miraculous-magicalconnections

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

MMC: Arc 1, Chapter 6: Animan

"Nino, are sure a zoo is the best place to confess your feelings for Alya?" Marinette asks, "Because trust me, this is... not that romantic."

"If I don't do it soon, I might keep avoiding it," Nino argues, "I need to and her asking me to come with her is the perfect excuse."

Marinette sighed, "Alright, good luck Nino. I know she'll say yes."

Nino smiled brightly.

-----

"Kim, you could not race a panther."

Kim huffed, "Could too."

Max sighed, "Correction: you could race a panther, but you would not be victorious."

Kim pouted as Alix adds, "Yeah, they're one of the fastest land animals in the world."

"Correct." Max says, "While they do not beat out cheetahs, they run roughly 80 kilometers an hour."

"That's about as fast as the slowest cheetah," Alix adds.

"What is it, gang up on Kim day?" He asks with a pout.

"I am merely pointing out the fact that you would not win against a panther Kim." Max says.

"Your friends right kid," Kim looked at the zoo keeper who was inside with the panther while she ate, "No human could beat a panther in a race."

"Yeah, yeah," Kim huffs, "It's just a big cat anyway."

"Seriously kid, if you don't like the panther's just head somewhere else, she needs peace to eat."

"If she needs peace, get out her way." Kim shoots back, "You're probably bugging her more than I am."

The zoo keeper stood abruptly, "I will have you three thrown out if you don't leave her alone!"

"Seriously?" Alix asked, "Dude, you need to get a better life if you can't take a bit of teasing from a teenager."

"I agree." Max says, crossing its arms over its chest, "It is quiet unprofessional to react to the guests at all, especially to threaten us with being thrown out of the zoo."

The zoo keeper stormed off and the panther let out a noise before going back to the meat in front of her.

-----

"Hey Alya," Nino smiles brightly at the sight of his friend, "How's it going?"

"Honestly, could be better." She sighed, "I was gonna go say hi to my dad, but when I got there, he was yelling at my classmate and a couple of their friends."

"Wait really?" Nino asks, forgoing his planned speech, "What about?"

"No idea," Alya huffed, "Guess he got mad at them for something they said. My dad's never been the best with his temper regarding the animals, but I know Alix isn't a cruel person, and I doubt their friends are either."

Nino nodded, "Well, hey, we can still walk around, and we can always just leave if you want."

"Nah, I wanna see the other exhibits, c'mon." Alya says.

"Hey!" The two turn, eyes widening at the sight of three teens being chased by a panther, "We gotta go!"

"Come on!" Nino grabbed Alya's hand and began running.

-----

Adrien sighed, sitting down on his couch. The photoshoot took longer then he thought, especially since he had to be pulled out of school at lunch to attend on time. Regardless, Adrien could relax now.

"Don't be bemused, it's just the news!" Nadja spoke as soon as he turned on the TV, "Wild zoo animals are running loose! We're unsure if this is an Akuma by the likes of Monarque or just a large scale break out, but Parisians are to be advised just in case."

"Well that didn't last..." Adrien groaned as he stood up, "Plagg, transformez-moi!"

-----

Alya shoved Nino to the side, a lion diving between them.

"Shit!" Alix exclaimed, "We need to get inside! Now!"

"Where?!" The other teen asks, "No one's gonna open the door!"

"This way!" Nino calls, grabbing Alya's hand and pulling her along as they all turned to a new direction away from the pack of animals.

"I got you!" Ladybug landed behind them, "Keep going, I'll hold them off!"

"Thank you!" Alix calls before the group rushes away.

-----

"This is quite worrisome Wayzz," Wang says, glancing to the God briefly, "If this is an Akuma, Ladybug and Chat Noir won't be able to handle all of this chaos on their own."

"There is still the possibility that Monarque is not responsible for this," Wayzz reminds him, "However, if he is..."

Wang stood, "I believe now is a good time to introduce myself to the heroes."

-----

Chat Noir extended his baton, using it to keep the animals at bay. It didn't seem like any of them were an Akuma, but Chat Noir didn't want to deny the possibility given the sheer mass of the escape.

"Shell-ter!"

Chat Noir startles, watching a green semi-transparent forcefield surround the escaped animals, before a figure lands beside him, "Greetings Chat Noir, I believe we have much to discuss at a later time; for now, we should determine whether this is the powers of an Akuma."

Chat Noir's eyes widened, "Who are you?"

"I am Jade Turtle, my true identity, for now, will remain anonymous." The other Miraculous holder answers, "I was the one you gave you the Miraculous."

"You did?" Chat Noir startles again as Ladybug suddenly appears beside them, "Prove it."

"I will at a later time Ladybug." Jade Turtle says, "For now, you two should go. I haven't used the Turtle in quite some time, I'm not used to this drain. However, before you go-" He set a hand on each of them, the heroes not reacting fast enough before he says, "Safety Shell."

"What did you-" Ladybug stops as green magic appeared over them for a moment before vanishing.

"Extra protection, consider it a sneak peek at what you two will be able to do in the future." Jade Turtle smiles, "Now go, before the Akuma locates their target."

"Right." Ladybug says.

"Stay nearby," Chat Noir says, "We need to talk."

"Of course." He nods, "I'll be on the roof until you return."

The two watched him jump to the roof before Chat Noir asks, "Can we trust him?"

"We don't really have a reason not too." Ladybug says, "Monarque only has the Butterfly Miraculous, and even if this is an ally, there's no reason for him to show himself and help us."

Chat Noir is silent for a moment before he says, "Let's get the Akuma."

-----

Ladybug leapt in front of the panther, yo-yo ready. They'd been running around for just under ten minutes, and Ladybug was almost positive this was an Akuma. It was the panther that had chased Alix and the others, and it seemed to be the only animal that roamed alone. On top of that, this one seemed to know where it was going, unlike the others who were spreading out in all directions with no real order.

"Out of the way Ladybug!" Her eyes widened, turning to the voice of a police officer, "This is a wild animal, this isn't your job."

He seemed annoyed, but not because Ladybug was trying to help, rather because she was a hero at all. She supposed it made sense, not everyone was exactly thrilled that she had jurisdiction over a lot of them now. Even still, no official laws have been put in place yet and Ladybug made a mental reminder to reach out to the United Heroez along with the Général d'Armée.

"This is an Akuma, Officer Raincomprix." Ladybug says, not backing down, "Please get your men to leave this one to me and contain the others."

Roger scoffed and the hero idly wondered how someone like this was Sabrina's father, "Just because you took down some supervillains before we could get to the location doesn't mean you're above the law or us. Stand down."

"Lucky Charm!"

A large book dropped into her hands, making her stumble slightly, and she stared at the marked page. It was a Parisian law book, and the marked page was in regards to detaining animals. Was her Lucky Charm telling her to let them take the Akuma in? If they did that, they could all be seriously injured.

"Spots," She looked up as Chat Noir landed beside her, "What's going on?"

"I... I guess we're letting Officer Raincomprix take the Akuma." She says, eyeing the panther, who was suspiciously calm.

The Akuma being calm is one thing, but Monarque hadn't spoke out yet. Was it actually an Akuma? If not the panther then who or what? Wait a second... did they already detain the Akuma? Her head snapped over to the officers, the sight of a large van shaking making her stomach churn.

"Did you already take in a panther?!" Ladybug yells, the officers startling a bit at her sudden volume.

"We did but-"

Ladybug dropped the book and rushed towards the officers, all of whom panicked but she paid them no mind as she used her yo-yo to leap over them. She rushed to the back of the van and smashed open the lock, the doors immediately shot open, launching her backwards.

"There you are." The Akuma growls, the panther-like supervillain leaping down from the van, "Monarque, I've got your little Ladybug."

Ladybug was back on her feet in an instant, the Akuma charging her, "Monarque won't hold up his end of the deal!"

"My friends will take care of that boy and his friends before long," The Akuma says, suddenly transforming into a gorilla.

"Woah!" Chat Noir exclaims as he rushes over to her, "Looks like someone really went bananas."

"Not the time Noir." Ladybug says as the Akuma swipes at them.

It impacted Ladybug, sending her backwards into a building. She groaned but... she wasn't in that much pain. Whatever the Turtle did actually kept her from being seriously injured.

"Cataclysm!"

Ladybug pulled herself from the building, looking at the battle as the Akuma turned into an eagle. Flying into the air, the Akuma began to swoop down to attack Chat Noir without the hero being able to do much. A glint caught her eye, and she watched the bracelet dangle from the eagle's talon before it was suddenly on the wrist of a black bear.

"The bracelet!" Ladybug yelled, rushing forward, "Grab it!"

Chat Noir's eyes locked onto the bracelet in an instant, and Ladybug threw her yo-yo forward, wrapping around the Akuma's arm and pulling it towards her. Chat Noir used his baton to hit the Akuma's face, stunning them for long enough to grab the bracelet with his charged power. The bracelet crumpled and all the magic faded from the victim.

"What happened?" Ladybug's eyes slightly widened at the sight of Alya's father.

"Your were Akumatized." Chat Noir informs him, "But don't worry, we stopped you from hurting anyone."

Chat Noir looked to her, holding up his fist, "Pound it."

-----

"That magic..." Monarque says, "It was the work of another Miraculous."

"Which means the Guardian is still here." Paon Aimant says.

"We must find him." Monarque says.

-----

"So," Chat Noir says when he and Ladybug return to the other Miraculous holder, "Who are you?"

"I am Master Wang Fu, one of the Guardians of the Miraculous." The man answers, "I protect the Mother Miracle Box, also known as the Chinese Zodiac Miracle Box. In it, are 19 Miraculous, currently, two are in your possessions, one is in mine and..."

"Monarque has the Butterfly." Ladybug finishes, "Why did you choose us?"

"Your Kwamis chose you two out of a few candidates, I was merely the messenger." He explains.

"How do we contact you again?" Chat Noir asks, "If we need help."

"I am aware of who you both are," Jade Turtle says, holding out two cards, "However if you are ever to reach me, head here. Please come as your civilian identities, it would not do us any good if Monarque learned of my location."

The card was for a private masseuse named, "Pierre Chan?" Chat Noir reads aloud.

"An alias to keep Monarque from locating me." Jade Turtle explains.

"Thank you for being open about this," Ladybug says, "I do need to get going before my friends worry about me, I'll come see you when I can Master."

Jade Turtle nodded as Chat Noir adds, "I should too, thanks for the help today."

"I'll see you both soon." He smiles.

Next Chapter: Riposte

Previous Chapter: Hansha

Chapter Index

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

Okay but think about the actual potentials of WHY Gabriel/Emilie decided to make him allergic to feathers??

Because they CHOSE to give him an allergy, they CHOSE to make their "perfect" son not "perfect", they CHOSE to make him allergic to the ONE thing that would SHATTER his reality if he found out

They didn't want him near the Peacock Miraculous, they didn't want him to find out, they wanted him to live as a human

This didn't work of course because Adrien/Chat Noir doesn't have any reactions to Mayura or Argos' feathers, and they've been really close on a few occasions (Namely Miraculer and Emotion)

But even still, Gabriel or Emilie or both decided to do whatever they could to make sure he never found out, and that was to make him allergic to the very thing he's made of

Had a realization

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

MMC: Arc 1, Chapter 5: Hansha

"Nadja!" The woman startles, turning to the open window to see none other than one of Paris' protectors themselves climbing through, "Glad I caught you before the news started, I need to make an announcement."

