#A Fox in Ladybug's Clothing: Tikki's Thoughts

[disaster-biraven]

The Lazarus Problem Chapter 3

Jasonette Ch1 Ch2 Ch3(you are here) Ch4 ~ Masterlist

Ao3 Dedicated to @girl-in-thechair

Marinette didn’t forget, per say, to try and find Jason. It’s just dealing with the Bats takes a lot of attention, and she was afraid of what she’d find. Tikki would call it procrastinating, but Marinette calls it protecting her sanity. It was still bugging her, and it seemed like she was seeing him everywhere. Once she thought she saw him in the background of a video about the latest Wayne Gala, and another time could have sworn he was outside a coffee shop near Wayne Enterprise. Marinette convinced herself in was a reflection or something, cause no one was around by the time she made it outside.

Once she finally got around to looking up his name, she almost cried at how easy it was. Jason had managed to get adopted by Bruce Wayne, of course he did. While she vaguely knew about Bruce Wayne and that he adopts kids, the last time she was in Gotham there was only one. And she didn’t try and keep up with that in Paris, Marinette was busy building a new life. Looking at the timeline, he was adopted really soon after they had been separated. Reaching out to them wouldn’t be easy, much less trying to run into him. ~

Her answer to her problem came in the form of a commission request a week later. She had finally opened them up again after finishing her move. Tim Drake had reached out for the whole Wayne family, needing clothes for the next charity gala. He was a big fan of MDC and had always wanted to commission her. Apparently Tikki’s luck was still working for her.

After reaching out and setting up an appointment, all Marinette was left with was nerves about the meeting with the Bats. But she had found Jason and the two sources of the Lazarus pits. So now all she had to do was reconnect with Jason, and then convince hyper-paranoid vigilantes that she was there to help. Fun.

The meeting with the Bats was setting to take place on Wayne Enterprise, the tallest building around. Most likely to keep random Gothamites from seeing most of the Bat family and an unknown meeting at 2am. It seemed like Lyca had gotten there first, but she knew better. At least one person was surveying the area, and it was only a matter of time til the rest got there.

Sure enough, five minutes later the faint sound of boots hit the gravel. She turns to face Batman and Red Hood. While the Bat sizes her up, Red Hood decided to make introductions.

“Batman meet Lyca, Lyca this is Batman. Uh, and you both already know me…”

“How do we know you really mean to help with the Lazarus pits? You very well could be a spy sent from the League of Assassins?” Batman waits impatiently for her to answer, probably so he can continue interrogating her.

“Do you know Ladybug and Chat Noir? And that they have Miraculous that they used?” Lyca points to her necklace, “I have the Fox Miraculous. I wasn’t Rena Rouge, but I did help the heroes in Paris. Now that Hawkmoth has been stopped, Gotham is the most unbalanced place. And how I can best help with that is helping you with the Lazarus pits.”

As expected, bringing up the Miraculous threw Batman off. She was aware that the Justice League had been looking for her. One of the reasons they hadn’t found her yet was because of the Miraculous magic, and her luck. If partly revealing herself help gain their trust, so be it. She could see the cogs in Batman’s head switch gears.

“I’ve been trying to get into contact with Ladybug, would you be willing to help with that?”

“She is already aware of that, the most I can do is pass along a message.” She wasn’t ready to step back into the earrings, and she figured this would at least get him of her back for now. Red Hood then spoke up,

“How would you even help with the Lazarus pits? I mean, I believe you but we’ve already looked into healing it and hit a dead end.”

“The pits were originally made by a wish using the cat and ladybug miraculouses. Ladybug and Chat Noir have given me the tools necessary to reverse the effects. I can delve more into it closer to when we actually do it.”

Red Hood seemed to accept that. Batman, however, seemed to still have some hang ups.

“I will reach out to Wonderwomen, and look into the fox miraculous. She may want to meet you.” Lyca nodded.

“That’s reasonable, if you want to reach me use this,” She handed Red Hood a phone Max invented that could connect to the miraculous and the Kwamis. “It’s untraceable both ways, and reaches me directly.” She didn’t feel the need to mention she could trace it if she really needed to. In case she ever needed to get the phone back, if it fell into the wrong hands.

Batman obviously wanted to ask more questions, but Marinette needed to go. Her consultation with Tim Drake was early in the morning and she had a lot of prepping to do.

“It was really nice meeting you Batman, but I’ll have to answer the rest of your questions another day.” Before he can respond she calls for Mirage and silently returns home. ~

Jason stared up at the ceiling as he laid back on the couch, waiting for his fitting with the designer Tim had obsessed over for ever. Tim and Bruce had already gone, while Dick was currently in there. Everyone had decided it was best for Damian to go last, so Jason was up next. The phone Lyca had given him was in his pocket, true to her word it was untraceable. Both Tim and Barbra had tried, when it was decided that magic had been used in the process of making it and they called it a night. Jason didn’t allow himself to feel hopeful that he could be cured, as it still felt to good to be true.

“Jason? It’s your turn.” Dick said as he popped his head into the library.

“Thanks, be right there.”

“Great, I’m going to go prep Damian. Try and bribe him to not insult or maim her.” And with that Dick disappeared.

Jason swung his legs over the edge of the couch and stood up. As he opened the door, the designer turned around and froze. She was painfully familiar, but the answer was harder to remember the harder he thought about it. She unfroze, blinking slightly. Immediately the answer came to him. An old friend, long thought dead was right in front of him.

He tried to speak, but he was in shock. Clearing his throat he attempted again.

“Marinette?” His voice cracked.

[hunterxassasin]

A Fox in Ladybug's Clothing: Tikki's Thoughts

Requested by @some1stolemyshade

-----

Never in her existence had Tikki thought she'd be stuck with someone like Lila of all people. Sure she'd had her fair share of selfish, and honestly downright bad holders, but Lila, she just rubbed the red kwami the wrong way. 

Ever since Marinette brought up the idea of handing the ladybug miraculous over to Lila in hopes of bettering her as a person, Tikki was fully against it. She knew what would, and could happen if her miraculous ended up in the wrong hands, but Marinette had insisted that she at least try. Being Ladybug made her a better Marinette, so why couldn't it help Lila too? Even though it had been a few months since Lila had gotten the miraculous, Tikki still had her doubts.

With a sigh, Tikki slumped over on one of Lila's pillows, watching her new holder tap away at her phone. She had quickly come to understand Lila a bit better ever since Marinette handed over the miraculous. Lila basically lived alone, her mother was rarely around and it seemed as if there wasn't a father in the picture. It explains her attention seeking behavior but didn't excuse it in the slightest. 

"What's the matter, do you need more to eat?" Lila asked the small kwami absently, still tap tap tapping away at the screen of her phone. 

"No, I'm just tired. There's been more akumas in the past week than we've ever had to deal with. And it doesn't help that you insist on going out at Harlequin Harmony for no reason other than to show off and see your 'fans' You're a superhero, Lila, not a celebrity." Tikki sat upright, crossing her arms over her chest. 

Lila shook her head, looking at the kwami from the corner of her eye. "Poor you, I'm sure Marinette did the same thing, she probably went to visit Adrien all the time as Ladybug." The girl hummed, plugging her phone in and standing up with a stretch. 

Tikki said nothing. Lila was partially right, but Marinette only checked up on Adrien after an Akuma or when she noticed he was having a particularly rough day at school. Nothing like Lila was doing.

She watched Lila leave her room. Once she was gone, Tikki settled down, snuggling up under the covers. 

Helping Lila become Harlequin Harmony wasn't all a bad thing. In fact, Akuma attacks had become easier to take out, causing much quicker battles and less harm coming to those in the city. Sure, the miraculous cure fixed everything but it was nice to not see so many people traumatized by it. 

In addition to that, Chat Noir seemed to be less flirty, and was stepping up as Harlequin's partner. Since he no longer has Ladybug to flirt with and fawn over, he paid more attention to his surroundings and did his job in a more efficient manner. He had even been the one to bring in Mauremys, who, despite trying to hide that she was a skilled miraculous holder, made it very obvious to Tikki that she was Marinette behind the mask.

Lila had gotten slightly better as well, whether that be from Tikki's own guidance or the fact that Marinette seemed to have accepted Lila as a friend for lack of a better word and was helping her get better, she wouldn't know. But as of now, Tikki knew things could go in either direction, and being very cautious was the only way to go regarding situation.

[thr-333]

Drastic Measures- Part 1

@daminette-december2019-2020 ​

~Inspiration~

*Emerges from my hole*: oh ho ho~ we have another month of inspiration on our hands!

Next

-------------------

Marinette steps through the portal immediately collapsing; she doesn't drop the transformation until she hears Chat drop down next to her. She calls the transformation of both the Horse and Ladybug miraculous, knowing Chat will close his eyes without her asking, Marinette does the same for him as he calls off his own.

They stay like that, panting on the rooftop. It’ll be sunrise soon, Marinette knows what she has to do.

“He’s moved,” She breaks the silence. Stating the obvious, they’ve known this for months.

“At least he wont be bothering Paris anymore,” Chat laughs, without any humor.

“But Gotham is so much worse,” Marinette groans, “We can’t keep doing this, not like we are, Spots on,”

Marinette stands letting the transformation wash over her while keeping her eyes shut, this will be easier to say without looking at him anyway.

“Chat Noir, hand over your miraculous,” Marinette recoils at the wounded sound he makes, “I have to leave Paris,”

“What? No! Claws out!” Marinette opens her eyes to see Chat, furious and with tears in his eyes, “I’m coming with you!”

She thought he would say that. Probably would have hurt if he didn’t.

“I can’t just ask you to leave your life, your friends,” Marinette chokes up, “Your family,”

“And what about you?!” Chat says with such heartbreaking sincerity, “Who will you be leaving behind!?”

“... Everyone,”

But she had put it off for too long. Hawkmoth slowed his attacks in Paris months ago, they thought he was giving up… then he attacked Gotham. The attacks in Paris stopped. The ones in Gotham were so much worse. She thought… she thought she could keep it up, jumping through a portal every time Gotham needed her. It was the best of both worlds. Her family and friends were safe and she could still defeat Hawkmoth. But nothing was ever that easy. Gotham needed her, completely, with undivided attention. Paris didn’t. Gotham needed Ladybug more than Paris needed Marinette.

“Not me,” Chat breaks Marinette from her thoughts, gently holding her shoulders, “I’m coming with you,”

She should argue. She planned to argue, every detail ever rebuttal. But she was weak. Marinette so desperately wanted him to come. To have someone, anyone there for her. No not anyone she wanted Chat by her side. Her partner through thick and thin. The one who would help her take down Hawkmoth. It was so unbelievably selfish. 

She wanted him with her more than she wanted him to live his life here.

“Chat you realize we can’t tell anyone,” They could make the connection, they would try to stop them, or worse, follow them. If they went to Gotham alone at least they wouldn't have a life outside of this, they could focus wholly on taking down Hawkmoth, and maybe finally succeed, “... we have to run away,”

“Bug a boo that's the fun part,” Chat teases, Marinette couldn't see how leaving her friends and family would be at all fun, “... sorry… I know you’re leaving a lot behind,”

“If you do this-”

“When I do this,” Marinette raises a brow at him, he does it right back.

“We should reveal our identities,”

“Oh no, what a shame,” Chat dramatically ‘faints’, “Damn that makes this so much harder,”

“You know what?” Marinette ‘thoughtfully’ taps her chin, “I can probably find a new Chat Noir,”

“No, no! Sorry,” Chat immediately stands back up, “That’s obviously not why I’m doing this,”

“I know kitty,” Marinette smiles, getting him to relax, “But you need to think this over, I’m… I’m going to go pack,”

“Don’t need to think it over,” Chat smirks, “Claws off!”

“Chat! NO!” Marinette yelps, chiding, before actually processing who it was standing before her, ��Adrien?!”

“Uhh, you know me?” Adrien stands there so awkwardly Marinette just burst into laughter, “Ummm,”

“S-sorry it’s it’s just,” Marinette held her sides as she kept cracking up, “Spots off!”

Her transformation fell and at that moment Marinette couldn’t even manage to feel any anxiety at him finding out, the ‘o’ face he made was too priceless. Before she could even think of being nervous Adrien also bursts out laughing, the two ending up as wheezing messes on the rooftop. It took a long while and lots of giggling to calm down.

“Well at least I’m not leaving all my friends behind,” Marinette says to the sky, “That is if you still want to come?”

“Meet you here tomorrow Marinette,” Adrien stands up, offering a hand to Marinette, “Same time,”

“See you kitty,” Marinette waves as they part ways, for now. She had a lot she needed to do today.

Marinette doesn't sleep when she gets home. She searches deep in her draws for that special fabric she put aside. Flips through her sketchbook to find that perfect design she did once. Then gets to work making a pattern. It is well past sunrise by the time she is done. She’s late for school. It doesn't matter anymore.

Not running to class for once she makes sure her parents are free later that night. She’d like to spend all day with them, but Marinette wants to see her friends one last time. She stuffs her bag with all the presents she had made her friends for future birthdays. Might as well give them now. Lila smirks at her as she walks into class, Marinette would usually worry. It doesn't matter anymore.

“Hey girl, I was wondering, Lila said some-” Marinette cuts her off, handing Alya a pile of wrapped gifts.

“Hi, sorry I’ve been busy, kind of went into a design frenzy,” Marinette laughs sheepishly, “I was going to give them at your birthday, but I just couldn't wait,”

“Awe, girl this is amazing!” Alya holds up the jacket Marinette made a few months ago, she hugs Marinette tight, “See I told you, Lila, Marinette's just been busy!”

“Too busy to make me anything, I’m sure,” Lila says, teary eyed.

“Actually no,” Marinette smiles, enjoying the utterly shocked look.

“I made this to welcome you to the class, but then you went to Achu,” Marinette places it down with open hostility, “And, well, there wasn't really an opportunity after that,”

After that Lila has a hard time trying to twist it against her. Even the complaints that the bandanna is so much smaller than everyone else's gifts is weak as it has beautiful embroidery of a fox and ladybug, everyone cooing over how sweet and personal the design is. Back when Marinette actually believed her lie that they could start over and be friends. It also was hard to turn anyone against Marinette as she handed out presents to anyone that walked through the door. Laughing and apologizing for her absence lately, claiming the whole time she was making things for them.

When Adrien came to class they both tried to stifle their laughter. Marinette only gave him one thing, so as not to be suspicious. It would help to have all new clothes when they ran away, she would give the rest to him then. It was a scarf, one she made a while ago with the new addition of a green cat paw in the corner.

Marinette, for all intents and purposes, felt wonderful for the rest of the day. She caught up with her friends, felt closer to them than she had in a while actually. They talked and laughed, Marinette for once not encouraging them to keep quiet, joking along with them, and taking a million pictures. Madame bustier didn't complain much, after all, she had an all-new makeup bag plus more.

It was fun. And the ‘see you tomorrow’ was hollow.

Marinette was dreading going back home. She asked for a special dinner that night, saying she had a special surprise to show them. And special it was, Marinette had made a new dress for her Maman, a more casual version of her wedding dress, with a special Marinette flare, plus a matching outfit for her Papa. They smiled saying it was beautiful, just as they had with her very first design and everything she made since then. They ate together and played video games together.

