Chapter Text
Miraculous Ladybug Fanfic
I do not own Miraculous Ladybug that belongs to Zagtoon and Thomas Astruc.
Note this story takes place in the future, with Marinette, Adrien, Nino and Alya as young adults. Please be aware there are some mature themes, and traumatic scenes.
Chapter 1
The Return
"Scars have a stange power to remind us that our past is real." - Cormac McCarthy
Marinette's Pov
" - Then Violet skates by and showers us with rose petals!" Said the young French Chinese girl of 15 years of age. Her raven dark hair was styled in the form of two signature ponytails that just brushed the tops of her shoulders. She sighed dreamily, her hands cupping her face. Her bluebell eyes drifted to the wide array of posters decorating the far side of the room. Each featuring a young boy with golden hair and peridot green eyes. She could imagine just gazing in them forever, as she had never seen a more beautiful color green. ,
She could just see it now, the two of them walking slowly together to ice cream cart, where the server would provide them ice cream. And then they would share it together, standing ontop of the seine overlooking all of Paris. "It's gonna be perfect," She murmured to herself dreamily.
"I-it's so beautiful!" Cried the petite girl sitting cross legged on the floor in front of her. A large smile had spread across her face and her big sky colored blue eyes seemed to have gotten even bigger at the mere thought of her friend enjoying a day with her crush. It was no mystery to the rest of the girls that she was a hopeless romantic at heart.
"Any questions?" Inquired the girl with auburn hair and glasses, who had been standing next to her raven haired friend who was still lost in her daydream. The tanned skinned girl just simply shook her head at her before turning to the four other girls sitting in the room.
A groan came from the third girl with messy pink hair that was seated beside the petite blonde sporting a pixie cut. The pink hared girl just shook her head, she felt this plan was overly complicating and ridiculous. Sadly she appeared to be the only girl in the group that didn't seem to agree with the plan or much less think that it was going to work.
Just then a hand wrapped in a black lace glove shot up from behind the messy pink hair girl and the blonde sporting a pixie haircut.
"Which flower am I again?" She questioned, her vpice was quiet and rather monotoned as opposed to the blonde petite girl sitting in front of her.
"You're Rose!" The pixie blonde girl said, but hesitanted and turned to the raven haired girl for clarification. "That's right, right?"
She was rewarded with a hum and nod of approval from them. The blonde gave a mumbled yes and grinned in approval. Though she was hardly thrilled by the codenames, as she still felt that it was her right to get the code name 'Rose' seeing as that was her real name to begin with.
A hand appeared in front of them, causing all of them to all turn to their leader with raven hair at once. The group eyes raised to it's owner, she gave them a wide smile and nodded to her hand once again. Her gesture sparked the others to follow her lead and place their hands on top of hers.
Operation secret garden, here we go!" They shouted while throwing their hands back up with a cheer.
Lets go!" All three girls rushed toward the exit, which was a door on the bottom of the floor. The raven haired girl motioned for them to follow her, before realizing she was about to forget their most important propped yet.
Hold on! I just have to grab the sign, meet you downstairs!" She called to them as she spun and made her way back across her bedroom to grab the stop sign that was leaning against her desk.
Marinette,"
"Hold on I'm coming," Marinette muttered as she grabbed the staff of the stop sign to lift.
"Marinette," They called again.
"Alya I said I'm coming - she trailed off when she spun around only to nearly collide with her friend. She made a sound of alarm and nearly lost her balance. She breathed a sigh of relief when she righted herself, apparently she had luck on her side today, she though jokinly. If you knew Marinette, she had a history of being well clumsy. "Oh mon dieu, geez you nearly gave me a heart attack Alya!" She cried, placing a hand on her heart in hopes that it would somehow be enough to calm it.
"Why did you leave?" The question took the 15 year old girl off guard.
Leave? What do you mean?" Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
Why did you leave us?" Alya asked once more. Marinette frowned, not understanding her question or whether this was some kind of joke. As one minute she and Alya were concocting a plan for her to finally ask the boy of dreams out with the help of their friends and the next thing she knew, Alya was asking her this strange question. Marientte opened and closed her mouth like fish, having a hard time figuring out what to say to the strange question.
"Alya, I don't understand. Leave? What are you talking about? I didn't leave," Alya shook her head and huffed in annoyance.
"Yes you did," Marinette's frown deepened.
No I didn't, Alya what are you saying? i am right in front of you?" She shook her head in confusion. "Besides I would never leave you, you are my best friend." Marinette tried to assure her.
"But you did." Marinette frowned.
"No Alya I didn't, what are you talking about?" Alya didn't say anything more, but just simply stared at her as if in a trance. Marinette moved toward her, but as soon as she did something happened. Alya suddenly became transparent. "Alya? Alya!" She cried rushing toward her, only for her to vanish entirely. Her foot seemed to step on something, in doing so caused her to trip and fall face down on the ground. Marinette gave a groan in pain as, she pushed herself up on her hands and knees. After a moment she stood only to take notice of the change in her surroundings. She was no longer in her bedroom with her girlfriends from college.
