Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Welcome, everyone! This story will be a retelling of Miraculous Ladybug, starting at Season 3 since that’s where the most changes come in. However, this story is one with twists and turns of all varieties, and while inspiration couldn’t strike me to write the first two seasons, this chapter will serve as your guide to my vision of the story thus far. So, let’s start off with the basics!

The Miraculous

You know them, you love them, the Miraculous are jewels created by an Ancient Sage with the purpose of splitting a Cosmic Nothingness into two halves: Creation and Destruction. This method of binding allowed seventeen other concepts to be bound over time, creating the Miraculous. And yes, in this world, there are only the nineteen Miraculous we intimately know. However, Magic and Superpowers of other varieties exist in the world! The threats posed in the specials will not be Miraculous in origin in this AU.

As you all know, when the Ladybug and Black Cat are brought together, they can be destroyed in tandem to release the true form of Tikki and Plagg and force them to reform the Cosmic Nothingness. This entity, before it was bound, reshaped reality at the whim of the humans who found it, all in an attempt to entertain itself. Due to the Sage’s binding and contract, the Nothing can only do this when it’s reformed and it’s Miraculous destroyed. When the world is destroyed and the new one remade, the Nothingness goes back to the beginning of time and waits for the Sage to be born again and bind it again, an eternal cosmic dance in place.

The Miraculous also require their weapon be incorporated into their power in some way: we all know Lucky Charm, but in this AU, Chat Noir has to compress his baton into a disk and keep it in his palm to use Cataclysm. The only exception is when the wielder’s mind melds with the kwami, something that can occasionally happen when wielder and kwami are in sync psychologically. While melded, the possibility of creating new powers for the Miraculous exist, discovering old ones, and of course, one can use their superpower without relying on their weapon in this form. Adrien has melded with Plagg increasingly regularly as the series goes on, but Marinette has sparsely melded with Tikki.

Then, the Order of the Guardians were created. The founders of the Order found the Sage’s notes, and sought to expand upon them. They created the first upgrades to the Kwamis, and when they finally held a Miraculous, placed on it the first restrictions to ensure the Godlike power of a kwami didn’t go out of control…such as forcing obedience. The Guardians traveled the world, killing heroes and villains alike if necessary to reclaim and seal away the Miraculous. Only they, who had the notes of the Great Sage, held the right to distribute the Miraculous, and only they knew the true proper way to use their powers.

Yet, when the tragedy of Feast came about, the Miraculous were once more lost to time…and the kwamis, who only exist to be wielded, crave new holders.

The Main Characters

Marinette Dupain-Cheng is a kind young woman currently enjoying her second out of three years in Lycee. She was 16 when the AU started, and turned 17 during Befana. Marinette wants only what’s best for people, is Chloe Bourgeios ex-girlfriend (though very few people know that), and of course, she’s Ladybug. Marinette has grown from a nervous girl with a clear sense of righteousness to an expert planner and strategist in the war against Hawkmoth. Throughout the first two seasons, Marinette has had two inner monologues: one voice is meek and friendly, the Marinette that wants to make sure everyone is happy and her moral code; the other voice, however, is Marinette’s righteous fury for justice, her disdain of deception, and every ounce of suppressed rage over the course of the series, the side that’s not afraid to break more than rules to save the day. Marinette has struggled with these two inner monologues for the entirety of the series thus far. The more the series goes on, the bigger the conflicts become…

Beyond her woes, Marinette has taken being Fu’s student very seriously. She grows mystic herbs in her garden, has memorized the powers of the kwamis, and has even made a special Quantum Mask face paint, as an emergency measure if Ladybug and Chat Noir were to become unmasked during a fight!

In her romantic life, Marinette is a storm of despair. She’s been in love with Adrien for so long, and Chat Noir’s curled up into a special place in her heart since Glaciator, Luka is wonderful and seems to honestly be the most realistic choice, and well, let’s not dive into how objectively attractive Kagami is…

Adrien Agreste is a perfect young man for reasons we all know, so we don’t have to hide it- he’s a Sentimonster. Created by the Peacock Miraculous, Adrien is naturally resistant to the effects of the Miraculous (which has served him well in subtle, hard-to-notice ways during the series), and his simple directive of existence being “Perfection” means that he’s magically able to adapt and become exceptional at any activity he tries his hand at. This does not effect how he feels about the subject at hand, though. Adrien is truly living out “jack of all trades, master of none” and it’s starting to weigh on him mentally that the only thing he truly enjoys doing is being Chat Noir, which he considers himself second-rate at because the only comparison he has is Ladybug, who has saved him several times (nevermind that he’s also saved her a few times, those don’t count, she totally could have gotten out on her own if she had to, no matter what she says). These woes are built up by an increasing dependence on his friends. Adrien loves his family, and is slow to truly accept that his Father doesn’t have his best interests at heart, but even so, he does know that his friends are his only escape from the mansion.

When it comes to the Miraculous, Adrien met Master Fu after Volpina. Plagg intended to have Adrien return the Grimoire, but after Lila temporarily stole it, it wound up in Ladybug’s hands (Adrien still isn’t sure how), and they both met Master Fu at the same time. Fu took precautions to make sure neither learned the other’s identity, but Fu’s favoritism of Ladybug as his student isn’t lost on Adrien. He is taught a little on occasion, but Adrien has long accepted what Master Fu knows to be the truth- Ladybug is a better Hero than he is.

When it comes to romance, Adrien is trying his absolute best to move on from Ladybug. She’ll always hold a special place in his heart, but he’s chosen to try and accept the forced relationship with Kagami while choosing to ignore how his heart flutters whenever Marinette’s around. Though, he does like hanging out with Marinette a lot! Especially when Luka’s around, but Adrien feels a bit like a third wheel in those instances.

Alya Cesaire is the Ladyblogger, a wannabe reporter, and the Fox Superheroine, Rena Rouge. She’s a superhero fanatic, obsessed with uncovering the secrets of the miraculous, and a diehard Ladynoir shipper…she’s also prone to jump the gun when she senses a scoop, puts herself (and sometimes others by accidental proxy) in danger with her actions, and terribly gullible. This final trait served Marinette well for a long time to keep her best friend off of her tail, but after Lila started becoming more prominent, Marinette began to realize how much of a detriment Alya’s gullibility is.

To Alya, the world is black and white. She takes things at face value, and if that perception is challenged, she tends to think the best or worst of the result, whichever affects her greater worldview less. In Alya’s mind, Ladybug’s the boss and Chat Noir the sidekick, so early on, it made sense during Copycat that Chat may have turned to the dark side. As time went on, and she did several missions as Rena Rouge, she instead saw Chat Noir more as Ladybug’s bodyguard who is devoted to and in love with her.

Alya holds her position as Rena Rouge with great pride, and she’s convinced Nino to perform a greater training regimen after Heroes’ Day to make sure that Ladybug can call upon them whenever they’re needed: any place, any time!

Nino Lahiffe is Adrien’s best friend, amateur DJ, and wannabe Director, as well as the Turtle Superhero, Carapace. Nino has always been quite devoted to his friends, especially his best bud Adrien. At first, he could take the superhero life or leave it, but now Nino’s gotten a taste for the excellence and power that comes with being a hero!

Nino gladly stands by in wait to be called on, happy to help Paris in any way he can. He doesn’t know much about the Miraculous as a whole, he defers most of that stuff as his Girlfriend’s department. All he really knows is that Ladybug and Chat Noir are heroes!

Chloe Bourgeois is Adrien’s childhood friend, heiress to a rather large fortune, and the Bee Heroine, Queen Bee. Chloe is the only superhero whose identity is publicly known, and she’s making strides to try and make sure Ladybug considers her a continued permanent member. She’s not perfect, and still working through a superiority complex, but she’s no longer trying to take things out on Marinette.

When Chloe was young, she threw a tantrum during a birthday that Adrien couldn’t attend. The Dupain-Chengs happened to be catering and couldn’t get a sitter, and Marinette just so happened to make Chloe feel better. Chloe made her Daddy enroll her in public school so she could be Marinette’s friend. As the years went on, the girls began a relationship and kept it secret, and one day Chloe went too far getting revenge on a bully on Marinette’s behalf. They argued, and Marinette left her. In the two years since, Chloe had done everything she could to make Marinette miserable, to fall in line…to take her back.

Chloe is working through many things: her journey to redemption began during Despair Bear, where she (temporarily) fired her Butler and realized she was becoming a reflection of her Mother. During Fashion Day, Chloe witnessed Ladybug wield the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous in tandem by transforming back and forth between them, using a new Miraculous- the Bee Miraculous- to keep her identity hidden and get a leg up on Style Queen. Chloe sacrifices herself to help Ladybug stop her Akumatized Mother, and in the end, Chloe wound up with the comb by accident. After seeing her Mother praise Marinette in ways Chloe longed to hear, she snapped, using the comb and trying to prove that she was worthy, even deluding herself for a little bit that Ladybug had left the Miraculous for her to find.

Chloe’s no longer needlessly cruel, nor does she plot against her fellow classmates, but her superiority complex remains: she thinks she’s better than everyone else, save for her fellow superheroes. Alya and Nino loathe the fact that they can’t reveal themselves to Chloe just to shove it in her face that she’s not better than them.

Luka Couffaine is an aspiring musician. He’s a unique form of empath, and his little sister is a practicing witch…with varied results (the photo curse may have been just a little self-inflicted). Luka can hear the melody in others’ hearts, and he admires Marinette’s complex melodies, and while he’s come to truly love her, the fact that her orchestra is starting to sound more and more like a duet is starting to worry him…

Luka despises Hawkmoth with a burning passion. Every akuma victim has left behind in their soul the locked away memory of their time as an akuma- a locked away piece of his influence, giving all of their melodies a dreadful and subtle melodic piano in the background of their music. It wasn’t noticeable at first…but ever since Heroes’ Day, Luka can’t go anywhere without hearing that awful, corrupting melody. He’s not even safe from it at home.

Luka’s only saving grace from that corruption is Marinette and Adrien. Marinette, despite the chaos of her orchestra, is completely free of Hawkmoth’s Din. And Adrien, well…Adrien may not have that dark song, but Adrien’s song sounds incomplete, like a musician trying to find out which notes and which instruments actually fit in with the song.

Kagami Tsurugi is the heiress of Tsurugi Tech, a champion fencer, and a superb athlete in half a dozen athletic feats of strength and speed…but she is not a Sentimonster. Kagami was born out of contractual obligation. She doesn’t know who her Father is, nor does she particularly care. The only reason her “Father” is her Father is because Tomoe wanted a daughter. After losing her vision in an accident, Tomoe blamed herself and her own imperfections, and so she pushed her daughter into being perfect.

Kagami is expected to enter a relationship with Adrien. Kagami became mildly enamored with Adrien after their initial fight, she will admit. Kagami had never met someone who could truly push her to that limit before. And so, she’s glad to pursue the relationship…even if he seems distracted. Even if, in the end, Kagami suspects it will one day end up with a “perfect child” in Kagami’s arms and Adrien moved to another target by his Father, a man so controlling that Kagami is thankful she has her Mother.

The Main Antagonists

Gabriel Agreste is Hawkmoth, and a psychopathic man, as well as a horrible parent. Gabriel has always been obsessed with his own vision of a perfect family, all put into jeopardy when it was discovered Emilie and her twin shared a genetic defect where they were both infertile. Discovering the Miraculous was a godsend- only a select few know the truth of the existence of Adrien and Felix. The majority of the world believe them to be Miracle children, born despite the odds. The upper echelon of society who knew of Gabriel’s expeditions across the world came to believe that Gabriel had found some kind of magical cure for infertility. Adrien simply thinks he was born lucky…

Gabriel’s mental state has been deteriorating from continued and repeating failure, and his akumas are growing more out of control. What he doesn’t know is that after he removed his Miraculous to become The Collector for the first time, Nooroo was able to regain his freedom. Gabriel was swiftly able to correct this…but with newfound freedom, Nooroo was able to reclaim himself just enough to resolve his new mission. Nooroo refused to eat. He would hide food away, pretend to eat and never does, and anything else he can to keep himself weak. This is why, ever since Season 2, Gabriel’s control over his akumas is never quite as intense as it was in Season 1. As time goes on, his akumas are able to rebel more and more, he can’t dive as deep into their thoughts…Nooroo isn’t sure the long-term effects this will have on his corporeal form, but he can’t find himself to care so long as his fellow kwamis are at stake.

Gabriel is obsessed with creating a new Scarlet Day. At Fashion Day, Gabriel saw Marinette’s growing darker half via his empathic abilities, and now believes that akumatizing her will be the key to his victory. All he has to do is break her.

Nathalie Sanceour is a former explorer and has recently taken the Peacock Miraculous to become Mayura. Nathalie is loyal to the end, devoted to the Agreste family after falling in love with both Gabriel and Emilie, her love eternally unrequited. Ever since Emilie fell using the Peacock Miraculous, Nathalie has done everything she could to take care of Adrien. Keeping him safe in the Manor was just one step, but the idea of using the Ladybug and Black Cat to recreate the world fascinates Nathalie…because Nathalie is not blind. This is not a happy ending for this family. Gabriel is far too greedy, Adrien is sad, and Nathalie can’t bring herself to betray the man she loves, not even for the good of the boy she sees as her own- well, that’s a thought process she likes to suppress.

If the world is remade, with the simple wish that the Agreste family is happy, maybe that will be enough. It doesn’t matter if she dies using the Peacock in this world, so long as the Agrestes live on in the one that comes after.

Lila Rossi is a manipulative sociopath and pathological liar. Her true story, one I have planned and believe is better than the twist Miraculous gave us, is one I won’t be sharing here today so I can at least give you all a true plot twist. Lila is more prominent in this series, but her relationship with Marinette has been more passive-aggressive in Season 2 rather than continued outright accusations. Even her revelation as a liar by Ladybug to Adrien was more subtle and clever than canon- Lila truly despises Ladybug, but she wants power and influence more than anything. Adrien was her original plan, and in Season 2 her backup plan was Marinette, but events made it clear that Marinette knew too much. Now, Lila needs a new plan…

Marinette is dangerous. This class is full of so much potential , and so many people who can help her achieve her goals, but Marinette sees through her. All Lila has to do is separate Marinette from the others, to ostracize her, to drive her away…and all that Lila needs is hers for the taking.