Marinette asked to look at old photo albums and they spent the rest of the night pouring over them. If she slipped a few out to take with her, neither noticed.

“I love you both,” Marinette hugs them tight, imagining she’ll never see them again.

Even if they do defeat Hawkmoth, Marinette's not sure she’ll make it through the fight. She could be gone for years, or maybe never return to Paris. Marinette didn’t know if she’d ever see them again, this could be it.

“We love you too,” Her Maman smiles, cupping her cheek, “Now go to bed we don't want you to be late for school tomorrow,”

Sorry I will be

Marinette just nods, hugging them one last time before heading upstairs. She packs her bag, full of newly brought or made clothes, clothes for Adrien, food, and whatever cash she had on hand. She leaves a note, saying there's something she has to do, that she loves them both and this is in no way their fault, not to look for her but Marinette doubts they’ll listen. She grabs her bag and the miracle box, saying goodbye to her home and disappearing into the night with Tikki.

By the time she meets up with Adrien Marinette is a sobbing mess. They hug each other. Adrien's not crying but she can sense the deep sadness in him. Tikki hugs her too, getting Marinette to calm down.

“So what’s the plan?”

“Go to Gotham,” Marinette shrugs, that was really the extent of it.

“We have nowhere to go,” Chat hums, trying to act nonchalant about everything, 

“I guess this means we’re homeless,” Marinette shrugs again, she had really only planned this for herself, and none of that seemed like a concern.

“We can find an abandoned warehouse, set up shop,”

“Either way we’re going to be pretty busy,” Constantly on the run, either running from someone or running after someone.

“Well, you know what they say,” Chat smirks, “We’ll sleep when this bastard is taken down,”

“You know it,” Marinette smiles, genuinely this time, “Pound it?”

“Pound it,”

 ---

 “After last week we can indeed confirm these attacks are occurring,”

“Oh sure it wasn't like I told you a month ago,” Jason scoffs, getting glared at by Bruce for interrupting.

“Well you have to admit ‘this guy came and destroyed ten blocks’ is pretty unbelievable when everything’s unscratched,” Tim continues to tap away at his computer, “And now we know the cause,”

The footage was shakily taken from the next building over, partly destroyed. With a bright light everything was fixed.

“Magic,” Dick says needlessly.

“Meta humans,” Batman growls, “Not approved and playing at being heroes,”

“Can we really complain if they fix everything after a fight?” Duke speaks up, “The police didn't even report any casualties, they don’t seem to be rookies,”

“Magic makes them reckless,” Batman shuts the argument down, “More so if they can fix everything, what happens when they can’t?”

“So basically you want them out,” Damian cuts in, there was no point arguing over it for however long, Bruce wouldn't allow them to keep roaming the city.

“Yes,” Bruce fixes them all with a hard stare, making it clear this is an order, “When you come in contact tell them they are to leave or be removed,”

They all agreed. Damian wishes he didn’t have to waste his time worrying about some second rate wannabes thinking they could challenge Batman for the protection of Gotham. They couldn't. What did they have that Batman didn’t?

 ---

 A lot was the answer. 

Or this particular new villain. It didn’t make any sense, usually, first time villains were easier to deal with, but no, here Robin was watching as Batman fought a losing battle against them. It didn’t help that they were brainwashing civilians, turning them against the rest. Robin was given very specific instructions not to harm them. Hard when they had no such orders.

Robin barely processes that Batman is thrown through a building before the main villain is turning to him. At least he could use more drastic measures with the actual villain, unsheathing his sword Robin lunges. He trades a few blows, unfortunately doing less damage than the villain can do with a singular super powered punch. With super strength, magic and Gotham citizens being steadily taken over this was looking more like a Justice league threat by the second. Everytime the villains should be down for the count they got back up, Damian couldn't find their weakness.

Robin knows he took a wrong step as the villain doesn't rush forward to take advantage but shoots out a beam, the same one Damian had just watch turn a civilian against the rest of his family. And he has no leverage to dodge. This would be so much worse than the civilians, setting his strength against the others? Without concern for killing them? Would Damian remember?

“Watch out!” A wire wraps around Robin, yanking him out of the way. He falls at someone's feet the wire slipping away, he can hear it whirling above him. 

Damian sits up, looking to who grabbed him, ready to fight if necessary, and- Loses his breath.

She's standing over him protectively, a makeshift wire shield repelling the beams that had been causing them so much trouble with ease. Like it was second nature. She looks down at him and smiles so gently, without a hint of fear or worry. Promising she has everything under control.

There's something to be said of Batman's intimidating, steady nature. It can put people at ease in its own way and be even more effective at cutting down enemies with a glare. But this? This is warmth, assurance, a steady appearance more in line with Wonder Woman yet still completely it’s own.

“You alright?” She holds out a hand for him.

Damian snaps out of it taking her hand startling at how she actually lifts him up without any effort on his part.

“Chat you ready?”

“Ready my Lady!”

My lady? Who’s Chat?

His answer comes a second later as a spotted container comes crashing down, fracturing the street. In an instant, the wire wraps around the container a hundred times over.

“Now!” My Lady commands.

“Cataclysm!” Chat yells out, the container crumbles under his touch, wire moving in to constrict around the villain.

The villain thrashes, still being able to send out beams wildly and with their minions closing in. Chat breaks off to fend them all off while Robin tries to catch his breath, Batman still in the rubble of a building. My Lady can’t hold the villain back and fight at the same time. Damian struggles to stand up and help her.

“Lucky charm replay!” 

Robin cringes at the bright light then watches as another spotted object falls into her hands. It’s a bent tube she looks around for a few seconds before holding it up. Damian rushes forward as a beam races towards her and she makes no effort to dodge. She catches it with the tube sending it back to the villain, it hits them square in the chest with no effect. Lady nods to herself before doing the same with the next beam. This time robin watches as it misses the villain, grazing their ear and sending their ear peice flying off.

“Chat!”

“On it!” Chat Noir catches the earring from midair, calling cataclysm again turning it to dust.

Damian watches not willing to let his jaw drop as the hideous villain transforms into a normal civilian. It’s such an intriguing sight that Robin startles when something flies towards Chat Noir snatching a purple butterfly from the air and pulling it back to My Lady. A few seconds later a white butterfly is flying out a… yo yo?

“Bye bye little butterfly,” She waves the glowing white butterfly away.

That was so cute

“Who are you?” Batman demands having just recovered, motioning for them to circle around them.

“Uh, your welcome,” Chat Noir scoffs, helping the previous villain up.

“I am Ladybug, this is my partner Chat Noir,” Partner? “We’re the previous heroes of Paris,”

“Paris has no heroes,” Batman glares at them, civilians around them still closing in Robin turns his defenses towards them.

“Then that makes the past what six? Seven? Years really awkward,” Chat Noir looks at Ladybug who shrugs, a civilian takes a swing at her she dodges smoothly before throwing the pipe in the air.

“Miraculous Ladybug!” Now Robin's jaw does drop as a thousand glowing ladybugs swarm around the nearby buildings, maybe all of Gotham not even leaving a scratch behind.

“Why are you in Gotham now then?” Batman recovers first, civilians nearby blinking back into reality.

“Hawkmoth has moved his operations to Gotham to feed off the negative emotions here,” well there’s plenty of that here “It makes his Akuma more powerful and we can no longer continue to operate from Paris,”

“Then he’s in Gotham now and is my problem,” our problem “I can handle this,”

“Well you did a great job of that,” Chat Noir rolls his eyes, leaning on his staff, “How's your back by the way?”

“Chat Noir,”  Ladybug scowls, then turns to Batman, “You can’t and it’s my responsibility as Ladybug and as guardian of the miraculous,”

“What's that-”

Nightwing is interrupted by a beeping from Chat Noir's ring.

“It would be that, we have to go now,” Chat Noir salutes moving to leave, they tighten their circle surrounding them.

“You will leave Gotham,” Batman demands, this time its Ladybugs turn to glare she tsks and rounds on him, not managing to seem that threatening in her brightly colored costume.

“You don’t know who Hawkmoth is, you don’t know what Akuma are, you don't know about the miraculous, you have no clue about the guardians, you hadn't heard of whats been happening in Paris for years and you don’t know who we are or what we’ve done,” Batman is shocked under the forces of the heroine's righteous fury, “There are things going on here that you don't understand, we are here to stay until hawkmoth is defeated,”

Robin watches as she leaves a shell shocked Batman behind dissapering into Gotham’s night with her partner.

Inspiring

 —-

 “And why can’t they be in Gotham?” Damian demands from him yet again.

“No metahumans,” Bruce sighs, Damian had been unreasonably stubborn on this front, “They only cause more damage,”

“Actually they repaired a lot,” Damian leans over the desk to glare over that him, “And saved you,”

“Go to bed,” Bruce demands, Alfred busy patching up his wounds. Damian scoffs before storming out of the cave, still half in his robin uniform, “Whats wrong with him?”

“I couldn’t say, master Bruce,” Usually for Alfred that meant he knew exactly what was going on. He tied the final bandage before holding the phone out, “There's a call for you,”

Bruce shrugs on his shirt before answering. It wasn't the phone reserved for business so at least it wouldn't be that big a pain in the neck.

“Bruce,”

Never mind

“Talia,” Bruce growls, going to glare at Alfred who had already made himself scarce, “What do you want?”

“Oh please I’m not up to anything sinister,” Bruce can just imagine her waving him off with a smirk, “This time,”

“But you still want something,” Bruce acknowledged, sinister or not she can cause a lot more trouble without being out too.

“A missing person case, a friend of mine got in touch, her daughter ran away yesterday, l thought it would be right up your alley,”

“Why would you tell me this,” There was obviously more to this, there always was with Talia, “And more importantly why do you care,”

“Oh because she’s Sabine's daughter,” Bruce freezes, a million case files and reports flashing through his mind, none of which outlined a daughter let alone a family, “Surely you’ve heard of Sabine?”

“... We’re on the case,”

“Great, good luck~”

Now he has to worry about potentially one of the most dangerous assassins in the world on the loose. A shift in the shadows catches his eye before disappearing. Great. And now the whole family knew, or would soon.

---------------------

Taglist? nope don’t have one, horrible at keeping track of them sorry~

[jinx-jade]

To choose her fate: Chapter 1

Any comments left on this fic will affect how the story progresses. Marinette will essentially be able to 'read' all of the comments and use that knowledge to her advantage.

________________________

Marinette gasped for air as she woke up to her school alarm.

“Breath Marinette. It’s ok. You can breathe. You’re alive. It’s ok.” Tikki said calmingly, far too used to her chosen waking up like this.

Marinette took another gasp of air, “T-Tik… Tikki…. It’s…. It’s getting worse…. I…. I can’t,”

“Shhh, it’s okay, Kitten. Listen to Sugar Cube. Breath.” Plagg instructed, flying up to her from where he had been previously, settling onto Marinette’s head, ribbing little circles with his paws.

Tikki flew forward, wiping the tears from her chosen’s eyes.

Marinette did as Plagg and Tikki instructed, taking a few more, be it a little shaky, breathes.

“There we go, kittens. Why don’t you go shower, that always makes you feel a little better.” Plagg suggests.

“We’ll bring your clothes to you before you’re done with your shower so don’t worry about picking out an outfit.

Marinette nodded her head numbly as she got out of bed and entered her bathroom.

“Mistress Marinette is correct. She seems to be getting worse.” Kaalki states.

Tikki let out a tired sigh, “I know, but what can we do about it? Everything has a price and the price for bringing back all those people after Akuma attacks is that our Guardian has to relive their deaths while she is in any kind of unconscious state.” The ladybug kwami reminds them as she begins looking through her chosen's closet for a ‘last day of school’ outfit.

“Yes, we know Tikki, and trust me when I say we are just as upset about it, but the point of this balance is to drive people mad, essentially the same effect of those Lazerus pits, but our guardian is too strong to break. Our guardian had walked through every hell imaginable and yet she remains, so why can’t we bend the rules a little?” Trixx purposes.

Tikki let out a hum in thought before showing the outfit she has picked out to her fellow kwami, each of them giving their agreements, and critiques for the outfit.

“What do you want to do then, Trixx?” Tikki questioned as she picked out accessories.

“Nothing big, just, let the kit know a few things… outside of our realm,” Trixx said with a shrug, as if it was no big deal.

“Are you suggesting we let our guardian break this world’s walls?” Wayzz questioned.

“Yup!” Trixx cheered both to answer Wayzz’s question and to the finished outfit, Tikki had created.

“I think it’s a great idea.” Fluff said, speaking in agreement with the fox kwami.

That made all of the kwamis pause to think.

If Fluff, the kwami of last chance, was saying they thought it was a good idea, who were they to argue.

“We do it tonight,” Tikki informed them with a sharp nod of her head, before bringing her chosen’s clothing to her.

Marinette walked out of the bathroom dressed in black leggings, a red off-the-shoulder peasant blouse, a gold underbust corset, and black combat boots. Her hair was pulled into two French braids with red ribbons woven in, instead of her normal twin tails.

She looked better after calming down and letting the hot steamy air into her lungs, the color has returned to her skin.

“Lady Marinette, I wish to travel with you today.” Longg states flying forward with his miraculi.

“I too, Miss!” Roarr claims, following Longg’s lead as he flies forward presenting his miraculi as well.

“Are you sure?” Marinette questioned as she extended her hands out for the two kwamis.

“It would be my honor,” Longg claimed with a bow of his head.

“Of course, Miss. I wouldn’t have said anything if I didn’t wish to.” Roarr informs her.

Marinette nodded her head before taking the two jewelry pieces, the kwamis leaving her hands as she placed the panjas bracelet around her wrist, slipping her fingers into each of the five attached rings. Once the tiger miraculi was succored Marinette clasped the black choker, dragon miraculi, around her neck.

The kwamis each have their cheers and compliments to give, causing Marinette to smile.

“Go now guardian, you will be late otherwise.” Sass reminded her.

“Right, thanks! Bye Guys!” Marinette cheered as she grabbed her backpack, today's kwamis flying into her bag to hide.

Marinette left the bakery, easily slipping out without her Aunt and Uncle realizing it, beginning her usual weekday walk to school.

Marinette cleared her head, letting a neutral expression grace her facial features.

The young guardian walked to the top of the stairs, finding her friend already waiting for her.

Felix gave a nod of his head, handing her one of his coffee-to-go cups. Marinette nodded her head at him in both thanks for the coffee and greeting for the day.

Kagami gave a similar silent greeting in the form of a small bow of her head, which Marinette returned before they began their walk to class.

If someone had told Marinette four years ago that she would be dubbed the Ice Queen of Paris, she would have been horrified.

Marinette never would have thought that she would become a part of the unofficial Ice Court as the Ice Queen of Paris, with Felix Graham de Vaneliy the Ice King of London, and Kagami Tsurugi the Ice Queen of Tokyo.

The bluenette walks with perfect posture as she heads to class with her friends, ignoring the whispers of the other students.

The Ice Court walked past Miss Bustier’s classroom, which was far too loud to be appropriate for a class let alone at school, and into Miss Mendeleiev’s classroom.

Marinette could already tell that today was going to be a long day.