She was now currently standing outside in front of a gigantic metal structure. Rain began to descend as she pushed herself to stand, facing the giant monument. Herbluebell eyes trailed over the pillars that held up Paris's signature monument altogether. the Eiffel Tower. She squinted as she thought she saw movement at the top. As she attempted to peer through the rain and wind that was starting to pick up, a figure stood at the top. She put a hand forhead trying to shield her eyes to make out the sight at the top but her vision only blurred. Just as she started to make out what it was, she felt a sharp stab of pain erupt in her head. She cried out in pain, and instantly bent over her head in her hands. She gritted her teeth as the pain continued and a mixture of images flooded through her mind.
She could hardly make out the images, but one had been a long medical table with a white sheet covering it and the other was an image of a young teenage boy in a black getup suit and a bandana hiding his face. An exotic looking sword in his hand, it raised toward her. She caught a glimspe of light golden brown eyes peering through the black bandana, they were filled with hatred. The images suddenly started to cease and with it the pain. Panting she slowly released her her hands from her head.
She noted that something was different again, as when she looked down, she found herself wearing a red suit with black polka dots and mask concealing her idenity.
"Why did you disapear Marinette?" Marinette glanced around in search of her but she was alone.
"Ladybug, where are you? The ceremony is about to begin and all the city is here to honor us." Another voice said, this one was male. "My lady please, it's been a week and I haven't heard from you. Will you please call me back? I need to talk to you."
“Marinette, girl pick up your phone! This is important, Hawkmoth er Gabriel has been locked up but Ladybug did not show up for the Heroes Day ceremony. Also where have you been?! You've been out of school for almost a week now and it's crazy. Oh god, Adrien he's - oh god Marinette it's just terrible how they are treating him all because his father was Hawkmoth. I was thinking that perhaps you could help him - Marinette please call me back, I'm starting to get worried."
Marinette stared down at the Yo-yo, as all the voices echoed in her head. It was then that she started noticing her hand was shaking, as the voices continued to grow louder in her head.
"My Lady! Where are you?! It's been a month, and not a word. I don't know what to do, I just need to talk to you - I...need you." There was a slight pause, and the emotion in his voice made
Marinette feel as though a hand had clasped her heart in pain. She could sense his pain, and it made her wish that she could take it away. "I don't know what I did, or why you won't answer me. But if it's because of that night and what I said...you can just forget about it. I value our friendship more, and would rather have that if nothing else...please ladybug I...
That night? Marinette hand unconsciously tightened around the Yo-yo. An image shot through her mind followed by a earth shattering screm that seemed to echo in her mind. She shook her head, trying to keep the memories at bay. As she tried to keep herself from thinking, from remembering that night - multiple voices began to sound through her mind and only grew louder. She dropped her yoyo and pressed the palms of her hands to her ears, trying to silence the voices - anything to keep herself from remembering and the pain that they brought with it.
"N-no please no, I can't - I didn't..." But the voices only grew louder and louder till they were in sync with one another, Marinette - Ladybug, started to panic spinning in every direction trying to locate the source of the voices.
"You did this!" The voices shouted from behind her, she turned in time to see shadows or figures coming towards her making to grab her. She scrambled back, and nearly lost her balance trying to evade them. "It's your fault, you are no hero," Another to her right said, as all of these shadows began to gather and circle her. "You've failed to protect us! How could you let this happen!"
"Please..." She begged as she fell to her knees and tried to cover her ears trying to tune out the voices and their words, until someone grabbed her and forcibly spun her around only for what she saw caused her to scream.
_________________________________________
“Mademoiselle…mademoiselle!”
A gasp came from a young woman with raven hair and baby blue eyes, that was sitting by the plane window. Her eyes flew in the direction of the voice that had been calling her.
It was a flight attendant, that had been calling her.
“We have arrived in Paris, madam.” The flight attendant informed her. Marionette paused for a moment at their words.
Paris. The name now seemed foreign to her since it had been so long. She glanced out the window and sure enough the flight attendant was right. They had arrived, she was back in the city that she had grown up in. And it was at that moment, her walls that she put up around her grew thicker and like metal.
“Are you alright madam?”
no. “Yes,” The baby blue eyed young woman of 22 years of age, gave a small grin trying to assure not only the flight attendant but herself that she was fine. Though on the inside, she was anything but.
the flight attendant nodded and moved to the to allow her to exit her seat. The young woman quickly grabbed her things and made her down the aisle and off the plane.
After making her way through the airport to the bagage claim, she collected her suitcase and stepped outside to find transportation. And that is how she came to find herself staring out the window of a moving taxi, all the while nervously glancing down at her phone. She had been doing this since she had gotten off the plane. She could now see the familiar sky high monument that she had always admired it as a young child, but now as she looked up at the monument it only seemed to trigger unwanted memories. She quickly turned away, and unlocked her phone.
She looked at her last text message from "Pere" (papa). 'Be safe Marinette, I will be home at the bakery on the day you arrive.' She had simply given a thumbs up and left it at that. She hadn't been the most social or communicative when she had gotten the news. But then again, over the years the distance hadn't done favors when it came to keeping in touch those she cared about and sadly that also included her parents. She put her phone down and took a deep breath, a part of her was nervous even though she had known her father her entire life.
