Chapter Text
YOU are Adrien Agreste, and YOU are currently sneaking out of home. You are a teen supermodel, child of Emilie Agreste and the late Gabriel Agreste. Today, with the help of Chloé and Sabrina, you are making your way to school for the very first time.
YOU are also a closeted trans woman. You’re not exactly 100% certain, but you like being called a girl, and like it when Chloé and Sabrina dress you up in dresses. You have not told anyone, especially not your mother, who still has very, um, aristocratic views despite years away from those circles.
You just helped an old man fall on the ground, but Nathalie and the Gorilla are closing in on you. What do you do?
Fell said: Make sure he's up and stable, and then book it
You made sure the old man was okay, then you fled like crazy. You didn’t know where you’d be safe, but you knew you had to go to school.
Running, running, your legs were quick. You knew Nathalie would be upon you, but in recent years she’s slowed down. Time was cruel for everyone, as your father once said.
You made it up the front steps, and a bearded man—quite distinguished looking, if you’d say so—was at the front door, holding it open. A doorman? He had a straight back and looked physically fit, probably from holding the door all the time.
You didn’t think public schools had doormen, but it made sense, this was the place Chloé went to after all, the school she recommended you join. You made it in through the door, and nearly tripped. You turned around and saw the doorman holding his hand out, blocking the way for Nathalie.
”Miss Sancoeur, what brings you here?” The doorman asked amiably.
”Damocles.” She said tersely. Then she sighed, relaxing. “Adrien is my ward. He wasn’t supposed to go to public school at all. He should be back home. Someone signed him up without permission.”
Damocles the doorman hummed. “Odd that. I’ll have to go looking through the files then, try and figure out where’s the error. Could take a while though.” He stroked his beard. “Either way, your ward will be safe here. Even if you’re you, I can’t let a student go home with an adult that’s not his legal guardian.”
Nathalie frowned but sighed. She passed him her number. “Call me when I can bring him home.” She looked over at you. “Adrien?”
“I want to stay, Nathalie.” You said. “I can’t stay home alone like this any more.”
”You’re not alone.” Nathalie said.
”I am, Nathalie. Mother’s been distant since father… and I love you and the Gorilla, but I need more.”
Nathalie nodded silently. Then, she turned around and left.
Your legs were shaking. Your breathing was ragged. That was so much. You said and felt so much.
”You okay, lad?” Damocles asked you.
”I’m not—I mean, I’m fine.” You said. “Just… I can’t stay homeschooled. I can’t stay at home any longer.”
”Alright then, lad. Let’s get you on to homeroom. I’ll head back to my office to get the error sorted out. It might take some time though.” You swore you saw him wink, but you couldn’t be quite sure. Neither Chloé nor Sabrina winked.
He patted you on the shoulder and brought you over to Madame Bustier’s class. He left, and you entered a nearly empty classroom. You were early, it seemed. You breathed a sigh of relief, but that was short-lived when Sabrina and a black-haired girl slammed into you.
”Gah!”
The three of you tumbled to the ground, and a spray of macarons flew everywhere.
You were dazed, but the black-haired girl quickly recovered. “Oh no oh no! I’m so sorry!” She quickly tried to get the macarons in your hair before falling over as Sabrina tried to get up. She fell face forward and landed on your chest, squishing macaron into her face.
She yelped and her face turned red.
You laughed, genuinely. “It’s okay. Really surprising, but no harm, no foul. We just need to get cleaned up.” You turned to Sabrina, who was for the most part, unscathed. “Sabrina, can you lead us to a restroom to get cleaned up?”
”Yeah yeah.” She dusted herself off. She checked herself and found no macarons on her clothes. “Come on.”
”I’m sorry!” The black-haired girl squeaked.
—
Sabrina led you to a nearby restroom. The men’s restroom was out of service, so she led you to a gender-neutral bathroom.
Along the way, you asked, “So who was that?”
”Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” Sabrina said. “You know, Chloé’s rival?”
”That’s her? Baker girl?” You said. “She’s nothing like what Chloé says.”
Sabrina laughed. “You’ll find a lot of what Chloé says about school is really exaggerated. It’s mostly boring.”
”Can’t be boring if I’ve never experienced it before.” You said.
”True.” Sabrina said. “I’ve got to get ready for Chloé’s arrival. Class starts in twenty.”
You nodded and got ready to undress and clean up. You had actually brought a spare set of clothes, just in case.
As you changed out of your clothes, gingerly avoiding looking in the mirror, you found a strange hexagonal box in your pocket. “That wasn’t there before.” You said.
You opened it, and a bright light appeared. It fluttered and zoomed around the bathroom, until it stopped right in front of you. It transformed into a red tiny bug-mouse looking thing. It blinked and looked at you. It looked you up and down. It squeaked.
“Eek! An exhibitionist!”
You scrambled to cover yourself. “Not so loud! And we’re in the bathroom! I’m just changing clothes!”
“But you opened up the Miracle Box without any clothes on! Why would you do that?” The bug-mouse thing was indignant.
“I thought there’d be a ring or some earbuds or something inside! Not a whole creature!”
”Excuse you! I am a kwami!” The little creature huffed and crossed her tiny little arms.
”Well, kwami. I’m Adrien. And I have to change out of these soiled clothes and get to class.”
”A student, huh? Haven’t had a student partner in a few turns.” The creature mused.
”Partner?”
The kwami nodded. “I am Tikki, the kwami of Creation, and I am here to grant you the power to change the weavings of fate and become a hero!” She held up the box. “Just put on the Miraculous of the Ladybug, say, ‘Tikki, Spots On!’, and you will transform into a hero and save the day!”