Making eye contact with Felix and Kagami she can see them silently agree with her, not a single word needing to be spoken between them.

Kagami turned on her tablet, starting today's classwork even though they still had five or six minutes till the first bell rang.

Felix took out a classic novel that he has probably already read and memorized and began to read it.

Inwardly letting out a sigh, Marinette took out one of her sketchbooks and began to draw out a silhouette.

The kwamis couldn’t help but think to themselves that today was going to be a long, boring day, but after tonight, things were going to become a lot more interesting.

[themaribatpit]

Jasonette July Day 14: Loss

Written by: The Maribat Pit  @jasonette-july-event Prompt: Loss Rated: T (Presumed Major Character Death) Based on the trailer for the upcoming Gotham Knights game: https://youtu.be/IhVf_3TeTQE (TW: flashing images towards the end of the trailer)

Jason is walking home on a rainy night in Gotham after a long day working with Roy.  He was hoping to quickly get back home to his girlfriend and relax for a few days. He felt his phone vibrate, he took it out from his pocket to see it was a call from Batman. The words “Incoming Transmission: Code Black” were written boldly across his screen. Jason had a bad feeling about this. He walked into a nearby alley and looked around to see if he was truly alone before taking this urgent call.

He was unsure whether to pick up the call or not, his relationship with Bruce had been strained ever since he was killed by the Joker and came back as the Red Hood. Even if they had reconciled, they still argued and disagreed with one another.  This was probably him asking if he was willing to go undercover again like he had done with Black Mask.  He continued to stare at the phone, thinking of all the possible reasons that Bruce may have wanted to call him. “What is Code Black?” He thought to himself as he answered the call.

His phone sparks to life with the image of Bruce, Jason immediately knew something was wrong. Bruce never showed his face in any Bat related communication. “If you’re watching this, I’m dead.” Jason could not believe what he was seeing, he barely registers the rest of the message. Thinking back to how he first met Batman, trying to steal the wheels off the Batmobile. To him, Batman was invincible, invisible and unstoppable. After all his training as Robin and even after his return as Red Hood, a small piece of him had felt that Batman could not be beaten. He had watched Batman face aliens from outer space and gods from another world. Knowing that Batman was well and truly gone felt...impossible.

He slowly trudges home, his vision blurs as he slowly makes it home on autopilot. He enters his apartment, not even taking his wet clothes or shoes off. Marinette hears him walk in, “Welcome home Jay, I made boeuf bourguignon.” Jason doesn’t even notice her, and in that moment she knew something wasn’t quite right. Normally Jason would joke about how it was a miracle nothing was burning, it could happen, given how clumsy Marinette was.  He slowly drags his feet to the living room and slumps on the sofa, his head in his hands. Marinette peeks her head around the corner, looking visibly concerned.  

Marinette slowly walked to the sofa and sat next to Jason, putting a hand on his thigh. “Jay?” she quietly asked.

Jason’s voice begins to crack “He’s gone, I can’t believe it, he's really gone.” He lifts his head up to look Marinette dead in the eye, “Mari, Bruce is gone.”

Marinette gasps, she had heard the news report but she didn’t think it was true.  She had assumed it was the start of an elaborate ruse, but the look in Jason’s eyes told her otherwise.  Marinette knew Jason and Bruce’s relationship was complicated, but he was visibly hurt and shocked by the news.  Jason wanted a lot of things, he never really wanted Bruce to die, not like this anyway. If that were the case he would have gone through with his plan of blowing up the Batmobile, all those years ago.  Marinette reached up to gently wipe a tear from his face, he held her hand close to his face before she could pull it away.  It was the first of many that would be shed at that moment.

For so many years, before and after he died, Jason wanted Bruce to understand him.  He seemed like a pointy-eared brick wall at times, he never thought there would come a day when it would fall.  Batman had almost seemed untouchable, even when Bane broke his back, he came back stronger than any of them.  Marinette gave a startled little squeak as he pulled her close to him, before wrapping her arms around him. He pulled away slightly but her face was still very close to his, he ran his thumb along her cheek as she leaned into his touch.  He savoured the warm softness beneath his fingertips.  His teary eyes looked into hers for a moment, before he leaned in close to kiss her.  At that moment, he needed to feel the warmth that radiated off of her.  He needed to hold her close to him, he needed to know that she was really there, and not just a cruel fleeting dream.  

Marinette was surprised, in the years that she had known him this wasn't a side of Jason that she had seen before.  There was a feeling of desperation in that kiss, one that only Marinette was privy to.  Whenever Jason kissed her in the past, sometimes it was passion, sometimes with a gentle softness, and other times because he took a certain delight in making her blush.  This time there was passion, but almost never with the desperation and anguish he felt at that very moment.  By contrast, Marinette was a lot more trusting, more forgiving, more optimistic.  It was something that Jason didn’t take lightly, especially considering the person he was by comparison.  With the Kwamis' help, she had seen him through his bouts of pit madness.  Nevertheless, when the kiss broke, she was breathless for a moment, but she didn't pull away.   She rested her forehead against his, brushing aside the occasional tear from his eyes.

For the rest of the night Jason continued to hold Marinette close to him, his chest heaved with sobs every so often. Even with his complicated relationship with Bruce, he was still the one who adopted, taught and cared for this street urchin of Gotham. As the two held each other, Jason’s phone began to ring, displaying Nightwing’s blue bird symbol on screen. Jason took out the phone and looked to see who was calling. He stared at the screen, unsure how to talk to Dick after the loss of Bruce. He looks back to Marinette, ”answer it” she told him with a gentle smile, he needs to be with his family now.

Jason took a deep breath and answered “Hello?”

He could hear Dick’s voice, unusually hoarse on the other end “Hey Little Wing, you saw the message didn’t you?”

Jason solemnly responded “Yeah. I got his message.”

“We need you Jason, just as Bruce said, Gotham needs its guardians. We’re all here at the Belfry. Babs, Tim, Steph, even Duke and Cass. Are you with us?” asked Dick.

Jason looks back to Marinette, who then nodded to him with a smile and mouthed “Go.”

He turns back to the phone, “I’ll be there in an hour, Ladybug can handle things here”.

As he ends the call and stands up from the sofa, Marinette puts a hand to his chest and lifts a finger, signaling to wait just a moment before running to the bedroom. She returns with two wrapped presents, “They were meant for your birthday next month, but...I think you need it now more than ever.”

She places the two boxes next to Jason, and asks him to open them up. Jason picks up the first box, slowly unwrapping to reveal new body armour. His eyes widen, he runs a hand across the large red bat symbol on its chest.

“Mr. Fox and I worked on this for you, he may be an excellent inventor but he lacks a tailor’s touch.” she explained. Taking out a cue card from the gift box, Marinette clears her throat and begins reading from it. “The tri-weave bodysuit consists of an outer and inner layer made from a titanium-dipped tri-weave fiber mesh.”  Marinette tried to read the words with some confidence, despite the fact that English was her second language. She wasn’t even sure if English speakers understood what these words meant. “Sandwiched in between is the MR-fluid based liquid armor system. The proprietary WayneTech Smart MR-fluid hardens in response to impacts, specifically designed to provide superior shock absorption.” As she read the cue card, Marinette thought working these materials into the design was challenging enough, never mind having to list out what they were for.  Still, not everyone had her magical super suit, so she never really thought about how a normal human would have to shield themselves.  Judging by the smile growing on Jason’s face, clearly she was reading some things right. “The liquid body armor layer is also more flexible than the ceramic or fiber-based armour, allowing for greater maneuverability.”  Marinette took a breath and gently placed the cue card back into the box, “I hope you understood those words, because I didn’t” she joked, and for the first time since he’d come home she saw Jason smile. “I also modelled it after your favourite hoodie for maximum comfort.” Saying the last two with emphasis as if it was the most important thing when it came to armour.

Jason chuckles, “This is perfect Pixie, thank you.” As he stands up to give her a hug, she stops him and gestures to the other gift. As he opens the second box he sees within a new Red Hood helmet. “Same materials as your suit. Light, breathable and comfortable.”

Jason picks up the new helmet and begins inspecting it from all angles. He is curious about the black embellishments around the vision slits of the helmet. “Hey Pixie, what's with the dark eye rings?” he asks, turning his head to face her.

She gives him a wink “Red Hood with a pinch of Ladybug.”

Jason places the helmet down and goes to the bedroom to change into his new armour.  Tikki zooms over and both of them give each other a firm nod. If Jason was putting his trust in Marinette to hold the fort here, there was no way she was going to let him down.

[yannowhatigiveup]

My One And Only - Chapter 10

Previous | Next

I might post this one shot I’m writing later. I really need to work on my angst but I just can’t bring myself to write it. I just love fluffity fluff Because... it’s fluff, my heart go melt. Also we’re starting to get into the longer chapters now, yAY

"So?" Alya asked. "Can you tell me?"

Marinette nodded. "So um, his name is D-Damian"

————————————————————

Marinette excused herself to go to the bathroom while Alya said she would wait for her by the school's entrance. Marinette already told her about her encounter with Damian and her crush on him too which Alya found to be sweet. Then she noticed Nino and Adrien enter.

"Hey Adrien is it ok if I steal Nino for a few minutes?" She asked.

"Sure go ahead" Adrien answered, amused.

"Thanks" she said while grabbing Nino's arm and dragging him away. "I did it" she whispered to him.

"Did what?"

"I found out who Mari's crush is! But I ain't telling"

"Whaaaat why not?" Nino pouted teasingly.

"I'll tell you when they get together" she kissed him on the cheek "You can go back to Adrien now. See ya!" She went back to the locker room where Marinette was waiting.

"Hey do you wanna join us later?" Marinette asked. "We're just gonna go for a walk around Paris"

"If you want me to" Alya replied with a smug face. 'But I don't want to invade the bubble you two will be in'

~~~

Damian was in his hotel room using a make shift punching bag when the sky became dark. He took down his homemade punching bag and took a look outside. The sky wasn't really the clear but it wasn't that dark either. The clouds became jet-black and shot large bolts of electric lightning. Damian took a step back as he notice a figure floating in the sky, shooting lightning bolts from her parasol. He decided to go into the roof of the hotel to get a better look. He remained in the shadows while watching the girl wreaking havoc. 'Is this what Angel meant?'. He was dumbfounded by how powerful this villain was but then he remembered magic was involved, magic was always powerful. Then the villain floated towards the hotel.

"Where is Chloe Bourgeois!?" The villain shouted, mainly to herself. Then Damian noticed a glowing butterfly mask appear on the akumatized villain. "Yes, Hawkmoth?"

'Hawkmoth...' Damian spat the name in his mouth. He disliked this man, such cowardice for targeting younger ones like he did.

"Don't worry Hawkmoth, they'll be here. I'm too big of a threat to ignore" the girl praised herself and as if it were a word of command, A boy in a black cat suit appeared. 'That must be Chat Noir'

"Back again huh Ice Queen?" The cat-themed superhero teased.

"My name is not Ice Queen! It's Stormy Weather!" She shouted back.

"For an ice queen, you really need to cool down" he fired back. Then the girl used her parasol to conjure a massive gust of wind but Chat Noir dodged it. Then Damian watched as a spotted yo-yo wrapped around Chat Noir and dragged him away. Damian then could've sworn he heard the sound of a flute but he didn't think anything of it when Chat Noir returned, this time with a spotted hero and a fox themed hero. 'Ladybug and...Rena Rouge I suppose'.

Stormy Weather then took a fighting stance only to have her eyes covered with a towel by a figure behind. 'That's....Ladybug but how-' Damian inwardly sighed. 'Magic I suppose'. He watched as the fake Ladybug disappeared while the real Ladybug grabbed the girl's parasol and smash it in half, intrigued to see a purple butterfly, fly out of the umbrella. Damian watched as Ladybug had snatched the butterfly into her yo-yo and then proceeded to 'de-evilise' it, as what Marinette said. He kept observing them. He watched in awe as Ladybug took the spotted towel used the cover Stormy Weather's eyes and threw it in the sky, many magical butterflies emerging and fixing everything that was damaged. From the sky to the nearby buildings. After they defeated the villain, they fist bumped and then Chat Noir took the now normal girl back to where she came from. Then Ladybug took Rena Rouge and they travelled in the opposite direction.

Now thinking it was safe to come out, Damian approached from the dark and went back to his hotel room via stairs. As he locked the door to his hotel room he realised something he had not noticed before, they all had a different specialized weapon. "How could I not have noticed that before?" He muttered to himself. He played through his memories. 'Ladybug has a Yo-yo, The cat had a retractable staff and Rena had...a flute was it?'. He decided to write some of this down in Arabic that way no one would know what it said even if they were to find the note. He dedicated the rest of his time researching the heroes.

~~~

"Alya" Marinette whined. "It's not a date"

"Even if it wasn't, I still gotta make sure you look good" Alya styled her best friends's hair into a bun with a few strands loose on either side of her face. The outfit she chose for Marinette was an ivory turtleneck sweater dress with brown knee-high boots, all MDC originals of course. The thing is, Alya still didn't know that Marinette was MDC. She hadn't told her yet so convincing her best friend that all these clothes were 'thank you gifts' was difficult to say the least. When Marinette looked at herself in the mirror she let out a tiny audible gasp. She looked great if she said so herself. "What did I tell you? You're best friend knows what looks good on you" Alya said proudly while patting herself on the back.

"Yeah, you did great" Marinette giggled. "Now come on let's go!" She grabbed her best friend's arm and dragged her to where they agreed to meet Damian.

Alya wasn't sure what she was expecting but it definitely wasn't what she saw. In the distance she saw a tall, muscular and handsome man. She wasn't attracted to him, in fact, the neutral scowl on his face was enough to send fear up her spine. Alya wasn't sure if this man was safe to be around, or if it was even Damian for that matter but the bright sparkle in Marinette's eye when spotting him confirmed that this was indeed Damian. Alya watched astounded as the once threatening scowl on his face turned into a naturally soft smile the moment his eyes spotted her best friend. 'This guy is totally in love with Mari. And I'm here for it'

When Damian noticed Marinette with a girl, 'Césaire probably', he smiled and walked up to them. "Hello Angel, nice to see you" he said in French. He turned to the other girl "Damian , nice to meet you" he said again in French while holding his hand out for a handshake.

"Alya, Alya Césaire" Marinette's best friend said while returning the handshake.

Marinette's eyes were bright when Alya and Damian had introduced themselves "So now that we're here, what should we do?"

"Didn't you say that you needed fabric for your designs?" Alya asked.

"Yeah b-"

"In that case we should go shop for the fabric needed" Damian replied.

"That's nice of you guys but we don't have too-"

"Come one I know a few shops!" Alya grabbed Marinette's hand and dragged her to the fabric shops in the area with great reviews without allowing her to protest. Damian tagged right behind, smiling at the two best friend's interaction. Alya then took the time to whisper into her best friend's ear. "He called you Angel" she said with smirk on her face.

"I-it's just a nickname" Marinette stuttered as she felt her face become hot. Alya playfully rolled her eyes while leading the bluenette to one of the best fabric shops in Paris with Damian in tow.

