimidating man with the power of destruction try to convince civilians to support us" Belle teased, giggling a bit.
"Grr... How dare you?" Caleb snapped back.
"Oh, sorry mister I'm-too-important-and-devoted for some friendly tease" Belle answered, teasing further.
"I am NOT the most important" Caleb answered, his voice carrying a weight that Belle didn't expect. "And we are NOT friends. Just... teammates stuck together" He added.
Belle deided not to dig further for answers. Instead, she just giggled.
"Sure, lion boy" She teased, annoying Caleb that extra bit more.
The young man didn't answer, instead clearing his throat as the two got into an elevator that started bringing the two heroes to a forest just on the edge of Time City's outskirts and first houses.
The city itself is huge, filled with many streets, buildings, corporations, all under a partially clouded sky. Some skycrapers towered above the dark, sometimes dirty streets filled with cars and people, normal or shady. One of the skyscrapers had a huge 'Simon Industries' billboard on it, depicting a man with dark hair and a prosthetic leg who has a construction site behind him. Another skyscraper, much taller, is somewhat a landmark of the city, even though visitors do not come to Time City. It's a huge foodmaking corporation connected to a multi-floor shopping mall. On its roof, a small garden can be seen. Usually it's empty. Right now there was also no movement. Even so, a young male voice could have been heard if anyone were there.
"It begins..."