Possibilities swirled in your mind, not unlike that of the toilet next to you. “Me? A hero?”
”Uh huh! You were chosen, after all!” Tikki said cheerfully. “Of course, standard rules apply, no telling—“
”Anyone my identity, protect the innocent, stop bad guys. Wow!” You couldn’t help but grin.
You looked down at the Miraculous inside the box and your grin faltered. “Earrings?”
”Yes? I think they’ll look lovely on you.” Tikki said.
”I am, I’m not ready to wear…” You fumbled your words.
Tikki nodded. “I see. It’s been a while since I’ve had a partner like you, but we’ll make things work. You’ll be a great heroine, don’t you worry!”
The words tickled in your chest.
”But I think you have class soon, so we’ll pick this up later, okay?” Tikki disappeared into the box.
You were still a little bit slack jawed, but you managed to change clothes quickly and make your way out to go to class.
Marinette was there waiting for you, leaning against the wall, having changed into different clothes and tied her hair back.
She scowled at you. “What took you so long? Pretty supermodel had to get his eyebrows waxed?”
You huffed. “I just took a while getting your food off. Not everyone can change clothes on a dime. And you were the one who got me messy anyway.”
Marinette’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “You were in the way.”
”Your tune’s changed quickly.” You said. You began making your way back to the classroom.
Marinette followed behind you. “So, what’s a pretty boy like you doing here with us mere mortals? Looking to use the school for a candid photoshoot? Maybe spending time with us poors will make you look more approachable when you lobby for deregulation of labor laws.”
”Look, I don’t know what your deal is.” You said. “I’m just a student. You already apologized, I can ask Sabrina to apologize. I can even pay for the macarons.”
”Ah ha! There it is, lording your wealth over us. You really are just another Chloé. Found you out!” She pointed her finger at you.
”Are you mad that I’m wealthy? Or friends with Chloé?” You asked.
”Yes!” She sprinted down the hall.
Well that whole scenario was a thing. A bummer you’ve apparently made an enemy on day one. But! You had a magic box in your pocket to talk to later, so hopefully things can breeze by until lunch and…
”Adrien!” Marinette called out to you again.
You closed your eyes and sighed internally, before opening them and looked at Marinette… dragging another Marinette by the ear.
”I am very sorry my little sister has been harassing you on your first day.” The first Marinette said. “Minuette, say you’re sorry.”
The second Marinette, apparently named Minuette, mumbled out, “M’sorry, you bourgeoisie.”
”Good.” Marinette said. Her expression turned apologetic. “My sister heard about the incident, and only knowing you from Chloé’s gloating, she assumed you bullied me into dropping my macarons and getting messy.”
”It was a solid hypothesis based on inductive reasoning!” Minuette squirmed.
“Dupain-Cheng!” You heard Chloé’s voice as she stalked up to you. She then glared at Minuette. “Deuxpain-Cheng.”
It took you a moment to register the pun. Oh. Oh that made a lot of Chloé’s rants make more sense. There were two baker girls.
”Adrikins!” Chloé wrapped your arm in hers. “Come on, I have a seat prepared just for you!”
—
“Where the bloody hell have you two been?!” Your cousin, Felix, stomped up to you, indignant and angry, wearing your clothes. “You said you’d be at the crosswalk, not traipsing around the school already!”
Chloé brushed him off. “Your ridiculous attempt at being a distraction went nowhere, Fe.”
“And you should have told me that before I traipsed around Paris dressed like a curmudgeon!”
”Did you just call me a curmudgeon?” You asked.
”You volunteered.” Chloé sniffed.
”Under the impression that you two would actually follow through!” Felix threw his hands up.
You laugh. This was nice, being able to bring the few good bits of your life outside of home. You assuaged Chloé and Felix and let them both cool off.
”Thank Felix.” You smiled at your cousin. “We really couldn’t have done it without you.”
Felix grumbled. “Don’t patronize me.” But he didn’t otherwise complain.
Chloé wanted you to sit next to her, and you also obliged. You turned around to see your classmates. Chloé and Felix of course, but also familiar others. Marinette and Minuette, of Chloé rant fame. Kagami Tsurugi, of Tsurugi fame. She was sitting next to Sabrina, who herself was furiously scribbling something into her notebook.
A few others were present, but you couldn’t place their names. You recognized one you’ve seen at the Louvre before… Ali, Alex? Something like that. You’ll get to know her and everyone else soon enough.
Class began and it was amazing. You loved it a lot, and you wanted to know more, but alas a break came upon you too soon.
You were making sure your notes were in order, and you wanted to talk to someone to get to know them better. But that was not in the cards for you.
Chloé almost immediately began arguing with Marinette, and Felix and… Alix, you think, began their own argument. Felix and Alix were equal in their anger, but Chloé was most of the anger, while Marinette remained mostly silent. What do you do?
Fell chose: Adrien would try to talk Chloé down.
You decided to let Felix sort himself out. Chloé meanwhile, well she was working herself up.
Chloe was red faced by this point. Sabrina was off in the restroom, so you decided to step in instead. “Chloé, come on. Let it go.”
She was indignant. “Let it go? This baker girl has been a thorn in my side since I met her. She’s always like this. Her sister is always like this.”
”Like what, Chloé?” You asked. You put a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you today, but all I see is you yelling at a poor girl.”
Chloé’s face scrunched up. She turned away from you. That was when Minuette sauntered in. “Hey! Bourgeoisie! I’m—“
Marinette grabbed her sister by the collar and pulled her down. “Quiet you. Chloé’s having a moment.” She turned to you. “Sorry about my sister. She always gets worked up over nothing.”
”If you let them trample you little by little, you’ll be boiling in water before you know it!” Minuette screamed and flailed.