In the end they bought Marinette three different rolls of fabric. Damian was the one who paid, though it took a long time arguing before Marinette finally backed down. She was the one who wanted to pay but Damian kept insisting he should pay. He had also offered to carry all the rolls of fabric, not that he needed to ask because he carried them anyway, ignoring Alya and Marinette's protests. Soon they arrived at her parents' bakery and they met a surprised Sabine Cheng and Tom Dupain, they were mostly surprised at the boy who could carry three rolls of fabric single-handedly and look as if he could carry more. They watched, amused, as their daughter and this boy argued back and forth. Marinette saying that she could carry the rolls of fabric to her room by herself and the boy saying that he could carry it by himself. The argument didn't even last a minute before they came to a conclusion; Marinette would take one of the rolls while the boy would bring the other two. When they both left to go to Marinette's room, Alya answered a question that was in both the parents' head.

"His name is Damian" Alya said. "Marinette says he's an exchange student from the US"

"The US?" Tom said confused. "I thought he could've been from Bordeaux, there wasn't a hint of an accent'

"He must have been studying French for a long time" Sabine said, quite impressed.

Alya nodded. "Marinette's known him for a while, I just met him today and he's very smart"

Then both Marinette and Damian came downstairs. "Maman, Papa I'm going with Alya to make sure she gets hom-"

"I can go by myself it's fine" Alya interrupted. 'You and Damian need some time alone!' She inwardly smirked.

"Then I'll make sure Damian goes home" Marinette said without hesitation. They both said their goodbyes and walked out, leaving Alya and Marinette's parents.