As the taxi turned onto her old street of her family's old bakery, memories flashed through her mind and she is forced to recall the day that she had left. It wasn't a day she liked to think about, and had long since tried to forget about, over the last few years; along with her life here. As the taxi came to a stop in front of the Dupain-Cheng bakery, she pulled on the handle and stepped out. Taking i the view, everything was as she remembered. Her eyes slide to the right of the sidewalk where a lamp post was.
A memory flooded into her head, she saw herself at fifteen years old, two suitcases with her and a plane ticket in her hand. The image on her parents faces as they stood with her as the taxi pulled up. Her parents looked torn and sad, her mother's eyes filled with tears. She recalls her mother asking whether this is what she truly wanted, or if there was something else going on. Even then her mother hadn't believed her excuse. That Marinette had been accepted to a prestigious school in Shanghai, China and was given a full ride scholarship.
No matter if she did have the acceptance letter in hand or not. Her father on the other hand had tried to persuade her that there were plenty of fashion schools in Paris, and he didn't understand why she had move so far away. Again she told them this school gave her a full ride scholarship that she couldn't pass up. It seemed though she wasn't only trying to make them believe it but herself too. She watched how her parents sighed in defeat, hugged her close and kissed her forehead before she got into the car. Marinette shook her head, that had been the last time she had been in Paris.
She closed the car door behind her and turned back to the building in front of her. She frowned as she noticed the closed sign on the door. It was still 12 noon, and her parent's would always be open till at least 6 so that they could have dinner together as a family.
The taxi driver unloaded her luggage and placed them beside her. She placed a few euros in his hand, and he bid her a goodbye and left. She bit her lip and stared up at her old childhood home that was still standing after five years. In her mind it had turned to dust along with the rest of her old life. She had forced herself to forget for so long.
Now she was nervously wondering what would happen the moment that she opened the door and face the incomplete pieces of her old life.
"It will be okay Marinette," A tiny voice broke the silence. Marinette glanced down to the small red face poking out of her purse to look up at her. Tikki, she was a small creature with the power of creation and the source of power for her former persona Ladybug. She was also Marinette's most trusted friend and if not the only being that knew all her secrets.
"I'm worried he will be upset with me. After how I left things…" She shook her head, while leaving Paris six years ago had started the rift between her and her parents it wasn't what had caused further strain in their relationship. For it wasn't her abrupt move to Shanghai that had her so worried to face them again. For it was the last time that they had come to visit her in Shanghai. Marinette and Sabine had gotten into an argument that ended with some hurtful things being said, words that she wished with every fiber of being that she could take back. But at the time, her pride wouldn't let her and in the end she had hurt one of the most important people in her life.
Her eyes fell back to the small ladybug Kwami, who shook her head.
"Marinette they are your parents and they love you no matter what." Tikki assured her. She gave a sad smile, Tikki had been with her since she first was chosen to wield the Miraculous of Creation. The miraculous was a artifact that took the form of piece of jewerly; earrings. Marinette tugged a loose strand of hair behind her ear, in the prcess brusing her fingers against her ear. The earring was black, but if she were to activate it by transforming it would change color. That though was something that had not occurred or happened in years.
Marinette nodded slowly, Tikki was right. Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand and lightly knocked on the door.
After a few moments she heard movement and a voice. 'Were closed for the day! Come back tomorrow!' A faded familiar voice sounded through the door. Marientte frowned but bent over to the outdoor at her feet. She pushed the flap of the rug back to reveal a key. Even after all the years, her father had not changed the location of the emergency key for the bakery. Standing, key in hand she motioned to unlock the door and entered. Her eyes scanned the shop, finding that it was empty and did not see a baked good out on display. She felt a pain in her heart, and it only grew when she heard a sniffle.
Marinette turned in time to see the shop door to the kitchen open, revealing a rather large burly man in the doorway. He coughed and wiped his eyes, she felt a mix of emotions at seeing him standing there. Happiness, saddness and nervousness at what he would say when he saw her standing there. While he did know she was coming, they still hadn't spoken much. Event despite the circumstances and reasons as to why she was here. It had also been hard to process, 'her mother in an accident' she had been frozen when her uncle had called her to tell her what had happened. The saddest part had been she hadn't even gotten the news from her father, it had come directly from her uncle. His blye eyes fell on her and he froze at the sight of her.
It had been so long, his eyes started to water once again but this time they were caused by her presence. Marinette could see all the pain, sadness and anger that she had caused in his eyes. But it all faded slowly and was replaced with love. A tear escaped his eye, and slid down his cheek.
"Oh Marinette, mon petit Marinette. You're really here." She felt tears prick her own eyes. She dropped her bags and without a second thought raced over to him, he gathered her into his arms and held her close. Wishing that he would never have to let go....
"I've missed you Papa." The two just held each other for a few minutes. The separation over the last year had nearly killed them both. And now here they were together in Paris once again, but sadly it wasn't on better circumstances. For now they simply embraced trying to find comfort in one another.