Marinette said, “I blame Mylène.”
The rest of the break went by quickly. You saw Alya Césaire talk with both Chloé and Marinette, making plans with both of them. You felt a pang of jealousy at how easy it was for someone like her to make friends.
You wanted to talk more to someone. Besides Chloé of course. But who to talk to?
Fell chose: Marinette and Alya
You knew who you wanted to spend time with today, but there was something that had to be taken care of first.
Your mother was at the front gate. You could see Nathalie behind her, a ways away.
“Mother.” You said. “I’m staying. I want to go to school every day.”
“Adrien dear. Come home.” Your mother said sweetly.
“Mother, please. I can’t. I won’t.” You were shaking. You had to do this. “It’s cold and empty at home. No matter how much you’re there for me, it’s not enough.” You turned away.
“Adrien…”
That was when Chloé stepped up. “Auntie Emilie, Adrikins needs to spend time with kids his age.”
Chloé was helping you. But even then, saying the wrong pronoun stung. Chloé continued, “I see him all the time, but I’m busy. Felix is busy. Someone like Adrikins needs lots of love from a lot of different people. It’s time for him to grow up.”
Chloé then fawned over herself. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him.” She linked arms with you. “We’ll be together all the time.” Chloé’s expression softened. “I know it’s been tough since Uncle Gabriel died, but Adrikins can’t stay at home forever.”
Your mother pursed her lips. But then…
Aunt Amelie walked in from behind. Talking to Nathalie first, before coming up to your mother. “Let the boys be boys.”
After a moment, your mother sighed. “Felix better keep an eye on him too.”
Said Felix walked up beside them. “I’ll do a better job than Chloé at least.”
“Hey!”
The breath trapped inside you came out. Chloé held you up and pulled you back towards the school. Felix came up to you and pulled you along. “Let’s get going, cuz.”
|—LILA—|
YOU are Lila Rossi. And YOU are in hiding. You witnessed some things you shouldn’t have, it’s a long story, you’ll get into it later. What it means however, is that you needed a new identity.
An ironclad identity. Not one for throwaway, not one meant to shine or sparkle. But to exist. To be different from you.
You found a mother. Marlena Césaire, a single woman in her 40s, no kids, who worked as a chef at a five star hotel in Paris. With some negotiation, you and she became legal and natural relatives on paper.
YOU were now Alya Césaire, a new arrival from Martinique, ready to attend school in Paris at Francoise-Duponte. Of course you had already been in Paris for several weeks. Got the lay of the land, helped out some elderly folk, got to know the community, and how best to exploit them if need be.
But soon it was time for school. You had plans made out for what your persona will be. A budding journalist, a gossip, and a headstrong extroverted woman with great ambition, with just enough empathy to really get to know people. Perfect for cozying up to the rich and powerful, and for being a little too nosy.
And who would expect a girl hiding from assassins by being a journalist? It’s egotistic, outrageous. Perfect for you.
First day of school. You biked to school. It was hard work, but you needed the exercise. You’d rather take a taxi, but alas. That was when you saw an old man, one you’d met before, get struck by a car.
Old man Chen was dead. Killed by a car that swerved into him on purpose. You ran up to him. He whispered to you. You couldn’t hear him with the blood pounding in your ears. You dialed 112 on a burner phone.
You left him. To die alone. You’ve done it before, but this time something felt different. This was not an end. There was more. And that was why you had to leave.
—
School was easy. You had already scouted out your future classmates. Of interest were Chloé Bourgeois, the mayor’s daughter. Felix Fathom, the heir to Lockheed-Martin, and also a college graduate. Adrien Agreste, son of the late Gabriel Agreste, fashion mogul. Kagami Tsurugi, heiress to the Tsurugi group.
Among your other classmates were Aurore Beauréal, Alix Kubdel, Mylène Harprele, Ivan Bruel, Marinette and Minuette Dupain-Cheng, Sabrina Raincomprix, Nino Lahiffe, Rose Lavillant, and Juleka Couffaine.
Because of what happened with Mister Chen, you ended up being later than you’d hoped, arriving just before class started.
But the first break arrived, and you were ready to socialize. Or you would be, if not for the arguments that broke out.
Alix and Felix got into a heated argument about French and English history, before Kagami interfered.
Kagami said, getting between the two. “Get a hold of yourselves. I cannot abide by your petty squabbles.”
Felix was incensed. “Petty? She’s been insulting my family and my country!”
“And wot’s wrong with dat, guvnor?” Minuette Dupain-Cheng swaggered up to the three of them. She sneered at Felix. “Your pretty little aristocrat nobhead can’t handle a little French-British rivalry?”
Minuette was laying on an incredibly overly thick English accent, clearly intending to mock him. She looked identical to Marinette, but dressed completely differently. She wore a pleather jacket, a pink top, and burgundy shorts.
Felix furrowed his brow. “What are you, a fucking chav?”
”And wot if I am? At least I’m not a daft bell end!” Minuette crossed her arms. “Down with colonialism!”
”Are you a communist?” Kagami asked bluntly.
”Proud and true!” Minuette gave her a thumbs up. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to fight the bourgeoisie.”
Minuette rushed over to Chloé and Marinette. By that point, Chloé had begun a one-sided argument with Minuette, before Adrien talked Chloé down. Then Minuette tried to set things afire again.
Minuette sauntered into the group. “Hey! Bourgeoisie! I’m—“
Marinette grabbed her sister by the collar and pulled her down. “Quiet you. Chloé’s having a moment.” She turned to Adrien. “Sorry about my sister. She always gets worked up over nothing.”