"He's good husband material" Sabine said the moment her daughter and the boy left. Both Alya and Tom chuckled while nodding. Then when Alya turned to leave, Sabine and Tom went back to decorating some cupcakes.

~~~

Adrien kept looking through all the fan-mail he got, it was a lot but he wanted to read each and every one of them so that his fans knew he cared. But there was still something at the back of his mind, something nagging him. It was about when Plagg went to talk with Tikki about what he described as 'Kwami Business'. Adrien knew it was private conversations between kwamis but he could help but be curious as when Plagg had asked for permission to go, he was much more serious than he probably has been his entire life. "Plagg"

"Yeah Adrien?" The kwami replied, biting his aged Camembert.

"The day you went to talk with Tikki, what did you have to talk about?" Adrien watched as Plagg stiffened. Surprisingly, he put his cheese aside. 'Uh oh, this must be serious'

Plagg sighed, "It about the side effects of the miraculous"

"Side effects?" Now he was getting worried.

"The side effects only a true miraculous holder could get" Plagg mumbled hesitantly.

———

Taglist: @little-bluestar, @miracleofadisaster, @frieddonutsweets, @jjmjjktth, @genderfluidmoma, @starlitdreaming, @icerosecrystal, @lolieg

[sunflowers-and-mooncakes]

To Dream of a Bird

Part 1 of Dreams of Birds and Angels a series of two one shots written for @pawsitivelymiraculous for the Maribat Valentine’s Day Fic Exchange hosted by @eat0crow!

Ao3

Part 2 can be found here

***

For as long as she could remember, Marinette had been utterly giddy at the prospect of getting to see her soulmate in her dreams that night. As the youngest in her class, she had heard all of the others talk excitedly about the memories from their soulmates they would experience since they turned 8. When her best friend Nino would come over for lunch at the bakery, he would tell her excitedly about the girl with caramel skin and glasses whose face he could never quite remember.

Her parents would also talk often of soulmates. As they tucked her in at night, they would tell her about how they had gained the twin marks they always displayed on their left arms when they first met. Her Papa would tell her about the pretty girl with blue-black hair who moved from across the world, and her Maman would regale tales of the brown-haired boy who worked in a bakery.

On the day of her 8th birthday, Marinette practically rushed her guests out of the apartment as the sun set below the horizon. She leapt into bed as she yelled to her parents that she was 8 now, and she had to see her soulmate right away. Her parents chuckled to each other as they kissed her forehead and turned out the lights.

As she awoke the next morning, the Eurasian girl ruminated about what she had seen. The boy in her dreams had beautiful black hair and tan skin. He had appeared no older than her, yet he wore a serious look and held something like a sword at his side. It was odd, how he behaved nothing like the kids in her class, and yet, something told her he was kinder than he seemed.

She stared out her window as she daydreamed about what he was like. Suddenly, a bird flew by.

Oiseau, she thought, that’s what I’ll call you.

Each night, the Eurasian girl would look on as Oiseau had his katana (as she came to learn it was called) practically glued to his side. He was always either fighting someone much older than him in the same dark garb he had always worn, and later in a bright suit where he battled under the cover of the dark.

At some point, her dreams of him had shifted. He was surrounded by new bodies who seemed much less hostile, yet the black-haired boy seemed lost, and so very alone. Sometimes, she would wake up from her visions and weep for her soulmate, who despite his clear shortcomings was just doing what he could to make those around him proud.

As her visions of him changed, so did her own life. She began to take the designs she drew on paper and turn them into real clothes. She made new friends and began to stand up for herself and others. Most importantly, Marinette became the heroine Ladybug. Though unconfident at first, she eventually came into her own. Being Ladybug taught her that there are many reasons people fight; not all are malicious. Many a time she wondered if her soulmate was like her, fighting in a war they had never wanted to be a part of, but had to for the betterment of those around them.

At the age of 18, she, Chat Noir, along with the help of Queen Bee, Rena Rouge, Carapace, Viperion, and Ryuko ended Hawkmoth’s reign of terror once and for all.

When the villain was revealed as Gabriel Agreste, the whole team was shocked, though none more than Chat Noir. When the older man explained was after the miraculous, Ladybug chose to heal the ailing Mrs. Agreste. After careful consideration, the team agreed to absolve Gabriel of his crimes so long as he put his efforts into charitable works for the community.

Throughout the years, Marinette watched as her friends met their soulmates and received their marks. Many of her classmates had ended up with each other. Juleka and Rose who met when they were 9, and Kim and Max who met when they were 10. At 13, she watched as Nino found his soulmate in Alya on the first day of school. It was amazing watching the two begin to glow as the beautiful portrait of a fox wrapped around a turtle appeared on their right forearms.

Later down the line, Adrien found his soulmate in Juleka’s brother Luka, and even Chloe, who had been nicer in recent years, met her soulmate, who turned out to be the renowned fencer Tsurugi Kagami.

The blue-eyed girl was deeply saddened by not having yet her soulmate. Even when Tikki reassured her that they would meet, she couldn’t help but feel left out as all her friends and teammates found their other half.

That was when the girl decided it was time for a change of scenery. She couldn’t spend all her life waiting around for a soulmate who may never get to meet. Thus, Marinette packed her bags and the Miracle Box to head somewhere she could make herself useful. After careful research and planning, Marinette and the kwami decided on the place that could use a little balancing.

After a day of settling into the Gotham hotel, the Parisian native was feeling insanely restless. The kwami had been right when they said this city needed help. She could feel the destruction pressing down on her since she got off the plane. Being stuck inside the hotel room as she planned her next course of action was becoming suffocating.

Just when Marinette felt ready to scream, Tikki suggested she go for a walk in the nearby park to be around a bit more creation energy. The young designer jumped at the chance to get outside and threw on a baby pink sundress and her purse with Tikki tucked safely inside, before practically racing out the door.

The park by the hotel seemed more full of life than anywhere else in Gotham. The sign posted at the entrance made mention that the area was cared for by Poison Ivy herself. Marinette supposed it made sense that the woman’s domain would have lots of plant life.

Suddenly, a dog’s bark snapped the ladybug heroine out of her thoughts. She whipped her head around to see a Great Dane bounding towards her. She bent down as he sniffed her legs and began petting his head softly. “Titus!” she heard someone call. She looked up to see a man jogging towards her and the dog.

“Titus, huh,” she smiled to herself as she glanced back at the dog.

“I apologize, miss,” he said, lowering himself to be at her and Titus’ level. He placed his hand on the dog’s head, bumping her own slightly.  “He usually doesn’t go running off towards strangers…” Marinette could feel his gaze on her as he trailed off. She turned her head towards him. Blue met green, and almost instantly her eyes widened. She knew that face. It was the face of her oiseau. The one she had been seeing since she was 8 years old. It was like the fog had been lifted in her mind, and the faceless boy who once filled her dreams was now able to be remembered in striking detail.

Taking a moment to center herself, the Eurasian girl took note of the man in front of her. He was quite handsome. She had always thought his looks charming (from what she was able to recall anyway), but now, really seeing him for the first time, was a completely different experience. His black hair was swept back as it always had been, and his skin was the same tan shade. Now, however, she could see the sharpness of his nose, the slight dimple next to his mouth, and his deep green eyes that seemed to hold more secrets than even she, who had seen part of his memories, may ever know.

“Miss?” the boy called, pulling her from her thoughts once again.

“Yes?”

He gestured down at the backs of their hands as they rested on the dog. There sat matching images of a robin flying after a ladybug.

She from the marks to him in shock. “It would appear that we are soulmates,” he said plainly as he stood back up from the ground.

Marinette stood as well and tried to gather herself. “It appears so,” she responded with a nervous smile.

“I’m Marinette,” she held her hand out for him to shake it.

After a moment’s hesitation, he took it. “My name is Damian.”

“Well, Damian,” she smiled brightly at him. “would you like to go on a walk and get to know each other?”

He gave her a soft look back. “I certainly would.”

[hauntedbythefanficsofmypast]

Roma Marinette pt. 1

Marinette's parents joined a traveling circus a year before Marinette was born. They make all the food that's sold as well as food for their fellow travelers.

Marinette is born in the circus. She is one of three kids. Only one year younger than Dick Grayson, Dickie as she grows up calling him, and five years younger than Johnny Grayson. Dick's nickname for Marinette is Marigold. Marinette takes to the Graysons she and Dick adore each other and all the Graysons love little Mari. With Tom and Sabine's permission they start training her along with Dick. Both kids fast learners with what seems like an ability to completely defy gravity and break its rules.

Dick and Marinette are stuck at the hip learning everything their circus family can teach them. Marinette is the one that decides that they should learn knife throwing and fire spinning. While Dick decides they are going to work out with the strong men and learn how to handle the animals. 

While they are still too young to join in on the trapeze they are allowed in the show. Together they wow crowds doing cartwheels, flips, and complicated floor routines together. Once they are 6 they are allowed to fly with the rest of them. Their shows garner more and more attention, everyone wanting to see the two youngest aerialists in the world.

Everything is perfect in their lives, until they go to Gotham for a show. Dick parents begin acting weirdly, hugging Dick more and more, while looking at him in a resigned manner. This causes both to worry a bit but they don't let it show. When Dick sees people messing with the trapeze both of them brush it off. Before the show they meet the young Drake family and take a picture together. Marinette and Dick are on one knee together with Tim sitting on their bent knees.

When the lines snap Marinette and Dick stand on the boards opposite of each other watching in horror as the lines snap. In minutes both are on the ground near the bodies, Dick crying silently holding his mother's bracelet while Marinette holds him tightly crying herself.

Bruce walks up and talks to the two and is slightly surprised to find that Marinette wasn't their daughter. Marinette smiles weakly telling them she was pretty damn close. Bruce comforts Dick before going to talk with the Commissioner and a Social Worker.

Before the end of the night Dick is packing up his stuff and getting ready to leave with the social worker. Bruce never leaves their sides. Marinette stops Dick from leaving and hands him her stuffed tiger named Sikhaya. Dick hugs it tightly before pulling out his elephant Zitka and giving it to her.

Marinette pulls him into a tight hug sniffling into his shoulder.

Mari- Don't you dare forget me Richard Grayson. We'll find each other again someday Dickie. So until then don't you dare forget me.

Dick- I could never forget you Bluejay. 

Two months later Marinette and her parents leave the circus and settle down in Paris. It breaks their hearts but after the Grayson's tragedy Tom and Sabine find it the best option.

Dick and Marinette don't see each other for a very long time, but they never forget the other.

Zitka is well loved and taken care of. The stuffed animal has a special place on Marinette's bed even when she is an adult. While Dick takes to putting Sikhaya on a shelf when his brothers come into the mix, not wanting it to be destroyed if they become destructive.

Dick grows up as Bruce's son becoming Robin when he turns nine. At thirteen he joins a team of young superheroes, at fifthteen he leaves behind Robin giving the mantle to his new brother Jason. He also begins dating Barbara. They break up a year later when Dick realizes he is continually comparing Barbara to Marinette. When he becomes seventeen he mourns the loss of his brother and nearly kills the Joker, only stopped by Batman. He takes a year break, taking counseling sessions with a reformed Harley Quinn. During his break he meets Tim Drake once again, he doesn't remember him however. He begins training Tim to find solace in acting as a brother again, he also digs up evidence on why the Drakes are terrible parents. Dick encourages Tim to become Robin, his first night out as Robin is Nightwing's return. When he turns 18 he goes to the police academy, and once he graduates he becomes part time and goes to college for business. He is 20 when Red Hood begins targeting the entire family. Jason was not prepared for how vicious Dick got when he shot Tim. Batman once again stops Dick in his anger, telling him once again that neither of his brothers would want him to kill. Jason uses this time to escape from the family and drops into hiding. He hacks into the Batcave and watches the caves videos and reading reports of what's happened since his death. When Jason finally comes back he is ashamed and is surprised when Dick simply hugs him crying. Things are tense between Bruce and Jason, but a few counseling sessions with Harley and their relationship is slowly rebuilding. Shortly after Damian comes into their lives. Dick is quick to knock Damian down when he attacks Tim. He tells Damian that he doesn't care who his mother is, or that he is Bruce's blood son. He slowly brings Damian into the family. While the boy is still distant and mean to the family they all notice he doesn't mean his insults anymore. When Dick is twenty-two he graduates college with a degree in business. He begins working at Wayne Enterprises as well, he mainly works from home and behind the scenes with Mr. Fox. No one outside the company knows he also works there, the entirety of Gotham believes he is just Officer Grayson.

Marinette grows up in Paris with absent parents. They love her but now that they have their own business they only have time for dinner with Marinette. While she is upset she joins gymnastics and aerial arts classes, quickly rising to the position of top student. She also begins going to regular school during her first day. She is so nervous she keeps tripping. The entire class soon begins to view her as clumsy, something that sticks. Even though Marinette only trips afterwards when someone does it on purpose, they choose to ignore the fact she catches herself quickly. While everyone believes she is just clumsy Marinette no one realizes that she is Paris's national champion in Gymnastics. Marinette is so good that they want her on Paris's Olympic team once she turns 16. When she turns ten she realizes she can sell her designs online. She pulls out all her notebooks pulling out her favorite designs and begins to make them all. Once done she creates a website under the name Marigold. On each outfit she hand stitches Mari in gold thread, for a signature marking. Marinette slowly makes friends outside her classmates, while they are nice they all stand by when Chloe attempts to bully Marinette and she doesn't like that. Especially when she sticks up for a few of them, she remains civil and polite to them although in her eyes she is clearly distant. When she is thirteen she becomes friends with Alya, the two girls slowly growing closer. She also develops a crush on Adrien that Alya blows way out of proportion wanting to help her new bestie. While Marinette likes Alya, Dick still holds the spot of best friend in her heart. Marinette also becomes Ladybug, she struggles at first but her years of training in flying helps her greatly and her aim has not deteriorated since leaving the circus. Marinette begins making less clothes and takes up karate classes as well four days go to gymnastics, two go to aerial arts and one to karate. Her three main instructors make the connection to her being Ladybug after a year, when Ladybug uses an aerial move that only she has ever used in front of them. 

Aerial Arts- Madeline Saint Cloud

Gymnastics- Tasha Buchanan 

Karate- Abraham Lebanon

Instead of confronting her the three get together and come up with a way to help Marinette. They start by deciding that Chat Noir either needs to get serious or get lost. One month later they all have solid examples of. why Marinette needs to bench him if he doesn't. It's at that time they confront her. Marinette attempts to lie saying that she isn't but stops when Madeline speaks up.

Madeline- My dear bird, you've never liked lying. You've rarely done it, and because of that you are truly terrible at lying

Marinette is dejected and apologizes to Tikki, but the Kwami just smiles telling Marinette that it wasn't the first time a Ladybug's mentor had found out.

Tikki- It's just never been three before!!

Marinette listens to her instructors carefully before telling them that she agrees. She tells them her partner looks through life with rose colored glasses. That while she does find him kind and silly she doesn't have a crush on him. That she doesn't find him as kind, caring, or as funny as Dick. She pauses after saying this, surprised that she hadn't said Adrien. Her instructors watch her as she closes in on herself taking a moment to sort through her thoughts. Once she is done a stray tear falls from her left eye.

Marinette- After all this time my thoughts still drift back to him…Chaton will never measure up to the person I truly love. His insistence and pushing do nothing more than cause stress on our partnership. I will look into having him either replaced or given one last chance.

That night she lays in bed hugging Zitka close to her chest as she stares out her open trap door at the stars. A few minutes go by and Marinette gets out of bed gently setting Zitka down. She walks over pulling the pictures of Adrien down, as well as his schedule tossing them all in the trash. Once done she climbs out onto her rooftop garden Tikki following her and sitting on Marinette's knee once the girl sits down.

Marinette- Adrien...Adrien Im sorry. I took your act of kindness and compared it to the kindness I use to have daily. Instead of seeing you, I saw Dickie. I thought I loved you, but I loved the kindness you showed me, that reminded me so much of him. I don't love you like that Adrien, instead of wanting to be your girlfriend. I just want to be your friend, so from this day on I will try harder to be that.

Two days later Ladybug tells Chat Noir to meet her on the Eiffel Tower that night after patrol. She tells him that she isn't in love with him and that she never will be. She knows she is coming off harsh and she tells him that, then explains that she needs to because after a year he is still acting like this. Chat is clearly saddened, this causes Ladybug to sigh and hug him.

Ladybug- I know it hurts, but you need to come to terms with this Chaton. You are my partner and you're like a brother to me. My heart is already taken, Chaton I have loved him since I was a child. Even if I was to date another right now I would just continue to compare them to my Robin.