Felix Fathom is a Sentimonster, and knows what he is. His parents never kept it a secret from him, but his Father guarded his amok viciously, even becoming violent against his Mother whenever she tried to take it from him to give Felix a break from his tormented upbringing. As far as Felix is concerned, she’s the only good thing to come out of humanity lately.

Now armed with his amok, Felix has his own plans for Paris. He needs prep, though, so he’s been following social media around the Agrestes…all he sees is Adrien, getting parts, looking happy, and enjoying life. To Felix, Adrien is as fake as Chloe Bourgeois. At best, all these friends of his are money-grubbing lackeys. At worst, he’s managed to trick them all into thinking he’s decent…or worse… human. Looking at all the tags trending on the day of Gorizilla, Felix almost felt sorry for that girlfriend of his. She seems to actually truly care, with how viciously she would defend him that day.

No matter. When Felix gets to Paris, he’ll ruin Adrien’s reputation…and once he has some power, he’ll destroy that gaudy house of his to find the Peacock Miraculous.

Major Plot Changes

I'll answer any questions you all have, but the only big plot change I haven't mentioned is that the Christmas special and Bakerix were combined and have already occurred. In my mind, it's more of a Christmas tale with true family themes beyond Adrien's depression- the dperession's still there, mind you, it's just that now Adrien gets to feel a sense of pride. His Mother may be gone for Christmas, but now he's the reason that the Dupains can finally be together for Christmas again.

Chapter Text

Winter Break is, at long last, over. It’s been a long time coming, and there’s been no new akumas since Christmas! It’s a New Year, and everything seems to be normal…as if to accentuate that point, Marinette is as usual running late to class.

Colliding through the door into Bustier’s classroom, Marinette blinks in surprise as she sees the strange scene before her. Now, it may have been a while since Marinette had been to school, but it was almost certainly not this. The entire seating arrangement had been changed! Granted, the seating arrangements have never been very strictly enforced, but now everything’s been shifted so radically. It bothers Marinette, like an itch she can’t scratch.

“Alya, what’s going on?” Marinette asks, pulling her Class Representative binder out of her bag and opening it up to the seating chart, hurriedly starting to scribble on it. “This could be bad. It’s the first day back at school, so everyone’s gonna wanna tell stories about what happened over the break, and everyone’s sitting beside their boyfriends and girlfriends and best friends and this could really make the class’s productivity suffer, especially if I’m sitting next to Adrien-”

“Girl! Girl, relax!” Alya puts her hands on Marinette’s. “There we go, I’m just gonna take this away.” she pries the binder out of Marinette’s hands and closes it. “There we go. Now, one word at a time, girl.”

“Why are the seats all different?” Marinette asks, keeping her arms at her side.

“Oh…you were late again,” Alya says.

“Did you…not notice?” Marinette asks meekly, starting to feel very small…and also trying to be very small, to stop that rude voice in her head from making itself known through a snide remark.

“Sorry, girl, I’ve been trying to do the seating arrangements!” Alya says, and Marinette sees that Alya is fixing the seating chart herself, and Marinette is alone in the back.

“Why?” Marinette asks.

“Well, now that she’s got a hearing issue, there's no way she can sit at the back of the class, right? Which means she needed a place up in the front.” Nino says.

“So to make it work Ivan sat next to Mylene, Nathaniel sat next to Alix, and she came up with the idea of moving Nino here, so now we get to spend more time together!” Alya explains.

“By “she,” do you mean Mme. Bustier?” Marinette asks. “Wait, no, that wouldn’t make sense…so it’d be a student…”

As if on cue, Bustier enters the classroom with a smile on her face. “Good morning, students. I'm sure you've all heard by now, but Lila suffered an injury during the break.”

“Hello, everyone!” Lila says happily, and the class greets her.

Ah…so she’s the one manipulating this. She’s going back to Adrien, it looks like. Marinette’s Superego snides.

I have bigger things to worry about than Lila, though! But I do feel like she left me out of the loop on purpose… Marinette’s Id adds.

“Oh, a seat in the front row! You all remembered my hearing issue! You're such sweethearts, all of you.” Lila says, blowing kisses.

“I didn’t realize you had a hearing problem, Lila,” Marinette says.

“Yes, on my vacation I developed it by saving a kitten from an airplane runway!” she explains. “I later learned it was Jagged Stone’s kitten, and he was ever-so thankful!”

“Doesn’t he have a crocodile?” Marinette asks, as innocently and curiously as she can manage.

“Well he does, he only had the kitten for a little bit. It ran away so much!” she said. “The best part is, Adrien…” Lila turns to the boy, now avoiding Marinette’s questions. “Since you're such an excellent student, you'll be able to help tutor me, won’t you? I feel like I might actually be falling behind the rest of the class, grades-wise. Would you do that for me?”

“Sure, Lila.” Adrien shrugs.

“Okay, but…why wasn’t I told?” Marinette asks.

“It’s so embarrassing, but…I never actually gave you my number, I realized over the break! I had given it to everyone else, I suppose I just assumed I had it, and by the time I realized, it was too late.” Lila fauxs sadness.

“Then why didn’t someone else tell me?” Marinette asks.

“Marinette, is it truly that important?” Bustier asks. “Everything’s been solved!”

“But I’m the Class Rep, I’m supposed to have some sort of input on these things, and now I’m in the back of the class-”

“Do you have any trouble hearing or seeing, Marinette?” Bustier asks. 

“Well, no, but-”

“Then I don’t see the problem here.” Busiter smiles, and Marinette grips her phone tighter.

This is where you draw the line? You draw it when it’s me? The Superego snarls.

“My eyesight and hearing are good,” Adrien says, standing up. “I'll sit in the back of the class and you two can sit up front. I don't mind.”

“No!” Marinette says quickly, and Lila seems to be able to catch the tail end of Marinette’s exclamation to make it seem like she says it at the same time, leading into some false weeping.

“My return is causing so much trouble, maybe I should have just stayed on the other side of the world. If Marinette has an issue too, then I should be the one to go and sit in the back. It's okay.” she says, and the class turns to look at Marinette.

“Now, hang on, the seating isn’t my actual problem, it’s that-” Marinette tries to explain herself.

“Good, so there’s no problem then.” Bustier interrupts her with finality, and Marinette flinches. “You sit there, Lila, Adrien, you stay where you are,” she says.

“Girl, this is my bad,” Alya says softly and hands Marinette back her binder. “I thought you knew, too, otherwise I totally would have texted you!”

“It’s okay, Alya.” Marinette smiles. “It’s not your fault.” As she begins to walk, she hears a honeyed voice nearby.

“You could sit next to me. ” Chloe offers, as though she’s offering an olive branch with a beehive at the end of it. A message offering an alliance, another opportunity to return to what once was.

That’s been getting more tempting lately. The Superego grumbles.

But I’m stronger than that. The Id concludes.

Marinette continues to walk and sits at the back of the class…alone.

~=~

The window opens, and Hawkmoth grins. “Ah, the cesspool of emotions that is Lycee. And already, I feel my target’s emotions churning! That entire school is linked with friends caring for each other. Their akumatizations couldn’t necessarily break others…but if I akumatize Marinette Dupain-Cheng, it’ll create a domino effect! Already, I can feel her classmates’ regret for excluding her! Her despair is their despair.” He corrupts a butterfly. “Fly away, my little akuma, and set her devastating anger free! Cascade the negativity into a new Scarlet Day!”

~=~

If I try to say something, people just get angry. Marinette takes deep breaths while the Superego festers. If I yell at someone, they’ll just get akumatized. The Id whispers.

~=~

“Strange, her emotions are fading. It seems she has experience with pushing such anger down.” Hawkmoth states. “No matter…anger never goes away, it only festers. Be patient, little akuma. When her emotions unravel, so too shall Paris!”

~=~

At lunchtime, Alya, Marinette, and Nino are grabbing food together. As they walk, Marinette sees Lila sitting at a table with the rest of the class surrounding her…people giving her food.

“I’m sorry I can’t carry my own tray! It’s almost impossible with this sprained wrist.” Lila claims. Marinette considered walking past, holding her tray with one hand…but decided that that might be going too far.

“She’s getting gutsier,” Marinette mutters.

“What’d you say, Mari?” Alya asks.

“I-” Marinette pauses. Alya’s never believed her before. Why would she now? She thought it was jealousy before. And then, when Lila started to try and get closer to Marinette, Alya thought it was paranoia about a new girl showing some interest in her…after Chloe. On rare occasions, Marinette regrets confiding that fact in Alya, but in other days, she regrets ever having that selfish thought.

Alya’s my best friend! Surely she’d hear me out, at least once. The Id almost pleads to the universe.

“I just don’t think Lila’s being entirely truthful,” Marinette says.

“This again?” Alya frowns.

“Why do you think that?” Nino asks.

“I mean, I guess it started with the whole Ladybug thing. She’s an enigma, you now? Even you think so, Alya.” Marinette says. “I guess I can’t see the heroine of Paris with a civilian best friend…”

“People are complicated, Marinette! New info comes out about the heroes all the time. Maybe Ladybug needs a bestie in her life! I mean, she can’t exactly confide in Chat Noir. ” Alya remarks.

She can and she has. Id and Superego agree, on rare occasion.

“Besides, a good reporter always verifies her sources. Can you prove she doesn't actually know Ladybug?” Alya asks, and something in Marinette…well, doesn’t snap, more like a crease has formed in the dam.

“What would that even look like?! Proof that someone doesn’t know another person?! You should be looking for proof she does know her!” Marinette snaps with a crueler tone than intended, causing Nino and Alya to look shocked by the uncharacteristic outburst.

No, no, that tone of voice is for when I’m Ladybug. Marinette is kind, Marinette is quiet, Marinette makes people smile so Ladybug doesn’t have to fight…

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell…” Marinette says.

“It’s cool, girl! It’s the first day back.” Alya nervously reassures her. “You’re just a little stressed after the seating thing. Trust me, I’ll make sure nothing ever slips by you again!”

“...thank you, Alya.” Marinette says softly.

I’m surrounded by idiots. I should put them all in their place.

But I don’t want anyone getting hurt. I’d just be making work for myself and Chat.

They deserve to know the truth.

They don’t deserve akumatization.

“I’m going to the bathroom.” Marinette stands up and walks away.

~=~

“Yes, close in, my akuma! She is mere moments from becoming our perfect prey.”

~=~

Marinette is staring in the mirror in the bathroom, trying to prevent herself from a breakdown. She is thinking hard, and going back and forth with herself.

“Marinette? Are you crying?” Lila enters the room, and Marinette, emotionless, turns to her.

“No, I’m not,” she says curtly.

“I can sense you don’t like me,” Lila says, not hiding her disappointment well, “but I don't understand why!” She says innocently. “I’ve been trying to be your friend for so long, and it feels like we take one step forward and two steps back! Don't tell me it's because of this new seating arrangement in class!” Marinette tries to drown her out, and begins to apply makeup in the mirror. “It is, isn’t it? Of course, you're jealous because I'm sitting next to Adrien, because you would've given anything to sit there yourself. You know what? It's really not worth fighting over a boy. You and I could be best friends , and who knows, I might even be able to help you with Adrien!” she says.

“I don’t care about sitting next to Adrien. I care about you lying to my friends. So stop, and we won’t have a problem.” Marinette leaves a silent threat in the air.

“I’m not lyi-” Lila says, but she stops when she sees the glare Marinette gives her.

“I can’t directly prove the tinnitus or the wrist, but I can prove your lack of connection to celebrities, as well as where you actually were these past few weeks,” Marinette explains, and Lila flinches, her mask shaken. It’s clear why- Lila knows well that Marinette is almost as well-connected as Lila pretends to be.

“Marinette, I think we got off on the wrong foot,” Lila’s stance changes, no longer looking like the innocent and meek girl she pretends to be. The real Lila stands before Marinette, a more confident smile on her face across the only person to truly call her out. “I’m not bad person! I just tell people what they want to hear.”

“And what about Zombizou? We both know you were the one who framed Chloe for that. It completely offput what everyone thought of her. She’s been trying to be better.” Marinette scolds.

“Well, Chloe isn’t a friend.” Lila chuckles. “It should make it easy for you to see that being my friend has its benefits. If you like me, everyone else will, too!”

“I don’t need lies for people to like me,” Marinette frowns.

“And that’s why you’re better than Adrien!” Lila grins.

“What?” Marinette blinks.

“The only reason I latched onto Adrien is because I thought the rich, popular kid was my gateway to greatness. I was gonna use him to get to Chloe, before I knew the truth…now I see that your school flips everything on it’s head! Adrien is loved, and it’d be dandy to use him…but he’s only a Plan B, now.” Lila creeps uncomfortably close to Marinette. “You are far better! Cute, petite Marinette Dupain-Cheng…secretly making clothes that rival the Agreste line.”

“How do you…?”

“Know that you’re MDC? It’s just your initials, it’s not hard to figure out…but sending in a double to Fashion Day was smart. She even acted like you.” Lila bows her head, almost in…respect? “Very cunning.”

Marinette had not, in fact, sent a body double to Fashion Day. She’d been experimenting with her “Quantum Mask” face paint, starting off by using it as normal paint on a mask. It worked like a charm. Only those she expressly told her identity to, or those who directly saw her put on or remove the mask, were able to tell it was really her.

“And that’s precisely my point! You and I, we’re not so different, Marinette.” Lila grins. “That glare you give me…it’s so unlike the girl you show everyone else.”

“We are not the same.” Marinette scowls. “I despise people who hide the truth.”

“Come on, Marinette, we both know that’s not true. Your bestie is the Ladyblogger! Those heroes have more secrets and lies than even I can fathom. You don’t hate them, do you?” Lila challenges.

How dare you compare yourself to Chat Noir and I! The Superego snarls. But you want the truth? Here’s a truth bomb that’ll shut you up.