After some time, they finally broke apart and he guided her upstairs to their apartment. It was still as Marinette remembered it except for a few changes such as the living room. It seemed they had rearranged some parts of the apartment. Marinette sat down at the table, while Tom, made her some coffee. While the coffee was being made, he in turn brought over a small plate of macaroons. She smiled as she noticed the variety of different colors. It remineded her of the time, her father had helped her make a batch so that she could bring them to school. Her father had told her that this would be the sure way of helping her make some friends, by sharing a treat together.
"How was your flight in?" Her father broke the silence as she picked up a pink macaroon in her hand. She could tell her was trying to make conversation, as the air seemed awkward seeing as the two hadn't spoken since the last time they were in Shanghai.
Marinette shrugged. "It was alright," was all she said as she took a bite of the macaroon, it tasted like strawberries. Her father nodded and set two mugs on the table. He grabbed the handle of the coffee pot and began to pour. Marinette thanked him and took a sip before taking another bite.
"So...how is mama?" She watched her father's reaction, he was silent as he stared at his cup of coffee watching the steam rise from it.
"She is stable for now, at least that's what the doctors say." He took a sip of his coffee, Marinette waited for him to continue. "She...hasn't woken up since the accident or even after the surgery. They said the surgery was successful, but the trauma and injury to her head...it's hard for them to say." Marinette suddenly seemed to find her coffee interesting as well.
"Did they say when she will wake up?" Her father still didn't meet her eyes. "She is going to wake up right?" She pressed again. Tom took a long sip of his coffee before looking up at her.
"I am going to be honest Marinette, I don't know. The doctors weren't even able to give a one hundred percent certainty that she would wake up, and the condition she was in...." He cleared his throat. "They said she is stable for now, but under their watch. They said she is in a comma - and while there is a chance she may wake up, they aren't sure when. It depends on her, and how her body heals. She is breathing for now and that's all that matters for the time being." She realized then that her father was clinging onto hope. hope that she would wake up eventually, and that for now she was alive.
"When can we visit her at the hospital?" She inquired after a few moments.
"I'm heading back there tonight, I have been staying there these last few nights. I just came back here to shower and pack a bag of new clothes to bring back." Marinette nodded. "You can come with me, but I think it would be best if you come back here to spend the night." Marinette frowned in confusion.
"What do you mean? I want to be there with you," She protested. Tom nodded.
"And you will be, but you just arrived in Paris after a twenty hour flight. Trust me you don't want to spend the night in the hospital. Besides there's only one arm chair and I am taking it." Marinette opened her mouth to protest but her father shook his head. She huffed in frustration but didn't push, her father was having a hard time as it is and this was his way of trying to care for her despite everything.
"Why don't you open the bakery for a few hours, while I get things together hmm?" She raised an eyebrow. "I have a few regulars that come in around this time that had placed orders. Do you mind?"
This is how she found herself back behind the counter, cashing out customers for the first time in seven years. She exited the storage room and stepped over to the table behind the counter. She set down the few packaged boxes full of different assortments of pastries, when she heard the bell chime by the door, signaling that someone had entered the bakery. Her father had told her there would only be a few to take care of, and all the orders were ready. So all she had to do was provide the patron their order and cash them out. Simple enough she thought, as she had done this most days after school back then.
"Hi welcome in -
"Marinette? Is that you?" She glanced up to the man that stood in front of her. Her face scrunched up in confusion, as she studied the other man. Clearly they recognized her, but she did not - though there was something familar in those facial features. "It's Nino Lahiffe, from college! I sat in the desk in front of you and Alya remember?" Her eyebrows raised and recongition appeared on her face as she realized just who it was standing in front of her. it had been six years since she last saw her fellow classmate known for his interest in DJ-ing and for dating her best friend. He had grown quite a bit taller, and had started to fill out - and possibly put on some muscle? His hair had grown a bit no longer buzzed, but a bit messy yet still cropped short. And his eyes were that familiar coffee brown shade.
"Nino, oh my god how have you been? It's been a long time." Marinette greeted him. He nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, six years to be exact. I'm doing great, just picking up some of your dad's famous macaroons for me and Alya." At the mention of Alya, Marinette froze. It had been so long since she had heard from or seen her best friend or childhood best friend now. The time they spoke was through social media chat she had received before all ties seemed to have been cut between them was almost two years ago. The thought saddened her, a part of her wishing they had tried harder to keep their friendship from fading. Deep down though, she knew it was her fault. Despite that things had become complicated over the years when it came to staying in contact, she wished she had tried harder. But it was the price that she had to pay...she could not come back - and it was best to not have any ties still to Paris.
"Nino, how is Alya?" Marinette couldn't help but ask, her desire to know about Alya's life was stronger then her mind. Nino didn't seem to mind, and smiled.
"She's great! You know, she is an actual journalist now just like she had always said she'd be." He chuckled and Marinette recalled all those times during their school years when she was busy reporting the latest news on her blog, usually involving late herione Ladybug and her partner Chat Noir - the former superheroes of Paris. Marinette smiled sadly at the memory, of all those times that Alya had tried to get an interview with Ladybug or find out more about who the person was behind the mask. At that thought Marinette cleared her throught and pushed that thought from her mind. She was relived that Alya had never uncovered who the girl was behind the mask, to know what a coward they were." - She really loves her job, can't say she ever takes a break from her work most of the time." He chuckled to himself.