"Uh, sure!" Nadja says, completely shocked by her presence.

-----

"It's gonna be alright Jules, promise!" Despite her girlfriend's words, Juleka still couldn't help the nerves that shot through her at the mere idea of taking the photo.

"Hey, uh, if it helps," Juleka turned, a redhead standing not too far from them, "I'm also not the biggest fan of photos."

"It's not that!" Rose says, "Juleka has a curse!"

"A... curse?" The redhead repeats, "I probably would've said that sounds bizarre but after the whole reveal of superheroes and villains, I can't say it'd surprise me."

Juleka hugs themself, glancing away as Rose continued, "Juleka's photos always go wrong. Look, this was just yesterday!"

Rose showed them a picture, and Juleka knew what it was. Yesterday they tried to take a selfie at the park and a pigeon flew right in front of their face. Their photos always went wrong, and for once they just wanted this one to go right. They'd have prom to look forward to, and the sooner they broke this stupid curse, the better.

"Well, I might be able to help." They offer, "I'll help you be in the center of the photo, that way nothing bad can happen."

Rose gasped, "It's perfect! Thank you so much, uh."

"Nathaniel." They supply, holding out a hand.

"Rose!" Rose greets, shaking their hand, "She/her today."

"Today? Oh uh, he/him. Always."

Juleka couldn't help the small chuckle she let out, "Juleka, she/they."

"Come on," One of their classmates say, "We're up."

Juleka really hoped this went well.

-----

"Get out of my way!" Chloé says, trying to push Marinette with her shoulder.

"Stop being a nuisance and go to your spot!" Marinette says, "It's not my fault you're in the back!"

"I need to be in the center, Fashion Fad, move!"

If you had asked Marinette yesterday if staying up all night to catch Nadja before she began her news segment, she'd have said it was the only way to get the information out about herself, Chat Noir, and Monarque. But right now? Marinette would have rather had some sleep to deal with Chloé's nonsense.

"Girls, enough!" The photographer, Vincent, says, "Move back to your spot or you will not be in the photo at all!"

Chloé huffed but followed his directions.

-----

Juleka hated this. It's decided, she needed to throw herself into the seine and let herself sink to the bottom. Being in the center, she quickly realized, was the worst idea possible. She would be the person everyone laid their eyes on, and while sure it would break her curse, was it really worth this?

They could barely hear, barely think, their mind was racing as they tried to calm themself down. As they take a breath, someone pushes them and the flash goes off. After a moment, the photographer complains about her not being in the center.

Snickers fill her ears and suddenly she can't breathe, like she's drowning and she's panicking and she doesn't know what to do! She wanted so desperately to be in the center of the photo and she got it and even now her photo was ruined!

"Poor girl," A voice enters her mind and suddenly all her tension fades away, "You want so desperately to be rid of your curse of always being in the background? If you do me one tiny favor, I'll make it so no one forgets you ever again."

"You would do that?" Juleka asks in disbelief, catching everyone's attention, "Anything!"

"Hansha, I am Monarque." The voice says, "I'm granting you the power to make everyone vanish! In return, bring me the jewels of Ladybug and Chat Noir, the earrings and ring."

"I'll show everyone here exactly what it's like to fade into the background!" She announces proudly.

-----

Adrien smiled, watching the interview from this morning. Ladybug had managed to make an announcement about what Akumas were, that they were the result of Monarque, and that the two would be protecting Paris from him. Even though he had already told Alya, who had streamed it and later put it on her blog, most of the public didn't know until now. Especially since he's seen a bunch of people angry at Stormy Weather, Statuesque, and Bubbler, namely those directly in the line of fire. Adrien didn't exactly blame them, but he felt bad for Aurore, Nino, and Nathalie; it wasn't their fault their negative emotions were preyed upon.

"Hey Adrien," He looks up as Alix walks up to him, "What's with the look?"

"Nothing," He shakes his head, "Is it almost our turn?"

"Nah, we got a bit," Alix says, sitting beside him on the bench, "So, in the meantime, I wanna know all there is to know about you Agreste."

"What do you wanna know?" Adrien asks.

-----

"Fashion Fad!" Marinette groaned, turning to Chloé, "You ruined my photo!"

"I didn't ruin anything, Bourgeois." Marinette says, crossing her arms over her chest, "It's not my fault you got in trouble for trying to shove me out of the way."

Chloé huffed, "It's your fault for not just dealing with it!"

"Seriously?" Alya says, walking up to them, "Back off Bourgeois, you're making yourself look stupid."

Chloé went to speak but all three's phones went off; Marinette grabbed hers quickly, opening the news broadcast.

"Don't be bemused, it's just the news," Nadja says, "A new supervillain has appeared inside Lycée Kingsworth. If you missed this morning's broadcast, this supervillain is called an Akuma, a victim of Monarque. Don't engage, this is to be dealt with by Ladybug and Chat Noir."

"An Akuma?" Alya repeats, "Damn, it's too far to get footage of!"

"I'll be back in a few minutes," Marinette says, leaving no room for argument. She sent a look to Alya as she said, "Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone."

-----

Chat Noir used his baton to launch himself forward, faster than if he simply ran. He was worried for the kids at Kingsworth, he had no idea what kind of Akuma they could be facing.

"Noir." Ladybug says, landing on the roof to his right and keeping pacing with him, "Any extra knowledge?"

"Just that there's an Akuma," Chat Noir says, "We're almost at Lycée Kingsworth."

"We need to be careful, we have no idea what the Akuma's capable of."

He nodded and the two hurried to the school, landing in the courtyard after only a couple of minutes. The entire school seemed to be deserted, it was extremely eerie.

-----

"Is it just me, or does this feel like a trap?" Ladybug questions as the heroes walk into an abandoned classroom.

"Not a trap," Chat Noir says, "But the Akuma is definitely toying with us."

"Eh," The two immediately turn to the voice behind them, a ghostly figure hovering before them, "It's not fun if you know."

A mask appeared over their face and they scoffed, "Whatever Monarque, let me have some fun with them first, besides, it's not like anyone will miss them."

The two heroes prepared for an attack but the Akuma vanished from sight.

"Where did they go?!" Ladybug exclaims.

"Back to back, don't let them sneak up on us!" Chat Noir calls, the two quickly pressing their backs together and slowly spinning in a circle to cover all their bases.

"The Akuma looked like a ghost."

"Acted like one too." Chat Noir adds, "Could they be able to move through objects?"

"If they could, they'd have attacked us already." Ladybug says, "Likely just some kind of invisibility."

Chat Noir stops moving, "The Akuma's still toying with us."

"We can't do anything if they don't show themself." Ladybug says, lowering her guard, "We need to draw them out."

"How do we do that if we don't know anything about them?"

"Lucky Charm!" She calls in lieu of a response, getting- "A hand mirror?"

Chat Noir leans in and looks at it, "I don't think reflecting on the situation is what we need to do Spots."

She rolled her eyes, holding the hand mirror up, only to almost drop it and turn around, "There!"

Chat Noir extended his baton, hitting... nothing.

"Spots, don't scare me like that!" He hissed.

"No!" Ladybug looked around, eyes scanning the classroom, "I saw her!"

She looked back in the mirror and saw the Akuma yet again, her eyes widened as she threw her yo-yo back. The Akuma dodged but as Ladybug looked, the Akuma was nowhere to be seen.

"The Akuma's inside the mirror." Ladybug says before suddenly she's hit in the back, sending her flying forward.

She barely hears Chat Noir shout before she's surrounded by silence. She shot to her feet, yo-yo at the ready; she reached for the mirror but it wasn't with her. She rushed over to where it was on the ground and grabbed it, only for her hand to phase through it.

"That won't work here." Ladybug whirled around, yo-yo at the ready, "You're in my world now, and I get to do whatever I want."

"You don't need to do this, Monarque isn't your ally."

The Akuma growls, "Monarque made me this, made me Hansha, he gave me what I wanted. You know what they say, if it's wrong I don't want to be right."

"You're helping a supervillain!" Ladybug says, barely catching her Lucky Charm move out of the corner of her eye.

"So what?!" Hansha snaps, "He actually gave me what I wanted and where were you!?"

-----

Chat Noir grabbed the side of the building, using the mirror to see exactly where the Akuma was. They were talking, likely to Ladybug, which meant they were distracted.

"Cataclysm."

-----

Ladybug readied her yo-yo, "Don't make me do this Hansha, you're better than this."

Hansha stutters but goes to attack, only for the floor beneath them to crumble. Ladybug's eyes went wide before she quickly focused, throwing her yo-yo to grab onto the Akuma. Hansha struggled for a moment but Ladybug was quick, yanking the Akuma out of the hole and throwing them into the wall. Before they could reorient themself, Ladybug rushed up and grabbed their arms, looking for the Akumatized object.

"I just wanted to break this curse!" The Akuma yells, "Is that so bad?!"

"It is if you hurt innocent people in the process." Ladybug grabbed their wrist and smashed the mirror, freeing the Akuma from Monarque's control and transporting them back to the real world.

"Spots!" Chat Noir says, excitedly, "Glad you're safe."

She smiled, "You too Noir."

Both their Miraculous beeped in warning, "We should go, are you gonna be alright?"

The victim slowly stands, nodding mutely.

"Stay safe." Chat Noir says, "But before we go."

"Pound it." The heroes say.

-----

That night Juleka was sat beside her girlfriend, Luka playing a soft melody to help her calm down.

"You really don't remember any of it?" Allegra, one of Luka's université friends, asks them.

"I got really upset," Juleka answers, attempting to recall any of what happened, "Then... someone talked to me? They calmed me down, then I was in a classroom with the heroes."

"Damn, that's kinda terrifying that Monarque can do that." Allegra says, "On the bright side, you didn't hurt anyone at least."

Juleka frowned, hugging their knees to their chest, "I did. Nathaniel was terrified, he told me as much."

"He was scared of Hansha, not you Jules." Rose reminds them, "Besides, anyone would be scared if their new friend just turned into a supervillain."

"Still." She mutters.

"If it helps you at all," Luka speaks up, "You looked pretty cool."

Juleka flushed as Rose continued, "Totally!"

"Kill me now." She quietly begs.

"No one's killing you." Socqueline says as she walks into Juleka's room, "I'd rather not think of these stupid fucking Akumas for now, please. I think Juleka would agree."

"Hey Rhythm." Luka greets his girlfriend, "How was work?"

"Hell." Socqueline groans, "Allegra, why don't you work with me so we can be in hell together?"

"Sorry hun, but that's a hard pass from me." Allegra says, to which Socqueline pouts.

-----

"Hey Nino!" Alya calls excitedly, smiling brightly.

"Hey Als." Nino greets, walking up to her, "Where's Nette?"

"She slept in," Alya quickly answers, "Again. I am glad the girl’s getting more sleep but it's been messing with our plans since school started."

"Hey, it's only been a week," Nino reminds her.

"Yeah but I already miss summer." Alya pouts, "But on the bright side, my dad got a promotion at work, he's working with the new panthers."

"That's really cool." Nino says, intrigued.

"It opens on Tuesday if you want to go." Alya offers, "I was gonna go by myself but when my dad gets excited it's kind of a lot."

Nino chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll be your bodyguard."

"What, you're gonna fight my dad and the panthers?" Alya teases.

"If that means you're safe, so be it." Nino says with a confident smile.

"Wow, my own knight in shining armor." She teases.