“I despise Ladybug every day for not having the courage to scream the truth from the rooftops. Maybe if everyone knew who she was, Hawkmoth would stop targeting innocent civilians and focus on the source…” Marinette’s most intrusive thoughts emerge from her mouth.

They don’t seem to have the desired effect- if anything, Lila looks excited by the prospect of Marinette hating Ladybug.

“Don’t you see? That’s what I’m talking about! Sure, it’s a bit goody-two-shoes, but we can work on it!” Lila goads. “Marinette, if you and I joined forces, we could rule this school- and even more when we graduate! Just think of it- your raw, incredible talent and my marvelous charisma.”

“I’ve no intent of “ruling the world” with you, Lila.” Marinette scowls.

“And what choice do you have?” Lila’s grin becomes manic. “If you don’t accept, you’ll wind up in the same boat as Chloe! No teachers, no friends, no Alya, no Adrien. You’ll have nobody.”

“I’ll-”

“You’ll what? Expose me?” Lila laughs. “Yeah, that’s served you well so far. Logic won’t work, Marinette! When people hear what they wanna hear, denial is a powerful thing. Really, your impressive intelligence is another reason I’d want you. All we have to do is take Adrien up on his little offer to move to the back…then you and I could sit next to each other, and be the best of friends! Or more.” she winks, and it makes Marinette’s guts curdle.

“I will never play along with your games.” Marinette stands her ground.

“Then I’ll go for Adrien.” Lila threatens, and Marinette’s eyes widen. “He’s still influential. Less long-term positivity than I could get with you…but I can still milk him for a lot!” She snickers. “And he’s such a pushover… it’ll almost be sad, not staring into a fire like the one in your eyes right now.”

“Lila, if you touch him, I swear to God…” Marinette growls.

“I’ll give you to the end of the day!” Lila struts to the bathroom door, a smile plastered on her face as she whips her hair back. “It’ll be up to you, Marinette! It’s you or Adrien.”

As Lila leaves the bathroom, Marinette shakes in anger. “That…that…woman…” Marinette clutches her fists tight, unaware of the fluttering behind her as Superego and Id argue for control…and the Superego’s rage is winning.

~=~

“Yes, it’s emerging!” Hawkmoth grins. “I’ve never felt such a wellspring of suppressed emotions! Go, my akuma! Nothing will stop this now!”

~=~

“Marinette, look out!” Tikki explains, and Marinette’s eyes widen as she turns and backs away.

“An akuma-!” she gasps in fear.

~=~

“Hey, Lila,” Adrien says, and Lila puts on a crocodile smile.

“Adrien, we'll have to figure out when you're gonna tutor me! I also heard you play piano, my uncle's the great pianist Chuch Boroughchuck. He wanted to teach me when I was little, but I had to stop playing because of arthritis. But when my wrist gets better, I'd love for you to give me some lessons!” she explains.

“Lila, I’m happy being friends with you, and I’ll help you with schoolwork, but please don’t lie to me anymore,” Adrien says. “Like with Ladybug.”

Lila’s eye twitches, but her smile smooths. “Oh, you must understand, Ladybug was just trying to protect me from Hawkmoth! She didn’t mean what she said-”

“I’m not judging you, Lila.” Adrien interrupts. “I know plenty of people who lie and break their promises. But if you keep going like this, people will turn against you one day. You can tell me if there’s something bothering you, I can help.” he smiles. “But you need to be honest with me.”

Lila’s smile turns to a bored frown. “Ugh, cut the niceties… you really are less fun than she is.”

“She…?”

“Nevermind!” Lila fakes a smile and starts to strut away. “See you in class, Adrien!”

“I’m still here if you need help catching up,” Adrien calls after her before walking away.

~=~

“Where are the emotions?!” Hawkmoth exclaims. “They just vanished, that’s not possible!”

~=~

Marinette breathes steadily, slumped against a wall, the akuma mere inches from her face. Soon, it flies away, and Marinette sighs in relief.

“How did you do that, Marinette?” Tikki asks.

“I just…pushed everything down,” Marinette says, and puts a hand on her chest. “I wasn’t even sure that would work…”

“That’s very dangerous, Marinette!” Tikki warns. “If you lose control of your emotions after bottling them up so much, it might turn you into a dangerously powerful akuma!”

“What choice do I have, Tikki?” Marinette asks. “It’s either bottle up my emotions and hope that I don’t get akumatized, or give into an akumatization and doom Paris!”

Tikki quiets after that, looking terribly worried for her wielder, and Marinette sighs.

“We need to get the akuma before it catches someone else. Tikki, Spots On!” Marinette orders, transforming into Ladybug.

~=~

Paris is very different from what I thought. Lila thinks to herself. Marinette will prove to be good fun, but I’ll have to get creative if I want to play with Adrien. Ugh, and then there’s those heroes…I can’t stand people like them.

Lila stops walking and blinks as she sees an akuma fluttering aimlessly.

That’s an akuma! But…Alya says akumas are released with a target already in mind, it’s how Hawkmoth’s Miraculous is supposed to work…unless… Lila smiles. Oh, how perfect.

Lila grabs the akuma and shoves it into her earring.

“Hawkmoth, I am Lila. I know you want to destroy Ladybug, and I think we can come to an arrangement.” Lila grins.

“Yes, I remember you,” Hawkmoth says, and she can hear the grin on his face.

“Return the powers of Volpina to me, and I’ll put them to better use than before,” Lila promises. “I have a plan, and I’ve got a deal for you…”

~=~

Adrien is emerging from the locker room, and he sees Lila approach. “Hey-” he greets, but she pushes him into the locker room. “What the?!”

“Sorry. Adrien, I wanted to apologize for what just happened. I've thought about it, and you're right. I want us to be friends, so I'll never tell another lie again. Will you make peace with me?” Lila asks, and Adrien’s about to answer, but she smiles a too-wide grin, and orange light fills Adrien’s vision, giving way to a multicolored kaleidoscope filling his vision!

His senses overwhelmed in a manner of seconds, Adrien collapses to the ground as the form of Lila shifts, her hair growing shorter, then blonde, and her eyes shifting to the proper green color, orange smoke surrounding her to change her clothes.

“Whoops, I lied!” Volpina cackles with Adrien’s voice and pushes Adrien into a locker. Conjuring an Illusion Ball into her hand, she presses it into the corner locker, making the entire thing look like it’s not even there!

“These powers might not be as potent as Rena Rouge, but combined with my cunning, they’ll serve me well.” She snickers.

Volpina walks through the school, grinning as she sees Nino. “Nino, I have something to tell you. You don't deserve my friendship, or your girlfriend, or your cap!” she takes the cap and laughs, and everyone around scowls at her. “You should see your faces! Now, where is Marinette~?” she starts to walk across the railing like a tightrope, when all of a sudden, the ground shakes! “What the-?!” Volpina trips and faceplants into the ground below!

“Ugh…what was that?” Volpina grumbles.

~=~

“Adrien? Adrien? Oh, please be okay!” Plagg says, and Adrien groans as he wakes up.

“Plagg?!” he exclaims, seeing all the lockers around him singed to ash, the echoes of cataclysm covering the ground.

“Oh, thank goodness it worked!” Plagg sighs in relief and hugs Adrien’s cheek.

“What did you do?!” Adrien exclaims.

“I tried to cataclysm the illusion overwhelming you! It worked, but it…kinda spread around.” he states, and Adrien hugs him.

“Good job, Plagg!” Adrien grins. Kwamis using their powers may occasionally lead to disaster, but Adrien trusts Plagg. He’s used his powers on occasion to make sure Adrien is safe or to cover for him- back during Gorizilla, he cataclysmed the building to make it seem like Chat Noir was on the scene. Fu didn’t out him to Ladybug for this, but made Adrien promise to never do it again, unless it’s an absolute emergency.

Even if Plagg doesn’t always follow those directions, Adrien never snitches so long as it’s worth it- and to stop whatever Lila’s become, it certainly is!

“Now, let’s go stop her! Plagg, Claws Out!” Adrien cries, transforming into Chat Noir!

~=~

As Volpina stands up, she gasps as she sees Ladybug touch down in the courtyard in front of her!

She’s here already?! Well, there goes that plan…

Volpina turns and leaps away with all her strength!

~=~

“Is everyone okay?” Ladybug asks. “I heard a boom, so that would mean…has anyone seen the-?!”

As if to answer the question she didn’t yet have to ask, she sees Adrien in the back of the crowd, wearing an earring and Nino’s cap, leaping with the athleticism of a superhero- or an akuma!

Steeling herself, Ladybug swings after the villain! And boy, does this one make a lot of work for Ladybug. Saving civilian after civilian, Ladybug tails the False Adrien all the way to the Eiffel Tower! He leaps off the tower, and Ladybug swings down and catches him, bringing him to the ground below the Eiffel!

“My Princess Charming, you’ve saved my life!” “Adrien” leans in to kiss her, and she scowls and drops him.

“You are not Adrien Agreste,” Ladybug frowns.

“It’s Volpina!” Chat Noir lands behind the akuma, readying his weapon. “Who else would weave illusions like this?”

“True enough!” The akuma backflips onto their feet. “It’s my big comeback, Ladybug! Now that I don’t have to pretend to be one of you, you and Chat Noir lost your advantage!”

It’s truly telling that that’s what Volpina thinks- though they’re not entirely wrong. The primary contributor to Volpina’s previous loss was her lack of knowledge on being a Miraculous Wielder- she didn’t know how the Miraculous worked, couldn’t create com links, her weapon didn’t seem to work like theirs…and to top it off, she didn’t even know what a kwami was. She was found out quickly, and even though she tried to split up Ladybug and Chat Noir, she seemed to forget they were still linked up, which was ultimately her downfall.

“I’ll be glad to put your overblown ego in its place.” Ladybug twirls her yoyo around. “Last I checked, none of those perfume ads had an earring.”

“Ugh, these akumatized objects…such a giveaway.” Volpina huffs and tosses Nino’s hat to the side.

Chat Noir and Ladybug leap at Volpina, and Volpina primes a pair of Illusion Orbs in her hands! They throw them, orb after orb, aiming to overload the senses of the heroes, but they expertly deflect and dodge them! The two of them have trained tirelessly, more than any other hero, because they know that if either one of them are compromised, it can spell disaster.

They continue to clash against Volpina, and start to drive her into a corner against one of the Eiffel’s legs!

“You can’t win, Volpina!” Chat Noir declares.

“Maybe you’re right…” Volpina looks afraid, backed into a corner, hurriedly removing their earring. “Here, just take it! End it here!”

The heroes look at each other, and seem to share the same thought: we can’t trust her.

“Cataclysm,” Chat Noir declares, compressing the baton into a disc in his palm and letting the dark energy emerge from it. He slowly walks forward. “If you wanna hand it over, do so slowly…”

Volpina smiles innocently using Adrien’s perfect face and holds the earring out…before throwing it into the air! Realizing she might try to catch it, Ladybug swings her yoyo towards the earring!

The capture function usually only works on akumas, but for something as small as the earring, I might be able to-

Volpina’s hand then reaches upward and extends using her new shapeshifting abilities!

“Too slow, heroes!” Volpina mocks, and drops the earring down…and the heroic duo is helpless and speechless as the earring lands in her mouth, and she swallows it!

“No akumatized object to break…means you can’t beat me!” Volpina grins.

“W-what do we do?!” Chat Noir asks Ladybug.

“I…I don’t…” Ladybug wracks her brain for an answer.

“Well, clearly, we just gotta destroy the object!” Volpina says, now the spitting image of Ladybug, mocking them as she front flips over them, landing next to Chat! “Come on, Chaton, I know you can do it.” she grins. “All you gotta do is drive that cataclysm into my stomach!”

“G-get away from me!” Chat Noir backs up in fear.

“Figures you don’t have the guts,” Volpina mocks. “I suppose that was the only flaw in my performance on Heroes’ Day.”

“So that was you.” Ladybug scowls.

“Guilty as charged! You two have seen first-hand how quickly on a dime the public can turn on a sap…and that’s why you’re never going to win,” she smirks, then holds up an Illusion Ball. “I have some havoc to cause. Ta-ta!” She throws it up, releasing a smoke bomb that fills the vision of the heroes!

Hurriedly, Chat Noir swings his claw forward, focusing his cataclysm to destroy the smoke, breaking it down in a chain reaction. But when the smoke is cleared, Volpina is already gone.

“What do we do? She could be anywhere, and anyone!” Chat expresses in worry.

“We…need to find her,” Ladybug says. “Go recharge, then com link up,” Ladybug pushes her earpiece in. “So long as we hear each other, she can’t pretend she’s one of us.”

“You got it!” Chat Noir nods and vaults away, and Ladybug swings up to higher ground, scanning the grounds around the Eiffel Tower.

Where are you…

~=~

“Good work so far, Volpina. Now that you can’t be eliminated, Ladybug and Chat Noir will have no chance against you! The Miraculous will be mine!” Hawkmoth declares in Volpina’s mind.

“I’m not so naive, Hawkmoth,” Volpina says while in hiding, “I’ll do what I can to take down Ladybug and Chat Noir, but they’re clever. Just remember our deal.”

“Hmph. Just focus on the task at hand.” Hawkmoth orders indignantly.

~=~

Ladybug swings around the Eiffel, looking for any sign of the chaos Volpina is prone to cause. After trying to help a child, the disguised Volpina sends a kaleidoscopic barrage at Ladybug! Chat Noir gets in the way, taking the brunt of the light!

“No!” Ladybug exclaims.

“Haha! One down, one to-” Volpina says, but Chat Noir snarls and starts to swing wildly around him.

“Cataclysm!” he declares, pressing the baton into a disc in his hand, and keeps the dark energy flowing! “Even if I can’t see or hear you, I’ll make sure you can’t win!”

“Wha- he’s not unconscious?!” Volpina exclaims. “I thought I boosted the illusions enough for you wielders, since you’re resistant to magical assault…” She primes even brighter spheres in her hands. “This time, I won’t make that mistake.”