”If you let them trample you little by little, you’ll be boiling in water before you know it!” Minuette screamed and flailed.
Marinette said, “I blame Mylène.”
With that suddenly over, you had to wonder who was best to approach. Minuette felt too explosive for you, but her sister was interesting. Same as Adrien, Chloé, Alix, and Felix. Or you could talk with some others as well, more well-mannered people.
Steamed chose: (in order) Chloé, Marinette, Felix, Alix.
You made your way over to Chloé Bourgeois, who was being attended by Sabrina Raincomprix.
”Hi, I’m Alya.” You introduced yourself. “I couldn’t help but overhear…” You said slowly, letting it linger. You and Chloé knew what you were talking about. Chloé sniffed and didn’t say anything, but you could see the barest hint of mascara streaking.
”What’s wrong? If I may be so bold, if you don’t want me to, I can go.”
Chloé spoke up. “It’s a long story. My… half of a sister is moving to Paris.”
”And that’s… bad.” You said. You glanced at Sabrina, who nodded. “I guess you really don’t like her.”
Sabrina shook her head. Chloé said, “Whatever, just… I’m not in the mood. What do you want?”
You gave her a soft smile. “I’m a journalist. I wanted to talk to the mayor’s daughter, get the lay of the land.”
Chloé nodded. “We’ll have to get a rain check on that. But I’m willing.” She turned her nose up high.
You smiled and left her and Sabrina. You walked over to Marinette next. You introduced yourself. “Hi, I’m Alya. So you and Chloé seem to have a history. What’s up with that?”
Marinette shrugged. “We’ve been fighting for years. A long time, really. I’ve moved away from it. Kinda grown out of it. Chloé never did.”
You nodded. “She’s going through something rough.”
Marinette sighed. “I can tell. She mostly beefs with Minuette these days, but today I could tell something was up.”
”So you just let her wail into you.” You said. “That’s not right.”
”Chloé’s harmless. Annoying, but once you get to know her, well, there’s definitely something underneath it all. She’s not all bad.” Marinette said. She looked you over. “You want to, I dunno, hang out later?”
”I’d love to.” You smiled. Easy mark, even with her intelligence.
You later found Alix and Felix grumbling at each other from across the same table. “What’s up?”
Alix said, “Trying to have this bloke explain what the heck a nob head is.”
”It’s an insult, it’s like you’re being daft.” Felix explained poorly.
”And what does daft mean?”
”It’s like being a bell end.”
“What’s a bell end?”
”Kind of like a nob head.”
You snickered a little. “He’s messing with you. They all mean stupid of some sort.”
“You’re an imbécile.” Alix murmured at him.
You sat down next to them. “Both of you worn out from Minuette?”
”I can’t tell if it was on purpose or not.” Alix admitted. “Sometimes she’s a genius polymath, other times she acts like a five year old.”
”Chloé did that once.” Felix said, “When Adrien and I argued, she’d do something over the top that would make us forget what we were even talking about.”
The three of you chatted until the break ended. You knew you’d hang out with Marinette and Chloé later. It was a nice start to a new school life.
But, well. Destiny has its ways.
—
You nearly screamed as the floating black void thing hovered over you, inspecting you. You were in the girl’s restroom, making sure your disguise was intact and you found a wooden box in your purse and well—
The thing’s eyes looked over you, unnerving in every way. And then it laughed. “Oh this is going to be hilarious! Lila Rossi, my new partner! And you’re dressed like that!”
”How do you know that name?” You grabbed the black thing and covered its mouth. “Answer me!”
It made a muffled sound, so you let its mouth open. “Name’s Plagg by the way. I’m a kwami. I exist in a million different universes so I’ve met you a few times. And boy oh boy, do I want to see you shine as my superhero partner.” His grin was childish, almost infectious.
”Superhero. Partner.”
He grinned. “You’ve been chosen. Master Fu’s must have been crazy, but we are gonna make it work and it’s gonna be a riot. Tikki’s gonna froth at the mouth when she hears about this.”
—
Soon, it was lunch. You ate in the cafeteria, before making your way to Chloé. She was with Adrien, and there was a blonde woman looking quite displeased at the both of them. You decided to hang back a little bit before moving in. trying to feel out the situation first.
“Adrien dear. Come home.” The blonde woman said. Her face looked distraught, but her body language was stern. She was pleading with Adrien, but she won’t take no after a point.
“Mother, please. I can’t. I won’t.” Adrien was shaking, mustering up all of his courage. “It’s cold and empty at home. No matter how much you’re there for me, it’s not enough.” He turned away.
“Adrien…”
That was when Chloé stepped up. “Auntie Emilie, Adrikins needs to spend time with kids his age.”
Adrien was stiff. Chloé continued, “I see him all the time, but I’m busy. Felix is busy. Someone like Adrikins needs lots of love from a lot of different people. It’s time for him to grow up.”
Chloé then fawned over herself. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him.” She linked arms with Adrien. “We’ll be together all the time.” Chloé’s face became a little bit less haughty. “I know it’s been tough since Uncle Gabriel died, but Adrikins can’t stay at home forever.”
You decided you found out enough. You left the two of them to talk it out, and went to go spend time with Marinette. Chloé will have to wait for her.
>|—KAGAMI—|<
YOU are Kagami Tsurugi, and YOU are a very lonely soul. You were created from your mother’s loneliness, plucked from a feather of pure emotion and molded into what she thought was the perfect being.
Perfection. What a joke. You were a human through and through, and yet more. And less. Your soul laid outside your own body, and thus fragile. Easily bargained with. Easily broken. A target. Your mother knew that. And you knew it too.