Next Chapter: Animan

Previous Chapter: The Bubbler

Chapter Index

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

MMC: Arc 1, Chapter 4: The Bubbler

Chloé huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, "Are you kidding me?!"

Sabrina flinched, but Chloé paid no mind to it as she answers, "They had issues with getting it to the top floor, it's too large for the elevator."

"How hard is it to bring a 24 karat frame to a hotel!" She says, exasperated, "What about Adrien's present?"

"He should get it later today." Sabrina answers, "Also Chloé-"

"What?" She snapped.

"Adrien just got here."

She did a complete 180, both physically and emotionally, a bright smile plastered on her face as she looked at Adrien as he steps out of his limo. She rushed up to him, Sabrina barely keeping up, and grabbed his arm, the other startling.

"Chloé?" He says, "Hey, how're you doing? We haven't spoken in a while."

"Well," She said, "As you know, I've been busy. Sorry I haven't been able to say hello to you before now, Adrikins."

"It's fine," He says, using his free hand to rub the back of his neck, "Good to see you Chlo, and you too Sabrina."

Chloé paid no mind to Sabrina's answer as she tightened her grip on Adrien's arm, "So! How's everything been Adrikins?"

"Hey, get your hands off the model." Chloé, before she can even see who spoke, is pushed off Adrien and she growls as none other than Skater Hater stands between her and her Adrien.

"Hey!" Chloé snapped, stomping up to her, "That is my Adrikins, not yours, so hands off."

"Adrien is his own person," Skater Hater snaps, "Don't act like he's nothing but an accessory."

Chloé gasped, putting a hand over her heart, "I'd never treat Adrikins that way!"

"Given you've only used that stupid nickname for him, I doubt that." Skater Hater states, "Now, if you'll excuse us, we need to get to class."

Chloé went to refute but Adrien spoke up, "I'll see you later Chloé, Alix and I have a project to work on anyway."

Chloé huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, "Yeah yeah, enjoy or whatever."

-----

"Fucking bitch." Adrien frowned a bit at Alix's words, glancing back to Chloé before the two turned into the school, blocking his view of her, "How the hell are you of all people friends with her?"

"Our fathers go way back," Adrien answers, Alix continuing to drag him along, "We've been friends our whole lives."

"You didn't seem very friendly." Alix comments and Adrien sighs.

"That's because we haven't talked in a few weeks, well, it's been closer to a few months since the last time we talked was because our fathers met up." Adrien says, "She's the first friend I had, I don't want to just... not be her friend."

"Chloé Bourgeois is not a nice person," Alix says with no room to argue, "I've had the privilege of being her victim for about two years before she moved on to Marinette."

"She bullied you?" Adrien asks, eyes slightly widening.

Alix doesn't answer, merely pulling him into their classroom. It was still a bit early, so the two were alone for now. Alix doesn't speak as they pull out their sketchbook and sit down, Adrien following suit. The two are quiet for a few minutes before Alix suddenly slams their sketchbook closed.

"I met Marinette because I wanted to give her advice on the bullying." Alix continues despite Adrien being silent, "The advice was more or less, 'make yourself as boring as possible to bully' and... well, Marinette didn't back down."

Adrien stayed silent, listening intently to Alix's story, "Chloé switched off of me after two years because every time she bullied me, I'd act like nothing was wrong, I didn't react, and she only stuck with it because there was no one else. Until three years ago."

"When she found Marinette." Adrien guesses, to which Alix nods.

"When we moved to Lycée, Chloé had options, and Marinette just so happened to be pursuing a career in Audrey Bourgeois' field and Chloé didn't like that." Alix explains, "And when Marinette didn't back down, she basically challenged Chloé and now they're locked in a battle of wills, whoever wins is the one who makes the other back down."

"She..." Adrien didn't know how to process all of that.

"The only good thing that's come of it is that Chloé is mostly focused on Marinette so most of the other students were freed from her reign of terror." Alix adds on, "A few people even thanked Marinette, and she's earned the respect from the school for taking on Chloé."

"But..." Adrien took a deep breath, "Chloé's been lying to me this whole time. Whenever I asked about school she told me everyone was ganging up on her."

"She's not wrong, but she definitely didn't tell you the truth about why." Alix shrugged, "People hate her for a reason Adrien, everyone in this school wouldn't dislike someone for no reason."

Adrien needed to rethink... everything.

"Is there any chance I can meet Marinette?" He asks.

Alix shrugged, "Sure. We're not exactly friends but we're not strangers either. If she's not in the art room after school she'll probably be in the bakery next door, her parents own it and she lives in those apartments."

"Thanks Alix." Adrien said with a soft smile.

"Any time." They say before suddenly grabbing their bag, "Oh, before I forget."

Adrien blinked as they handed him a small polaroid on a keychain, it was of him and Alix, "It's small since it was pretty last minute, but happy birthday Adrien."

Tears pricked the corners of his eyes and he hugged Alix before they could react, "Thank you."

Alix hugged him back, tightening their hold on him.

-----

After school, Adrien followed Alix's advice and headed for the art room, texting his bodyguard to not wait up and let Nathalie and his father know he'd be back late. He didn't expect his father or Nathalie to be particularly happy about it, but he couldn't care less right now, he just wanted to focus on apologizing to Marinette for all that Chloé's put her through.

He walked into the class, room 33, and immediately realized he didn't know what Marinette looked like, thankfully the teacher smiled at him, "Hello, I'm M. Jean-Pierre Monlataing, welcome to room 33."

Adrien smiled, "Thank you," He said as the teacher walked up to him, "I'm looking for Marinette, if she's in here."

"She just dropped by to return a couple of supplies," M. Monlataing says, "If you hurry, you should be able to catch her before she leaves."

"Thank you Monsieur." Adrien says before hurrying out of the classroom.

He speed-walked through the school and to the front gate, looking around. Once again, he completely forgot he didn't actually know what Marinette looked like. He swore under his breath, mad at himself for not asking M. Monlataing before he left. He grabbed his phone, walking towards the bakery when he suddenly bumped into someone.

"Oh shit!" The person gasps, Adrien stumbling backwards, "Sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going!"

Adrien smiled, "It's not a problem, neither was I."

They step back, and blink at him, "Adrien Agreste?"

"Uh, yeah?" Adrien says, "Do you not go here?"

"Oh uh, no," They shake their heads, "I was waiting for my friend, uh, it's cool to meet you dude."

Adrien chuckled, "It's weird seeing someone so shocked by my presence again after everyone here just kind of ignored me."

The person blinked, "People ignore you here?"

"Well, more like they're so used to seeing famous people that I'm just one in a sea of hundreds." Adrien corrects, "What's your name?"

"Nino Lahiffe, he/him." He answers.

"Adrien, but you know that, and he/him." Adrien says.

"Nino!" A voice calls out, and the two turn, a person wearing overalls and their hair up in a bun rushing towards them, "So sorry! I had to drop off a couple things I borrowed from M. Monlataing and then Mme. Bustier pulled me aside for help."

"No worries Nette." Nino says with a chuckle, "I was just talking with Adrien."

They look at Adrien and their mouth falls open, "A-Adrien Agreste?"

Adrien chuckled, "For attending a school with a bunch of famous people, I'd expect less of a reaction."

They flushed, "W-Well! Unlike the others, I actually enjoy your modeling work, and your father's a big inspiration of mine."

Adrien blushed, "R-Really? I've never met a fan before."

"Really?" Nino asks, "How is that even possible?"

"All of the 'fans'-" He used air quotes, "-I've met have been fans of the persona, or of my father, no one's ever appreciated my modeling before..."

"They should," They scoff, "You've been modeling for four years and yet no one cares about how far you've come."

Adrien smiles, "Adrien, he/him."

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng, she/her but I couldn't care less." She says, smiling, "It's really cool to meet you Adrien."

Adrien smiled, "You too Marinette." It clicked, "Wait, you wouldn't happen to know a Chloé Bourgeois would you?"

Her mood immediately soured at the mention of Chloé, "Why?"

Adrien deflated a bit, "I'm sorry for everything she's done to you, if I had known how she was when I wasn't around, I would've stopped her."

The two are quiet for a moment before Marinette asks, "You're friends with Chloé?"

"I don't know if you could even call us that anymore." Adrien says, "We haven't talked in forever and usually that's fine but after what Alix told me, I don't know..."

"Chloé's a piece of work," Nino says, "She's always been like this. She probably only acted nice around you to save face."

"Or our parents wanted her to play nice." Adrien huffs, "I really am sorry for everything she's put you through Marinette."

"Apology accepted." She said, smiling, "Now, I do need to get going but maybe we can talk later?"

"Yeah, of course." Adrien smiles, "Let me give you my number."

Once the three exchanged numbers, Marinette walked away and Nino turned to Adrien, "I'm free basically all day if you want to do something other than modeling."

Adrien chuckled, appreciating the gesture, "Well..." Adrien hesitated for a moment, "It's my birthday, but I don't have anything planned."

"Seriously?" Nino asks, surprised, "I'd think someone like you would have a bunch of rich people over."

"Well rich people are more my father's crowd," Adrien says, "Besides, I don't really have friends to throw me a party."

Nino is silent for a moment before wrapping an arm over his shoulder, "Well, you've come to the right person, because I'm going to do everything in my power to get you an awesome party."

"I'd reel back just a bit," Adrien says, "My father won't allow a bunch of strangers into the house. Even if everyone was my friend, I doubt he'd let me have a party."

"Well screw your father," Nino says, "Come on, let's throw something small. I deejay part time, I can provide music and Marinette can help me with invites."

Adrien looks at Nino, who had a goofy grin on his face, "I'm not gonna be able to talk you out of doing this, am I?"

"I'm already telling Marinette." Nino says as he pulls out his phone, making Adrien laugh.

-----

Gabriel is quiet for a long while, eyes snapping up to Nathalie who's sitting at her desk filling out paperwork, "Nathalie, where is Adrien?"

She looks up, "I believe Gerald said he'd be late."

"Nathalie, it is nearing 22:00." Gabriel says. Nathalie looked at her watch as he continued, "He should have been back."

"Sir, you know your son's in his rebellious phase." Nathalie reminds him.

"Nathalie," Gabriel says, no room for her to fight him, "Go retrieve my son and let him know he's grounded for the foreseeable future."

"Sir, you can't-"

"Nathalie, go retrieve him now." Gabriel states.

"...Yes sir." Nathalie laments.

-----

Adrien smiled brightly, watching all these people, all his new friends, celebrate his birthday that they didn't even know about until a few hours ago.

"So," Alix says, leaning beside the table beside him, "How do you like the François Dupont party?"

Adrien smiled, "It's so cool."

"Any new friends?" Alix asks, "I'm sure you want a couple new ones now that you're ditching Chloé."

"I'm not ditching her." Adrien states, "We're just... taking a break."

Alix merely hums as Adrien answers her question, "I met a couple people I think might become my friends."

"Good." Alix says before they fall into a comfortable silence.

"Adrien!" A voice calls out and Adrien pales, "Come here right now!"

"Is that your father's assistant?" Alix asks.

"Shit." Adrien hissed, "I forgot I had work tomorrow! Damnit, I gotta-"

"Woah, hold up," Alix says, grabbing his arm before he could rush off, "It's your birthday."

"But tomorrow isn't." Adrien argues.

Alix frowns but lets him go, and he rushes over to Nathalie.