“Oh, no, you don’t!” Ladybug frowns. Throwing her yoyo forward, Ladybug wraps it around Chat Noir’s torso and yanks him backward! Throwing him away from Volpina, he lands somewhere across Paris, out of eyeline!

“Chat Noir, if you can hear me, just lay low until you’re okay!” Ladybug says into her earpiece, and spins her yoyo into a barrier just in time to stop another assault of illusion orbs!

“Just me and you now, Ladybug!” Volpina grins. “You can’t fight me forever!”

“Not, not forever,” Ladybug says as she leaps onto a building, leading Volpina across the park. “After all, I’ve only got five minutes. Lucky Charm!”

Ladybug throws her yoyo into the air, and the magic of her power conjures a fishing rod! It lands in her hand, and Ladybug realizes it’s one of those toy fishing rods for carnival games- it has a magnet at the end. On the tip of the magnet, painted on subtly, is the Guardian’s Crest.

“Ladybug, I think I’m starting to come to…” Chat Noir says through the earpiece. “When you swung away, I did my best to cataclysm the illusion itself. It wasn’t easy, but I think I’m okay.”

“Good. Chat Noir, I have a plan. Listen closely…” Ladybug instructs.

~=~

Volpina continues to lurk, now in the guise of a random woman, and grins as she sees Ladybug swinging back by the Eiffel! She races after her and leaps up to throw another barrage of illusions! Ladybug sees her and deflects them, landing beneath the Eiffel!

“You can’t dodge forever, Ladybug!” Volpina turns to escape back into the crowd, but Ladybug uses her yoyo as a lasso to pull her back under the Eiffel!

“And you can’t run forever!” Ladybug swings out her yoyo one last time, surrounding the Eiffel’s legs in a spiderweb of netting to trap both Ladybug and Volpina beneath the tower.

Volpina laughs. “Your earrings are still ticking down…you really think you can beat me before you turn back? When you don’t even have your yoyo?”

“Let’s find out!” Ladybug cracks her knuckles.

Ladybug and Volpina leap into battle against each other! Volpina transforms into heroes and villains alike- she may not have their powers, but a constantly changing muscle mass should help her get a leg up on Ladybug!

While she’s in the form of Antibug, mocking Ladybug, a black blur comes down and hits her back, Chat Noir on the scene! Volpina launches more illusion spheres, but Chat Noir protects himself while Ladybug rushes forward and kicks Volpina in the stomach!

As Volpina throws her head back and howls out in pain, she feels something sharp impact her back.

“Venom!”

The paralysis keeps her in place, and Queen Bee steps out from behind Volpina with a smile.

“Sorry I was late!” Chat smiles. “The Bourgeois have a whole panic room set up after Heroes’ Day.”

“This was a risk, but one we had to take under the circumstances,” Ladybug says, and Volpina is helpless as Ladybug lowers the magnetic fishing hook down her throat, and pulls the earring out. It’s so uncomfortable, and Volpina can’t so much as cough!

“Naturally, I’ll be available whenever you need me, Ladybug!” Queen Bee says in that haughty, Chloe voice of hers.

“We’ll see what happens.” Ladybug smiles. “You’ve proven yourself to me as a dependable superhero, Queen Bee.” She compliments, and the way that heiress just beams at the praise makes Volpina wish she could gag.

“I assume you’ve recharged. Would you like to do the honors, Chat?” Ladybug asks.

“With pleasure, m’lady! Cataclysm.” Chat Noir reaches for the earring.

Come on, Hawkmoth, hold up your end of the deal… Volpina mentally growls.

~=~

Hawkmoth growls as he sees Volpina’s failure.

“I’m taking a gamble on you, Volpina.” Hawkmoth snaps his fingers. “Don’t make me regret it.”

~=~

Ladybug watches as the energy around the earring dissipates while Chat Noir disintegrates it, and Volpina returns to normal…without an akuma?

“That’s strange…” Ladybug mutters. It’s almost like the akuma was destroyed the moment is emerged…but Cataclysm can only affect one thing at a time, can’t it…?

“Maybe the earring was just fragile? It didn’t look that strong.” Chat Noir says.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if such shoddy craftsmanship broke the second anyone touched it wrong.” Queen Bee scoffs.

“Alright, alright, enough,” Ladybug waves her hand. “The point is, we’ve saved this girl. Queen Bee?”

“Ugh, do I have to?” Queen Bee mutters.

“Yes.” Ladybug and Chat Noir insist.

Queen Bee rolls her eyes and snaps her fingers to dispel the Venom’s effect just as Ladybug throws the fishing rod into the air.

“Miraculous Ladybug!”

As the ladybugs crawl across Paris to heal the damage done, Lila falls to her knees, and Ladybug offers her hand to her.

“Well, now you can truly say I’ve saved you more than once.” Ladybug offers.

“Thank you, Ladybug!” Lila gets up and shakes her hand. “Oh, and perhaps we could be friends for real, too?”

“No,” Ladybug shakes her head and frowns. “A hero can’t have any kind of relationship with a civilian, no matter how innocent. Hawkmoth will target anyone to get what he wants.”

Yes…I’d like nothing than to tell people who I am. My Parents, Alya, Chat Noir…but if I do, Hawkmoth would hurt so many people, and I probably wouldn’t even have Master Fu to aid me anymore.

I still feel like a coward, though.

“Oh, you’re so selfless, Ladybug!” Lila walks away. “I’ll take your heroism to heart!”

“Ugh, so fake.” Queen Bee gags.

“Alright, Chloe, let’s get the Miraculous back.” Chat rolls his eyes.

“I have to go now, guys. See you next akuma!” Ladybug says.

“Ah, ah, ah! Aren’t you forgetting something?” Chat grins, and Ladybug thinks for a second, before smiling and rolling her eyes.

“Pound it!” the three heroes fist bump.

~=~

“Of course Ladybug saved me so quickly! It was hard, but she managed to beat Hawkmoth’s horrid control over me.” Lila boasts, and from afar, Marinette watches the scene, holding her phone, and Adrien sees what’s on it- she’s drafting up a list of lies.

“You’re going to tell everyone?” he asks.

“I have to.” Marinette insists. “If I don’t do something, Lila’s just going to-”

“Lie, I know.” Adrien says. “But do you really think exposing her will make things better? If you humiliate her, she'll just be hurt more. Making a bad guy suffer has never turned them into a good guy…” Adrien explains.

“So we just stand by and let her lie?” Marinette asks.

“As long as you and I both know the truth, does it matter?” He asks with a smile.

Of course it matters! The Superego snarls. People could get hurt.

But what Lila said was true. No one will listen to me- and Adrien wouldn’t stand up for us, by the looks of things. The Id retorts.

Agh, but who cares? I can probably find a way to get her out of here. To never have to see her again! Maybe…maybe Chloe… Intrusive thoughts fuel the Superego.

But that’d be wrong. Chloe’s made such great progress! I can’t risk that for my own selfishness.

Back and forth, Superego and Id argue, the Superego slowly suppressed as Marinette deletes her list. She plasters a calm smile on her face.

“You’re right…maybe it’s not such a big deal,” she says hesitantly…but the darkest corner of her heart begins to whisper intrusive nothings as the smile on Marinette’s face widens into a grin.

Hmm…maybe I can beat Lila at her own game. You wanna be friends, Lila? Sure. I can show you where friendship gets you.

~=~

The very next day, everyone sits in their newly designated seats. As Marinette prepares for a new semester at a table all to herself, her thoughts swirl around in her mind.

I’m just letting her do this to Adrien. Because I’m scared of her ruining my life. Because I’m sad about the words Adrien said to be. Because I’m angry at everyone for not believing me. Because I need her to think she’s winning. But beyond all else, it’s because I’m selfish. Selfish for this anger, for this fear, for it all! I’m selfish, selfish, selfish…

“Good for you for taking the high road, Marinette.” Adrien smiles, and Marinette’s eyes widen as she realizes Adrien has sat down next to her! “Hey, it’s pretty cool back here.”

Marinette blushes a bit. It’s clearly something that both she and Lila hadn’t considered- that maybe Lila would have to sit alone in the front row. What happens next surprises them even more.

“Mme. Bustier?” Alya asks. “I think we may actually need to redo all the seats, with Marinette’s help this time.”

“Why’s that, Alya?” Bustier asks.

“Marinette was right yesterday! Most of the couples can’t stop chatting. I hardly heard you call attendance!” Alya admits.

Marinette smiles warmly as everyone starts to move back to their original seats, and once Alya and Marinette are next to each other, Alya gives her a warm smile.

“I may not know what this whole beef is about, but I got your back, girl.” Alya smiles.

Alya may be a bit gullible…but she’s got a good heart. Marinette knows that she’ll always have her back.

~=~

After a brief lie about the Miracle Cure curing her tinnitus, Lila is looking down at the class with wonder. Marinette didn’t even have to say a word before everything went back to her perfect normal.

They’re both good options…I’ll just have to work on both and see how that turns out! Lila smiles to herself. And it’ll be easy, with my end of the deal…

Lila recalls the deal she made with Hawkmoth.

“Here’s the deal. Before my defeat in this akuma, recall the akuma. That way, I’ll keep my memories- I know that’s how it works from what the Ladyblog says.” Lila had ordered. This’ll make us accomplices. And all I really ask is that you send me an akuma whenever I need one.”

“And what do I get in exchange? Your track record in getting the Miraculous isn’t exactly stellar.” Hawkmoth had retorted.

“I think we both know who your target was today, Hawkmoth. Make this deal, and I guarantee that before the school year ends, I’ll have broken Marinette down for you. She will get you your Miraculous.”

Even now, Hawkmoth’s laughter echoes in Lila’s ears.

“It’s a deal, Volpina.”

Chapter Text

On a bright weekend day, Marinette is designing! She’s on a kick, so she’s listening to music with wireless earbuds and doing as much work as she possibly can before she burns out for the day. But the music hits a cut, and she walks towards her computer to skip the ad, stopping short when she realizes it’s the trailer for the new movie: “Chat Noir and Ladybug!”

Oh! It’s the trailer! The Id chitters. I’ve actually been looking forward to seeing it.

“She's scared of cats, but powerless without this feline.” The ad begins. “Chat Noir and Ladybug: two heroes facing their destiny. Coming soon to theaters.”

The ad ends, and her music continues.

“...more of a teaser than a trailer,” Marinette mutters.

~=~

In Adrien’s room, he watches an interview with Thomas Astruc on his tablet.

“The real Chat Noir and Ladybug both declined an invitation to tonight’s premiere, but I hope that they’ll love my movie as much as we love them.” Astruc proclaims.

The interview is minimized while Nadja Chamak comes into view. “The premiere will be attended by many illustrious guests, from our local icons such as Gabriel Agreste and Jagged Stone, to people working on the movie themselves, such as Adrien Agreste, the voice of Chat Noir!”

“I was looking forward to this,” Adrien sighs as he puts himself together, “but the Startain’s construction has been delayed. My Aunt and Cousin were supposed to come…I haven’t seen my cousin since we were kids,” he explains to Plagg.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever!” Plagg rolls his eyes. “At least I’ll get to see this travesty with my own eyes.”

“It’s not… that bad,” Adrien says.

“Kid, your history book retellings are never as good or accurate. I refuse to suspend my disbelief.” Plagg scoffs, and Adrien rolls his eyes.

~=~

Marinette is wearing a modest outfit for her job at the premiere, catering the event with her parents. As she helps her parents bring things in, she can overhear the news cameras outside. Marinette knows well that people are sensitive, especially at big fancy parties, so she keeps her eye out.

“Don’t be bemused, it’s just the news!” Nadja Chamak says. 

Nadja Chamak: formerly “Prime Queen.” Emotional weakness: her job. If the night’s too boring, or the movie’s too bad, her ratings will suffer, endangering her emotional state. She’s friends with Maman, so hopefully being around friends will help.

“Nadja Chamack, coming to you live from the premiere we've all been waiting for: the brand new animated movie of the adventures of Chat Noir and Ladybug!” Nadja announces. “The gorgeous Clara Nightingale, who sang all the songs in the movie, has just arrived!”

Clara walks in, and soon the director follows.

Clara Nightingale: formerly “Frightingale.” Emotional weakness: discouragement. Clara’s a ray of sunshine who’s nonetheless used to getting what she wants, and when everything she’s worked for is in jeopardy, her emotional state would be compromised. If the movie flops, or too much pressure is put on her songs, it could spell disaster.

“I was wondering, sir,” the Doorman asks M. Astruc, “What are Ladybug and Chat Noir really like?”

“Oh, we didn’t actually interact with them for the movie. It’s all animation, you see.” M. Astruc says before heading inside.

“The guests are all arriving,” Tom says to Marinette. “Are you sure you don’t want to run home and get your mask? It’s probably not too late for MDC to make a surprise appearance!” he whispers with a smile, and Marinette smiles back at her caring Papa.

“I’d much prefer spending the day with you two,” Marinette says with a smile and helps them carry the trays inside.

“Oh, our little girl’s spreading her wings.” Tom wipes a tear from his eye.

“And you’ve done so well with your balance lately!” Sabine smiles. “It’s been a while since we’ve had to buy a new box of bandages.”

It’s true, Marinette used to be quite the klutz. But after becoming Ladybug, Marinette began to train herself both in and out of the suit. She had to! The suit makes up for a lot, since it increases her physical abilities, but if she wanted to be on top of her game, she needed her skills out of the suit to be better, too. That way, she’d have perfect reflexes as Ladybug! She may have her moments, where her body moves faster than her mind can catch up with, and she ends up barreling into someone or something…but in a calm environment, or in action where she can focus on a single objective, she can move with the poise and grace of a ballerina. As Marinette walks, she overhears Jagged Stone talking to the Director, Thomas Astruc.

Jagged Stone: formerly Guitar Villain. Emotional weakness: some think it’s irrelevance, but it’s actually betrayal. Bob Roth’s betrayal of Jagged’s trust combined with no news outlets coming to get Jagged’s story before XY’s press review in the very same building brought him to a breaking point. Luckily, he’s been doing a lot better! Ever since I started designing for him, he’s been all smiles and rock’n’roll.