"You two are still together then I take it?" She asked, the question seeming to take him off guard and flush slightly and nodded. She recalled in the many social media chats that she had exchanged with Alya - during the first year and half when Marinette was living in Shanghai - Nino had finally asked her best friend out officially. She and many of their classmates had always known that they had grown close over the years and developed feelings for each other. She was certain their feelings had started when the two of them had been locked in a cage at the zoo. For Marinette she had been relivied as well as Nino apparently had at one point had a crush on her, and she hadn't wanted to hurt his feelings.
"Yeah, we have been together now for almost five years now. Can you believe that?" He rubbed the back of his neck almost rather shy. His words made her smile, she was happy that Nino and Alya were still together. She turned away to find his order, while ruffling through the boxes, she couldn't help but feel somewhat jealous. Almost five years and still together going strong, it was surprising that they weren't married yet. She wished she had that kind of luck when it came to relationships. Over the course of the years Marinette had dated many different guys but none of them lasted that long.
At least till recently...she could only hope that it would be different this time. "She misses you, you know." He said when she turned back to face him with his order, taking her out of her thoughts. She paused and looked at him in confusion.
"Huh?"
"Alya." He clarified. "I've seen it over the years. When she talks about you…I can just see it in her eyes. She has misses you." Marinette looked away but didn't say anthing. She proceeded to ring up his order and let him know the total. Nino handed her the amount owed, ad she processed the transation. "So how long are you here for?"
"I don't know yet, but it depends how soon my mother will recover." She said hanging him back the receipt and bagged order. She realized then that because of this uncertainty, she would probably have to make some arrangements back in Shanghai. She prayed that her mother would recover and wake up soon. His brow furrowed and his eyes widened in shock.
"What happened?" It seemed Nino wasn't aware of her mother's accident and admission to the hospital. The only reason she was surprised he didn't know is that over the course of the few years, when she'd communicate with Alya, her best friend had mentioned that she would still talk to her parents. And since Nino was still dating her former best friend, she thought that he would be aware at the very least.
"My mom was in a serious car accident this past Saturday, I came as soon as I got the call from my Aunt and Uncle informing me what had happened. My dad had contacted her as soon as everything happened apparently, then I took the first flight out which was sadly late Monday night." Marinette explained. She still recalled when she had gotten the call late in the evening, she had been attending a important fashion/work related event at the time. She hadn't been able to answer the phone right away, but after receiving so many calls and texts she decided to step out and listen to the messages sensing something was wrong at that point. She had felt her heart drop and her whole body go rigid as she listened to the voice mails. Once she had receovered, she had made a feeble excuse and got into a cab driving staight back to her apartment without a moment's hesitation.
"I'm so sorry Marinette. God that's just awful!" He shook his head. "I hope she gets better real soon, Alya and I will make sure to come and see her in the hospital when we get a chance. She was always like a second mother to us when we were kids, she'd want to know what happened."
Marinette gave him a small smile, she appreicated his kindness.
"Thank you, I am sure that will mean a lot to her." Nino nodded.
"It was nice to see you again, maybe we can get together sometime and catch up over dinner or something." Marinette gave a polite smile, but then frowned at his next workds. "And Alya would really want to see you." He reminded her. Marinette seemed to hesitant and unconsciously rubbed the side of her arm, seeming unsure but gave him a nod in agreement nonetheless. Nino waved goodbye as he walked out of the door. Marinette let out a sigh, the idea of seeing Alya again cause uncertainty and fear. Alya could be a firecracker when it came to secrets and she knew that her determination to find the truth was dangerous in itself. Alya was always the one person that knew her the most, it was sometimes suprisening how she had she had never figured out the girl behind the Ladybug mask. Though there had been a time when she had considered telling her. Regardless even though the two hadn't seen one another in years, she was sure Alya still knew her well.
After provding the last patron his order of crossaints, Marinette glanced down at her phone tapping the screen to show the time. She still had an hour and a half till Marinette could visit her mother in the hospital with her father. Thus she decided to get some fresh air and work on a few designs for the new season. Grabbing her sketchbook and pencil, she placed it in her pink medium crossbody bag.
She sent her dad a quick text letting him know she had stepped out and would be back in time to leave to the hospital. Gathering up the remainder of her things she stepped outside of the bakery, and scanned her surroundings. She decided on a short trip to the park as it wasn't too far from the bakery. She walked along the path and began taking in the sights. There were some of the same shops she remembered and some new that she didn't recongize. After a few minutes, she could see the park in the distance and felt a smile spread along her face as she approached the entrance. She paused and took in the signt of the plus green grass, a few trees a bench or two (one of which she recalled spending most of her time at) and in the center a water fountain. It was just as she remembered it all those years ago.