-----

Nino walked up to the person who shouted, crossing his arms over his chest and glaring at her, "What are you doing here?"

She matches his glare, "Bringing Adrien back home."

"This is his birthday party, he can go back at midnight."

"If you wish to fight with me on this matter, Gabriel Agreste will gladly issue a restraining order against you."

Nino growled, "I haven't done anything to warrant one."

The person, who Nino recognized as Nathalie, lowered her gaze to meet his, "You think that'll prevent Gabriel from getting him what he wants?"

"Nathalie!" Adrien calls, rushing up to her, "Sorry, I didn't realize what time it was."

"It's alright Adrien, come along now." Nathalie says, suddenly switch to be completely monotone.

As the two begin walking away, someone calls out, "Is Adrien leaving?"

"Oh shit, it's so late." Another voice pipes up.

"I still have homework." Another groans.

Nino turns, and realizes that about half the party is getting ready to leave.

"Wait guys!" He calls, "We can still keep going!"

"But this party was for Adrien," Someone says, "It'd be weird to keep his party going when he's not here."

"Plus it's super late now, and I need to take the bus home." Someone else says.

"Wait, fuck, the last bus is leaving soon," Someone exclaims before rushing off.

That was the cue for everyone else to start hurrying up and Nino panicked, "C'mon! We can stay up a bit longer!"

"Sorry Nino," Someone who Nino vaguely recognized as a classmate says, "I have curfew, I'll be late if I don't leave."

Nino tried helplessly to get people to stay, but as everyone slowly left, Nino crumpled in defeat.

"Oh you poor boy," A voice filled his mind. It was assertive, dominant, yet it was somehow so calming, "You're upset and rightfully so! If not for the adults, none of this would be happening! Adrien would still be there and none of your guests would leave!"

"You're right." Nino says, looking up. He didn't hear someone's gasp.

"Bubbler, I am Monarque!" The voice says, "With the powers I'm giving you, you'll be able to keep your party going for as long as you want and take revenge on the adults who caused this!"

"I'll get rid of all the adults!" Nino exclaims, "And the party will never end!"

-----

Marinette ducked into an alleyway, Tikki flying from her pocket, "This is bad, who knows what Nino's going to do!"

"You need to stop him before he can hurt anyone." Tikki says.

"Tikki, transformez-moi!"

Ladybug grabbed her yo-yo from her hip and used it to fling herself onto the building that overlooks the park. She crouched down, watching the Akuma closely. He pulled a large bubble wand from his back, shouted something she couldn't make out from this distance, then swung his bubble wand, sending several bubbles at those who had lingered in the party. The problem is there were far more bubbles than people, which meant those who had left already were in trouble!

She leapt off the roof, rushing towards Adrien's house. Nino was upset because the party was ruined since Adrien was forced to go home, if the Akuma followed his logic, he'd be heading to Adrien's house and the Agreste family was in danger!

-----

Adrien sighed, slumping against the wall in his room.

"Well, look on the bright side kid," Plagg says, leaping from his ring and landing on his bed, "At least you know Nino cares about you."

"That's not exactly the best takeaway from this Plagg." Adrien groaned, "I would've loved to stay longer, but I'm already exhausted, plus-" He gasped, "Ladybug! Shit, I forgot we were supposed to meet up!"

"Don't worry too much about it kid," Plagg says, laying down, "She'll understand. She already knows it's your birthday."

"But I wanted to hang out with her tonight." He said, upset, "Hopefully she's still awake and we can do something."

"Adrien!" He startled, looking towards his window and blinking at the sight of Ladybug, "An Akuma is heading your way."

Adrien spared a quick glance to where Plagg was, the Kwami nowhere to be seen, "Oh uh," Adrien says, looking back at her, "What's that?"

Ladybug paused for a moment, "Oh, right, not everyone would know about the Miracle Blog yet... Long story short, an Akuma is a victim of a supervillain, it's like what happened to Nathalie a few days ago."

"Oh." Adrien says, "W-Wait, did you say one's after me?"

"If my hunch is correct, he's after your dad since he and Nathalie forced you to leave your party."

The only person that could be is- "Nino?"

"Didn't catch his name." Ladybug says, "Now, we need to get you and the others somewhere safe before the Akuma gets here."

-----

"Sir, is this wise?" Paon Aimant asks.

"Just do as I asked." Monarque says, watching her pluck a feather from her fan.

-----

Ladybug followed Adrien downstairs, the model pushing the door open, and freezes.

"Father? Nathalie?" Adrien says.

Ladybug pushes past him, the office completely empty, and she turns to Adrien, "Where else would Gabriel and Nathalie be?"

"Father always works late, he should be here." Adrien says, "You don't think Nino already got him do you?"

She pauses for a moment before sighing, "It's possible, he sent bubbles out ahead of him and I saw them spread out over all of Paris, they may have been captured while we were talking."

Adrien is completely silent for a moment before she sets a hand on his shoulder, "This isn't your fault, now go hide so the Akuma can't find you too."

He nodded and rushed off before Ladybug walked up to the front door. She opened it and gasped at the sight of the courtyard filled with everyone that had been in the party.

"Ladybug!" The Akuma growls, "What did you do to the birthday boy?!"

"I put him somewhere safe!" Ladybug snapped, "Let all of these people go!"

"Oh come on!" The Akuma exclaims, "You're just like all those nasty adults, these kids need to have fun!"

"Kids need adults!" Ladybug yells back, "What about all the toddlers and babies who can't take care of themselves?"

The Akuma falters for a moment but the mask appears over his head and he swings his bubble wand, sending a flurry of bubbles at Ladybug who dodges, rushing out of the house. She leapt onto the wall of the courtyard and used her yo-yo to block the remaining bubbles, the Akuma growled, stopping his attack for a moment.

"I sent all the adults into the sky so the kids could be free of torment!" The Akuma says, "If you're gonna keep cramping my style, why don't you join them!"

Ladybug leapt forward, dodging a large bubble, but she looked up in time to see another bubble right in front of her. She was too close, the bubble was too close, she couldn't dodge in time!

"Look out!" Suddenly the bubble stops, and Ladybug stares at Alya in disbelief that she had just done that!

"Hey!" The Akuma snapped, "You aren't supposed to protect them! People like Ladybug are the exact reason I had to do this!"

"This isn't what any of us want!" Alya snapped, standing up inside the bubble, "All of us just want to go home!"

The Akuma huffed, "Well if you want to go home to your family, join them!"

The bubbler suddenly began floating upwards, Alya panicking.

"Cataclysm!" The bubble pops and Ladybug catches Alya before she can hit the ground, "Sorry for the late arrival. Everyone get in the house now!"

The crowd panics and begins rushing towards the front door, except for a stray few.

"Got a plan?" Chat Noir asks.

"Only one way to find out. Lucky Charm!" A yin and yang charm fell into her hands right as the Akuma sent another wave of bubbles at them.

Ladybug looked around as Chat Noir protected them, "Good luck Bubble Man! Cats hate baths!"

"It's Bubbler!" The Akuma snapped, "And I'll make sure you get exactly what you need pussycat!"

Yin and Yang, Creation and Destruction, Ladybug and Cat. The Lucky Charm was telling her they needed to do something together, unified, but what? Ladybug looked at the people inside the mansion, the doors wide open as everyone watched from either window, the only exceptions were Alya and Alix and...

Ladybug tossed her yo-yo out, grabbing the two and pulling them towards her, "Sorry for the rough grab, but we need help."

"Woah, really?" Alya questions with stars in her eyes.

"What can we do?" Alix asks.

"I need you to act as bait." Ladybug says.

"Don't send them out." Chat Noir says, "I won't be able to free them. Speaking of which, timer's running low Spots."

"On the count of three, Chat Noir is going to drop the baton, Alya, run to the left, Alix, the right, Chat Noir and I will follow you two."

The two gave a nod and she looked at Chat Noir, he gave a hesitant nod.

"3. 2. 1!"

Chat Noir dodged to the right with Alix, Alya and Ladybug together. Bubbler panicked and sent two bubbles towards the groups but Alya and Alix leapt into them. Ladybug threw her yo-yo at Bubbler, grabbing onto the bubble wand and ripping it from his hand.

"No!" The Akuma yelled as Ladybug snapped the bubble wand over her knee.

"Quickly, you must use Magical Restoration with Chat Noir before everyone hits the ground!" Tikki's voice said and her eyes widened, looking up and spotting several small dots in the sky.

She grabbed Chat Noir's hand and the two raised their interlocked hands, "Magical Restoration!"

Power radiated off the duo, sending a wave of black, red, and green magic that covered all of Paris. The two heroes nearly collapse as all of their energy is drained. Breathing heavy, Ladybug holds her fist up, which Chat Noir gives a weak "pound it" as he fist bumps her.

"Are you two alright?" Alix asks as Alya dusts herself off.

"W-We'll be fine." Ladybug says, her and Chat Noir's Miraculous beeping, "We need to go, c'mon Noir."

He gave a small nod and the two quickly left.

-----

"Well," Chat Noir says as the two sit atop the Eiffel Tower, both still exhausted, "That was a lot."

Ladybug nodded, "It was, but look on the bright side."

"We unlocked a new power, and pretty early on too." He mused.

"No Chat," She says, "It's not midnight yet."

He blinked, "What?"

She rolled her eyes, "Happy birthday stupid cat."

Chat Noir smiled, "Thanks Spots."

"It's us against the world, Noir." Ladybug says, smiling.

Next Chapter: Hansha

Previous Chapter: Stormy Weather

Chapter Index

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

Chapter 4 Is Tomorrow!

So sorry! I was gonna set it up to be posted yesterday but I completely forgot I didn't! So it'll be up tomorrow at 6PM PST instead!

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

So I actually rewatched this scene in particular just to make sure I understood and... honestly, I'm impressed

I sorta doubt her being a Senti was planned, but for them to use her ring as where her Amok is was incredibly smart because it really does make scenes like these so much more impactful on a rewatch

this shot in season 3 ikari gozen of tomoe deciding that kagami can make her own decisions....

i... wow. yeah. i.... yeah.

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

My favorite part about this is that it quite literally could be either answer

(But yeah, Adrien is just like that)

when chat noir does that thing where he runs away from danger on all fours...... why does he do that..... does it actually improve his speed......... doesnt seem like it does... is that actually a part of the black cat miraculous or is adrien just like that........

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

Miraculous: Magical Connections Main Story:

Arc 1: The Origins of Team Miraculous

Chapter 1: Ladybug and Chat Noir (Origins Part 1)

Chapter 2: Statuesque (Origins Part 2)

Chapter 3: Stormy Weather

Chapter 4: The Bubbler

Chapter 5: Hansha

Chapter 6: Animan

Chapter 7: Riposte

Chapter 8: Royal Fragrance

Chapter 9: The Mime

Chapter 10: Lady Wifi

Chapter 11: The Puppeteer

Chapter 12: Pixelator

Chapter 13: The Past (Fu's Story Part 1)

Chapter 14: The Present (Fu's Story Part 2)

Chapter 15: The Future (Fu's Story Part 3)

Other Arcs Below Cut

Arc 2: The Winds of Change

Arc 3: A Queen, A King, and A Kingdom

Arc 4: A Family of Rulers

Arc 5: Tales of Eagle Eye

Arc 6: What Makes a Commoner

Arc 7: Reports of a Quantic Storm

Arc 8: Tales of Lóng Nǚshì

Arc 9: Will Break, Breaking, and Broken

Arc 10: Kintsukuroi

Arc 11: Tales of Toxinelle and Claw Noir

Arc 12: Peacocks and Butterflies

Epilogue: Re-Create What Was Destroyed

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

MMC: Arc 1, Chapter 3: Stormy Weather

Alix wasn't entirely sure how or why they were currently sat amongst the photography team as they took photos of Adrien, but they'd be a liar if they said it wasn't at least somewhat entertaining. Granted it was mostly boring since they were just sitting there, not doing much of anything, but they also liked watching Adrien pose, it made Alix laugh watching him try to get the exact post the overzealous photographer wanted him in. Plus, Alix took a few photos of Adrien themself while they were in-between shots, smiling a bit at the sight of his true self, unlike the faux-Adrien that most of the public saw.