“Ladybug and Chat Noir are some of my best buds- they even came to a show of mine once!” Jagged Stone says. “I can’t wait to see their movie!”

“Well, I’m- I’m the director, so actually it’s more my movie, so to speak,” Astruc says.

“Oh, so you wrote the story?” Jagged asks, snapping his fingers.

“Well, the screenwriters did that,” Astruc answers. “Inspired by the heroes’ exploits!”

“Well, what about the drawings?” Jagged asks.

“The animators did that,” Astruc answers.

“What do you do, then?” Jagged asks.

“Well, I handle supervision, I organize everything, ensure that we stay on schedule-” Thomas begins, but Marinette gasps as she trips over her own feet, and is caught by Jagged! Hurriedly outstretching her hands, Marinette takes advantage of the saved momentum to save the macarons before they spill!

“Whoo yeah!” Jagged cheers for the girl. “Close call there, Marinette! Now this girl can draw!” Jagged grins, showing off Marinette as a proud family member would. “She’s making it big, all by herself! She designed my killer glasses, my album cover, I bet she even designed that outfit!”

“Jagged, stop!” Marinette chuckles a bit. “Er…macarons?” she asks, holding up the tray.

“You know it!” Jagged grabs a handful and starts scarfing them down. “Best bakery in Paris! I’m tellin’ ya, talent makes talent!”

“Yes, erm…very impressive!” M. Astruc nods and takes a macaron. 

Marinette continues to make her rounds, and her eyes light up a bit as she sees Adrien come in! A blush crosses her face as she realizes he’s wearing the suit and hat he wore at Fashion Day! The suit and hat she designed! She takes a deep breath and walks to restock her tray. She’ll need to make it look nice and pretty, with a handful of Adrien’s favorite flavor. But as she stocks them up, she overhears a nearby conversation.

“You, there! Go fetch me a chocolate macaron, but make sure it's dark chocolate, not milk chocolate. Got that?” Chloe squawks at M. Astruc.

“Mme., I’m not a waiter, I’m the movie Director,” Astruc says, exasperated.

“...ah. I see.” Chloe says, which is the closest thing Astruc will get to an apology. “Wait, so you’re the one responsible for the movie?”

 “Well, yes! That’s me!” Astruc says proudly.

“Well, you’ve got a lot to answer for, Mister!” Chloe scowls, and Astruc looks surprised and confused. “You’re the one that left Queen Bee out of the movie! It doesn’t make any sense, I’m the only hero anyone actually knows anything about, and you leave me out? Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!”

Chloe Bourgeois (alias Queen Bee): formerly Antibug & Queen Wasp (twice). Emotional weakness: A lot of things, but they seem to balance each other out most of the time. The true catalyst for Chloe’s transformations has always had one common theme: apathy. She became Antibug when I scorned her devotion to me, she became Queen Wasp when her Mother scorned her devotion to her, and she became Queen Wasp again during Heroes’ Day when she was forced to fight her Mother, Father, and Butler- her family - and they acted as though they didn’t care about her.

If Queen Bee is scorned by the movie, then…

“Macaron, Chloe?” Marinette asks with a smile. She had hurriedly arranged Chloe’s favorite treats amid Adrien’s before rushing over. “This one is Dark Chocolate,” she says, and Chloe huffs as she takes it.

“At least you did one good thing hiring Dupain-Cheng as a waitress.” Chloe enjoys her treat.

“He didn’t hire me, I’m here with my parents,” Marinette sighs. While she keeps walking, Chloe starts to follow her.

“So, how does it feel? Knowing that you’ll be washing dishes instead of watching the premier with everyone else?” Chloe questions. There’s no malice behind the statement, not really. Marinette’s found herself understanding Chloe more, just like old times…

And yes, there were old times. Sleepovers and parties and Marinette sneaking Chloe’s favorite treats to her, all while the two would laugh and talk deep into the night, their only company being the night and each other…

But they’re not good for each other! They’re not. Marinette knows that now. And now, Chloe’s trying to see if she can latch onto Marinette. Ever since the two of them called a truce on Fashion Day, Chloe’s been trying to dig her claws into Marinette to see if she’ll stick. To see if maybe Marinette will turn into someone like her, now that she’s got influence…wishful thinking, really.

“I think I’ll be enjoying a bit of quality time with my Parents,” Marinette says confidently.

Chloe scoffs. “Yeah, rub it in…”

“...Chloe, you know I didn’t mean-” Marinette is cut off by Chloe shrieking in fear and hiding behind her, as though Marinette’s petite frame could do anything to hide Chloe Bourgeois in heels.

“Hide me!” Chloe whimpers.

“What is it? An akuma?” Marinette looks around.

“Worse! Her.” Chloe pointed out the door, where Adrien was greeting the Tsurugis. He’s bowed respectfully to Kagami, and it seems like the two are conversing. That’s not unusual- Kagami may not go to their school, but she is a member of the school’s fencing team, and Marinette would say that she and Kagami are friendly acquaintances.

As Class Rep, Marinette makes sure to keep track of everyone’s schedules and help them out when she can, and the first real step was working with Mme. Sanceour over a very long email chain to get Marinette’s hands on Adrien’s schedule, and work around making it reasonable. As such, Marinette knows Adrien’s schedule by heart, as with the rest of the class, so she can perfectly plan for events where they can all be involved…on days Gabriel Agreste doesn’t force Adrien into some unforeseen work, that is. Regardless, Marinette’s taken advantage of a blind spot in the schedule to sneak the fencing team some pastries and extra water every other week. Kagami and Adrien seem to share a reveling in their “cheat day.” And that’s not even mentioning the tension from the ice rink, because it doesn’t require mentioning.

“You know Kagami?” Marinette asks.

“Of course! She’s terrifying.” Chloe whispers in horror.

Marinette sighs. Great, now I’m stuck babysitting Chloe. The Superego grumbles.

~=~

“Adrien, the Tsurugis have arrived,” Nathalie says, and Adrien smiles as he goes to welcome the blind Mme. Tsurugi and her daughter, Kagami. Adrien gives Mme. Tsurugi a traditional greeting and bows to her, and the Tsurugis bow back, and Nathalie holds a tablet with Gabriel’s face on it.

“Gabriel-san,” Tomoe Tsurugi looks towards the tablet, where the sound of Gabriel is coming from. “Per our discussion at our last meeting, I've brought these documents.” She holds them up.

“Excellent, please follow Nathalie where the documents can be looked over and signed.” Gabriel instructs.

Nathalie walks away with the tablet and Mme. Tsurugi, and Adrien smiles toward Kagami.

“I’m glad to see you again, Kagami!” Adrien smiles.

“Me too, Adrien.” Kagami smiles, and she seems to look over Adrien’s shoulder for a moment, and takes Adrien’s arm in hers.

~=~

“You see that?! She’s taking Adrien all for herself!” Chloe is being held back by Marinette with one hand. “Agh! How are you so strong?!”

“Lifting bags of flour,” Marinette half-lies.

“Ugh! Listen,” Chloe turns to Marinette. “We need a plan.”

“What do you mean, a plan?” Marinette arches an eyebrow.

“A plan! You know, a-a seating chart of the theater!” Chloe exclaims. “Come on, show me one!”

“You think I have a seating chart for the screening?” Marinette arches an eyebrow.

“You know everything about everything! Even if your job is just to wash dishes, you’d get a plan of the seating chart just in case someone like me wanted to order something last-minute!” Chloe points out.

Marinette narrows her eyes at Chloe, tsks, then puts down the serving tray and pulls out her phone, revealing the theater’s seating chart ( whilst the superego despises being predictable ), and Chloe snatches the phone from her hands. All the while, Marinette doesn’t let go of Chloe’s jacket.

“Yes! Now, let’s see…” Chloe mutters, then shrieks. “I don’t believe this! Adrikins and that woman are going to be sitting next to each other while I'm two rows behind!? This is ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!”

Marinette snatches her phone back from Chloe. “Yeah, well, not even you can change the seating arrangement.”

“Oh! Idea!” Chloe giggles. “If we find a way to get rid of Kagami before the movie starts, there’ll be an extra seat for you!”

“While I’m flattered you’d give me a seat next to Adrien in your devious little scheme, I’ll have no part in it.” Marinette frowns. “And neither will you.”

Kagami Tsurugi: formerly Riposte. Emotional weakness: Losing? I don’t know enough about Kagami, but after there was no true result in her original bout against Adrien, she became Riposte. What little I’ve seen of her holds a competitive spirit and thrives in competition while refusing to hesitate. I’m fairly certain she considers me as a rival for Adrien’s affection since the ice rink.

“Remember what you said to me once, Marinette?” Chloe saying her name is like poisoned honey. “If good people do nothing, evil will triumph!”

Close enough.

“Well today, the evil is her and the good people are us!” Chloe says confidently.

“No,” Marinette changes her grip to Chloe’s collar. “That is a girl trying to have a lovely time with the boy she likes.” She yanks Chloe down to eye level- no, below her eye level. “We may not like it, but we are mature teenagers that are going to let them make their own choices. I have been dying to have some quality time with my family, with anyone, that isn’t interrupted by the chaos of an akuma, by having to run and hide and pray that Ladybug doesn’t fuck up this time. If you go out there and make an akuma, you’re gonna have to pray that your precious Ladybug can save you from me. Are we clear?”

Chloe wordlessly nods, her face red.

“Good girl.” Marinette drops Chloe and picks up the tray, continuing to walk.

I hope I wasn’t too harsh… The Id whispers, and Marinette takes a deep breath and displays a kind smile.

~=~

“I hope you’re enjoying your time here, Kagami.” Adrien smiles, and they hear some discouragement. The couple looks over to see Thomas Astruc looking increasingly disgruntled.

“What’s wrong with M. Astruc? I’ve never seen him act like this before…” Adrien blinks.

“Have you worked with many directors, Adrien?” Kagami asks.

“No,” Adrien shakes his head.

“I’ve met a handful while watching Tsurugi commercials get filmed. Most of the time, they simply crave attention. If you don’t give it to them, though, they’re powerless…which comes in handy with some of the seedier ones.” Kagami huffs.

“I’m sure M. Astruc isn’t as bad as all that!” Adrien smiles.

“I’ll reserve my judgments for this movie. I’ve tried to get a better idea of public appeal and what they all think, but well…most of the social media postings I’ve found belong to the Director.” Kagami frowns.

“He’s just excited for his big night!” Adrien defends.

“Yes, well, he’s acting like it’s only his big night.” Kagami looks at the suffering man.

Hmph. I’ve always believed in karma. Kagami thinks to herself.

~=~

“This macaron has almonds in it! I specifically requested no almonds!” Thomas claims.

“M., you told us that last minute!” Tom defends himself. “We made a fresh batch this morning and separated the macarons clearly. We even told our daughter not to serve you any with almonds, just the coconut ones!” Tom says. “Who gave you that macaron?”

“Well, I found it at my table-” Astruc says.

“You ate a macaron that wasn’t even yours?” Sabine questions.

“Now listen, it’s not like that!” Astruc tries to defend himself, and growls. “I spent three years of my life working day in and day out for this movie! This is supposed to be my night!” Astruc stomps away.

Astruc looks back as he storms off, sadness crossing his allergy-stricken face as he realizes no one’s calling or coming after him, just trying to go about their own business. 

And then, the negativity intensifies, growing from his lanyard and covering him, a sigil appearing on his face. Sadness becomes anger. Embarrassment becomes vendetta. Pride becomes…well, that stays the same. Sometimes Hawkmoth doesn’t have to do much.

“Animaestro, I am Hawkmoth. You’re going to show everyone who you really are with a power as limitless as your imagination! All I ask in return are Chat Noir and Ladybug’s Miraculous.”

“I want them all to see what a Director is capable of!” Astruc growls as he transforms into Animaestro.

---

“I see why Kagami speaks so highly of you, young Adrien. You have clearly been raised to be a kind young man.” Tomoe says, and he blushes slightly and smiles.

“Thank you, Mme.” he says, and soon they hear a boom as the doorman screams, being thrown across the room!

“So, you really think a director does nothing?” the akuma roars. “Let me show you exactly what I'm capable of!” he says and his mask glows, and he transforms into a massive cartoon-esque green dinosaur in a flash of pink light! He roars and begins to shoot lasers out of his mouth as he emerges from the roof, hitting buildings!

~=~

“Geez, we’d have come to your premiere if we knew how upset you’d get!” Chat Noir quips as he and Ladybug land side-by-side.

“Chat Noir and Ladybug!” Animaestro growls.

“Ladybug and Chat Noir, we prefer.” Chat Noir says.

“When was that agreed upon?” Ladybug asks.

“I just like being behind you~” Chat winks, and she just rolls her eyes with a smirk.

“Okay, I walked into that one…” Ladybug scoffs. “And what’s with that teaser?” Ladybug addresses the akuma. “I’m not afraid of cats.” She huffs.

“You haven’t even seen the movie and you’re already slamming it?!” he exclaims.

“It’s called constructive criticism!” Ladybug leaps around, tying Animaestro up with her yoyo. “Chat Noir, the mask!”

Chat Noir vaults himself up and bares his claws with a fanged grin, lunging for the dinosaur! All around them, the people cheer for their heroes, which seems to enrage the akuma.

“It's always about you, isn't it?” Animaestro roars. “From now on, everybody will be looking at me!” the mask glows, and the akuma transforms into a cartoon robot. “Let's see how much you enjoy the true power of animation!” The akuma then blasts a laser from a crescent moon on his head!

Chat Noir raises his staff, blocking the beam, but it forces him back to the ground, and he continues to block it!

“You know, that’s another thing I don’t get!” Chat Noir says. “You’re all up in arms about what a Director can do, so why do you have the powers of an Animator!”

The laser beam stops at that remark.

“That- that’s- uh-” Animaestro stammers. “SHUT UP!” the mask glows again, and he transforms into a cartoon dog! “I am the only true hero!”