Chat agrees to take things more seriously telling her that he still loves her, but he understands. He promises her that he will not let his feelings get in the way anymore. As the months pass the two become closer and closer. When Lila arrives Adrien already knows that she is lying and takes to avoiding her. When he spots Marinette getting put down by Alya and Nino for telling them Lila was lying he is quick to stand up for her. This causes a split among their classmates they don't want to be mean to Adrien, but he is always with Marinette. Lila is constantly telling the class that Marinette is bullying her and they want to do something but Adrien gets in their way. While Adrien and Marinette get closer they both realize one day that their partner in suits and civies is the same person. After them the two are rarely separate from each other. Gabriel finds Marinette very respectable despite Marinette being Roma, which would caused him to turn up his nose at first. He allows Adrien to spend more time with her, giving him permission to attend her gymnastics competitions. She is fifthteen when she becomes the new Guardian. By the time both are sixteen they have been outcast by their class and forced to the back. However they did not allow this to way down on them. Adrien had gained permission to model for Marinette along with their friends Luka and Kagami, and Jagged and Clara, two of Marinette's most famous clientele. Marigold was a very well known designer however no one knew what she looked like. Marinette never stepped out in public so the media didn't know the designer was a high school student. Marinette was also old enough to try for a spot on the Olympic team. She is sent an email the day of her birthday and Tasha laughs at the subtle begging in the email. Marinette is quick to agree and the four friends go out for dinner to celebrate. Only for it to be ruined when Lila shows up with Alya, Rose, and Alix claiming that they stole the table she reserved. Adrien was going to snap until Marinette placed a hand on his arm. She wiped her mouth standing up gracefully. She smiled politely at the four telling them not to worry the table was open now. The four walk away together not acknowledging Lila's glare. Marinette is seventeen when she participates in the Tokyo Olympics Adrien going with both her and Tasha. She uses Kaalki to get her and Adrien back to Paris for Akuma attacks. She loves her entire time in the Olympic Village. Marinette takes the gold for all four events. She is crying as she stands with her teammates four medals around her neck. Returning to Paris had been wonderful, she was greeted by the President and the Mayor and many fans. Adrien teased her relentlessly over the amount of fans she had. Once they returned to school the entire class demanded to know why Marinette never told them. Marinette simply sighs telling them she never kept it a secret. That she'd told them plenty of time she couldn't do something because of training. The class is really upset and they try to get Bustier on their side and the teacher just sighs softly wishing she never agreed with the Principal to teach Lila Rossi. Bustier knew she wasn't the best teacher but that girl destroyed her reputation by turning her class into the worst in the school. They are eighteen when they begin attending college Marinette for fashion and Adrien business. Marinette is nineteen when she and Adrien take down Hawkmoth only to discover Gabriel Agreste underneath. They hand him over to the cops before heading to the Eiffel tower together. Once there Adrien and Marinette de-transform and Adrien breaks down, Marinette pulls him into a tight hug tear of her own falling. Two months later Adrien sold off his father's company and the mansion. Moving into a cosy apartment with Marinette. Adrien takes the last name Dupain-Cheng and the announce it together on their way to the next Olympics when Marinette is twenty-one. She once again takes home all four gold medals, keeping her title for another four years. They graduate college together at twenty-two, and decide its time for the world to meet Marigold. Marinette reveals herself to the world as Marigold, and everyone in the fashion industry is talking about the young women who built her fashion empire before she was even 18. Adrien takes a job in her company head of PR. When they fully introduce themselves they become known as Marinette and Adrien D.C. The world is talking about the D.C. siblings, most of the conversations being around Adrien no longer going by Agreste. Together they travel the world, nothing changing in their lives until they visit Gotham, and Marigold receives an invitation to the Wayne Charity Event.

Marinette's first stop in Gotham is the place where the Graysons fell. Adrien goes with her hugging her gently as she softly cries. The next day she visits their graves alone, saying hello to the cold stone and asking if they remember her. She leaves flowers on the graves and a letter to each of them, including one to Dick. 

Marinette- Thank you for all you taught me and encouraged me to learn. I never thought I'd use my flying to save peoples lives when I returned to Paris.  Please continue watching over me and Dickie. I'm going to find him, I promise.

She leaves the graves feeling a lighter happy to have visited them once again

When the Charity Event arrived Marinette and Adrien D.C. couldn't wait to leave their mark on Gotham high society. Unknown to both of them that Dick Grayson had become Richard Grayson-Wayne.

@blackmagicforever

@chocolateherringtacofan

@mythogaychic

[haymaker-mva]

--The Pigtails are Off -- (2)

Part 2: Before 

Backstory time!

Ao3 - First - Previous - Next

“If they’re such tyrants, why not take the throne?”

“What do you mean, Chloe?” Marinette asked, tilting her head.

“If they abuse the crown, then let’s just take it.”

-

“Such a doormat,” She said, snickering at Marinette.

Marinette held the broken project in her small hands, and glared at the rest of her group of four. They had made her do all the work, then they broke the object that she had made right after the presentation. They had known that she wanted to keep it. They had known that she was proud of her first little scarf.

And yet…

“They’re just such jerks!”

“Like tyrants!”

“Ughhhh!”

Marinette ranted to Chloe, her unlikely friend.

They had met the year before; Marinette had seen a bunch of the mean kids surrounding Chloe, and had pulled the blonde away, scared for her well-being. Turns out that they had been pestering Chloe for special things since she was the daughter of Andre Bourgeois, the owner of the famous hotel and the man who claimed to be planning to run for mayor in a few years.

Chloe explained this to Marinette, and Marinette called the other kids gold-diggers, and told Chloe that they could be friends instead. 

Anyway, back to Marinette ranting.

“If they’re such tyrants, why not take the throne?”

“What do you mean, Chloe?” Marinette asked, tilting her head.

“If they abuse the crown, then let’s just take it.”

-

Marinette and Chloe (and Sabrina) stood outside of their new school.

Françoise Dupont.

It was a part of a wide system of schools, known as the Dupont District, all nearby each other. It was a bit unorthodox, but the Dupont District was treated as a prototype to see if other places should follow in its footsteps, making it the first of its type of schooling. It would often do little exchanges with the other schools in it’s system, as all of them were connected. Students in the Dupont District often were close friends with students in the other schools, making it heaven for sociable people, and hell for loners.

Françoise Dupont specifically, was a high school and a middle school rolled into one, with the two connecting buildings separating the two.

It would do nicely for Marinette’s kingdom.

-

None of the students at Françoise Dupont knew exactly why Marinette, one of the two Red Queens, would play nice whenever students from the other schools in the district came to visit, or did an exchange. Or vice versa, when her class would be chosen for a mini exchange to some other school. 

Only Marinette, Chloe, and Sabrina knew why. It was because they weren’t tyrants. 

They would respect other kingdoms.

(Sure, they punished some people, but only ones who deserved it.)

-

Marinette opened the box, and out popped a red bug-looking thing.

“Huh.”

Her eyes widened, and Marinette immediately grasped the small creature in her hands to keep it from escaping.

“What the hell is this…”

“Hi Mariette! My name’s Tikki! And I am your kwami.”

-

One year later...

Marinette sighed. Acting nice as Ladybug was tiring. During this past summer she had asked Tikki if she, the ruler of the school, the feared and powerful Marinette, was really suited to be some goody-goody superhero. Tikki had told her that no one was black or white, and Marinette was in more of a moral grey. Sure, Marinette may be infamous at her school, but that didn’t necessarily mean she was a bad person… She was just more of a… chaotic good then a Lawful Good, as Chloe had put it after Marinette asked the blond if Marinette was a bad person.

Anyway, it was a new year, and this year a new class would be permanently transferred here from some other school in the Dupont, due to overcrowding. Since it was a few people short, Marinette and a few others were being pushed into the class. (Chloe, Sabrina, Nathaniel, Juleka, and Nino.) 

Marinette knew these people. As the nice-Marinette, that is. She was kind of friends with them, which was strange to think.

This gave her an idea…

-

Marinette didn’t have to fake her blush as Adrien handed her his umbrella.

All the gum was supposed to be was a prank from Chloe, as she knew that Marinette had extra backups of clothing, and that Marinette had some crazy-good cleaning solution at home. It would also do well to sell their “Chloe-is-a-bully” thing.

But Adrien had messed it up. 

Marinette walked in to see him on his knees, trying to pick it up, and her anger had gotten the better of her.

It was literally the first day of her being a goody-goody again. And somehow, some-fucking-how, she was already being treated like a doormat! Luckily Tikki’s little tap at Marinette from her bag was enough to remind Marinette not to get too mad, and she had resolved it best she could.

And now here Adrien was, handing her an umbrella with the most sincere expression on his face. Marinette had almost lost faith in the fact that good people, not Chaotic-Goods like her, but real good people actually existed. (Except for Chat Noir, but that could really just be an act. It was harder to read people when they were wearing a literal mask.)

Marinette also didn’t have to fake the umbrella closing on her. Or her stuttering. (Only that first time though, she had to fake it after that to let the other students view her as harmless.)

Her laugh bubbled up from within her, and it felt good. So good.

-

But then Lila happened.

Mainette’s friends thought that she would lie about the new student just because she was jealous.

Marinette managed to not yell at Lila as Ladybug, though she did still tell Lila off, but that didn’t mean that she wasn’t pissed. At the fox for manipulating her friends, and for stealing Adrien’s book and trying to manipulate her him with it.

That was the first crack.

-

Then Lila came back

Marinette’s “friends” doubted who they thought was a kindhearted doormat. A girl who would stutter just talking to her crush. The girl who would help them with the snap of a finger. The girl who was always there was such a jealous brat that she would lie about Lila and who would push said Lila down the stairs. They all knew that she had helped Adrien ask out Kagami on a date. And had suffered through it, and not tried to disrupt it once, but they thought that she would push some girl down the stairs because she was jealous. 

Alya had said that it had to have been a misunderstanding, but the noirette could see the doubt in her “best friend’s” eyes. In all of her classmate’s eyes.

She had just begun to consider them real friends too.

Not even mentioning Lila’s threat, or that she was moved to the back without a word. 

That was the second crack.

-

The final straw was when Alya renounced their friendship in front of the whole class, and when most of them agreed with her.

Screw that “nice-Marinette.”

The Red Queen was coming back.

Ao3 - First - Previous - Next

-

Tag list:

@graduatedmelon 

@crazyunlikeyou 

@athena452 

@zalladane 

@valeks-princess 

@saluteswifties 

@queen-in-a-flower-crown

@ladybug182 

@anonymously-odd 

@g-arya 

@pawsitivelymiraculous 

@fidget-eep 

@ur-average-reader 

@duckies16 

@luleck 

@pale-lady-dreamer 

@jemyie 

@alaynnah 

@miraculousandmore 

@heaven428 

@bluerosette23

[jjmjjktth]

Chapter Three: Asylum

First - Previous - Next - Masterlist - (ao3)

––––––––Damian––––––––––

Looking at the phone, Damian saw the portal open and the guardian walk through onto a rooftop. Upon arriving, her costume changed to that of a ladybug. It was a black bodysuit with ladybug patterned armor plating. The plate between the shoulders seemed more rounded than the others and had a crease down the center. Could they hold wings? She is a Ladybug afterall. While she appeared to have minimal training, the hero moved expertly with a style that the ex-assassin had not seen anywhere else. She must have learned on the go. Damian watched the battle with great fascination, he hadn’t seen a villain who could do what Hawkmoth was capable of before. Defeating the villain was also strange, it was a… butterfly and the villain was a normal person? A civilian, at least based on how the Guardian treated them. When the hero walked through another portal, he expected her to teleport to the hall, however there was no sign of her.

“Trixx, is she a hero? Where did she go?” He had to be sure. If she’s a teen hero, she should understand where I’m coming from. Trixx only looked at him and turned away.

“The Guardian doesn’t trust you yet and you aren’t being entirely honest.”

“Maybe I would be more honest if I had more information!” He sighed. “I can’t be expected to tell my life’s story to a complete stranger! I don’t even know her name!” At that moment the Guardian returned. He stood.

“The tapestry makes more sense now.” Idiot. She gave Trixx a look.

“You had him watch the stream!” She pitched between her eyes. “You just gave away my identity, Trixx!”

“You transformed in front of me,” Damian deadpanned. The girl only gave him a look.

“May I have your name?” She seemed to study him for a moment.

“Marinette. You never told me why you’re here.”

“My mother is trying to kill me.” he said flatly. “I am seeking asylum.”

“Why here.”

“It’s where I ended up.” There was no other way to say it.

“It is late, stay here while I prepare a room. I will tell you my answer tomorrow afternoon.” And she swept out of the room towards the entrance.

He looked at her retreating figure. Noticing that Trixx was now watching him from the corner he began to talk quietly, repeating a few sentences over and over again.

“Kent, I’m fine. I’m hiding. Don’t look for me.” I hope he gets the message. With that taken care of, Damian sat back to wait for her return.

“I am ready for you. Follow me.” Both he and Trixx moved to follow the girl. She led him towards the entrance to an area with many doors surrounding a cherry tree by a pond. Why is it blooming? It’s not spring. Tt, magic. She opened the door closest to the hall and assured him inside.

“You will stay here tonight… with Trixx.” Damian began to protest but she held up a hand. “This is non-negotiable. Trixx will stay with you until you gain my trust.” He nodded. That’s probably what I would do. Wise decision. He gazed around the room, the chamber was obviously designed to house several of the creatures as well as a single person. Bases on fifteen small dishes and cushions. Holding eye contact with the guardian, Damian answered, (despite it not really being a question).

“I understand.” Marinette nodded and left him with the fox.

“What are you, exactly?” The fox raised an eyebrow, or what would be an eyebrow.

“I am a kwami. That is all I will say.” Then the figure flew to a tiny cushion and curled up to watch him for the night.

––––––––––Marinette––––––––––

As she walked out of the dining hall, Marinette began to think of question after question for the kwamii. Entering one of the guardian rooms, she turned on the kwamii that were following her.

“Why is he here? I thought this place was enchanted to guide people away from here.” The kwamii hovered around trying to find a way to answer her inquiry.

“The temple is a strange place,” Wayzz said, “It provides what is needed, nothing more, nothing less. Centuries ago, it would guide messengers to it’s gates to deliver attack plans or orders to the guardians. It would also steer armies and scouts around the temple to hinder any offence they may plan. If the temple guided him here, it is for a reason. The only other option is that he is a magic user, however I could not sense any magical energy on him. So it is most likely that the temple guided him here.” Marinette ran her hand through her hair and went about preparing the room.

“You’re saying that he’s supposed to be here?” The guardian collected the miracle box and staff.

“Yes, he is. However, I don’t know why.” The other kwamii nodded along to Wayzz’s answer. Mari sighed and left the room. On the way back to the hall, she stepped into another room to drop off the box and staff.

Walking back to the dining hall, Marinette decided that it was too late to make a decision about Damian. She opened the hall to find the boy just sitting and waiting for her. Here it goes.

“I am ready for you. Follow me.” She walked out without looking back. You are indifferent, Marinette. Indifferent. As she led him to the room, he seemed to give the cherry tree a funny look. He’s not used to passive magic. She opened the door to the room she prepared for him and gestured for him to enter. The boy gazed around the room Seemingly finding it adequate.

“You will stay here tonight… with Trixx.” They will know if he is lying. The teen started to protest but she raised her hand. “This is non-negotiable. Trixx will stay with you until you gain my trust.” The boy looked around before holding eye-contact with her. Stupid green eyes.

“I understand.” she nodded and left him in the room.

“Tikki! What should I do?” She turned to the little goddess once she arrived at her quarters.

“Don’t panic, Marinette. You already decided to make your decision tomorrow.” Marinette started pacing; wildly waving her hands around like a maniac. “Marinette! It will be fine. You left Trixx with him! They will keep him from wandering around too much.” Marinette wasn’t ;listening anymore. What if he steals all the miraculous and gives them to hawkmoth or the government! What if he’s an assassin who was trained to take down any remaining order members! What if he’s a supervillain who needs the miraculous to take over the world! Tikki rammed into her shoulder.

“I’m good! I’m good.” She took a deep breath. “Maybe I should do some exercises to calm down, Tikki. There’s no way I’m sleeping right now.” She approached the closet and located the exercise clothes that she found in the temple. They were loose fitting pants that tied around the ankles. There wasn’t a top that was for the workout so she assumed they would work out shirtless. As a solution, she found some wrappings and tied them around her chest, she didn’t have time to get a sports bra yet. I should make that a priority. She finished by wrapping her hands for support.

It was a short walk to the training room. Upon entering, she went directly to the softer area of the floor and began her typical yoga routine. While slowly moving through the increasingly complicated poses and motions. Why would the temple bring him here? Is it because it’s the only place where he will be safe? Or will he be able to assist me. How can I test him?

Next - Masterlist

[dfcfanfics]

That One Pesky Little Detail Miraculous Prompt of the Day

As Ladybug and Chat Noir circled around a neon-colored villain, Hawkmoth watched... and gloated.

“This... is my masterstroke,” he cackled.  “For so long, I have tried to overpower my juvenile nemeses.  To seize what should rightfully be mine via combat.  This time, however... a much wiser approach shall prevail.”

At the fight scene, Ladybug eyed the villain, warily.  “All right, you,” she called out.  “What’s your story?  I’d like to do this quickly; I have a school project to work on tonight.”

“Yeah,” Chat added.  “And I’m sure that there’s something good on TV tonight, so... what do you do?”

“You may call me Exchanger,” the villain intoned, calmly.  “And, to be quite honest, I only do one thing of interest to you.”

“And what is that?”

“This.”

“Get down!” Ladybug shouted, diving behind a short concrete wall.  She saw Chat duck behind a bench as a wave of iridescent energy passed through and over her... a gigantic wave, clearly large enough to wash over much of the city and perhaps more.

A strange sensation engulfed her...

“...What?” she gasped.  She stared at her hands... which were uncostumed.  Frantically, Marinette grabbed at her ears, and was horrified to find her earrings missing.

The one other thing that she noticed right away was a blue brooch affixed to her shirt, shaped roughly like a peacock.

~----~

“Hahahahahahahaha!”

In Hawkmoth’s lair, Gabriel Agreste roared in triumph.

He had lost contact with the Akuma the instant that its powers had been unleashed... which was completely by design, of course.  His costume as Hawkmoth and the brooch that had generated it were both absent.  When he opened his hand and found a pair of earrings within it, however, that was a far-more-than-acceptable loss.

"...Every host just exchanged their Miraculous with another," he smiled.  "And since I had two and they had two, and we are the only hosts in Paris... an even exchange took place!  Ladybug and Chat Noir now have the Peacock and Moth... and I have theirs, at long last." 

Gabriel closed his eyes.  “Emilie, my love... your deliverance is at hand,” he roared.  “Tikki... Plagg... UNIFY!”

He expected mystical fireworks, a surge of raw power, perhaps a touch of omnipotence... but felt nothing.

"Plagg isn't here, Chief." 

Gabriel whirled around, startled by the comment... and found two Kwamis staring at him angrily.  One was red with a prominent black spot, and was what he had expected to see.  The other was... not.

“Hi there!  I’m Trixx,” the miniature fox waved.  “And you must be the villain that we’ve all heard so much about.”

“Oh, I know precisely who he is,” Tikki smirked.  “This is going to be quite a reckoning, once things are set right.”

“...What is the meaning of this?” demanded Gabriel.  “Exchanger’s power was only supposed to affect active Miraculous.”

“Heh.  You thought that there were only three people left in Paris, running around wearing a Miraculous?” giggled Trixx, “Think again, sucker.”

“No matter,” Gabriel muttered.  “I have the Ladybug Miraculous, at least... with it, and with your power of... Illusion, is it not?... seizing the Cat from whomever has it should be child’s play.”

“Maybe, maybe not,” glared Tikki.  “I helped Ladybug willingly.  You can coerce me to help, but it’s not the same.  And if Ladybug and Chat have the powers of Shadow Moth now... my guess is that they’ll teach you some things about how they should be used.”