Your mother created you to be a warrior, but she was no warrior. She was a merchant playing at one. You could feel it when you sparred against her, versus what you felt when you sparred against D’Argencourt. When you sparred against Kazuno.
You had no wars to fight. Your mother made sure of that. You had wanted for nothing but your mother’s approval. And so you trained. You did not allow yourself to be molded, you molded yourself to become the mirror for your mother’s dead eyes.
But then you learned the truth. What you were. And decided who you were. You were a sentimonster, shackled to your amok. The Peacock Miraculous, held by a Guardian, was the ultimate sword above your head. Without it, you would never be free.
You could escape from your mother, but that would be nothing compared to your existence. For your mother had given you ownership of your soul. And yet… you knew that deep down, if you disappointed her, your mother would demand it back.
Two swords dangled above your head. You were a warrior, and you must get those swords away.
That was where the brooch came in. You clutched it in your hand, and you knew. This power, this Butterfly, it was the answer to your problem. Getting your hands on it was chance, but you turned this chance into an opportunity, just as your mother wanted you to be like.
The light gleaned off of it. And you knew what to do. You could feel the emotions roiling across the city. Hear them. Become one with them. Fall into the tsunami. Become the carp in the ocean of sentiment.
Beep. You opened your eyes. It was time for school.
—
You made your way to Francoise-Dupont. This was a public school, inferior to the private schooling your mother wanted, but you both knew that socialization was necessary. You will have additional lessons later.
Tatsu was about to drop you off, but he swerved out of the way of a police cordon. An accident it seemed. The car drove around the block again. He stopped in front of the school’s front entrance and off you went.
There was a commotion in your assigned classroom. One Madame Bustier, who was yet to arrive, had a class with some notable students. Chloé Bourgeois, the mayor’s daughter. Felix Fathom, the heir to Lockheed-Martin, and also a college graduate. He was here to socialize, same as you. Adrien Agreste, son of the late Gabriel Agreste, fashion mogul.
Those three were causing a commotion. You noticed that Felix and Adrien were dressed quite similarly.
“Where the bloody hell have you two been?!” Felix, stomped up to the other two, indignant and angry. “You said you’d be at the crosswalk, not traipsing around the school already!”
Chloé brushed him off. “Your ridiculous attempt at being a distraction went nowhere, Fe.”
“And you should have told me that before I traipsed around Paris dressed like a curmudgeon!”
”Did you just call me a curmudgeon?” Adrien asked.
”You volunteered.” Chloé sniffed.
”Under the impression that you two would actually follow through!” Felix threw his hands up.
A redheaded girl with glasses whispered to you, “They were trying really hard to get Adrien out of his house and to school without his family noticing.”
“I see.” You said. “Kagami Tsurugi.”
”Sabrina Raincomprix.” She smiled at you. “Chloé’s my bestie, but she’s going to be fawning over Adrien for a week.”
“Ooh another new student?” A blonde girl with short hair and a very pink dress came up to you, followed by a goth girl with purple highlights. “Wow, there are so many this year!” She counted on her fingers. “Adrien, Felix, Alya, you. One more and that’s almost a third!”
The goth girl mumbled something.
”Oh right, thanks Juleka!” The blonde smiled and held out her hand. “I’m Rose. That’s Juleka.”
”Kagami Tsurugi.” You shook her hand firmly. Her grip was weak. Just like her.
You took stock of your other classmates. Alya Césaire, another transfer, she hasn’t said much yet. Aurore Beauréal, same. Alix Kubdel, Mylène Harprele, Ivan Bruel, Marinette and Minuette Dupain-Cheng, Nino Lahiffe, the names were almost a blur.
Class started easily enough, but by the time the first break came, you could feel emotions simmering.
It was almost comical, seeing Chloé Bourgeois get into an argument with Marinette. At the same time Felix Fathom and Alix Kubdel started a heated conversation about museum and country rights. Chloé’s face was turning red while Marinette remained stone faced. Felix and Alix’s argument grew louder.
What do you do?
Voters chose: Intervene in Alix and Felix’s fight
Such noisy people. You walked up to Alix and Felix, and quickly pushed them apart. “Get a hold of yourselves. I cannot abide by your petty squabbles.”
Felix was incensed. “Petty? She’s been insulting my family and my country!”
“And wot’s wrong with dat, guvnor?” Minuette Dupain-Cheng swaggered up to the three of you. She sneered at Felix. “Your pretty little aristocrat nobhead can’t handle a little French-British rivalry?”
Minuette was laying on an incredibly overly thick English accent, clearly intending to mock him. She looked identical to Marinette, but dressed completely differently. She wore a pleather jacket, a pink top, and burgundy shorts.
Calling him a nobhead made your heart skip a beat.
Felix furrowed his brow. “What are you, a fucking chav?”
”And wot if I am? At least I’m not a daft bell end!” Minuette crossed her arms. “Down with colonialism!”
Oh. That might be an issue. You were, in fact, Japanese. She was of Chinese descent. You were the heiress to a global corporation. She’s very…
”Are you a communist?” You asked bluntly.
”Proud and true!” She gave you a thumbs up. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to fight the bourgeoisie.”
She turned to run into Chloé and Marinette, with Adrien trying to talk Chloé down.
You and Felix were befuddled, and Alix explained. “Minuette’s… intense. She’s Marinette’s identical twin cousin from London. Her mom’s Marinette’s aunt who Marinette hates or something. She started going here last year.”
“Twin cousin?” Felix asked.
”Or something.” Alix shrugged. “They call each other sisters so there’s something more going on, but I for the life of me cannot be bothered.
Both of them felt exhausted after all of it seemed.