Animaestro and the heroes continue to fight back and forth, the heroic duo dodging away from the Looney Tunes attacks the akuma sends their way!

“Fear the power of cartoons!” Animaestro says, now in the form of Majestia.

“Oh, that’s not good.” Chat frowns.

“Doesn’t matter who or what he turns into! It’s us he has to fear! Lucky Charm!” Ladybug declares, conjuring…

“A head-mounted camera? What am I supposed to do with this?” Ladybug frowns.

~=~

“What do you mean the movie’s been postponed? What happened?” A woman puts down her cup of tea whilst on the phone.

“An villain attack,” the man says from over the phone. “The Director turned into one of those french villains- I heard the word “akuma” come up.”

“...I see. Where are the Agrestes?”

“Miss Sanceour and Placide got the young man away, but Gabriel Agreste didn’t come.” The man says.

“Understood. Thank you, Clyde. I’ll expect you back on the next flight to England.” The woman instructs.

“Of course, ma’am.” The man hangs up.

The woman screams, throwing her phone across the room, a look of rage across her face.

“So this is what you do with your time, Agreste…tarnish my sister’s memory?! Endanger her beloved son, paint a target on our backs?!” Amelie Graham de Vanily scowls. “You will pay for this.”

~=~

“Did you pause the video?” Chat Noir asks. The two had just survived an encounter with Animaestro with their eyes closed, defending themselves and relying on their hearing, but the camera revealed something interesting.

“No, he just…froze.” Ladybug blinks.

“If you don’t give a director attention, they’re powerless…” Chat Noir mumbles. “That’s it!”

The two leap out, and they see people recording him on their phones. “This won’t be easy.” Chat Noir says.

“Time to do what you do best.” Ladybug smiles at Chat. “Let’s irritate him.”

Chat grins, and critique after critique, mocking after mocking, they lead Animestro in various forms from the streets of Paris down into the sewers! As Animastro chases the two of them, they split off down two paths, constantly looking behind them to make sure Animaestro can follow them into the trap. He follows Ladybug, and at the end of the road, Ladybug leaps over a basin, closing her eyes and plummeting downward while she throws a yoyo back up at him, wrapping it around the paralyzed akuma! Chat Noir leaps down, his eyes open for only a second to see how Animaestro is positioned, then closing his eyes and charging!

“Cataclysm!” His power destroys the mask. “Ladybug, now!”

Ladybug pulls herself to swing up, retracts the yoyo, and catches the akuma!

“Pound it!” Ladybug and Chat Noir fist bump.

~=~

“I can’t believe you’re okay with this.” Chloe frowns as Kagami and Adrien enter the theater.

“Jealousy would be an ugly color on me, Chloe.” Marinette assures her.

“Sabrina says people think you’re jealous of Rossi. At least, you were …” Chloe explains.

“And what do you think?” Marinette asks.

“I think if the sword girl doesn’t make you jealous, no one will.” Chloe stares at Marinette. “And I think if you’re going up against someone like Rossi, no matter how subtle, you need my Daddy’s money backing you up.”

“Chloe, you can’t really think I’m going to be okay with that. You throwing “Daddy’s Money” around is what made me break up with you in the first place.” Marinette points out.

“Then where’s the line, Dupain-Cheng?!” Chloe exclaims. “Ever since Rossi showed up, people have been whispering behind your back. Even your bestie won’t stand with you. What does Rossi have to do before you’d accept my help?”

“I don’t know.” Marinette frowns. “I hope we don’t have find out.”

“...so that’s it, then?” Chloe crosses her arms. “You’re just going to do nothing? After these past few months of standing up to me, and Adrien calling you his “Everyday Ladybug,” you’re giving up?”

“I didn’t ask to be compared to Ladybug,” Marinette says.

I didn’t ask to be put on this endless pedestal in and out of the mask. The Id bemoans. When did being Marinette stop being a break?

I’d stop needing breaks if Marinette and Ladybug weren’t different people. The Superego whispers.

“We’re never going to be a team, Chloe,” Marinette says. “I’m focusing on my school work and design work. I don’t have the time or patience to deal with you or Lila on a recurring basis…you wanna be a better person? Step up, and be the hero you claim to be.”

As Marinette walks away, she hears the clearing of a male throat. She turns and sees M. Astruc walking up to her.

“Excuse me, Mme. Dupain-Cheng?” he asks.

“Yes, M. Astruc?” Marinette asks, and the man seems somewhat touched that she actually knows who he is.

“I didn’t mean to overhear, but…I think it’s wonderful that you’re sticking to your mortals. Goodness knows that I probably need to do a bit of self-reflection after today…” Astruc looks down at his phone, where he’d just closed his previous social media presence for a new start. “In any case, I’d like you to have my seat.” He offers the ticket to her, and Marinette’s eyes widen.

“Oh, no, I couldn’t…” Marinette takes a step back.

“Please! I’ve seen this film about ten times already, and…and well, it’s not perfect, and I’ll probably need to re-evaluate a lot before the next film, and actually take some criticism from the fanbase to heart, for once.” Astruc sighs. “This whole day has given me a lot to reflect on.”

He smiles at Marinette. “But! The whole reason I got into the movie-making business is that movies need to be seen by people who need to. And you? I think you deserve a break.”

“I…” Marinette pauses and looks towards her parents, who motion for her to go on. She takes a deep breath, and smiles, taking the ticket. “Thank you, M. Astruc.”

Marinette puts her apron aside and heads into the theater, blushing a little as she realizes she’s sitting next to Adrien, on the opposite seat where Kagami is.

“Marinette! Glad you could get in.” Adrien says as she sits down. “And, uh, sorry I couldn’t say hi to you earlier. I don’t think Kagami and I got to try even one Macaron…”

“We have plenty of extras from M. Astruc’s last-minute order.” Marinette smiles. “How about I sneak you both to the Kitchen when the credits begin?”

“That sounds delightful.” Kagami gives her a small smile.

~=~

After the movie, as the credits roll, Adrien and Kagami enjoy some macarons with Marinette in the kitchen while Tom and Sabine pack everything up.

“I was right. The movie was sub-par.” Kagami says with a smirk.

“Okay, I admit, the humor was a little more… childish than I thought it would be, but it’s important that kids know to trust Ladybug and Chat Noir!” Adrien defends.

“Alya’s gonna have her work cut out for her,” Marinette says, “I’m texting her details now. She’s basically all the heroes have for PR work- all that talk about Chat Noir thinking of Ladybug as a sidekick for most of the movie might make things difficult for his public image.”

“Is that not what he thinks? I’m certain I saw footage where he said that…” Kagami mutters.

“Yeah, when they first met!” Adrien defends the hero, then clears his throat. “I-I’m sure Chat thinks much higher of Ladybug than the movie made it seem!”

“Yeah, you could say that again…” Marinette mutters as she types on her phone.

“Anyway, tell Alya I’ll be getting a DVD copy of the movie. And, uh, I was hoping to ask you if there’s a way for us to show the whole class it, together? Like a movie day?” Adrien requests, and Marinette smiles.

“I’ll see what I can do. You know Mme. Busiter, she’ll probably be more than happy to move a lesson aside for a day! Just text me when you have the disc.” Marinette explains.

Kagami watches the two of them with interest.

Marinette’s infatuation with Adrien can’t be denied, though it’s still unclear if he feels the same way about her…or about me. Kagami thinks to herself. He’s always so polite, but that hardly means anything…despite what our families want, Adrien and I are both inexperienced on the subject of dating…though I can’t deny my interest in him.

And then there’s Marinette. She’s coming up in the Fashion world, organized, intelligent, beautiful, and she’s known Adrien longer than I have- he’s even fond of her, visibly. If it weren’t for Adrien’s own obliviousness, they’d surely be a couple.

I’ll have to resolve to do whatever I can to retain his interest in me, before Gabriel considers Marinette’s use as an asset in his company.

Chapter Text

Over 70 years ago…

“Stop, Fu! We have to fight! These people won’t stop until the whole world falls to their genocidal reign, and they don’t need magic to do it! We have to fight back. You take the Black Cat, I’ll take the Ladybug!”

“But what if we fail? If they get ahold of the box, it really will be the end of the world! Come with me to England.”

“England will not be as safe as you think…you run if you want, but I will not. This is my home, and I shall fight for it, with or without superpowers!”

“...very well. But I won’t leave you with nothing. Take this. I’ll come back for you both!”

“I’ll be waiting for you every day.”

“Marianne…I-”

“Hush, Wang. Tell me when you come back to me.”

“Over there, there they are! Get them!”

“Go, now!”

“Faster, we must get that box!”

“You’ll have to go through me, you wretched men! Orikko, Sunrise!”

~=~

The Present day…

On an early Saturday morning, in the living room of Alya’s apartment (whilst her sister is at the Gym, and the parents are out with the twins), each and every girl in Caline Bustier’s class had gathered, and while no one else could feel it, the gentle smiles both Marinette and Lila put on showed that they both had a practiced facade ready for the day.

“It’s so kind of you to host us, Alya!” Lila smiles wide. “It’s the first time we all get to hang out together since school started back up!”

“Well, I figured it was high time we let Lila in on Operation: Flower Garden!” Alya says triumphantly.

“Oh…are you sure? Wouldn’t that be a, uh, conflict of interest?” Mylene asks nervously.

“I’m not going to be pursuing Adrien anymore,” Marinette says, and the news that this has something to do with Adrien makes Lila perk up in interest. “How rude of me…I haven’t even explained what it is yet! Operation: Flower Garden is an old scheme that us girls cooked up before the break. We gave each other these silly flower-based codenames and cooked up a whole bunch of schemes to try and get Adrien to go out with me…”

“And they…didn’t work…” Lila trails off, then she puts on a sorrowful face. “Oh, but Marinette, that doesn’t mean you should stop trying! I don’t want you to help me get with Adrien just because you’re giving up! I mean…what if deep down, you still love Adrien? Wouldn’t it hurt to see us together?”

“Maybe a little,” Marinette sighs wistfully. “Adrien will always have a part of my heart, I think…but there’s plenty of room in it.”

“Oh, remember Sweetheart’s ice cream?” Rose giggles. “Andre said Marinette had so much love to give! How romantic.”

“Honestly, I…I think he might never think of me like that,” Marinette admits truthfully. “Our first meeting was shaky. He might even be afraid of me.”

“Come on, ‘Nette, you know that’s not true!” Alix assures the girl. “Nobody could be afraid of you!”

Marinette’s eyes drifted to Lila, who seemed to be some mix of bothered and impressed. Lila had figured out what Marinette’s plan was by now: self-deprecation today is quickly shut down, so Lila can’t claim that Adrien’s afraid of her at a later date, for whatever reason. Furthermore, while Marinette loves her friends, planning is not their strong suit. If they focus her effort on planning romantic trysts for Lila and Adrien, they’ll end in just as much failure. Marinette’s protecting herself and Adrien with every move against Lila.

“And, besides…” Marinette smiles. “There’s plenty of fish in the sea.”

“Yeah, especially when that fish lives on a boat.” Alya teases, and Marinette blushes.

“A-anyway!” Marinette chuckles, aiming to avert the topic before Lila can try to track down who Marinette’s next romantic target is, and she smiles at Lila. “I know this is a lot for you to take in, Lila, but…would you accept our help?”

“Oh, Marinette…of course I would!” Lila throws herself onto Marinette to hug her. “I’m so glad you’re willing to let Adrien go for me! You shouldn’t have…” her eyes lock with Marinette’s as she pulls back. “Really, you shouldn’t have.” A smile curls across her face, clearly eager to take on Marinette’s challenge.

“You still need a code name!” Rose says excitedly.

“Oh, I’ve already thought of that,” Marinette says. “I was thinking Snapdragon! Those flowers symbolize graciousness…”

And Deception. The Superego grins.

“So!” Lila claps her hands together in excitement as she sits back down. “When do we start?”

“Today!” Alya says. “Marinette says there’s been a recent change in Adrien’s schedule. Take it away, girl!”

“The Agrestes have been invited to a Royal Wedding in England…and so have the Tsurugis,” Marinette explains, and the information makes Lila’s face scrunch up.

Lila’s never really touched Kagami…up till now, there’s been too much worry about Kagami’s influence, icy nature, and affection for Adrien causing Lila’s downfall. I wonder if Lila would take the risk…not that it would matter. Kagami is fiercely protective and loyal. I just need to make sure the girls don’t yet realize that Kagami is their biggest obstacle here…especially since Lila can’t threaten Kagami as she did me. Not only would Kagami have far less hesitation to actually hurt Lila, but Kagami has no web of friends she can be cut off from, like I do. Her lack of connection also makes Lila unable to touch her.

“When are they leaving?” Lila asks.

“They’re taking the Startrain to Paris at 11 AM, now that it’s finally been built,” Marinette explains.

“That’s in less than two hours!” Lila gasps. “Oh, Marinette, why couldn’t you tell us sooner?”

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure I needed to know it anymore. I was okay with letting Kagami and Adrien go…but then Alya told me about your crush, and figured you had a right to know.” Marinette says, carefully skirting the subject that she wasn’t working alone here, balancing on it delicately enough that Lila can’t claim Marinette called this meeting out of malice.

“Er, we could…” Mylene tries to suggest, clearly tired. “Organize a demonstration and make the trains go on strike?”

“They'd take a helicopter or private jet,” Alya answers.

“I know, I know!” Rose enthusiastically raises her hand. “We'll dress you up as British megastar Adeline so you can slip into Buckingham Palace. You'll lure Adrien away from Kagami at the reception and waltz with him in the grand ballroom and-” Rose begins, and Lila seems to like the plan so far, but Alix sighs.

“Then when Adrien finds out you're not who he thought you were, he'll be totally disappointed because he hates lying, fall head-over-heels in love with Kagami, given that she never lies, and you'll get locked away in the Tower of London,” Alix states.

Adrien hates lying? News to me. The Superego chitters.

They’re right that Kagami never lies, though! Honestly, they make such a handsome couple. They’re perfect for each other! The Id says.