Marinette turned and slowly made her well to the all too familar spot where she'd hang with friends, sketch and occasionally try to catch a glimspe of her crush when he was modeling here. She felt her face redden at a particular memory, she had always been so foolish and a bit too boy crazy during her early teenage years. But she had been young, naive and the new found feelings that had blossomed were foriegn to her then. A part of her also was in love with the idea of great romance and when it came to her first crush - all of those new feelings and sensations that ran through her only seemed to intensify.
Marinette took a seat and pulled out her sketchpad and pencil. Marinette glanced around looking for something, anything that would insprie her. After a few moments, she seemed to fall into a trance as raised her pencil and brought it to the piece of paper. Marinette wasn't sure how long she had sat there, letting her creative juices flow out of her through the pencil that was gliding all across her paper. Marintte was so deep in thought, she hadn't noticed her small red companion poke her head out of her purse.
"That looks really good Marinette." Tikki complimented peeking out of her purse while munching on a chocolate chip cookie. Tikki had always loved sweets, in China, Marinette would always feed her little Kwami moon cakes. Tikki had grown to love those kind of cookies as well over the years.
Tikki grinned watching her chosen continue her sketch. Marinette couldn't agree more, she felt this design really spoke to her. She glanced at her phone, noticing the time - her sketch would have to be finished another day as she needed to start heading back. Gathering up her things, she stood to head out of the park and back the way she came.
She was just crossing the strett, when there was explosion followed by the sound of screams and gun shots. Marinette spun turning towards the source of the commotion behind her. She nearly stumbled back at the sight of people running toward her but evaded her at the last second. Behind them she noticed a building that she recongized as the city bank - smoke was spewing out the entrance doors. Marinette's eyes narrowed as she tried to peer through the smoke. Just then three armed men appeared from the doorway with bags that she could only assume were filled with money.
The sound of sirens was heard, and a screech of a car wheels before a cop car appeared around the corner from the bank. They skitted to a stop in front of the back, and exited the door with a gun in one hand.
"Drop your weapons and place your hands where I can see them!" The cop yelled. But the armed men didn't even seem fazed.
"Don't bother," A deep voice said, suddenly a forth armed man appeared from behind the other three. They came out of the shadows, Marinette could see that they were not alone. A woman was being dragged with them, and a gun was pointed at her head. A hostage situatuon, and she was their bargaining chip to ensure their escape. The cop hesitated at the sight of the civilian in the criminal's grasp. The woman was practically shaking with fear, as the gun pushed against the right side of her skull.
"Please help me!" She cried. Marinette glanced at the cop.
"Stand down, or I blow her brains out." The criminal threatened. The cop glanced between them and the civilian another moment before lowering his weapon. "That's it, nice and easy - no funny business. All the way to the ground!" The forth man with a mask on commanded. The cop placed his gun on the street and slowly got onto his knees with his hands up. The criminal approached him with the woman in his grasp, while the other three men ran towards the truck that was parked a few feet from them. Marinette watched as the criminal got closer to the cop, only to bring the gun back on the cop's head knocking him out. This seemed to pose a opportune moment for the woman, as when he was distracted she had thrown her head back against the man's chin, knocking him back. He lost his grip on her, and she broke free of him. She didn't hesitant and made a run down the street.
The man cursed and touched his chin, rubbing it in annoyance before racing back over to his fellow criminals. They got in the truck and shot off down the street, dodging an oncoming car in the process. Marinette gasped as the car was ran off the road in an attempt to dodge the oncoming truck. The car crashed into another building, she motioned to run to them but was relieved when the door swung up and the person climbed out unharmed but shaken.
The truck wasn't even out of sight, when more cop cars came around the corner. They spun the truck around turning back in the dirction of the bank and nearly hitting a few civilians in their rampant escape. Marinette's eyes widened as they swerved to miss another car only to end up driving on the sidewalk. With alarm, Marinette realized they were coming her way, immedictly her reflexes kicked in and she all but threw herself out of the way and just in time. Instinctively she caught herself in a somersault and landed in a crouch. Her fist tightened as they continued to speed off with cop cars speeding after them.
For a second, Marinette almost ran after them but stopped herself. This wasn't her job anymore, yes she could fight and even did help stand up against bullies and criminals. But not like this, and without a mask. She wanted to turn her back and act like nothing had changed but for some reason she found that she couldn't. It was as if there was a hold over her - she sensed something...something familiar.
The feeling was so strong, that she couldn't help but turn eyes searching for the souce of this sudden pull. That's when she saw it. The souce that was causing the new found feeling and force. A blur of black appeared in her line of vision, running and jumping over the rooftops. Marinette found that couldn't look away, it was as if she were possessed. She couldn't explain what she was feeling, but it was almost like in that moment she felt as if a puzzle piece had been put back in place.
He'd changed so much over the last six years, but she could still recongize his features. His blonde hair looked more golden and longer, his eyes the same cat like green that gleamed in darkness. No longer was he that scrawwy teenage boy, now standing nearly 6 feet tall with much broader shoulders.
There in all his glory stood Chat Noir her partner-Ladybug's former partner. He reached behind him -while in mid run - and pulled out his signature weapon; a indestuctable steel baton. It instantly lengthened as he continued across the rooftops in pursuit of the thieves.