It's only been a couple of days since they met and Alix already had a soft spot for the guy, sue her.

Regardless Alix smiled as Adrien walked up to them, the photographer giving him a break, "Hope this isn't too boring."

Alix rolled their eyes, "I wouldn't have come if I found this that boring."

Adrien smiled a bit more sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck, "Well yeah, but I know it's not fun to just sit there on your phone."

"Eh," They shrugged, "It's not that bad, besides I got a few photos of you that I think you'll like more then any the photographers got."

Adrien stares at their phone, blinking, "Wow you... actually captured my real smile."

"No idea what you were laughing about, but it was nice to see you actually smile." Alix explains.

"Just a joke a friend told me last night," Adrien answers, "You two would get along."

"I'll hold you to that." She says, "Which reminds me, I gotta introduce you to my friends at some point; Marc and Nate will love you and I think you'd have fun with Kim and Max."

-----

Tears filled her eyes, rolling down her cheeks as she slumped into the elevator. Her breathing was ragged, mind racing as she sat down and hugged her knees to her chest. She couldn't believe it, she lost. How did this happen?! She's been the most popular since the contest began, there were constant comments about how she'd win if she made it to the end regardless of who she'd go up against and... and she lost!

"Poor, sweet, girl,” The voice stung in her ears, it was so loud in her head, so strong, so commanding, and yet somehow so calming, "You lost because the contest was rigged from the start!"

"What?" Aurore breathes out, looking up into nothing, "No... how..."

"It makes sense doesn't it?" The voice suggests, “You should have won today, and yet you didn't! That pathetic boy rigged the competition in his favor!"

"He... no, but..." Aurore's tears fell harder as the realization dawned on her, "He... he cheated! That bitch!"

"Stormy Weather, I am Monarque. I'm granting you the powers to ruin this reporter live on air but in return, I ask you retrieve the magical jewelry from Paris' heroes; the earrings and the ring."

"I'll do whatever it takes to ruin him!" Aurore states, the black and blue smoke covering her body.

-----

"Damn," Marinette mumbles, seeing that Aurore had lost the competition. She wouldn't really call them friends, as they've only talked a couple of times, but she still felt bad. Honestly, the loss was surprising, if she remembered correctly, everyone favored Aurore, so the popularity contest should've been in her favor.

"Boo!" Manon exclaims, "I wanted Aurore to win!"

"I did too Manon, but we can't be upset at Danny." Marinette says, setting a hand on Manon's head, "Why don't you go upstairs and play while I start on lunch."

"Yay!" She cheers before rushing to the stairs.

As Marinette heads to the fridge, her phone buzzes and she answers it as she opened it, "Hey Als, what's up?"

"There's a supervillain!" Alya exclaimed.

Marinette blinked, "A what now?"

"Aurore's a supervillain now!" Alya elaborates, "It seems like she was really upset at losing."

"Alya don't you dare go after her." Marinette snaps, shutting the fridge and hanging up, "This is bad, she'll probably go after Danny."

"Just say the words." Tikki says, flying from her hiding place.

"Tikki, transformez-moi!"

-----

As Adrien poses again, a sudden chill surrounds the park and he looks up in time to see a figure flying past the park, a kid his age hanging desperately onto them. His eyes follow the figure before Ladybug swung past, chasing after them. Before any of the team could stop him, he rushed off, immediately calling for Plagg once he was hidden.

Chat Noir leapt to the rooftop, landing a few meters behind Ladybug; he could easily make out that whoever was holding onto the Akuma was definitely not on a joyride. He moved faster, taking his baton and shrinking it down as he prepared an attack. The Akuma's parasol seemed to be a good place for the Akuma to reside within, or at the very least where the Akuma's powers came from.

As soon as the Akuma dodged another of Ladybug's attempts to grab her, he threw his baton, knocking into her and causing her to lose focus on Ladybug long enough for Ladybug to grab her ankle with another toss of her yo-yo. Chat Noir leapt over to Ladybug, grabbing onto the yo-yo and yanking the Akuma towards them.

"You have no idea what you're doing!" The Akuma snapped, holding up their parasol, "And if you won't let me get my revenge, I'll blast you two back to the ice age!"

"C'mon Ice Queen, play with us!" Chat Noir taunts, mentally relishing in their frustrated look.

"I am Stormy Weather!" She snaps, dropping their hostage which Chat Noir rushed to catch. Unfortunately, without the extra strength, Ladybug lost her grip and the Akuma flew into the air.

"Are you alright?" Chat Noir asks, checking over the civilian.

"Fine now, thank you." They say, looking rightfully frazzled by the experience.

"Monarque wants your jewels," The Akuma says, snapping their attention up to them, "I don't know why or really care for it, but if he gets them, I get to punish Wolfe for rigging the competition!"

"Are you even listening to yourself?!" Ladybug yells as the Akuma readies their parasol again, "Do you really think Danny rigged the competition so you'd lose?!"

The Akuma faltered, just for a moment, but both heroes caught it, "You don't know what you're talking about!"

A large chunk of ice flew from her parasol towards the three and Chat Noir quickly grabbed Danny as he leapt to the street below, "Quick, get somewhere safe, preferably inside."

The civilian ran off with another thank you before Chat Noir was suddenly flung backwards with a large gust of wind. He landed harshly against a building, the brick cracking and nearly forming an indent of himself. Wincing, he pushed himself off the side and looked at the two fighting.

"Shit," He grumbles, looking around. There was no civilian in sight, something he was thankful for, but since the road was empty it seemed Stormy Weather wouldn't let up on attacks.

They needed to regroup and actually get a plan in motion but right now, that wasn't possible with the constant barrage of attacks. He swore under his breath before rushing back towards the fight, baton in hand as he readied an attack to hopefully distract Stormy Weather long enough for Ladybug to summon her Lucky Charm.

Chat Noir extended his baton, slamming it into Stormy Weather's stomach and making the Akuma flinch. Eyes now focused on him, Stormy Weather blasted him with even more ice. He was starting to wonder if his Ice Queen comment earlier was more accurate then he thought with how much she seemed to love the attack.

"Lucky Charm!"

The mask appeared over Stormy Weather's face and quickly turned to Ladybug. Chat Noir used the opportunity to slam his baton into the Akuma again, sending them flying into the building. He turned to Ladybug who was looking around, with a portable heater in her hands.

"Hey Ice Queen!" Chat Noir yells, the Akuma growling as they pull themself from the building.

"My name is Stormy Weather you alley cat!" The Akuma snaps, pointing the parasol at him and sending a wave of ice at him.

Chat Noir blocked most of it with his baton, though a few stray pieces of ice hit him. None of it was enough to knock him back, and now that Stormy Weather was purely focused on him, they paid no mind to Ladybug as she snuck up behind the Akuma.

"Danny Wolfe rigged the competition in his favor!" Stormy Weather exclaims, "I want to get what's mine!"

"By hurting him?!" Chat Noir yells, "What if he didn't?"

"I wouldn't have lost otherwise!"

"Hey Stormy!" Ladybug calls out and the Akuma whirls around, sending ice towards her only for it to melt before it reached her.

"Cataclysm!" Chat Noir calls, rushing up to the Akuma. Stormy Weather barely had time to react as he grabbed the parasol and destroyed it.

He turned to Ladybug who smiled, "Pound it."

-----

That night, Ladybug and Chat Noir were sat on top of the Eiffel Tower, watching the sun slowly set. She liked the view she had, it was special, it was for her and Chat Noir and no one else. The day itself had been rather... uneventful. Besides the Akuma, nothing had really happened.

"Monarque..." Ladybug trails off and Chat Noir looks at her, "Do you think he could've actually rigged the competition?"

Chat Noir is silent for a moment before sighing, "I... don't know. It's a good lead though, we can start looking into people with connections at TVi Studios."

They two go completely silent after that, but after a few minutes, Chat Noir stands, stretching.

"I need to head home," He voices, "But... it's my birthday tomorrow. Figured I should let you know."

"Really?" She asks and he nods, "What flavor do you like?"

"H-Huh?" He stutters, looking down at her, "Where's that coming from?"

"Just answer, you'll find out tomorrow." She says as she stands.

"Passion fruit." He answers, "But why do you-"

"Happy early birthday Chaton." She says, pulling him into a hug.

"Thank you." He says, almost too quiet for her to hear.

She just hugged him tighter.

-----

"Marinette?" Sabine asks softly, walking into the kitchen. It was late, far too late for Marinette to still be up and active.

"Hi Maman," She greets, not stopping her movements as she actively tried to accomplish a few things all at once.

"Honey, I know your insomnia is bad but-"

"Maman, I promise I'm fine." Marinette tells her, "Besides it's my friends birthday tomorrow and I want to make sure I can give him something special."

Sabine is quiet for a moment as she glanced to the clock. It was nearing two in the morning and she and Tom would need to be awake in a few hours to get started on morning preparations for the bakery. After a moment of mental deliberation, Sabine walked over to the coffee pot.

"Maman?" Marinette questions, "What are you doing?"

"Your friend is lucky to have you, Fēngmì." Sabine tells her daughter, "And I need to be up soon anyway, what's a few extra hours to spend with my sweet girl?"

Even in the darkness, the only illumination from the oven, Sabine could see Marinette's cheek flush, "Maman!" She whined.

Sabine chuckled, "Come on Táo, what are we making?"

Marinette hesitates for a moment before walking over to a bowl and picked it up, "I'm making a passion fruit cake for Chad and I want to head to the store before school to grab him something."

"Chad?" Sabine repeats, "You'll have to introduce me, I've never heard of this friend before."

"He's a new friend," Marinette explains, "You'd like him, he's a good guy, but he's not around too much so we only talk every once in a while since he doesn't live in Paris."

"When he visits, make sure to introduce us." Sabine says with a smile.

"I promise you'll meet him eventually." Marinette says, matching her smile.

Next Chapter: The Bubbler

Previous Chapter: Statuesque (Origins - Part 1)

Chapter Index

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

MMC: Arc 1, Chapter 2: Statuesque (Origins - Part 2)

Ladybug smiled brightly, a small chuckle escaping her lips as she leapt over another rooftop. Chat Noir wasn't too far behind her, but without his weapon, he didn't seem to be as agile as her. She wasn't sure if it was because she was simply more acrobatic than him, or if their Miraculous has some part in it, but she wouldn't complain about beating him in the race.

"C'mon Spots!" Chat Noir calls out, "Let me win just once!"

This was their fifth race today, and so far he'd just barely come close to winning on their third match, and he's been desperate to win at least one. She didn't mind indulging him though, it allowed them to learn how to move without their weapons, and got them used to traversing the city.