“You could just kidnap Kagami.” Juleka says, and everyone disapproves while Lila stays silent. “Listen, this is pre-coffee Juleka. You want real suggestions, get me coffee,” she mumbles crankily.

“Maybe you should just tell him how you feel before he gets on the train?” Alya suggests.

“That…would be a bit difficult,” Lila says. Marinette knows why- a public rejection could throw Lila’s plans into disarray, though it seems like she’s plotting something. “We should keep brainstorming!”

All of a sudden, Marinette sees a green blur out of the corner of her eye, only visible every few seconds- just to get her attention.

“Actually, I think I need to get going!” Marinette says. “I need to prepare my own plan for confession, after all!”

Marinette is met with cries of encouragement (and a quiet “He’s gonna say yes” from Juleka), and she heads out of the apartment. Once outside, she pulls out her hair ribbons, flips her hair to fall over one side of her shoulder, and lifts her phone to the same side of her exposed ear. Understanding the signal, Wayzz dives from his hiding place to hide in Marinette’s hair.

“What’s going on?” Marinette asks once she feels the kwami near her covered ear.

“Master Fu needs you!” Wayzz informs her.

“Is this a real emergency or a “Master Fu needs to learn how to text” emergency? Like the time he had me pick the lock to the parlor when he lost the key?” Marinette asks with a pout.

“I assure you, Marinette, Master Fu wouldn’t be able to text you in his current state,” Wayzz informs her.

That got Marinette moving.

~=~

As Marinette makes her way to the parlor, going inside she can hear Master Fu wailing for her! Rushing in, she throws open the door, and…

“Are you oka- GAH!” Marinette’s eyes widen as she sees a doctor and Chat Noir over Master Fu! She dives behind the folding screen Fu usually sets up when she and Chat Noir have to be together in civilian guise, hiding herself before Chat Noir can see her!

“Ma’am! Are you okay?!” The Doctor asks.

“Oh, yes, fine! I was just…on my way to the parlor because I heard he was unwell! Oh, but everything back here is so disorganized! Please, um… explain everything while I work!” Marinette proclaims.

“Well, Chat Noir happened to be passing by this parlor when M. Chan here collapsed. He helped him inside and called us, and he’s been wailing for his granddaughter ever since…I presume that’s you?” The Doctor asks.

“Ma…Ma…” Fu groans, and Marinette’s eyes widen.

“YES!” Marinette interrupts. “He’s obviously going to say “My Granddaughter,” and that’s me! His Granddaughter!” Marinette rambles as she keeps herself as hidden as possible behind the folding screen, and even through the shadows, she can tell Chat Noir is turned away from her. “So, um, what’s wrong with him?” She asks worriedly.

“Oh, he’s fine.” the Doctor says. “He’s more resilient than he seems. You know how men are- one little hiccup and they think they're dying!”

“My time has come!” Master Fu says dramatically, and Marinette sighs in relief, and the Doctor hands Marinette a prescription from behind the screen.

“Here you go. Fetch this from the pharmacy and your Grandpa will be back on his feet in no time,” she explains, and Marinette places it in her purse. “And don't forget to eat more veggies, M. Chan!” the woman says as she leaves. “You need fiber, for god’s sake.” she chuckles as she leaves the building, and silence hangs in the air, and Marinette takes a deep breath.

“Tikki, Spots On!” Marinette marches out as Ladybug. “Master, what were you thinking?! Almost shouting my name while Chat Noir’s right there?!”

“My ears are covered!” Chat Noir says loudly, his arms practically wrapped around the circumference of his face to cover his human and cat ears. “All of them! I’ve got no hints of who you are! Barely listened to a word you said before you transformed, I’ve still got no clue who you are!”

Ladybug sighs in relief, and Chat Noir uncovers his face. “Okay, then why are you here?”

“I was coming to talk to Master Fu in my civilian form. I found him collapsed in the parlor.” Chat explains. “Apparently, he had already begun calling for you, but the kwamis were holding his mouth shut! No hints, no clues, I promise! You know, other than the, uh, first syllable…”

WHICH CAN BE A DEAD GIVEAWAY- The Superego shrieks.

“One thing at a time,” Ladybug takes a deep breath and turns to Master Fu. “What happened? Why were you being called “M. Chan?””

“You can never be too careful…” Fu claims. Ladybug goes to him to put the blanket on him, but he takes her wrist. “Ladybug, if anything happens to me, I want you to take care of the Miracle box. You’ll be the new guardian, and-”

“Master Fu!” Ladybug interrupts him, a bit more sternly than she anticipated, and she breathes to push that trepidation down. “You’re overreacting. You just have a stomachache, is all.”

“I am 186 years old. The Doctor doesn’t know that.” Fu reminds her.

“Then we’ll brew some more of that immortality elixir of yours,” Marinette tells him.

“It’s not infallible. My body still ages, though the soul remains. One day, not even that potion will save me from time…” Fu tells her, and she and Chat Noir look at each other in worry.

“You’re going to be fine!” Ladybug tells him. “I'll go and fetch your medication,” she says, and as she stands up, he holds out his arm to her.

“Wait!” He sits up weakly. “That’s not why I called you here.” he pulls out a letter. “Go to the address written here down on the river banks at your earliest convenience, but no later than noon. You'll see a woman there wearing a thumb ring and a pretty brooch shaped like a Chinese ideogram. Give her this letter.”

“...who is she, Master?” Marinette asks nervously as she takes the letter.

“Someone I’ve always loved, but have never seized the moment to tell…” he says, looking away.

“You have a sweetheart…why today?” she asks.

“Because my brush with mortality has made me realize that I’ve waited far too long. I don't know how much time I have left, but I don't want to waste another moment.” He says.

“You’re right.” she nods and smiles. “I’ll go do this right away.”

“We can divide and conquer.” Chat Noir smiles. “I have to leave Paris for the weekend, and I was considering leaving my ring here for a temporary replacement…but then Master Fu told me about something.”

“The Horse Miraculous,” Fu says. “Its power is teleportation. But I don’t understand, Chat Noir…how will that help?”

“Hawkmoth isn’t working alone anymore. There’s no telling who he has his eye on or what the full extent of his influence is! Your false identity is the only thing that matters about maintaining, so the less a paper trail we leave, the better.” Chat explains.

“Not a bad idea…” Ladybug nods. “You really think you can get prescription drugs, no questions asked, wherever you’re going?”

“I have my ways, M’lady.” Chat slides on the Horse’s Glasses smoothly, and Kaalki emerges. “I need to make sure to catch the train, I’ve already stayed too long!”

“Go! I’ll deliver the letter to his love.” Ladybug smiles.

“A bit more domestic than the work we’re used to, eh Bugaboo?” Chat grins.

“Oh, don’t call me…” Ladybug puffs out her cheeks, and Chat laughs.

“Plagg, Kaalki, unify!” Chat says, uniting the Miraculous (in a very dramatic way)! “Call me Pega-Noir.” He poses dramatically, and Ladybug holds in a smirk.

“Is that how you transform? Every time?” Ladybug asks, and he blushes.

“N-no! I was just…putting on a little show for you, that’s all.” Chat so very clearly lies. “Anyway, gotta go! Voyage!” Chat creates a portal and steps through.

Once the portal closes, Marinette takes a deep breath. “Spots off.”

“You know, you’re not one to judge Chat Noir’s transformation, Little Miss “Does a pirouette and a kick every time she transforms,”” Tikki pokes fun.

“I-I just need to stretch before a fight!” Marinette blushes, then sighs. “I-in any case, this situation is as good a time as any for a trial run for the face paint.”

~=~

“A digital presence would be preferred,” Gabriel scowls over the phone to Nathalie.

“Relax, Gabriel. You need to keep up appearances, and ensure that no one suspects a thing.” Nathalie advises from within the Agreste Manor. “Is Adrien there?”

“Yes, of course he is,” Gabriel says haughtily. “And the Tsurugis are soon to arrive.”

“Good. I’ll ensure everything goes smoothly here,” Nathalie says and hangs up. “In ways you wouldn’t approve of…”

Nathalie opens the safe and pins the Peacock Miraculous to her shirt. “Duusu, Spread my Feathers!” she proclaims as she activates the elevator.

As Mayura steps into the atrium, the window opens before her. “Now, to scan the city for emotion…”

~=~

“Plagg, Kaalki, divide. Plagg, Claws In.” Adrien whispers and steps out of hiding, seeing the Tsurugis arriving nearby!

“Kagami!” Adrien rushes over to join them.

“Adrien? Why aren’t you on the train yet?” Kagami asks.

“Ah, I, er…wanted to greet you!” Adrien says politely, bowing in greeting to the Tsurugis. Mme. Tomoe smiles approvingly, and Kagami lightly blushes.

“Very kind of you, Adrien,” Kagami notes aloud.

“Shall we?” Adrien holds out his arm, turning up the charm, and Kagami smiles a little bit.

“We shall.” Kagami takes his arm and stands close to him, and Adrien blushes a little bit in kind as the two begin to walk onto the train…

“Adrien!” a voice calls from behind them, and Adrien’s eyes widen a bit when he turns to see Lila approaching.

“Lila?” he asks, astonished. “What are you doing here?”

“I just wanted to give you this!” Lila says with her saccharine smile, holding out a letter envelope.

“Oh…thanks?” Adrien says, taking it.

“Have a nice trip!” Lila says and skips away innocently while Adrien and Kagami get on board the train. Kagami’s grip on Adrien’s arm has tightened.

“Who was that, Adrien?” Kagami asks.

“Oh, that was just Lila!” Adrien tucks the letter into a pocket. “I’m sure it was nothing important, or everyone would have texted me! I’ll read the letter later.”

Kagami hums in doubt, but says nothing more.

~=~

“I sense unease from you, Gabriel-san,” Tomoe tells Gabriel as he squeamishly fixes his tie next to her on the train.

“I suppose I just have unease being away from home,” he answers.

“You must get past that agoraphobic nature of yours,” Tomoe tells him.

“I am not a-” he begins, but Tomoe interrupts him.

“He who hopes, gives himself the opportunity to obtain what he desires. But he who fears, always ends up with the very thing he dreads.” Tomoe says. “The Samurai Ikari Gozen said that.”

“...I shall remember that, Tsurugi-San.” Gabriel answers with a frown.

~=~

“Hello again, M. Ramier.” an old woman says, a chinese idiogram on her lapel alongside multiple medals. She leans on her cane, a thumb ring gripping it, and Xavier Ramier helps her sit down.

“How are you today, Mme. Lenoir?” Ramier asks with a kind smile.

“Oh, today’s the day! I know he’s coming…I can feel it.” the woman, Marianne Lenoir, sighs.

“He really is a lucky man, you know.” Ramier smiles, and she helps Ramier feed the birds.

“Excuse me.” a voice says, and they turn to see a girl in a red hood, hair spilling out and a face covered in paint akin to a ladybug mask. “I believe this is for you,” she says, holding out the letter.

“Oh!” the woman smiles and takes it. “So he sent you…I understand.” She smiles kindly. “Would you stay here while I read, please? So I can tell you what to say to him, and give him what belongs to him.”

“What belongs to him…?” the girl questions.

“Ah, still not telling others everything, hm?” Marianne chuckles. “Just stick around, won’t you?”

“Of course, ma’am,” the Young Ladybug says. “Tell me, were you two…close?”

Ah, already trying to gauge exactly how much I know. He chose a smart one!

“There were no secrets between us in the end,” Marianne smiled as she looked up from the letter.

“It must have been nice…” She hears Ladybug mutter to herself.

Marianne purses her lips, looking the little heroine over. Yes, she’s young, but goodness, she’s young. She must still be in school. She’d heard rumors that Ladybug and Chat Noir appeared to be teenagers, but did destiny truly put Fu on the path to naming them?

Then again, how could she judge? The results speak for themselves, a pair of heroes that rival the greatest legends of myth. Oh, but these two, unable to confide in one another, lest their foes take advantage…it must be so hard for a pair so young.

“Tell him,” Marianne folds the letter, “that at his nearest convenience, if he can ever come to see me, I would very much enjoy his company. I’d like to return what belongs to him in person.”

“I will!” Ladybug says quickly. “I’ll go tell him now, if…if you’d be willing to wait?”

“I’ve waited more than seventy years, my dear girl! I can wait another hour.” Marianne says goodheartedly, and the little Ladybug sprints away!

Fu…I might finally see you again after all this time. Marianne sits down, and her heart is all aflutter, like she’s young again!

~=~

Mayura hones in on someone. The Butterfly Miraculous was created to hone in on negativity and shroud the target in shadow, created so the holder could help, turning the target into a vassal of their power. The Butterfly helped others by allowing them to help themselves.

The Peacock, however, is the Butterfly’s reflection. Amoks can be controlled by their creator much more easily than Akumas- feathers aren’t alive, after all. So while Mayura could direct her amok to Hawkmoth’s cane on Heroes’ Day, and in theory could have one follow an akuma’s wingbeats…amoks are naturally attracted to positive emotion. The Peacock’s purpose is to grant a hero or someone powerless temporary aid, always derived from a good heart, lest darkness turn the Sentimonster into a dark reflection of malevolent emotion.

But Nathalie is clever. Just like Gabriel contorted the Butterfly to serve his own ends, Nathalie is certain she can do something similar with the Peacock. She’s been sensing Adrien’s presence near the Startrain, and is waiting patiently. And… there. Once the Startrain has pulled out of the station, Mayura releases an amok. By the time it reaches its target, they will all be long gone.

And what a target it is! A woman in love, longing for both the future and the past. Obviously, Mayura can’t communicate with her telepathically if she wants everything to go well…she’ll have to build the sentimonster without the woman even knowing what’s happened.

The feather enters a chinese ideogram, and she begins to craft the Sentimonster. The powers are the easy part, but she’ll also turn this woman’s desire to relive the past into a desire to hunt down Ladybug and Chat Noir’s Miraculous!

~=~

“The time has come to see him again,” Marianne sighs, and winces a bit. “Oh…” she rubs her temples.

“Mme. Lenoir, are you alright?” Ramier asks, worried.