Minuette made her way over to Chloé and tried to say something to her too. “Hey! Bourgeoisie! I’m—“
Marinette grabbed her sister by the collar and pulled her down. “Quiet you. Chloé’s having a moment.”
”If you let them trample you little by little, you’ll be boiling in water before you know it!” Minuette screamed and flailed.
You went back to talk to Rose and Juleka some more, trying to piece together what was going on, when you noticed Alya Césaire talking to both Chloé and Marinette afterwards, but didn’t hear any of their conversations. The break ended soon enough.
—
It was time for lunch. A long period was available to you, and with the emotions of the morning passed, you decided it was time to check for emotions elsewhere. On the school’s rooftop, empty of all others, you gazed out at the city skyline. Paris was in your grasp.
You brought out Nooroo. He looked at you and asked, “Are you sure you want this?”
”It was always going to be this way.” You replied.
He shook his head. “It wasn’t. But I respect your decision.”
”Nooroo, Wings Rise!” You transformed. The magic of the Butterfly washed over you, entered deep into your skin, changing your body until you were different. Hero. Villain. Superpowered.
Well, more so, anyway. You felt the cane enter your hand. The akuma inside fluttered, waiting for your command.
You closed your eyes and searched.
In your own school, you found Rose and Juleka arguing about something. Anger in Rose, at something Juleka did. Betrayal. If you chose Rose, you would fuel her anger and let her take revenge.
Outside, just a little bit further out, you could feel Chloé’s simmering resentment. She was not truly angry, but indignant. While not the strongest of emotions, with enough finesse, she could be honed into something chilling.
And then, across the city. A woman mourns the death of a father figure. An old man, long past his prime, but nevertheless loved. You could not bring back the dead, but she could bring her sorrows out and blanket this city.
Who will be your sword?
Voters chose: Sabine.
Your akuma stirred. You let it fly across the city. Yes. A plan formed in your mind. You were searching for the Peacock Miraculous. You were searching for the one holding it. And you knew that there must be a Guardian. But nothing more.
If you let the Guardian know you were looking for them, your advantage would be lost. No, it was time to engage in subterfuge.
Wings flapped. The sense of renewal and rebirth found your target. Sabine Cheng, mourning the death of an old man she had known for years. Your akuma slid into her white dress, transforming it. Your akuma bubbled around her and you declared in her mind.
”Mother Terror, I am Hawkmoth.”
Paris didn’t know it yet, but fear had fallen onto the city.
—
You left Mother Terror some instructions on how to proceed, and detransformed. You left the rooftop and returned to school for lunch. Your mother had packed you a deluxe bento box made by world class chefs with a perfectly planned nutrition plan in mind.
Well, it was something. You decided to eat it in the cafeteria, to see other students and create an alibi. To observe and learn. To socialize.
What was the freedom you craved? What did that entail, really? All you knew was that it was just outside of your grasp. But not for long.
Who do you spend time with?
Voters chose: Marinette, Minuette, Alix
—
You looked around and found Alix and Minuette together, huddled in a corner. You crept up to them silently at first, but it became clear what they were doing.
Alix was cradling a tiny little… Was that a cow? It was. And Minuette was holding a gigantic baby bottle full of milk that obviously swiped from the cafeteria.
You walked forward and crouched in front of them. “Hello. Where did you find a cow?”
Alix was spooked, but Minuette took your arrival in stride. “We found her one day and couldn’t find anywhere to keep her. Obviously it’s a hazard to have her at the bakery,” Minuette explained, “And you can’t keep a cow at the Louvre.”
“By the way, I live at the Louvre’s apartments. My dad’s head curator.” Alix added, struggling to handle the squirming calf. “Can you help me lift her?”
You agreed and helped Alix. The calf was soft. “What’s her name?”
“Otis.” Minuette said. “I’ve got a vibe, you know?”
“What’s a vibe?” You asked.
“I think it’s like a smoking thing.” Minuette said.
“That’s a vape,” Alix said.
“So you just leave her here?” You asked.
“One of the night guards looks the other way. And helps out.” Alix said. “Minuette wants to wait for her to grow up and sell her milk at the bakery.”
“It can’t be that hard, can it?” She insisted.
The three of you spent time with the baby Otis, feeding her, petting and cuddling, and watching her gurgle. The way Minuette laughed when the cow flopped onto you. The way Alix guffawed when you pushed Otis back onto Minuette. It was fun.
—
Lunch break was nearly over. You hadn’t checked on Mother Terror, but you could hear hushed whispers once in a while. Something was happening. You knew exactly what it was.
Still, you wanted to talk to Marinette, Minuette’s… relative. While the two looked identical, they couldn’t be any more different. Mineutte was lively and energetic, while Marinette was sullen and stoic. They were both intriguing in their own ways, but Kagami could see the similarities underneath. An unbending will laid beneath, like steel under silk.
You found Marinette sitting by herself, looking serene. You saw three empty trays nearby, so you knew Marinette wasn’t alone. But, this was a good time for a one-on-one.
“Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” You greeted her. “Your sister sends her regards.”
“Of course.” Marinette said. “So, are you also a new kid looking for advice on this school?”
You frowned. “What? I just want to socialize, as it is called in French.”
“Socialize.” Marinette repeated.
You nodded. “Yes. I have talked to several people today. I would like to talk to more.”
“What did you want to talk about?” Marinette asked.
“I want to get to know you better. And also figure out what is between you and Minuette. You claim to be sisters but also twin cousins. Minuette is younger than you, and claims to also be from London. It is very obfuscating. I would like answers.”
Marinette blinked. “Very straightforward.” She nodded. “Very well. Minuette is my identical twin cousin, born from my aunt in London, who I never mention. She’s staying with us for the foreseeable future. We call ourselves sisters out of mutual love and respect.”