"Nope!" She calls back, "You gotta get some more parkour training in Noir!"

She made one final jump, landing at the bottom of the Arc de Triomphe and began climbing. Chat Noir was a bit better at climbing than her, but with her head start, she easily made it to the top before him.

"Damn." He muttered as he got to the top, "How do you do that?"

"I'm flexible." She shrugged before handing him his baton.

He gave her back her yo-yo as he asked, "So, any plans tomorrow night? I'd love for another round but I'm gonna be busy until then."

"As much as I'd love to wipe the floor with you-" He playfully rolled his eyes, "-I have school."

He blinked, repeating, "School?"

Her eyes widened, "Fuck. Uh, yeah, school."

"Hey, no need to worry Spots, that doesn't narrow down your identity at all." He tells her, "All I know now is that you're within the age range of five to twenty-something."

She chuckled, "Well I can assure you I'm not a child."

He smirked, "You sure about that? You seem to love winning."

"Oh hush," She says, shoving his shoulder, "Like you weren't begging me to let you win."

"Speaking of which!" He says, opening his baton, "I spoke to Plagg and I figured out we can sync our weapons."

She looked at his baton, "Sync our weapons?"

"Yeah, it'll help us out a lot." He explains, "We can do a bunch of things, the most important of which is make a calendar for us to be more organized."

"Really?" She asks, opening her yo-yo, "That could be useful, but how can we be sure it won't expose our identities? If we happen to know each other in real life we could accidentally uncover ourselves by our schedules matching up."

"We don't have to be specific with it," He reminds her, "Like, we know we both have school, so we can just put 'school, busy for the afternoon' or something. Plus, what're the chances we're so close we know each other's schedules so well?"

"Pretty slim." She mused, "Alright, let's set this up."

-----

"You allowed him to attend public school?" Gabriel asks, voice monotone.

"Yes sir," Nathalie answers, stepping up to his podium.

"And you did this without my knowledge or consent?" He asks, voice unwavering.

"It's his final year before université, I thought it'd be best for him to attend public school before he was shoved into the deep end." She explains, "Not to mention he's been taking self-defense classes, and while he won't be without Gerald, it'll soothe your worry to know he'll be able to handle himself."

"Nathalie," He says, "Why did you think this was a good idea? To go behind my back?"

"Because otherwise Adrien wouldn't have had a normal life for once." Nathalie states.

"Adrien has been having a so-called normal life since he began disobeying us a few years ago." Gabriel states, "He likely would've gone even without you allowing him."

"He needs to trust you Gabriel, even if you think he'll just accept it." Nathalie explains.

He's silent for a moment before a small smile crosses his face, "Thank you Nathalie."

-----

"Okay," Adrien says, mostly to himself, "First, I gotta make sure my classmates know not to treat me any differently just because of who my father is."

"Kid, you do remember this is a private school, right?" Plagg asks, the feline perched on his shoulders, "No one's gonna treat you any differently then they treat each other."

"I remember," Adrien says, "Father wouldn't allow any worse even if I am going to a public université. The problem is, I'm a model, it's not just my father who's famous."

"And what about your blonde friend, Chloé Bourgeois?" Plagg asks, "She's famous."

"I think infamous is more accurate." Adrien says.

"Well my point stands," Plagg states, "Your school, your class, is not gonna be just everyday people, they're not gonna treat you differently just cause you're an Agreste."

Adrien is quiet for a moment before sighing, "Yeah, you're right. Remember to stay hidden once we get there."

"No one will see me."

-----

"I can't believe I'm gonna be late!" Marinette exclaims, rushing down the stairs, "I live right next door! How am I gonna be late for the first day back?!"

"You were busy with Chat Noir last night," Tikki reminds her, "It's not your fault."

Tikki was currently residing within the Miraculous and speaking to Marinette through her head; how that works, Marinette honestly didn't want to think about it. This was Tikki's "Hidden Form" as the Kwami called it, it usually resides in its False Form, and apparently Plagg likes to stay in its Animal Form.

"Given we were just talking, it kind of is." She says, grabbing her phone to put by her ear as she opened the front door, "Besides, he has school today too, neither of us should've slept in today."

"If it helps," Tikki offers as Marinette hurries to the crosswalk, "Being friends with your partner is a great thing, it'll help in the long run. Even if you're late to a few classes."

"I know that," Marinette says, "It's been fun to get to know Chad-" A stupid but functional codename for her hero partner, "-but we still shouldn't have been up so late."

"Marinette!" She looks up as she crosses the street, smiling at the sight of her friend.

"Gotta go." She says before putting her phone away and rushing up to her, "Alya! Good to see you."

"You too girl," Alya says in greeting, "And lucky for you, school doesn't start for a couple minutes."

"Oh thank goodness." She muttered, "I thought I was so late."

"Nah, but we do need to hurry to make it to class before the bell rings."

"Crap!" She exclaims, the two girls rushing inside the school.

-----

Adrien was a few minutes late but thankfully it seemed no one in his class seemed to care. Well, more like they were so used to big names that being in the same class as famous model Adrien Agreste was just another day to them. He sat in the front beside a shorter person with pink dyed hair who was enthralled in whatever they were sketching. Plagg was within the ring, something Adrien didn't even know it was capable of until now, so he didn't have to worry about anyone accidentally seeing it.

"Now that role is complete," The teacher, who Adrien is fairly sure her name is Mendeleiev, "I'm going to explain the project you'll all be working on for the next month."

A collective groan filled the classroom and the teacher rolled her eyes, "Oh hush. This is a difficult lesson and unless you want to make it even worse for yourselves, you'll be glad to work with your seatmate. Thomas, since you don't have a seatmate, join the two in front of you."

"But Mme. Mendeleiev, I think I speak for everyone here when I say we don't know our seatmates." One student spoke up, which was quickly backed by several others.

"I did that on purpose," Mme. Mendeleiev said, "I wanted you all to meet someone new, who may become a new friend, as this is your final year before université. Soon enough, you'll need to work with people you don't know, even those you don't like, and this is your chance to learn to work with people who you do like. Besides, I won't be your last strict teacher, so I would hope you enjoy your time remaining with me given I'm a fairly kind teacher compared to those I had."

Everyone, besides Adrien who didn't know the teacher, visibly flinched. It was clear to him that this teacher wasn't the kindest teacher, hell she even said so herself. Adrien was a bit worried about needing to leave in the middle of class due to being a hero, but he supposed his father could be his excuse for it. Besides, so long as he wasn't abusing his privilege of his name and he got good grades, she would probably excuse an absence or tardiness here and there.

"Since it's still the first day, I ask all of you to do the usual packet that needs to be done at the beginning of the year," Mme. Mendeleiev pulled out a large stack of papers, "These go over the lessons planned for the year, as well as the reward trips I have planned that you'll need a parent or guardian's signature for. Apart from that, feel free to talk quietly amongst yourselves for the class period."

After Mme. Mendeleiev passed out the packets, his seatmate spoke, "You're Adrien Agreste right?"

Adrien blinked, "...Yes?"

They hum, holding out their hand, "Alix Kubdel, they/them but I don't mind fem terms, nice to meet you."

"You too," Adrien says, shaking their hand, "Uh, he/him for me."

They nod, "So, Gabriel Agreste actually let you come to school?"

"Well, I think his assistant did most of it," Adrien says, "My dad's... protective."

"That doesn't surprise me," They state, "Your old man is a piece of work, no offense."

"None taken," He chuckled.

Adrien couldn't help but smile; it hadn't even been five minutes since meeting Alix and Adrien could already tell they'd be friends. Not only did they seem to not care of his status, but they didn't care for his dad either. Not to say he didn't, he loves his dad, but he didn't like a lot of what he did either, and Alix didn't either.

-----

Marinette lets out a deep sigh as she puts her head in her hands, devastated at the knowledge that she had to deal with Chloé in her class for the fourth year in a row. Not only that, but she didn't know anyone in this class outside of Chloé and Sabrina. She was thankful she had Mme. Bustier though, she's one of the kindest teachers in the school so at the very least she knew the class wouldn't be too bad.

One of those issues could be remedied if she befriended one of her new classmates, maybe even her seatmate. The person beside her looked kind enough, texting someone with a small smile on their face. Marinette wondered idly what to say to start a conversation, when they spoke up.

"I would appreciate it if you stopped staring at me."

Marinette flushed, "S-Sorry! I got lost in thought."

They gave a small hum but otherwise didn't react to Marinette and she sighed, "I was almost late to school even though I live right next door, then I realized I have to deal with the worst person in the world again and... I've been having a bad day."

They looked up and Marinette went to apologize for rambling only for them to cut her off, "Kim, my boyfriend, is in a similar boat as you today."

Marinette stared at them and they continued, "I'm sorry your day hasn't been going well. Your day will get better eventually."

Marinette gave them a small smile, "Thanks."

"You said you lived next door? Do you happen to work in the bakery?" They ask, "Apologies for the question, I just realized you look very familiar."

"My parents own it." She confirmed, "I work there from time to time when I'm not busy with school or my designs."

"Designs? What do you do?" They question, curiously.

"Fashion," She answers, "I'm creator and owner of MDCDesigns."

"Max Kanté, it/its." Max greets, holding out a hand, "I believe we're going to be friends."

Marinette smiled, taking its hand, "I think so too. My name's Marinette, she/her."

-----

As lunch continued, Adrien smiled brightly, chatting with Alix as they spoke about their friends Kim and Max. Adrien idly wondered if he could meet them and maybe befriend them as well but his thought was cut off when the cafeteria doors slammed open and he whirled around to see a... statue?

"Adrien!" The statue called out, the voice eerily familiar.

"Uh, you know them?" Alix stage whispers to him.

"That's...." Adrien blinked, something about the person seemed so familiar yet so different. Wasn't this the Quantum Masking? Adrien didn't know it'd apply to the Akuma victims... this just got so much harder.

-----

Marinette ducked into a classroom, heart racing. When she thought about her first real battle, she never expected it'd be in school, let alone after Adrien Agreste of all people. How did he anger them in the first place anyway?

"Tikki, transformez-moi!"

As the magic washed over her, she rushed towards the window and leapt out, using her yo-yo to swing herself to the cafeteria window. She peered inside, eyes scanning the room. It seemed no one dared move once the Akuma barged in, and the villain hadn't moved much since she left, barely a few inches as their marble eyes scanned the room.

The only thing that stuck out about them besides them being a, y'know, marble statue, was the cane in one hand, "Lucky Charm."

Ladybug blinked at the booklet filled with several mobility related medical problems. She didn't have time to read through all of these! She flipped open the booklet and let her eyes scan over as much as she could, barely catching a glimpse of one before a voice that sounded way too similar to Tikki told her to stop. She listened, looking at the page on people who suffered from chronic fatigue. She had no way to know for sure, but if the Akuma did have chronic fatigue, the abilities they gained from an Akuma could only do so much to nullify it.

Her Miraculous beeped, warning her of her new time limit and she swore under her breath before leaping down into the cafeteria, landing a few meters away. Her arrival jumpstarted the students as they all began shouting, all now attempting to escape despite the villain blocking the only exit.

A blue mask appeared over the Akuma's face, "Ladybug holder," They addressed her, "Hand over your jewels, I have no reason to fight you."

"And what of these innocent kids?" Ladybug questions, grabbing her yo-yo, "What would you have done to them if I hadn't dropped in?"