“Oh, I’m fine, Xavier!” Marianne smiles. “Just a headache, is all…”

Little does she know that something is forming from the shadow behind her, drawing on her love and her desire to reunite. Backwarder is formed: a puppet-like figure of yellow, black, and purple. It’s thin and moves quickly, and its face is the face of a clock.

“Feel attracted to your amok…” Mayura mutters, looking through the eyes of this old woman but not making contact. “Like Midas, all you need to do is touch her, and she’ll be unable to stop you.” She focuses, trying to feed Backwarder’s urge for reunion. “There’s no time to waste!”

Backwarder looms over the old woman and M. Ramier from behind, reaching its sword-like arm toward the woman, attracted by its own amok…

“Mme. Lenoir, look out!” Ramier shouts and jumps in the way of the sentimonster, being impacted in its place! Mayura scowls, and the old woman gasps and backs away as Ramier is affected!

”!tuo kool, rioneL .emM“ Ramier speaks in reverse as he slowly starts moving back, and the woman falls onto her back as the creature approaches.

“No, no, stay away from me!” the old woman shouts in fear. The creature steps over her…and then leaps away, with the might of any akuma, ready to cause havoc in an aimless quest.

“It obeyed her…” Mayura curses under her breath. Suddenly, she feels a rush of determination from the woman as she stands up and starts to tail the creature. “Now, where are you going…?” she narrows her eyes.

~=~

Adrien’s phone vibrates as he receives an akuma alert, and he narrows his eyes.

“An akuma alert?” Kagami ponders, looking over Adrien’s shoulder.

“What?” Gabriel’s eyes narrow suspiciously. “That’s…are you certain?”

“The ladyblog’s never been wrong before,” Adrien frowns. “I hope my friends will be okay…in fact, I’m feeling a little nauseous, worrying about them.” He stands up. “I’ll just be a moment!” he smiles and walks off toward the bathroom.

“And I need to make a call…” Gabriel stands off and heads in the opposite direction.

~=~

As the strange villain stumbles and stabs its hands at anything it can, backwarding all in sight, Ladybug swings onto the scene and saves them from a car moving in reverse! She starts calling for people to evacuate, then gasps as the villain lunges for her, and she dodges out of the way!

“Not a word? That’s unusual…you don’t look like one of Hawkmoth’s akumas, either,” Ladybug narrows her eyes. “Who or what are you…?”

“Able to narrow it down that quickly, Ladybug?” Mayura talks to herself within the lair. “I’m impressed. I thought it’d take you heroes longer to realize you weren’t dealing with an akuma, but that famous eye for detail is hard at work. Not to worry, though…so long as this woman wants to reunite with the man she loves, the twisted desire to gain the Miraculous will serve me well. But I don’t need the Miraculous, not yet…once Backwarder hits you, I’ll follow you back to wherever you call home, and deliver your identity to Hawkmoth on a silver platter.”

Mayura’s Peaphone begins to ring, and she frowns. “Speak of the devil…” she hits “ignore.”

All of a sudden, back in the fight, some kind of portal opens as Chat Noir emerges, blindsiding Backwarder and hitting it in the face with his staff to knock it away!

“Another Miraculous?!” Mayura exclaims. 

“Sorry for the wait, Ladybug!” Pega-Noir grins. “Now, uh…what am I looking at here?”

“I’m not sure.” Ladybug frowns. “Stay on your guard! If it touches you, it’ll reverse time on you!”

“Figures we’d get something new…” Noir sighs, and Backwarder lunges for them! The two of them are able to dodge and parry the wildly attacking sentimonster with ease.

“Damn…” Mayura growls. “Backwarder, stop! Target the civilians, and attack the heroes when they try to stop you!”

“Oh, children, be careful…”

Thoughts enter Mayura’s mind, and she looks into that link with the old woman. She narrows her eyes and looks deeper into recent memories…

“I believe this is for you,” a memory flashes alongside the symbol of the Guardians. Mayura’s eyes widen.

“You.” she opens the connection. “You know the Guardian of the Miraculous!”

“What?!” Marianne exclaims. “Oh, no…”

Mayura grins. Well, things are about to get interesting…

~=~

Ladybug wraps her yoyo around Backwarder to yank it backwards, and when it swings a leg back to impact Ladybug, Pega-Noir blocks with his staff and parries the creature away, slamming the bound monster into a wall!

“How is this thing fighting more and less intelligently than an akuma?” Pega-Noir questions.

“You’re right…” Ladybug narrows her eyes. “It’s attacking civilians to draw us in, but its fighting style is blind and savage. It’s…like a puppet.”

“You think it might be the byproduct of an akuma?” Noir asks while the creature tries to free itself.

“It can’t be, a byproduct wouldn’t have powers like this!” Ladybug says.

“Ladybug!” a voice calls, and both heroes turn and their eyes widen when an old woman falls, running away from someone! The figure is towering and blue, a woman in a dress wielding a fan with a smile on her face.

“Ah, the heroes of Paris…we meet at last.” the woman tsks, “But did you have to throw around my sentimonster?”

“The Peacock Miraculous!” Ladybug exclaims.

“So, you’re Hawkmoth’s partner in crime?” Pega-Noir twirls his staff around. “Well, your little whatever is already beaten, so step away from the woman, featherface!”

“My name is Mayura, and I’m certain I’ll have much better control of my creature…” Mayura reaches for the ideogram, “Once I have the amok.”

“No…!” Marianne grits her teeth, too weak to resist, but she seems to have one option left. “Orikko, Sunrise!”

A small shape leaves Marianne’s pocket, entering her thumb ring, and a burst of orange light fills the streets!

“What?!” Mayura exclaims as Marianne grabs her arm and pulls her down before rushing away!

The heroine that remains has hidden the ideogram under her outfit. A birdlike masquerade mask is over her face, with an orange-and-brown cloak and cape with bright red accents. She carries the dagger-knife on her heel.

“The Phoenix?!” Pega-Noir exclaims.

“Who?” Ladybug questions, still reeling that this woman has a Miraculous.

“She’s a heroine from World War Two,” Pega-Noir explains. “It’s said that she could do anything.”

“Ladybug, Chat Noir!” Marianne calls. “You can release the sentimonster!” she pats her chest where the ideogram is hidden. “I’ve researched all facets of the Miraculous in my youth, even the ones we didn’t have. As long as I have this secure, Backwarder is under my control! Backwarder, reverse your harm!”

Backwarder looks up, and the clockface turns forward. Everyone around the city affected by the sentimonster suddenly returns to normal, going their normal paces! Ladybug releases Backwarder, and Marianne smirks.

“Now, attack Mayura!” Marianne orders! At her words, Backwarder’s head turns to stare down Mayura!

“No…” Mayura growls.

Backwarder lunges for Mayura! However, Mayura snaps her fingers, and Backwarder vanishes in a plume of smoke!

“Foolish heroes,” Mayura smirks, “I can dismiss any sentimonster in my path!”

“You foul woman…” Marianne growls. “We can’t let her get away, heroes!”

“She won’t,” Ladybug narrows her eyes. “Lucky Charm!” she declares, conjuring a…pipe. “What am I supposed to do with this...?”

“Whatever it is, you’ve got my backup! Cataclysm!” Pega-Noir declares, priming his own power.

“And I may as well add my own power to the mix!” Marianne smiles. “Sublimation!” she holds up her dagger and uses the end that resembles a pen to trace in the air. “I can mimic the ability of any non-Miraculous power! I take on the abilities of Backwarder!”

“Then that means-!” Mayura backs up, finding herself surrounded by the three heroes.

“Just one touch from me, and you’ll lead us directly to Hawkmoth’s lair!” Marianne rushes at Mayura!

“It will not be that easy.” Mayura snarls. She counters by grabbing Marianne’s arm and throwing her backward toward Pega-Noir! He holds his hand away so she isn’t impacted by cataclysm, but she still slams into him, and he’s affected by her power!

“No!” Marianne grunts and falls to one knee. “Agh…the Miraculous…it’s not helping as much as I thought it would…”

“Pega-Noir! Phoenix!” Ladybug exclaims.

“It’s just you and me now, Ladybug.” Mayura smiles, and Ladybug turns to face her down. “I’ll be honest, I was hoping we’d get the chance to meet.”

“You’re not like Hawkmoth,” Ladybug narrows her eyes and spins her yoyo defensively. She and Mayura walk around each other, like a pair of caged lions staring each other down. “He just used his superior size and strength against us, but you… you actually know how to fight. You’re willing to get your hands dirty.”

“We don’t need to be enemies, Ladybug,” Mayura smiles, “I see a lot of Hawkmoth in you. You have an eye for detail, you’re commanding, you plot and plan. You’ve taken to the Miraculous well. Even now, you’re looking all around us, aren’t you? Taking advantage of your hidden eyes and our movement to look all around, to try and find where your lucky charm fits.”

“I am nothing like Hawkmoth,” Ladybug scowls. “Hawkmoth manipulates others, but I help people! I care about this city, and he attacks it every day. He weaponizes hate, but I bring people hope. I’m a good person!”

“You are…” Mayura smirks. “But with potential like yours? Don’t worry, Ladybug. You’ll grow out of it.” She raises her fan. “Now, to turn this into a two against one…”

“Don’t be so sure.” Ladybug smirks. She throws the pipe at Mayura, and Mayura catches the pipe!

“Did you expect me to dodge it and let it hit whatever you’re really aiming at?” Mayura smirks. “Really, Ladybug, you need to stop being so predict-”

Ladybug tackles Mayura, and she exclaims as she drops both her fan and the pipe, and the backward-boasting Pega-Noir impacts the fan with his claws, crumbling it to dust!

“No more sentimonsters…” Ladybug reaches for the brooch. “And now, to see who you really are!”

Mayura’s eyes widen, and she wrestles with Ladybug, able to throw her back! Mayura begins to flee, leaping to the rooftops! Ladybug is about to give chase, but she hears coughing, seeing Marianne nearby!

“Marianne!” Ladybug rushes to her. “Are you okay?”

“I will be fine,” Marianne smiles and focuses her power, cancelling it off of Pega-Noir.

“Phew…that was weird…” Noir grumbles.

“We must worry, before you run out of time!” Marianne says. “Mayura may have gotten away today…” she smiles. “But I am so happy to see a pair like you protecting our city.”

~=~

Within the Parlor, a recharged Ladybug and Pega-Noir watch with a smile as Marianne and Fu reunite. They’re sitting next to each other, and the Rooster’s thumb ring is on the table as Orikko, Kwami of the Rooster, happily reunites with his old friends!

“Marianne, I am so very sorry it took me so long to contact you. I always felt as long as I was in charge of the Miracle Box, I'd be a danger to anyone I'm close to...but that's all in the past now,” he says, and she places her hand upon his.

“I know you always wanted to do what's best. I know what a responsibility it is to be the Guardian of the Miraculous. But, now that those villains know of my connection to you…” she sighs.

“Yes, he could hurt you to get to me.” Fu frowns. “You…you could keep the Rooster, defend yourself-” he begins, but she shushes him.

“Ladybug and Chat Noir will need it more than me. As soon as Hawkmoth is defeated, you and I shall reunite for good,” she says, and Marinette looks on sadly as Fu hugs her.

“I have full faith in the ones I have chosen. They will succeed.”

We must succeed. Superego and Id think together.

“Now it is my turn to go and hide, my dear Fu,” Marianne says.

“Marianne, I-” he tries to say, but she stops him again.

“Save it for when I get back, darling,” she says and kisses his forehead before walking out. “I see much of myself in you, Young Lady.” she looks at Ladybug, “You’re bright, and clever, with the soul of a hero. He’s chosen well.”

“That means a lot.” Ladybug nods to her. “Thank you…for your service, and for everything else.”

She leaves, and Noir chuckles. “Huh. This whole time, the “Ma” he was muttering was for Marianne.” he reasons.

…

Well, Marinette’s not gonna correct him.

~=~

Adrien walks with Kagami through England once they finally arrive. He smiles when he sees that there’s a bit of a welcoming committee!

“Aunt Amelie! Felix!” Adrien greets, and Kagami gawks (or well, Kagami’s version of gawking) at the similarity between Adrien and his cousin.

“Greetings, cousin.” Felix says with a neutral expression. “It’s been too long-”

“Come along, Adrien.” Gabriel orders.

“Oh, come now, Gabriel, it’s been years!” Amelie sighs. “Must you really be on your way already?”

“There is much to be done,” Tomoe remarks, “there will be time to reconnect at a later date.”

Amelie grits her teeth. “But Gabriel, if we don’t catch up soon, you might just leave England without us having the chance to talk!”

“We’re expected at our hotel,” Gabriel declares. “Come along, Adrien.”

Adrien walks forward, accidentally bumping into Felix in his blind obedience. “Um, sorry…” he says and continues forward.

Kagami sighs as they make their way into a car. “So, that’s your family, hm?”

“Yeah…” Adrien frowns. “I was hoping to reconnect, but…we’re busy, I guess…”

“Perhaps you can read that letter to pass the time?” Kagami suggests gently.

“Oh! That’s a good idea!” Adrien pats his pockets, but frowns. “Aw, man…did I drop it on the train…?”

~=~

“That wretched Gabriel! He thinks he’s so sly…” Felix’s Mother rants in the next room. “After everything he’s done, leaving poor Nathalie to do his dirtywork while he’s here?! Oh, I just…GRRRGH!”

Felix looks over the fakest love letter he’s ever had the displeasure of stealing (which is, admittedly, not many).

“So…” Felix mutters to himself as he looks over social media and the feed of Adrien’s trending presence with his “girlfriend” during the Gorizilla Incident. “Your name is Lila.” he theorizes, looking at the girl with dark hair and blue eyes.

The Gorizilla Incident…before the akuma, it was a time where Adrien was trending with his “girlfriend.” Just from a cursory glance, Adrien seems to follow her like a lost puppy while she gets them on a whirlwind run across Paris leading to a theater with Emilie’s movie.

So… Felix thinks to himself, a master manipulator, then? Taking him to desired movies and sending love letters of honeyed words. It just figures…all these wretched humans are the same.