“And as for the Cat...” drawled Trixx, “...first you’ll have to find it.”

~-----~

In a dark alley on the north side of Paris... a shadowy figure ran for her life.

Alya Cesaire, to put it lightly, had no idea what had just happened.  Her Miraculous had disappeared from around her neck, a ring had appeared on her figure, and a tiny black cat popped into existence next to her and looked as panicky as she felt.

At his encouragement, she’d transformed immediately and put some distance between her and home, lest some Miraculous-wearing foe come looking for her there.

But... now what?

Tiger Lily (as she was calling herself) gasped for breath, trying to make sense of it all.  She didn’t dare use her communicator; she didn’t know who else might be listening, or if the wrong people might use it to gauge her location.  She didn’t know what might’ve happened to Ladybug or Chat... but if Chat’s Miraculous came to her, that couldn’t possibly be a good omen.  Her phone was in her street clothes, which had been replaced by a form-fitting catsuit for now.

And magical butterflies and feathers kept fluttering into view.  

Alya may have been confused, but she was sure of one thing -- none of Hawkmoth or Mayura’s creations were ever going to corrupt her again.

And so... she ran some more.

[amberwild420]

one step back, two steps forwards (pt. 10)

masterlist

bee and akuma

The day went as normal as it could, Kaylan stick close to Marinette. Adrien once again tried to get Marinette to leave Kaylan before the said girl threaten to talk with his father about him medaling in their lives and politely told him to ‘fuck off’ and dragged Marinette to a secluded place.

 Marinette was rather pleased to be able to spend a peaceful time, but it was soon shattered when they threw juice on Kaylan (seriously don’t you have anything else to do?!). They were smirking, until Kaylan grabbed them by collar and pushed them down. It wasn’t long before she was called to the principle office.

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Kaylan looked bored while sitting in one of the chairs. Lila and Alya sat opposite to her glaring at her. (Alya glaring at her, Lila was just faking tears).

 Mr. Damocles, stare at the scene in front of him. He looked at the girl who was accused to have pushed Rossi and Cesaire.

 Principle Damocles! She pushed us down! She was bullying Lila as well!

 Alya was rather quick with her accusation. Lila shed a few tears but it seems like no one saw the snake like smile on her face. But then again no one in this school was bright. Maybe Ms. Mendeleiev. And her class. Or maybe……..

  Okay. Everyone was smart but the ‘akuma class, Bustier and Damocles.

 Miss Fox, you will be suspended.

 Without any proof?

 What?

 She looked at the principle with a raised eyebrow like he was crazy.

 Lila threw juice on me. She’s bullying me. What punishment should she get? Look….

 She showed him, her white shirt with a big red splotch. It was clear that someone threw it intentionally. Seeing this Lila fake innocently looked at principle.

 But it was an accident. My sprain wrist couldn’t hold the juice properly and……

 Then I accidently bumped into you when I was trying to save myself from your ‘accidental’ spill.

 No you did it on purpose!

 Then you did it on purpose too.

 The argument went like this, Alya shouting at Kaylan and Kaylan calmly responding.

 What proof do you have?!

  What proof do YOU have?

 The sudden silence took over.

 Everyone in the courtyard saw you pushing us down!

 They also saw you throwing your drink on me.

 Lila and Alya seethed. No matter what they said, this Kaylan was too smart. She was pushing them back with twice as much force. She then turned to Damocles.

 Since no one has any proof to actually prove what truly happened I’m sure you can mark it as accident from both side. The juice spilled on me when Lila’s wrist acted up and I just accidently bumped into them when in was trying to save my clothes from the sudden spill.

 The same moment, a knock on the door stopped them. The door opened and Veronica in her very glory stood there. A classic mom frown was drawn on her face.

 Where is Mme. Rossi? I thought the parents were called.

 She is rather a busy person. She works in the embassy.

 Oh! And I’m not? You think I’m a free lazy person that has all the time of the world that you would call me anytime and I’ll come running. I’m far busy than an ambassador. Do you know why? I’m a damn psychiatrist. Do you know how many session I have to take in one day? Call Mme. Rossi or I’m taking this case to the board!

 Damocles stood up like he sat on the pot of fire. He knew if the board got involved he can be in trouble. And the way this woman was glaring at him, he had no doubt that she would do so.

 Mlle. Fox, the matter has been resolved. Both sides were just accident and they just exaggerated.

 Veronica relaxed a bit. She knew the liar could spin the tale or she would have gone to Rossi herself. But Kaylan said it wasn’t necessary. She will get to her later but she needed to support Marinette and teach her how not to be too trusting. She’ll let it go this time.

 You haven’t taken back my suspension.

 Kaylan slyly added.

 Never mind. She will kill him.

 Since this was an accident, there is no suspension!

 Damocles added rather quickly. Kaylan rolled her eyes and stood up. It didn’t take a genius to see how he sighed in relief when her mom turned as well.

 The moment they all left the office, Veronica nodded at her daughter and left, not before throwing a glare to the general direction of pair. Once she was out of sight, she turned to the pair with a smirk.

 It seems like you haven’t learnt your lesson. Or rather worse, you don’t want to learn your lesson. That’s fine, I’ll eventually knock it to your thick skulls.

 You’re threatening us?

 Do you have proof?

 I recorded it.

 Did you now?

 She smirked and left them sputtering. It didn’t take them long to see that Alya never started her recording leaving both of them with no proof.

 Marinette paced in front at the end of the hallway. The moment she looked at Kaylan coming she breathed a sigh of relief but it was rather short lived. The loud explosion got their attention and Akuma alert rang. Marinette ran out to find a place to transform.

 Tikki, spots on!

 The moment she saw the akuma, she sighed in irritation. Of course someone has to anger Officer Roger of all people. And Mayura had to send a senti-monster. A giant robot. That definitely looked like a robot. Was she in transformers or something? She looked at Ryuu and Python as they landed next to her, but she started dreading when chat landed as well.

 Milady! Did you miss your knight in the shinning leather?

No!

 Meow don’t say that milady. I thought you liked me and my purr-fect puns.

 Resisting the urge to punch him and knocking him out, ladybug was quick to give order before calling for lucky charm. A box with Chinese writing fell in her hand. Giving the distraction duty she ran to collect a miraculous.

 Tikki, spots off. Get recharged Tikki. We’re going to get Kaylan for the fight again.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After recharge and miraculous, Ladybug swing by school looking for her friend. She found her on top of the school roof. A magic circle beneath her feet as talked to someone on phone, probably her mother. Despite what she says, she loves her mother so much. Luka was often right with personality judgment. As soon as she landed next to her, Kaylan hung up after a quick goodbye.

  Kaylan! I hope I’m not interrupting something important.

 No.

Very well. Kaylan fox, this is the miraculous of bee, you will use this as a source to help me and nothing else.

 She took the box and opened, the same bright light blinded her, before a Kwami came into her view. This one was yellow and black. But this one was rather sad to see her. The hair comb resting in the box.

 Was she not expecting to see her?

Same question. Transformation phrase, power, de-transformation phrase and your name.

 My name is pollen. Say buzz on to transform, you get venom and can paralyze anyone with it. Buzz off to de-transform.

 Thank you.

 She clipped the comb in her hair.

Pollen, buzz on.

 When transformation completed, ladybug looked in awe. It was not a skin tight spandex, but a short dress with knee high black boots. It was mostly black. Her hair tied in pigtails and two short antennae formed on her head. The

 What am I supposed to do?

 Well you are holding the miraculous of subjection. Your main job is crowd control.

Kaylan nodded before leaping away and ladybug swing towards the incoming akuma.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Kaylan was having a lot of difficulty with the bee. Looking at the top in her hand, she looked rather troubled. She tried to use the top as whip but she couldn’t get that right.

 She already got knocked in two walls and a big billboard with Agreste perfume ad. Looking at the incoming akuma, Kaylan sighed. Guess she’ll have to fight the hard way. While the main heroes were taking care of the senti-monster, Kaylan hoped she could figure things out rather quickly.

The moment Robocop fired his beam, Kaylan dodged and ran around a little before throwing the top to tie his up, but he escaped her lousy attempt.

 Better not use venom until I figure out what to do with a top in my hand.

 She ran up to him dodging the handcuffs and the blasts before giving him a kick on his face and throwing him away and getting ready to throw her weapon again.

 You’re not supposed to use it this way.

Kaylan turned towards the origin baffled. In front of her was Chloe Bourgeois without the care of the akuma.

 Kaylan wanted to call her but stopped herself from calling her name.

 Miss, please go to the shelter, it’s not safe here. I’m fighting an akuma right now.

 I know, but you don’t even know how to use this weapon. It’s ridiculous, utterly ridiculous.

Chloe glared at the new bee hero. Sure she was expecting to be replaced and she was sad and regretted her choice but she’ll make sure that the next bee is at least competent enough.

 But the bee in front of her was just average. She couldn’t figure out how to throw the top to tie the akuma up. But at least she makes up for her incompetency with her smarts and ability to fight.

 Kaylan looked at the blonde dumbfounded. Sure she doesn’t know how to use a top but she seriously doesn’t need to say it right to her face.

Fine! Let’s have a lesson on how to use this top as a weapon properly 101.

 What?

 Chop chop! We don’t have time.

 And thus Kaylan had no choice but to follow Chloe’s instructions. It was not easy to use such a crude thing as weapon but Chloe spoke like she had experience. In less than 10 minutes, the Robocop was paralyzed, lying in front of them.

How did you know what I have to do?

 Chloe looked away before sighing. Her previous assertive was gone just like that.

 It’s just……. I was the former bee.

 Kaylan had a realization.

 No wonder.

I’m not a permanent hero. Ladybug needed help, but she was reluctant to call any previous holder. It would be dangerous, especially if your identity is known.

 I know.

 Chloe said softly before leaving. Kaylan looked at the retreating figure before turned towards the paralyzed akuma. With a thud, the four heroes that were fighting the senti-monster dropped in front of her.

 Wait who are you?!

And the peaceful moment shattered when chat noir hissed towards her. Sure enough, his existence was rather unpleasant.

 I’ll be taking my leave ladybug. You can collect the miraculous later, I don’t have much time.

  Getting ladybug’s affirmation, Kaylan jumped and swing towards a familiar route ignoring the hisses of an alley cat.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kaylan called off the transformation, and the Kwami floated around freely. Staring at the Kwami, Kaylan opened her mouth.

Were you expecting Chloe Bourgeois instead of me?

The Kwami stayed silent but that was enough conformation. Putting the miraculous back at the proper place, Kaylan waited for the Ladybug.

previous

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[rosesgonerogue]

I didn’t so much fall in love - It kicked me in the face Chapter Six

Several days later, Marinette was making decent progress on the suits for the Wayne family - she had the bulk of the work finished, thanks to a night of insomnia, now she just had to do the final fittings and line them. It was a bit backwards, but the linings were intricate enough that she didn’t dare do it until she made sure the silhouette was perfect. She hadn’t spent hours hand-painting silk for it to sit wrong inside the suit-coats. 

Bundling up her precious work, Marinette took Leo’s hand, leaving the hotel where a car was waiting for them. 

“Did you bring the tie for Monsieur Alfred, Maman?” Leo asked, a sparkle in his eyes. 

“Of course I did,” Marinette said, showing it to her son. “Do you think he’ll like it?” 

Leo scrutinized the article of clothing before solemnly nodding. “It’s what he needs. He’s… sad.” 

A chill ran down Marinette’s spine - Leo always seemed to know so much more than should be possible. But… “I’m glad that you like to make everyone happy, ma cher.” 

“I want Maman to be happy most of all.” 

Marinette blinked. “But I am happy, Leo. I have you, what more could I need?” 

“You try to hide it, but you get sad sometimes. You want the same kind of happy that grandmere and grandpere have, the happy you get from a person you like a lot. I want Maman to be happy.” 

“Leo,” Marinette murmured, her breath catching slightly. She hadn’t made any attempts at dating since… since Leo came along. In the beginning she’d been an emotional wreck, but she’d put the circumstances of his conception behind her years ago. With love, support, and therapy, she was… okay. 

“We’re supposed to be in Gotham,” Leo affirmed. “It will help you be happy.”

“I’ll…” Marinette faltered, unsure how she was granted such a perfect child. “I trust you, Leo. I’ll look for opportunities. But no one can possibly make me more happy than you do.” 

“Not more happy,” he assured her, patting her hand. “Different happy.” 

That left Marinette blinking away tears when the driver announced their arrival at Wayne Manor. She took the time to thank him before clambering out of the car, Leo in tow. 

None other than Alfred himself greeted them at the door, perfectly composed as always. “Miss Dupain-Cheng, you’re certainly welcome here, but I am currently the only other person home at the moment. The men won’t be available for their fittings for a while.” 

“Thank you, Alfred. And it’s Marinette, please,” she said with a smile. “But this works out perfectly. I wanted to chat with you for a moment or two.” 

“Please come in, then. May I offer you some tea?” 

The three settled down comfortably, Leo gnawing on a cookie as Marinette tried to figure out how to broach the topic of… well, anything. 

“Maman, give it to him,” Leo prompted. 

“You’re absolutely right, Leo,” she said, retrieving a small gift bag. “For you, Alfred.” 

“Miss Marinette, I couldn’t! You are a guest of the Wayne family, you shouldn’t feel obligated to make anything for me!” 

“It was no obligation, I enjoyed it. Besides, it was partially at the request of a mutual friend.” 

He hesitantly opened the bag, gingerly pulling out the tie, his hand shaking every so slightly. It was a beautiful piece of silk, carefully embroidered with intricate peacock feathers, the fabric a deep blue, exactly the same shade as - 

“Duusu,” he breathed. “Is he well?” 

“Would you like to ask him yourself?” Marinette nodded to Leo, who carefully placed a miraculous box on the coffee table. 

“He told me of the other kwami,” Alfred said hesitantly, “and I felt something about you when we first met, but I thought it was just old age effecting me. If you don’t mind me asking, how-”

“Marinette is Ladybug!” Duusu chirped, startling both adults. “You two were taking too long, so Leo let me out.” 

“Duusu, my old friend. It’s been decades.” 

Marinette concentrated on stirring her tea intently, graciously giving the older man the emotional space that he needed and ignoring the tears that were building in his eyes. 

“Alfie! I never thought I would get to see you again!” Duusu chirped, excitedly flying around the man’s head. 

“We’ll give you some time alone,” Marinette said softly, leading Leo out of the room. When the door closed behind them, she patted his head. “You did an excellent thing. I think you just made Monsieur Pennyworth very happy.” 

“We both did, Maman.” 

“We did good, squirt.” 

It wasn’t long before Alfred emerged, cupping the peacock broach in his hands with the utmost care. 

“There is still some time before the family arrives for their fittings. I was preparing to make some desserts to serve with tea. This is not a demand or a request, but if you would like to help, I would not be opposed.” 

“What do you think, Leo? We haven’t gotten to bake since we left Paris. Tikki would probably enjoy some fresh cookies.” 

Before the child could respond, the kwami in question flew into sight. “I think that’s a great idea!” 

********

For once in his life, Tim got home sooner than expected. A meeting had been cancelled, and his personal assistant seemed more worried about his lack of sleep than normal. Admittedly, he’d spent far too much time researching Ladybug. He couldn’t seem to wrap his head around everything he’d seen, not to mention the fact that the entire city of Paris had been able to keep their heroes a secret, especially as tourism had only increased since her debut. 

There was one thing in particular that Tim couldn't stop thinking about. In all of the clips of Ladybug, (and he had watched all of them), there was one move she repeated not infrequently, a certain pivoting high kick that he had recently been introduced to. It was curious that Marinette was able to execute it so well, but it wouldn’t be the first time a civilian had imitated a vigilante’s moves. It was just… curious. 

Also curious was the smells that greeted him upon opening the manor door. Alfred’s cooking always smelled good, but Tim was fairly certain that this was what heaven was supposed to smell like. He couldn’t help but follow the scent to the kitchen.

“Maman, the frosting needs more color,” a small voice said. 

Leo was standing on a stool, stirring his bowl of frosting carefully enough that his apron wasn’t necessary in the least. Tim felt his heart skip a beat when Marinette turned around to help her son with a smile. Her eyes were soft, and unlike her son, her apron was covered in flour and flecks of batter. He swore his knees went weak when those eyes landed on him and she smiled like he was the sunshine in her life. 

It was the way he remembered his mother smiling at his father.

“Leo, Monsieur Tim is  home. Say bonjour!” she said, pointing. “Why don’t you explain what we’re making?” 

“Bonjour, Monsieur Tim. Maman and I got here early, so we wanted to make treats for your family like my grandmere and grandpere make treats for me when I get home from school,” Leo said, his eyes the only indication of his excitement. 

“So what are you teaching Alfred to make?” 

“We’re making madeleines, a personal favorite of Leo’s. But no one does madeleine like a Dupain-Cheng.” 

Tim glanced around smirking. “This looks like a lot more than just madeleines.” 

“Well, Alfred wanted some tips on making macarons, and… I was raised by bakers, making small batches of anything has never been my strong suit. Luckily, I hear sweets don’t last long in the Wayne household.” 

Neither Marinette nor Tim saw the look exchanged between the butler and the boy, but Alfred was soon clearing his throat. “Miss Marinette, I think Leo and I have things handled here if you would like to begin Master Tim’s fitting.” 

“Are you sure? I can-”

“We’re fine, Maman,” Leo interrupted. “Someone needs to tell Monsieur Alfred when to take out the macarons.” 

Marinette looked surprised. “Well, it seems my son has taken to Alfred. As long as he doesn’t mind, I guess it’s just you and me.” 

“It’s a privilege, Miss Marinette,” Alfred promised. “Go on, you’ve got a job to do.” 

Tim felt inexplicably nervous, and excited, and - did Alfred just wink at him?

Taglist: 

@ii-fox-demon @queen-in-a-flower-crown @novaloptr @saphiraazure2708 @iamabrownfox @smolplantmum @redhoodedtoad @loysydark @slytheringinger300 @finallyaniguana @brokenwordsarehard2 @abrx2002 @mystery-5-5 @zalladane @moonlightstar64  @marinettepotterandplagg @black-streak @purplesundaze @maribat-is-lifeblood @the-fusionist @river9noble @chocolatecatstheron @darkthunder1589 @throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen @dast218 @k-poplunardreams @meanids @changelinggarden @ladybug-182 @pawsitivelymiraculous @zotinha456 @tumbling-down-hills-and-stuff @somebodyspersephone @spider-person95 @zestyzealot @toodaloo-kangaroo

Author’s Note: 

This might be the last of the daily updates, but I don’t forsee the rest of the story taking much longer to write. We’re pretty much halfway in, so prepare yourselves. I’m also contemplating writing a sequel when Leo is a bit older, that could be a lot of fun. Let me know if you want to be tagged, or if I missed you! 

[vln-vibes]

Of Legends, Fairy Tales and Folklore

AKA A MariBat, Ever After High inspired AU

In the World there are certain stories that are universally known. They're known as Legends or Fairy Tales. Every knew the big stories; The Classics of Grimm Tales - Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Goldilocks and the Three Bears etc etc. They even created a new celebration for such stories; Legacy Day. It was a rare event that everyone wished to see; the day the Stories and Legends pledged to follow their story to the tea, no games, no divergence, a perfect recreation through and through. But there were other Legends that began to emerge like those of the Miraculous; The Miraculous were items blessed by the gods of the universe and they always played out the same stories. The Ladybug and the Black Cat would always retrieve the stolen Butterfly, it was always stolen back from the guardians after. The Ladybug would recruit other heroes to aide in their journey and become the next Guardian. The Ladybug and the Black Cat would get together and live their happily ever after.