The Akuma smiled, the gold glinting off their skin, "Why don't you move so you can find out."

"Hey, uh, ladybug girl?" She barely glances back at Adrien Agreste, who seemed surprised and relieved at her presence, "You can't fight a supervillain alone."

A thought crossed her mind but her heart clenched at the thought, "I... will they listen to you?"

"U-Uh, maybe?" Adrien answers.

"They'll listen to me." A shorter person besides Adrien says.

"Charge her." Ladybug states, "She'll be overwhelmed and exhausted, I'll make sure no one is hurt."

With only a slight hesitation, they got onto the table and shouted, "GET THAT STATUE!"

Ladybug charged, yo-yo grabbing onto their arm and slid under their legs as they tried to grab her. Ladybug pulled on the yo-yo, causing the Akuma to lose their balance just in time for several people to begin hitting and kicking them. Ladybug smiled, glad they trusted her to protect them but just as quickly, her smile vanished as nearly everyone who attacked the Akuma turned to stone.

"Nice try." The Akuma says, turning to Ladybug, "Perhaps you shouldn't trust in amateurs kids."

"What about two?!"

-----

Chat Noir kicked the Akuma in the back, sending them flying forward, thankfully Ladybug moved out of the way in time. He hurried to her side, looking at the booklet attached to her hip.

"Chronic illnesses?" Chat Noir says, "The cane's not for show?"

"If my power's to be trusted, it isn't." Ladybug answers, both heroes readying themselves as the Akuma recovered. Ladybug's earrings beeped in warning of her rapidly approaching time limit.

"Go recharge, I'll deal with the statue for now." Chat Noir says, moving in front of his partner.

"We do this together." She states, "Follow my lead."

"You're still outplayed kids!" The Akuma snaps, grabbing one of the students turned statues and grabbing his arm, "One more step and I snap his arm off."

The two heroes froze, no, not just them, no one in the cafeteria dared to breathe at the threat.

"You wouldn't." Ladybug hisses.

"I'm here to get what I came for, revenge and your Miraculous."

"Revenge?" Chat Noir repeats, "What could a teenager have done to you do warrant this kind of revenge?"

"Gabriel Agreste fired me simply because I sought best for his son when he refused to do so, I had to act and yet he fired me anyway!" The Akuma snaps, "I'm here to take Adrien and get him far away from the man who refuses to be a father!"

The Quantum Masking protecting the Akuma's identity shatters instantly as the dots in Chat Noir's brain connected. It seemed the magic that protected the Akuma's were much weaker than Miraculous holders.

"Nathalie Sancoeur?" Chat Noir questions, eyes softening.

"I am Statuesque now." She corrects, "Now, hand over your Miraculous or else."

Another beep from Ladybug's Miraculous made his heart race.

"Okay." His head snapped to Ladybug, "Fine. Let the kid go, and we'll hand over our Miraculous."

"You think I'm stupid?" Statuesque asks, "Hand them over first."

Ladybug tossed the booklet to her, "Look, I already summoned my power, my timer's in effect."

Statuesque pauses for a moment before shoving the kid to the side and walking up to Ladybug, at which point her yo-yo shot forward, wrapping around her arm and yanking forward. The cane fell free and Chat Noir moved fast, grabbing the cane before snapping it over his knee.

As the magic faded from both Nathalie and the students, Ladybug's earrings beeped once again, "Times almost up, I need to go."

"Stay safe Spots." Chat Noir says, holding up his fist.

"Pound it." She says, fist bumping him.

"That should be our victory thing!" He calls out and she rushes through the cafeteria doors.

"Wh-What happened?" Nathalie asks, a hand clutched to her head as she looks around.

"You were a victim of a supervillain," Chat Noir informs her, "Would you like a lift back?"

She shakes her head, "No, thank you."

As she begins walking away, a person wearing an orange flannel rushes up to him, "What was that?!" They exclaim, "Who are you? Why'd you let her walk? What's going on?!"

"That was an Akuma, my name's Chat Noir, my partner that was with me was Ladybug." Chat Noir answers, "She walked because she wasn't in control of herself, someone forced her to act that way, and what's going on is that Paris has two new protectors. I should be going, stay safe."

-----

Monarque growled, gripping the tablet as the live stream ended, "Dammit! They're better than I thought..."

-----

The following day, Marinette simply wanted to crawl in a hole and die. Alya, her best friend in the whole world, started a blog in honor of the heroes. She'd have to keep an eye on her now, but that wasn't the worst part, the worst part is people haven't stopped talking about Ladybug and Chat Noir since Alya's stream ended and Marinette honestly didn't want to hear another word about them.

"That was so cool!" Alya says, "Gah, I hope I can interview them one day."

"Didn't Chat Noir answer a bunch of your questions though?" Aurore asks, Mirielle nodding along.

"Yeah but that was the basic stuff, I wanna know everything!"

"Just be careful," Mireille reminds her, "This is dangerous stuff."

"Agreed." Marinette says, "Please don't run face first into any supervillain."

"I make no promises." She says, making the other three sigh.

Next Chapter: Stormy Weather

Previous Chapter: Ladybug and Chat Noir (Origins - Part 1)

Chapter Index

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

Magical Connections Minor Update

So sorry that there wasn't a chapter this past Monday! I was visiting family and didn't have time to get it ready! But to make up for it, chapter 2 and 3 are going up today!

Chapter 2 will be at 6 and Chapter 3 will be at 7! Of course Chapter 4 will still be going up at its original time this coming Monday at 6PM PST

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

MMC: Arc 1, Chapter 1: Ladybug and Chat Noir (Origins - Part 1)

Wang Fu paced back and forth within the message parlor he called home, worry, confusion, panic, stress, all the negative emotions flooded his mind as he tried to figure out the next step that needed to be taken. It had already been two weeks since the incident and yet here he was, still worried, still panicking, still thinking, and yet nothing. He had moved, that was his first action and so far, his only action and he needed to figure out what to do before it was too late!

"Master, you must calm down," Wayzz speaks, flying in front of his face, "What if they use the Miraculous of the Butterfly or Peafowl to locate you?"

Wang stopped pacing and began to breathe deeply, allowing himself to relax, even for just the next few moments so he could think clearly and avoid detection. Even as his breathing evened out, he was still panicked, it wouldn't simply vanish, but his strong emotions would be what those people would search for, and he needed to remain as calm as he possibly could. They were inexperienced, they wouldn't be able to track him unless his emotions were out of control, strong, specific; he would be fine for now, so long as Wayzz continued to remind him to breathe.

"What do you think the best course of action is Wayzz?" Wang asks, watching Wayzz float before him.

Wayzz is quiet for some time, but Wang knew the look on the tiny beings' face, knew he already had an idea. He flew over to the gramophone and landed on top of it; it was the hiding place for the Miraculous, the magical jewels that contained the magic of Gods. Just two weeks ago it held 18, as he always wore the 19th, but now it was two short. However, Wang couldn't think of what had happened, he needed to prepare.

He stepped over to the gramophone and pressed the two ruby eyes of the dragons on either side of the front panel, between them a small wooden panel opened and several more buttons were revealed, to which Wang input the simple code. The top of the gramophone turned and flipped opened, two inner panels slid open, and up raised the Miracle Box.

"You already have your choices, don't you Wayzz." It was rhetorical, Wang already knew the answer.

"Tikki and Plagg know them best," Wayzz answers simply, "And I have scouted them out during the night, and I believe they've chosen well Master."

Wang took out the ring and earrings, a black cat leaping from the ring while a small plush-like being flew from the earrings.

"It's not our first rodeo." The black cat states, "We know what we're doing."

"They're the best of our options Master," The other says, just as polite as ever, "Although one may be a bit difficult to get to."

"Don't worry," Wayzz speaks up, "If we go now, we'll be able to catch him before he arrives home."

-----

Adrien smiled brightly, watching Nora break down into a fit of laughter. The others were used to their antics, so no one batted an eye at the sight. His trainer rarely let loose, especially in the gym, and Adrien enjoyed being able to help her unwind.

"Geez kid," Nora says, taking a deep breath to keep herself from breaking into another fit of laughter, "How do you manage that all the time?"

"It's a talent." Adrien says with a shrug.

His mom loved his jokes, puns, and any other assortment of humor he could come up with, so he came up with a lot over his childhood, memorizing so many that he'd argue he knows more jokes than he does words. His mom's favorites, despite never admitting it, were cat related puns and word play since his, and his mom's favorite story involved a cat themed hero who would use such jokes throughout his stories.

"You just have all those jokes and puns in your head at all times?" Nora asks with a raised brow.

"Yep." Adrien chuckles, "I memorized a lot of them. It's like a library of puns in my brain. I do need to be going meow Nora, same time next week?"

"Obviously." She nods with a slight chuckle, "Stay safe kid, don't want you getting into any fights you can't win."

"The chances of that are slim to none, we both know that." Adrien says with a confident smile, "I'll see ya around Nora."

"Later kid." She waves him off before turning her attention back to the punching bag.

Adrien hurried into the locker room and very quickly packed his things. He hasn't been training with Nora for very long, but it's honestly felt like he's known Nora his whole life. She's kind, strong, and just an overall great person. His father had been adamant about him learning some self-defense despite his personal bodyguard, but Adrien wouldn't complain about hanging out with Nora or his own outings without his bodyguard or Nathalie breathing down his neck.

As he finished packing his bag, he noticed the glint of metal in his bag and grabbed it, blinking a few times at the ring. He hummed, confused as to wear it came from and slipped it onto his finger, staring in awe as the black ring changed to silver and seemed to perfectly form to his hand. This was definitely some magic stuff and Adrien really needed to figure out what was going on.

"Heya kid." Adrien turned, blinking at the sight of the black at besides him, "Name's Plagg, and you're gonna be a superhero."

Adrien stared for a long moment before he stood, "Let's talk about this at my house, deal?"

If the cat could shrug, it would've as it began to float, "Works for me kid."

-----

"And you're sure you'll be alright on your own for the weekend?" Sabine asks for the fifth time.

Marinette chuckles, nodding, "Yes Maman, promise. I'm not a little girl anymore, I'm 18; I can handle being alone for a couple of days."

"I know honey," Sabine says, putting her hands on Marinette's cheeks, "It's just been so long since we've been gone for longer than an afternoon. Now, if you invite Alya of Nino over, clean up after yourselves."

"Promise." Marinette agrees as Sabine lets go, "Now, go before you and Papa are late."

"Goodbye my Macaron, we'll be back first thing Monday morning." Her dad reminds her, and she nods, watching the two leave.

As soon as the door shuts, she walks into the kitchen and begins making herself lunch. Her parents desperately needed the break; they rarely got one with how busy the bakery is, especially since it's almost completely run by them. It's not their fault they don't have any other employee besides Marinette, it's just that no one could really keep up with the chaos of the small yet popular bakery like they could. She made a mental note to possibly look for someone to help out in the bakery but that was on the back burner of what she needed to get done right now.

After she finished making her lunch, she went upstairs to continue working on her final design project before school began this coming Monday. It was almost finished, with only a few finishing touches left before it was complete. Marinette was excited to finally see it done after nearly two months of work.

She set down her plate of food and opened her sewing kit, pausing when she saw a pair of earrings. She hummed to herself, picking them up; they're cute but not something she'd wear, the red clashed a bit with her otherwise lighter outfit. She walked up to her floor-length mirror and put them on, looking at them in the mirror and froze when she saw them.