She watched as he launched himself off the roof and gracefully land onto the roof of the truck. Panic overcame Marinette, as before they disappeared around the corner - she caught a sight of one of the armed men is the passenger seat roll down the window and raise a gun towards cat superhero. When she heard the gunshots, fear stuck and overpowered logic and her willpower, and she couldn't stop herself.
Marinette quickly ran into the closest alley, where no one could see her and what she was about to do. Before she knew what she was doing, she had her purse in her hands and was releasing Tikki from it.
"Tikki transform me!" She blurted out without thinking when the Kwami floated out of her purse, hovering in front of her. It had been on instinct but there was no turning back now. She had to help him, no she neeed to help him. The thought that he could be hurt or fatally injured plagued her mind. There was also a part of her that seemed to long to reunite. As if there was some sort of magical or unseen force driving her to do this as well. She shook her head trying to push whatever force was messing with her.
"W-what?! Marinette are you sure?"
"Yes Tikki I'm sure," She heard a loud crash coming from down the other side of the street followed by a groan of pain. It only made her grew more anxious that he had gotten hurt. She didn't hesitant any further. "Tikki now! Spots on!" A spark of light ignited from her earrings, and before Tikki could protest she morphed into bright red light - then was sucked into the miraculous earring. And just like that the ancient magic of creation awoke for the first time in six years from miraculous earrings. She closed her eyes feeling Tikki's magic transform her.
In a flash of bright red light, her clothes faded away and transformed into Ladybug's signature superhero suit. When the light died down, she opened her bluebell eyes and glanced down at her hands and body. Her signature ladybug suit was still somewhat similar to when she had last transformed at the age of 16 years old, but was slightly altered as well. Instead of red and black spots all over her form, solid black raked up her hands to her elbows and from her knees to her feet. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a puddle to the right of her. Her drifted over to it, taking in her reflection. A red and black polka dotted mask covered part of her face, with two sockets that showed her blue bell eyes. Her hair was pulled back into a lose braid that draped along the side of her right shoulder with a single red ribbon tied at the end of it. She blinked twice staring at her new found appearance. The magic had reshaped and transformed her suit to fit her now mature adult body.
The sound of gunshots pulled her out of her thoughts, Marinette shifted looking for some sort of struture to use. Her eyes narrowed when she saw the lampost a few feets away from where she stood in the alley. Looking down to her waist, she found that she now had two Yo-yo's clasping her either side of her waist. She frowned in confusion, she did not recall having two before. She grasped the new yoyo that was attached to the left side of her hip. It was different then the original, it was red with black polka dots in the center with white surrounding it on the edges. Marinette didn't know what this new weapon was or how to use it, and since she hadn't transforred and fougt crime in six years it was probably best to leave it be for now. With that thought in mind, she clasped it back around her waist and grabbed the original.
Marinette tightened her hand around the yoyo and raised her arm back, her eyes narrowed as she attempted to concentrate on her aim. It was a bit awkward since she hadn't utilized it in a while. The raven haired woman gave a grunt as she threw the yoyo with a bit of force. At first she missed and it landed to the far right of the lampost. Marinette huffed and blow the bangs out of her face in annoyance. It seemed this was gonna take some getting used to again, she thought.
Marintte pulled the yoyo back and took position again, before thrusting it at the lampost. She was relieved when it came in contact with the lampost and wrapped around it. Similar to when she had first ever transforrmed at 14 years old, she tugged on the line to make sure that it was secure. And with a deep breath to calm her nerves she tugged harder and like a sprang she was pulled up and forward towards the lampost. She let out a strangled cry as she flew up into the air and started to descend towrads the top of the lampost, arms flailing ou5.
Quickly righted herself with a flip and landed on the top of the lamp. She let out cry of alarm when she stumbled and nearly fell off the top of the structure. Blinking twice in shock, she let out a sighn of relief and glanced to another building not too far from her. She took deep breath, she wished she hadn't been so impulsive. With that she throw her hand back and thrusted it forward lauching it at the closest building to her, and sprang forward like she had done with the lampost. She felt like a monkey on a vine, after swing to another building - Marinette started to get the hang of it once again.
"It's just like riding a bike," She told herself, after another swing to another building she felt herself smile without meaning to. A thought came to mind without her consent, and she wished she could deny this but she couldn't. Not to herself, - she had missed this. It had been so long, since she had transformed and she couldn't help but remember how good it felt to. It was exhilarating, as she swung herself across the city till she caught of Chat Noir and the armed men.
Throwing the yoyo to another struture high up, she she swung herself into the fray and knocked one of the armed men back with kick of her leg. They let out a grunt and flew back a couple of feet across the street. The raven haired former superhero landed on her feet with some ease. She was relieved that things were coming back to her as she went.
Her blue bell eyes scanned the area, finding the other three men facing off against Chat Noir. . Her eyes widened in horror when she spotted one of the three men try to sneak up behind him while he was currently enaged with another armed men.
On instinct, she swung her Yo-yo at the armed man - it wrapped around the man's body and with all her strength she yanked.
The man was caught by surprise, and yelped when he was pulled away from Chat Noir and thrown into the crashed truck behind them. Using her Yo-yo she tied the other man up.