You nodded. “That makes sense.”
You were satisfied at the moment.
“Liar.” The voice shook the room. You turned and saw Mother Terror, dressed in all white, her skin and face and hair all white. Deathly white.
“M-maman?” Marinette whispered. “What’s-what are you, what happened to you?”
Mother Terror pointed a ragged, bony finger from underneath her flowing white robes. “You. Lie. Tell the truth about Minuette.”
Marinette’s breathing went ragged.
You looked at your akuma. It was a stare down. You hadn’t realized that the woman you’d akumatized—the grieving woman—was Marinette’s own mother.
And here you were. Next to your akuma. What do you do?
Voters chose: Take Marinette and run.
The way you had commanded Mother Terror was specific. She would avoid you and anyone you were with, while appearing to treat you like everyone else. Thus, you could do whatever you wanted to maintain your identity.
You grabbed Marinette’s hand—oh, how warm it was—and bolted. Mother Terror made a show of chasing after you, before changing directions and attacking others, searching with ghosts for the Miraculous.
The two of you rounded a corner, chests heaving. You looked around and saw that your Akuma was no longer following. That was good.
“What was that?” You asked. “Did you say your mother?”
“She looked like her.” Marinette said. “But she was different. Like she’d been… transformed or something. Taken over maybe.” She shuddered.
You squeezed her hand. “Your mother will be fine.” You will make sure of it. After she’s secured the Miraculous.
The two of you kept walking until you reached the cafeteria again. In the distance, you heard screams and frights. You saw objects moving around by unseen forces—the ghosts that Mother Terror creates—but stayed away from you.
You saw Alya hiding inside. Marinette called out. “Alya, did you escape the monster too?”
“Monster?” Alya asked. “The one on the news, right?”
Marinette nodded. You said, “She has arrived here. We encountered her and escaped.”
“We need to evacuate.” Alya declared. “Otherwise we’ll end up like everyone else, screaming about ghosts.”
Marinette winced and nodded. You remained calm. You said, “We can go out the window.”
Alya agreed. “Thank God we’re on the ground floor.”
The three of you escaped the school. “We should scatter.” Alya said, “We don’t know what she wants, and moving as a group will attract more attention. I’m going to my mom.”
Marinette said, “I’m staying with Kagami for now, but I agree on scattering.”
The three of you parted ways. You and Marinette went out towards Marinette’s bakery, which was deserted. Eventually, you said, “I need to check on my mother.”
Marinette nodded. “I’m staying here, in case Minuette or anyone else comes back.”
You left hurriedly, but slowed down once out of sight of Marinette. You walked calmly until you reached a small alleyway, pulled out your brooch and transformed again.
Once again Hawkmoth, you made your way to the roofs and moved towards Mother Terror. Through her eyes, you could see that she was making her way along the Seine, sweeping back towards Chinatown, where she started.
Then you saw movement on the rooftops.
“Hey whitehead! Lady Luck’s here to beat you down!”
A masked woman in a red and pink frilly lace dress jumped down and shouted, “You look like a sun dried grape that was bleached while wearing a towel. Put on some moisturizer!”
Another woman, masked and clad in black, came down as well. She began using her magical stick to hit your ghosts without even seeing them, making them dissipate. She broke her stick into two and extended them further. Spinning and sweeping her way towards the akuma.
Your akuma screamed at Lady Luck and pointed a bony, ragged finger. Lady Luck doubled over before looking off in the distance. “Y-you. It’s really you," she said. She blinked back tears before slamming her yo-yo straight in front of her. “Thanks for nothing.” She whispered.
Lady Luck turned back towards the akuma.
What do you do?
Voters chose: Join the battle and make 2 v 2
Voters chose: Kagami as Hawkmoth is talkative, arrogantly confident
Voters chose: Hawkmoth’s outfit is 6-way tie between: fancy purple suit, elegant flowing dress, superhero tights, leather jacket and jeans, sports gear, and kimono
/—ADRIEN—\
Chloé and Felix got into an argument about how they were going to handle you. You slipped away to go grab lunch and find someone new to spend time with. You loved Chloé and Felix… but they weren’t why you were here.
You wanted to meet and make friends with all sorts of people. New people. You had your lunch tray, and you scanned for faces. There. Marinette and Alya.
You walked up to them and asked, “Is it okay if I sit with you girls?”
Alya nodded. “Of course. Pull up a chair.”
After you sat down, Alya asked, "So what brings teen heartthrob Adrien Agreste to this humble school anyway?”
“Chloé and Felix.” You said. “But for real, I needed to get out of the house. My father passed, and it just wasn’t the same. What about you two?”
Alya laughed. “Well I have to go to school. My mom moved out here for a job,” she said, “So that’s how I ended here. I’m originally from Martinique.” The way she said it felt rehearsed. Like she’s had to say it a few times.
“I’ve only ever lived in Paris. What’s it like over there?” Marinette asked.
“Warm and sunny,” she said. “Though, I plan to stay in Paris. It’s a great place to learn and practice journalism. That’s what I plan to study. What about you guys?”
You mused. “I like the sciences, but I don’t really have any particular field I’m most interested in. I’m still figuring it out.”
Marinette nodded. “I was big into design and fashion a few years back, but lately I’m more focused on engineering. Even then, well, I’ve got a few family responsibilities to take care of.” Then she looked at the two of you. “Did you two hear about what happened with Rose and Juleka?”
“No, what’s going on?” Alya asked.
“You didn’t hear it from me, but I think they just broke up. Just… stay away from it, is my advice to you two newbies.”