They're pink now. They were just red with black spots.

"Hello Marinette!" She whirled around at the voice, but her room was empty.

"Who's there?!" Marinette demands, "I know martial arts!"

It was a half-truth at best, she did know martial arts, but she stopped before she really got the hang of it since she was too busy with school. Regardless, there was no sign of where the voice came from, even as Marinette inched ever closer to her desk for some kind of makeshift weapon. She had a lot of sewing supplies, if she just got her hand on the right tool, she could keep herself safe while also really hurting whoever had broken into her apartment.

"I'm not here to hurt you!" The voice says and a small form appeared in front of her.

"What…" Marinette lost her voice as she stared at the weird flying bug… mouse? Whatever it was.

"My name is Tikki, I'm a Kwami." The thing- Kwami -said, "I have chosen you to become a superhero! If you'll accept, of course."

"Excuse me?"

-----

"So," Adrien says as he sits down. The cat jumps onto the coffee table, sitting to stare at him, "What are you?"

"A Kwami." He-it-whatever it is, answers, "Name's Plagg, I represent Destruction."

"Why do you look like a cat?" Adrien asks.

"All Kwami look like an animal, I just so happen to resemble a house cat." The Kwami explains.

"So, you're connected to the ring?" Adrien says, looking at his hand where the ring now sat on his right middle finger, "How exactly does that work?"

"A small part of me is connected to the ring which allows you to use my power." Plagg explains, "The rest of me is out in the universe spreading destruction."

"And why are you here now?" Adrien asks, "With me, I mean."

Plagg is silent for a moment before sighing, "Look kid, I represent pure unbridle destruction, can you imagine how bad it'd be if I was in the wrong hands?"

Adrien shuddered at the thought of a supervillain wielding such destructive abilities.

"Exactly." Plagg says, "You were chosen because, right now, we need to recover what was stolen."

"So, I'm gonna be a superhero?" Adrien questions, a mixture of worry and excitement flooding through him at the thought.

"Yep." Plagg answers, "But we got some stuff to cover first, so hold your horses."

-----

"Okay, so you're a Kwami, which is a magical being that represents a specific concept, you specifically represent Creation, and you chose me to be a superhero to fight some person who stole the Miraculous." Marinette recaps the Kwami's words, "Did I get all of that right?"

"That is all correct." Tikki nods.

"And why did you choose me?" Marinette asks as she looks in the mirror, eyeing the earrings that rested in her ears.

"You're the best of those I could've chosen." Tikki explains, "However, if you truly do not wish to accept the responsibility of becoming a superhero, I will take the Miraculous back and give it to another of my options."

Marinette puts a hand to her ear, looking to Tikki, "And is there a catch if I accept? You're not gonna like, steal my soul, right?"

Tikki giggled, "Nope. The only catch is you help retrieve what was stolen."

"I don't have much fighting experience." Marinette says, "Am I really the best choice?"

"Fighting will become second nature to you in due time," Tikki tells her, "Besides, being a hero isn't just a battle of strength, it's also a battle of intelligence."

-----

"Okay," Adrien nods, "I get it, and I accept."

"Good, because I wasn't gonna leave." Plagg says.

"Plagg, transformez-moi!"

-----

Marinette opens the trapdoor to her balcony, quickly climbing up, "Alright, let's do this! Tikki, transformez-moi!"

Magic washed over her as a bodysuit appeared and she took a moment to take it in before she pulled the yo-yo from her hip and flipped it opened, reading through everything there was. She has two main abilities, and one was passive, her Lucky Charm which granted her an object or set of objects to help her in whatever it was she was doing, Magical Creation which is scarily powerful, and Great Fortune, which would be really helpful. She understood why it was so important her Miraculous never fell into the wrong hands, who knows what someone could do with this power.

Her yo-yo is also extremely versatile, being able to work as a grapple or a shield is she spins it fast enough, plus if she's clever with how she uses it, it'll be helpful in most if not all situations. She also had some information on the other 18 Miraculous, but there wasn't too much which she was both upset with and thankful for. It went into great detail about her abilities and even some of her weaknesses, so it made sense she didn't have as much knowledge on the other Miraculous as she did of her own.

Reading aside, she needed some practice. If Tikki was right, the thief could start using the stolen Miraculous anywhere from weeks from now to right this second. She mentally hoped she'd get at least a couple hours of practice before they struck.

-----

"This is so cool!" The cat-themed hero, who had very quickly named himself Chat Noir, said, balancing over his baton between two rooftops.

He could probably jump the gap, or simply use his baton to launch himself over, but this was fun. Besides, he wouldn't have time to goof off like this once the person who stole the Miraculous began to use it. Becoming a hero was his dream come true, he wanted to enjoy it just a little before everything became serious. A part of him felt selfish for it, but he wanted to enjoy this time while it lasted.

He hadn't stopped thinking about everything being a hero would entail since he transformed an hour ago. What is his partner gonna be like? Who are they fighting? How long would it be before they win?

"Look out!" He looked up just in time to watch another body collide with his.

The two fell but before they hit the ground, he was grabbed and the two stopped far too close to the ground for his liking. Chat Noir looked at the other, a horrified expression on their face as they held tightly onto him.

"Well, not how I expected this meeting to go." Chat Noir mused with a smirk, "Nice of you to drop in though."

They groaned, and with a quick movement, dropped them to the ground. Both heroes were able to rotate themselves to not land on their heads, "You're already insufferable."

He chuckled, "Me-ouch, Spots," He says as he places a hand over his heart, "And I thought cats had claws."

"Oh my god." She mumbled, tossing him his baton. He hadn't realized she pulled it down, "Please tell me you're not always like this."

"Sorry Spots, but this is Chat Noir 85 percent of the time. The other 15 is for battles."

A small smile crossed her lips just briefly before she glanced around, "I guess that'll be good enough, but we should get going, there's a crowd."

"Well, our secret wasn't gonna stay long." He says glancing at the large crowd that all stopped to see the heroes. Their reactions ranged from shock, to worry, to excitement; the latter of whom had their phones out.

"We should go before our villain gets wind of where we are." His partner voices.

Chat Noir nods, "Good idea Spots."

-----

"That old man finally recruited heroes." A man says, watching the news footage.

"Master, perhaps we could simply speak with them," Nooroo suggests, "If we're to believe your wife can still be saved, we-"

"Silence!" He snaps, "There is no way to bring her back without the wish."

"But Master, if you-"

"I don't care who goes in her place." He states, sending a glare to the god, "I want her back, no matter the price."

"Sir," He looks over to his assistant, "We should think of this more rationally."

"Which part?" He asks with a raised brow.

"Your plan." She answers, "If we are to be successful at taking down the heroes, then we must overwhelm them, we mustn't let them have a chance to train any more than they may have already, Gabriel."

He hums in thought before smiling, "You're right as always, Nathalie. Now, let's figure out who would be our best first attempt."

-----

That night, Chat Noir was sat beside his partner, who he had learned her name was Ladybug, on top of the Eiffel Tower where no one could reach them. Their feet were dangling over the edge of the monument as they enjoyed one another's company.

"How can you leave your skin exposed like that?" The question throws him off, especially since they'd been silent for the last few minutes, "Isn't it dangerous?"

"Oh, uh, it's technically not exposed." Chat Noir answers, holding up his arm, "There's magic protecting my skin as if there was a sleeve. I can still get hurt, but it's not any less durable there than anywhere else on my body."

She hummed and he smiled, asking in return, "Can I ask why you're in a full bodysuit?"

"It felt… practical?" She said with a shrug, "I don't know. Tikki said it's supposed to represent who we are, but I don't buy that."

"Oh," He hums, brows raised in interest, "How so?"

"Without going into detail, I'm a very creative person, and this outfit doesn't fit my usual creativity." She explains, looking at her hand, "I mean, it's a bodysuit with the colors of a ladybug, how uncreative is that?"

"Maybe you subconsciously wanted it to be simple?" Chat Noir suggests, "Or you wanted it to be different from your civilian self. I mean, it could also be your disconnection from being a hero."

"The disconnect I could get, but I knew what I was signing up for, so I don't know…" Ladybug trails off, "What about your suit though? You're basically just a black cat with some green, that's not exactly creative."

"My suit's perfect." Chat Noir says, glancing at his bare arm, "It brings out what I love about myself without undermining the rest of me."

"Are your eyes actually two colors?" Ladybug asks.

"Yeah, but I wear contacts in my civilian life, so no one really knows." He explains, "I can't say much more but yeah, it kind of sucks."

Ladybug is quiet for a moment before smiling, "My eyes are the same in and out of the suit."

The two fall into another comfortable silence until Chat Noir asks, "So, anything else you can tell me about your civilian life?"

"Not yet," She says, "Once we recover the Miraculous, then you can know everything you want too about me."

"Promise?" He asks.

"Promise." She says.

Next Chapter: Statuesque (Origins - Part 2)

Chapter Index

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

Miraculous: Magical Connections Date!

I finally have a date to share with you all! The story will begin on Friday, October 4th at 6:00PM PST! (Exactly two weeks from this post going up)

The first Arc is complete, and all of the designs seen throughout the Arc are also finished and have been posted! On top of that, I'm using the rest of the month between this post and Origins Part 1 being posted to get started on Arc 2!

The first Arc ended up being 15 chapters rather than 14, so I hope you all enjoy the additional lore I gave at the end of the first Arc, but with that said, I hope you all enjoy it when it comes out, thank you again for all of your patience <3

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

As someone rewriting Miraculous: do it

It is so much fun, and I've loved it so far, but just remember to do it how you want to, don't let others dictate how you should or shouldn't write it

Soooo how would we feel about a miraculous rewrite..?

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

I went through... so many emotions reading this

"Imagine trusting your husband (!)" aw, they're flustered about finally being married

"and your girlfriend-" POLY PEOPLE

"to take care of your child after your death" SOBS

"but somehow they become furry-" what

"-suicidal-" excuse me?

"-terrorists instead" oh it's about Gabriel and Nathalie

LIKE THIS WAS SUCH A FUCKING ROLLERCOASTER READING IT

imagine trusting your husband (!) and your girlfriend to take care of your child after your death but they become furry suicidal terrorists instead

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

"Royal Fragrance, I am Monarque!"

Aka my Princess Fragrance Redesign

Since Rose is bigender, the name change was simple, as for the rest of the design, I wanted to play more into the "Royalty" aspect that the name suggests

The original design is probably one of the worst designs of season 1 and it shows, so I changed literally everything besides her power

I gave her a short dress with leggings and heels that heavily contrast her gas mask and goggles to show that while yes, she's "Royalty" she's also not exactly harmless (she doesn't need the mask, but the goggles help her see through her perfume)

[miraculous-magicalconnections]

"Hansha, I am Monarque!"

Aka my design of a new Akuma for Juleka

I, like most fans, think Reflekta's design is far too pink, far too latex, and far from who Juleka is, so while originally this was a Reflekta redesign, it's far from the original

Hansha's name translates to Reflection in Japanese, and her design now resembles a ghost, her being slightly transparent (I specifically referenced a Banshee for her design)

She can't fly, however she hovers at the same height she'd normally stand

Her Akumatized object and weapon is still her wrist mirror, however I've changed how her power works

Instead of turning people into lookalikes, she instead transports them to a mirror world, not being able to interact with anything besides her

Also, I love that this is going up on Friday the 13th when her reasoning behind her Akumatization is because she's cursed