"Y-you! You are supposed to be dead!" The man yelled in both shock and fury.
"Sorry to disappoint, you have caused enough trouble for today." She muttered in annoyance as she tightened her the indestructible yoyo line around them to keep them de-tained. Ladybug turned back to the other two men and noted that the other man that she had kicked in the chest had recovered and was teaming up with his buddies to face off against the black cat superhero. One raised their gun again but it was struck out of his hand by a silver baton. The man gave the cat superhero a dirty look, but it was short lived as before they could even blink, Chat Noir had sprang towards them swung his baton like an american baseball player, lauching two of the men backwards.
The green eyed hero didn't pause in his movements, as he narrowly dodged the third man's attack and thrusted a fist on his knee, causing the man to cry out in pain and was losing his balance. Before they knew what hit them, Chat kicked his legs out from under him. The cirminal groaned in pain, and rolled to his side grasping his right leg. While the criminal was nursing his leg, the black cat realized that he wasn't alone. Slowly he turned and Ladybug felt her heart drop when their eyes met.
There stood Chat Noir her old partner, he could only stare at her like she was a ghost. She could see in his green cat eyes, the flashes of sadness, anger and pain as he took in the sight of her. She wanted to say something but now was not the right time pf the place and they both knew that.
When she noted that her Yo yo was loose, she broke away from his gaze to find nothing but her yoyo loosened and lying on the ground. Suddenly, she felt as if something was off and pushed her to move. Without hesitating she allows her body to obey, just in time of dodging the criminal and his sharp knife. He motioned to attack her once again, but he didn't get very far, Marinette stood stalk still in shock and awe as ex-partner had grabbed the other man by the throat held them in midair showing off his impressive strength before throwing them against the car door of the smoking truck. The man coughed but didn't back down, and got back to his feet to face the superhero.
Chat Noir twilred his baton in his right hand and took position, his green eyes fixed on them with a steel cold gaze. The armed men let out a cry and charged at the superhero knife in hand preparing to cut through flesh. The sound of clanging was heard as the baton made contact with the knife. With another swing of the staff, the knife was knocked from his hands. Weaponless, the man resorted to his fists instead, launching one at Chat who ducked just in time. Chat caught him by the fist and spun around tossing him to the ground.
The criminal groaned both in pain and frustration, he pushed himself up onto his hands and knees. His eyes shifted seeming to take notice of something, before she could stop him he raced forward towards the gun that lie only a few feet away from. He all but lauched himself at the piece of weaponary and he raised it to her. It was cocked towards her but just as he was about to pull the trigger, he lost his balance due to acfamila silver staff appeared once again and struck the gun out of his hands.
However, he lost his aim, thanks to a certain staff that had knocked the gun out of his hands. Just as he was about to try another tactic, Chat Noir punched him square in the face. The force alone was enough to make the man go unconscious. Ladybug turned in time to see Chat Noir standing there with handcuffs in his hands. Without a word he bent down and quickly handcuffed the man. She glanced around and found that Chat had already handcuffed them ./p>
With all f0ur men defeated, now it was time for the confrontation that she was dreading. She already knew that this wasn't going to be a happy reunion.
"What do you think you're doing?" He demanded. What was she doing? She hadn't meant to transfer but couldn't seem to deny that a strange force had overcome her and not to mention fear. Fear for his life, that he would be killed. She realized that she had been caught up in her thoughts and he was waiting for an answer.
"I-I…wanted to help you-
"You wanted to help?" He repeated her words. After a few moments of awkward silence, her former partner let out a humorless laugh, she felt a stab in her heart. "That's real rich coming from you." He said in an icy tone. She looked down at her feet with a mixture of shame and guilt. She opened her mouth to say something, but found that she couldn't.
"Did you even care?" He whispered more to himself then her. But she heard him, and could only stare at him appalled that he would even ask that.
"Of course I did! I-
"If you cared, you wouldn't have left then! You wouldn't have disappeared without as much as a word. To me…" His hands clenched into fists at his sides, and his jaw clenched. He was struggling with his emotions, and she recongized them. He was hurt and angry. After a moment he simply snorted. "It's been six years, and I have been fine without you. So don't have to feel obligated to help me now, you can just leave again." Her eyes sparked with tears, she held them back though. She struggled to find the right words, she wanted to take away his pain. But she was the cause of his pain...and they both knew it.
"Chat…I…"
"No. You don't get to come back here and try to act like everything is fine. That things haven't changed. That you didn't leave and we are still a team. I don't need you anymore, and I never will." He turned away from her, his back to her. "Goodbye Ladybug, may we never cross paths again."
She could only stand there and watch him as he took off and disappeared into the night. Tears started to spill down her cheeks, she could no longer hold them in.
Her partner-ex partner, her best friend basically just stabbed her with a knife. But had she not done the same to him? She had left everyone and everything behind. She had always known the consequences for her actions, and knew it wasn't going to be easy if she ever returned to Paris. But reality was much worse than she could have ever imagine.
She needed to face facts, he would never forgive her.
End of Chapter 1