The two of you talked for a while longer. Alya soon had to leave, and you chatted with Marinette some more. Eventually, Chloé and Sabrina ambushed you and dragged you away from Marinette.
“Come on, Adrikins, we only have fifteen minutes left to show you around!” Chloé singsonged as Sabrina did 90% of the manhandling.
The three of you made your way across the school, Chloé pointing out rooms and locales, with Sabrina correcting half of them. You two stopped by the art room, when suddenly, Sabrina began screaming.
“Aaaah!” Sabrina screeched. She fell to the ground, waving her hand at nothing. “You can’t be here! Y-you died, maman!”
“Sabrina, what are you-“ Chloé started before an invisible force shoved her against the wall. You were knocked off your feet, and hit the floor. You tried to look back but Chloé and Sabrina were too far. Another blow and you were pushed out of the room. You landed flat on your back.
You looked around and saw nothing. You got on your feet and felt goosebumps. You ran.
You entered an empty room far away, and pulled out Tikki. You clipped the earrings on and said, “Something is happening. Something supernatural.”
Tikki nodded. “I sense the Akuma. You should transform. Your power is Lucky Charm, and the transformation phrase is ‘Tikki, Spots On’. Now, go be a heroine.”
You nodded. “Tikki, Spots On!”
|—LILA—|
You went out to find Marinette. She was in the cafeteria, poking at her lunch. Minuette was there, but she scarfed down all her food quickly before grabbing a large bottle of milk and running away. That left Marinette alone.
You sat down next to her. “Hey. You okay?”
“Yeah. My mom’s not responding to her messages, and she wasn’t home either, so Minuette and I decided to get lunch here quickly.”
Glancing at where Minuette went, you said, “Looks like she’s off doing her own thing.”
“She’s always been better at making friends,” She said.
You nodded. “That amount of extroversion helps a lot. But just because she’s got a lot of friends doesn’t mean you can’t have any. After all, I’m here.”
Marinette glanced at you, then back at her food. Then back at you. “You mean it?”
“Of course. I’m new here, and you seem like a cool girl. Why not?” You bumped into her shoulder, and she giggled before bumping back.
That was when Adrien Agreste arrived. He had his own tray of food, and politely asked, “Is it okay if I sit with you girls?”
You nodded easily. “Of course. Pull up a chair.”
After he sat down, you asked, "So what brings teen heartthrob Adrien Agreste to this humble school anyway?”
“Chloé and Felix.” He said. “But for real, I needed to get out of the house. My father passed, and it just wasn’t the same. What about you two?”
You laughed. “Well I have to go to school. My mom moved out here for a job,” you lied, “So that’s how I ended here. I’m originally from Martinique.”
“I’ve only ever lived in Paris. What’s it like over there?” Marinette asked.
“Warm and sunny,” you said. You’ve never been to Martinique, but you’ve at least read the wikipedia page and done some research. “Though, I plan to stay in Paris. It’s a great place to learn and practice journalism. That’s what I plan to study. What about you guys?”
Adrien mused. “I like the sciences, but I don’t really have any particular field I’m most interested in. I’m still figuring it out.”
Marinette nodded. “I was big into design and fashion a few years back, but lately I’m more focused on engineering. Even then, well, I’ve got a few family responsibilities to take care of.” Then she looked at the two of you. “Did you two hear about what happened with Rose and Juleka?”
“No, what’s going on?” You asked.
“You didn’t hear it from me, but I think they just broke up. Just… stay away from it, is my advice to you two newbies.”
The three of you talked for a while, but the rustling in your bag, courtesy of Plagg, made you stand up. “I’ve got to do something. Be right back.”
You quickly made your way back to the cafeteria, pulled out the little black menace and asked, “What do you want?”
“I’m hungry. Gimme cheese.” Plagg whined.
“You’re a greedy little gremlin I can tell.” You said.
“I’m powered on cheese! Without it, I have no magic and neither do you!” Plagg complained.
“Fine.”
You found some cheddar and some Brie the school had out for luncheon purposes.
Plagg sniffed and bemoaned. “Not good. But I’ll allow it for now.”
Great. He was a connoisseur. You’ll have to talk to Marlena about cheese now. Although maybe you could swipe some from Le Grand Paris…
Your phone buzzed. A news alert. You glanced through it. Strange phenomenon, men and women screaming hysterically as they claim the dead are attacking them. You almost dismissed it but there was footage…
Trees rustling, boxes and cars moving as if pushed. People on the street being knocked to the ground, and grainy footage of a woman in white.
You quickly checked the footage and realized the attacks were getting closer to the school. Or was it? The last broadcast was from ten minutes ago.
Then, Marinette called out. “Alya, did you escape the monster too?”
You glanced up and saw Marinette and Kagami together, holding hands. “Monster?” You asked. “The one on the news, right?”
Marinette nodded. Kagami said, “She has arrived here. We encountered her and escaped.”
“We need to evacuate.” You declared. “Otherwise we’ll end up like everyone else, screaming about ghosts.”
Marinette winced and nodded. Kagami was cool about the whole affair. She said, “We can go out the window.”
You agreed. “Thank God we’re on the ground floor.”
The three of you escaped the school. “We should scatter.” You said, “We don’t know what she wants, and moving as a group will attract more attention. I’m going to my mom.” You lied.
Marinette said, “I’m staying with Kagami for now, but I agree on scattering.”
The three of you parted ways. You rounded out to the bushes and then to a nearby park. Plagg came out. You felt the ring in your hand, burning you with power and destruction.
“You ready kid?” He grinned a toothy grin. “The phrase is ‘Plagg, Claws Out’, and your power is Cataclysm.”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” You grumbled. The power flowed through you as you shouted into the air. “Plagg, Claws Out!”