However people were often unaware of the Folktales- divergent stories that took a split with each incarnation. They began with the story of Bruce Thomas Wayne, an aristocratic boy who lost those dear to him at a young age. His story should have ended that day, he would live his days reclused in his castle, never to see the light of day... However that was not how his story went. He took his mourning and channeled it to create a new Legend. He became the  Batman, a champion against the evil of the world to ensure no one would be destined for a tragic ending. Then came Richard John Grayson.  The day his world came crashing he was destined to become the Talon, a weapon for the Court of Owls and Gotham’s dirty aristocrats; Bruce saved him from a miserable ending and the story of Robin was born. Batman and Robin became folktales; to show that not everything was set in stone, that there were multiple paths to a single beginning. Jason Peter Todd, Timothy Jackson Drake and Stephanie Brown all took on their own incarnations and versions of Robin; each unique in their own way but maintaining their mission to rid the world of its tragic endings that were deemed to be destiny. Along the way came the tales of Batgirl, Batwoman, Black Bat, Spoiler and Signal.

Damian Wayne-al Ghul was one such spirit who was saved. His destiny was to become the ultimate weapon for his family. A culmination of the greatest of the world. When he was at his perfect state he would become the vessel for the Demon. His destiny would not be kind. The story of Batman and Robin were what brought him hope, the small amount he allowed himself. When he finally left the dreaded compound, he was finally able to see that he didn't have to be a weapon for his grandfather. Thus the story of the Fifth Robin began.

Each person selected to be a Story or a Legend was born with a mark, one which would represent their role in the story. When they reached the age of 10 they would wake up to find a blank book, one which only they could read and could never be lost or destroyed. Marinette Dupain-Cheng did not know what to think when she saw the Ladybug mark over her heart, she ensured no one could see it as she knew it would be important for later in her life. The book that appeared when she was ten told her snippets of her story, she could never know too much lest she face unforeseen consequences. 

 "The young Ladybug was loved by all.... Ladybug knew what this moment meant, after all she knew since she was a little girl... The Ladybug and the Black Cat were loved by all, regarded as the best in history... She was abandoned by her friends, all quick to leave her for the next big thing... Ladybug knew she could not deny destiny... Ladybug fell for ..." 

 Marinette did her best to be a good friend, always accommodating, always compassionate and always willing to help her friends.... She never wanted to lose them. When she met Adrien Agreste she thought something clicked, as though he was her destiny to meet. She had felt the same when she met Chloe, Kim, Alix, Max, Nathaniel,(maybe Nino) but something felt different, something she could not place her finger on. The day she found a small black box in her bedroom she knew what it meant, after all she had known since she was a little girl. The day she met the small Kwami she could not help but think that she was hiding something, her eyes looked saddened before smiling and introducing herself.

As soon as Ladybug made an appearance on the rooftops along with Chat Noir everyone was talking about Legacy Day. The Parisians couldn't help but see when their Ladybug would finally announce their Legacy day. Everyone wanted their favorite heroes to get a reassure Happily Ever After.

The Folktales or Justice League , honestly they had no idea who came up with the name, did not know how much progress Ladybug's story had made. "No one truly knows how different each story of the Ladybug is" Diana, the Princess of Thymescara, and current Wonder Woman explained to Batman and Superman, a new folktale with unprecedented beginning, "My mother was once Ladybug, but to be the Ladybug there is always a price. Each and every one is cursed with a robbed happily ever after, a fact many ignore. My mother, after retrieving the Butterfly, was betrayed by her Black Cat; he wanted my mother to be his happily ever after, when she refused he murdered her, its how she was chosen to be Queen of Thymescara by the goddesses. Jeanne d'Arc was burned at the steak for refusing to sign the Storybook of Legends, they accused her of being a witch and of terrible crimes, that she had deceived them and was not the true Ladybug. Even those that signed did not live happy lives after the story was done... I can't help but want to save this Ladybug from the same ending" 

 Adrien Agreste was always told he was born for greatness. His mother and aunt said so the moment his cat mark came out. They wondered which tale would be his or if he and Felix would play their tale; The Twin Rings. He knew he would be getting his happily ever after so he put up with his father's ridiculous standards, the overbearing work and overly sheltered life. Someday, he knew, he would get to see the real world, make friends, he'd get his happily ever after. The moment he met Ladybug he knew it was heading for the right direction. Meanwhile Plagg is sure that Adrien is a cat but not his Black Cat. He of course can't really do anything about it and ever since his mother passed, Adrien's father locked up all their Books. Because Adrien technically knows they're in his father's safe its not considered lost so it can't reappear to him; he has no clue about his story but he thinks it’ll all play out in the end. Ladybug liked Chat Noir but she did not want him to be her happily ever after... she was beginning to doubt if she would even get one. The more time she spent as Ladybug, the greater her magic and her ability to read the past tales of Ladybug. They all began so grand and courageous but... the closer they got to the ending the more tragic she began to find them. Even those that signed the storybook of legend would eventually fail to protect the butterfly, thus the cycle continued. Tikki does eventually confess about the thing with Ladybugs and Marinette isn't surprised, its actually something all Ladybugs end up realizing and just strive forward with it. A few did try to change the story but by that point it was too late; Tikki has hope Marinette still has time to change or decide to stick with the story. With the introduction of "Lila Rossi", the supposed granddaughter of the one Pied Piper of Hamlet and Ermellina, not to mention she was destined Fox of the Miraculous; the Ladybug began to feel her friends move away... they no longer needed her. Or that was what she believed. As it turned out her classmates who had their own Book and story were aware of a wolf in sheep’s clothing who would try to destroy their stories. Many chose to play along with her, to see how it was possible for her to change stories while other stood firmly on their ground and had unknowingly allied themselves to the Ladybug, the test for their own stories.  What they don’t realize is that Lila's actually a Page Ripper, like a dream-eater except for stories, she lives off of or just enjoys destroying stories because she knows hers will end with her being stuck with a terrible ending, in her opinion. She refuses to realize that she only get the terrible ending because she began to destroy other stories.When she saw Marinette she recognized her as definite main character for a Story and began her vendetta against her At this point she already has Ryuuko, Viperion and Queen Bee as her permanent holders, she made a mistake of choosing Alya as the Fox (one her book warned about, and now Alya thinks its supposed to be for Lila.) In reality she has no clue who or if there is even a person who was meant to be the Fox in this version of the story or if she's just supposed to give it to whoever she deems worthy. The Kwami tell her not to worry about it and just choose allies she is sure about. She does eventually recruit other temporary holders but she’s unsure if she could trust them after Rena Rouge.  Everything began to change once more when they ventured to Gotham, the city of Folktales as it was home to the Batman. Their class had been enraptured by the newest story Lila had come up with, about convincing a story to finally follow their destiny and sign their storybook of legends, when she was called out for the fact that it was not her call to make... No one had to follow any so call destiny or story. "Do you not understand! Without the stories the world will fall apart!" she had yelled out 

"And I believe you have no clue where you are. Here, no one has to follow their stories, everyone is free to make their own decisions and create their own version of their story" "And how would you know!" some angry yells began before he took out a book, it was a deep emerald green, easily mistaken for black at a glance, with golden details and cuffs, at the center was a ruby gem, in cursive the spine said 'Damian Wayne' where it once said Ibn al Xu'ffasch That was how the young Ladybug was introduced to the concept of Folktales and met the young Robin. 

 Selina Kyle, the Catwoman, knows that she at some point gains a protege but it should have happened some time ago (around the time one of her old friend’s passed away), she's not sure how she feels about that.  Marinette isn’t sure if she want to sign the Storybook of Legends, truly no one on her team is, but the Parisians are getting persistent. Even city officials are breathing down her neck and she can’t help but think of Jeanne.

Damian's story of Robin begins to transition into a weird mix about becoming a cat of some sort and of breaking a curse.

All anyone is sure of is that

The End is just the Beginning

[maribatshipper]

Miraculous 39 Clues

Lillian glares with her dark eyes at the picture of the Ladybug-themed heroine. The heroine was lying on the ground with her arm twisted into an unnatural shape after a fight with one of these akumas. Lillian picks up her phone & calls a cousin of hers.

"Dan, I'm going to Paris. I need to speak to Stone." Lillian growls.

Dan asks, "Why? What's wrong with him?"

Lillian frowns, "Not what's wrong with him, what's wrong with the city he lives in. Check a site called the Ladyblog. You'll see why. I have to look out for my fellow Janus."

Lillian hangs up as she buys a ticket to Paris, running her hair through her burnt amber hair.

***

"STONE!"

Jagged Stone winces. He's always known about his heritage & everything that went on. He preferred the love he got from people when they heard his music compared to the backstabbers he called his family & their obsession with the clues.

"Lily, what are you doing here? In Paris?" Jagged asks, his pale-green eyes hidden by some glasses with 2 Eiffel towers & Paris' flag incorporated into it.

"Why didn't you tell the Cahill's about the situation in Paris? Those of us who are good could have done something to help the heroes of this city. They clearly need all the help they can get, & who better to help than an entire family of spies, inventors, artists, & jocks?" Lillian glares at the much older man.

Jagged sighs, "The Lucians have a base here & said nothing. You've seen the reports, Lillian. The heroes are just kids. I was turned into a rockin' villain. What was I supposed to do? Call the entire family over to get us all akumatised when they find out what's going on?"

Lillian glares, "No, you're supposed to warn us about Paris & about keeping emotions in check! The Lucians here are fools for not bringing this to our attention! Our branch is supposed to share information with the rest of our branch! This is something that has to be taken to the head of our family! This Hawk Moth character could be a rogue Cahill, or a Vesper! If this guy is a Vesper, our whole family needs to be warned about him! No matter how much we hate each other, we don't leave other Cahill's to deal with Vespers. What if he's like Peirce? What then, Stone?"

Jagged sighs, "You're right. I haven't been thinking clearly. So un-rock'n'roll of me. But this isn't something that can be fixed with the master serum. Cahill's can't face against the power of these jewels called Miraculous. Even with that serum. These Miraculous are more powerful than anything, & they should be kept out of our family's greedy hands."

Lillian frowns, "But we could help. We've had exper-"

Jagged whirls around, "Not with this! We've never had any experience with this! This is dangerous, Lily! No matter how genuine our talents, we can't help them against this! I know it's un-rock'n'roll, but that's what it is, Lillian!"

A knock comes from the door. Jagged breathes a few times & opens the door to see a familiar face. Jagged's face stretches into a giant grin.

"Marinette! There's my Rockin' designer! Whatcha got for me this time?" Jagged asks.

Marinette smiles, "Well, I designed you some new glasses, because the ones you have right now are starting to fall apart, since I didn't really have the best materials when I started that, but these new ones should last at least for a few years, & I have a small-scale of that poster you asked me to do, & I need to just adjust your outfit for your show tomorrow. Oh, I also have some stuff for Fang. It's all in my backpack."

Lillian walks up to Marinette & studies her, a suspicious glint in her eyes.

"Who's this, Stone?" Lillian asks, not taking her eyes off of the teen.

Jagged smiles, "Lily, this is my best designer, Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Marinette, this is a relative of mine, Lillian."

Marinette smiles & holds her hand out to shake with Lillian's, only to fall when her backpack bursts from being overfilled. Lillian's eyes widen as Marinette collides with the ground. She crouches down to help Marinette pick the stuff up, only to catch her eye on an open design book. She picks up the design book. Her eyes widen at every design. Marinette panics as she sees this & grabs the design book quickly.

"I'm so sorry. I'm madly clumsy. Those are just rough sketches-"

Lillian smirks, "Rough sketches? If those are rough sketches, the finished product must be good enough to go to heaven, Dupain-Cheng."

Jagged stares at Lillian in shock. She is harsh, cold, & not one you'd expect compliments from, even if she is a Janus.

"Stone, I need to talk to you." Lillian grabs Jagged's arm & drags him away from the confused blue-eyed teenager.

"What is it?" Jagged asks, rubbing his sore arm where Lillian's nails were digging into his skin.

Lillian frowns, "She's got the skill of a Cahill with the Janus serum. Does she know anything about the Cahills?"

Jagged shakes his head, "Not a thing. Her mother is most likely a Tomas from China, even though she is small. I saw her in action when Penny was akumatised. Her father is a French baker, & she designs clothes, posters, glasses, she could design a coat for Fang if she wanted to."

Lillian holds a dark coloured hair between her fingers & smirks, "Let's see if she is a Cahill."

Jagged gapes, "How did you get that?"

Lillian laughs, "Stone, I'm a Janus who's been taught at each of our branches bases & in each art. Canada, Hollywood, Venice, any base there was, I've been there. I've done what our ancestors did. We test this. If it comes back positive, we train her in the Janus ways. If not, you don't have to worry about anything."

***

Marinette was confused when this strange teenager who was somewhat older than her dragged her favourite singer away with such authority.

"What was that, Tikki?" She whispers to her little purse attached to her hip.

The quiet being in her purse answers, "I don't know Marinette. She radiates an artists' soul, but she seems so..."

Marinette offers, "Standoffish?"

Tikki chuckles, "Yeah, but there's something more to her than that."

The two older artists come back, Jagged cowering slightly when Lillian looks towards him. Tikki stays hidden in the purse.

"Do I wanna know what that was?" Marinette asks.

Jagged laughs, "It wasn't really anything Rock'n'roll to talk about."

Lillian nods, keeping an eye on the teen.

"So, Marinette, what are your interests?" Lillian asks.

Marinette smiles, "Well, I'm really into fashion, I even design & sew my own clothes. I'm really good at video games, especially Ultimate Mecha Strike 3. Then of course there is music, I mean, I listen to Jagged's music all the time while I'm sketching out designs, his music inspires me! Unlike XY. Bleh! I even designed the costumes for Kitty Section, & I've made so many different outfits, & I'm starting my own website, but I really don't know if it's a great idea with so much stress at school, & akumas, & of course I'm class representative for my class."

Lillian smirks, "I think I'll visit your school, kid. See how well you do in a place like that."

Marinette panics, "It's really no biggie, I just have a lot on my plate."

Lillian smiles, "Either way, I'll be visiting. I gotta go to my apartment. Remember, Stone. I will be telling."

Jagged nods, confusing Marinette.

"Am I missing something here?" Marinette asks.

Lillian smiles, "Nothing to worry about, kid. See you at your school, Dupain-Cheng."

Lillian walks away with a dangerous looking smile on, which scares Marinette slightly.

Marinette suddenly asks, "Does she even know which school I go to?"

***

Lillian checks the test results of the hair she plucked from Marinette's head earlier. Lillian calls Jagged.

Jagged sighs, "Well?"

"It's a match. She's Janus alright. But she's also Lucian & Tomas. Test result says 5% Lucian, 5% Tomas, & 90% Janus." Lillian smiles.

Jagged sighs, "Check her classmates & parents too."

***

A month has passed, & Lillian gathered as much information about the Dupain-Chengs as she could. Marinette's mother, Sabine, is the Cahill with genes. The father, Tom, is a Tomas, which Lillian thought was funny. The only issue? Neither parent knew that they were part of a giant family spreading all across the world. Marinette's grandmother Gina seemed to at least know something of the Cahill name.

Lillian sighs, "I can't believe they don't know a thing about us."

She looks at her research notes on the classmates. All of them have tiny bits of Cahill DNA except Cesaire and Bourgeois. When she visited with Marinette that one day, the kids seemed sweet, but Lillian's a Janus. She can tell when someone's acting. There was one that was acting the most. Her acting was spot on, except for one small issue. She couldn't keep her stories straight.

"Well, miss Rossi, you are about to get a few dozen lawsuits delivered right to your school in the middle of your class. You shouldn't have messed with Marinette. You mess with a Janus, you mess with a powerful enemy. Now to get the kid trained like a Janus."

***

Lillian shows up to Marinette's school again & points out a flaw in one of Lila's stories. She then walks to the bathroom, where she has laid a trap for the fox.

"Hello. Lillian, right?" Lila fakely smiles.

"& you must be Splenda." Lillian smirks.

Lila asks, "What?"

Lillian explains, "Artificially Sweet. Like Splenda. Fake sugar. Drop the act, I can smell the Lucian on you!"

Lila actually seems surprised, & asks, "What's a Lucian?"

Lillian looks through Lila for any sign of deception, but she sees that Lila actually has no idea what she's talking about.

"Of course. That makes this so much easier. Keep away from Marinette, or I can guarantee all your fame will disappear."

Lila drops her Façade & smirks, "How could you possibly do that? Everyone here can't resist when they hear what they want to hear. There's nothing you can do about it anyway. You don't want to be my friend, fine, but I'll make sure no one here wants to be your friend at all. You're a little less dumb than the others, so I'll give you one chance. You're either with me, or against me. You only have until the end of class to decide, Lillian."

Lillian giggles, then full out laughs.

"Oh you poor, delusional soul! I don't want to be friends with anyone here except Marinette! & thanks for saying that. Now I have all the proof I need!" Lillian smirks.

Lila asks, "What do you mean?"

Lillian smirks, "You'll find out."

***

Months passed, & Lila's entire empire toppled once lawsuits were coming to her in public for defamation & slander, & Lila was also sued for abuse. Marinette got paparazzi swamping her, asking about how long Lila had threatened her, but Lillian kept Marinette away from the Paparazzi with practiced ease. Marinette had found out how she was related to many important people. Lillian trained her, causing Ladybug to defeat villains much quicker, & Cat Noir stopped showing, not that it bothered her. Cat Noir stopped even helping, acting childish every time Ladybug denied his feelings. Ladybug decided to pick a new hero, a new fox. The new fox made everything easier on Ladybug, & even stole Cat Noir's ring & gave it to Ladybug after his first week.

Ladybug smiles, "You ready for patrol, Corsac?"

The new Fox smiles, his red hair with white tips blowing in the wind. He was also a Janus, which is why Ladybug chose him for the fox. One needs a really good artistic mind to use the fox power.

Corsac's blue eyes widen in happiness.

(I couldn't find one with white tips. Imagine they're white.)

"Of course, Ladybug."

A/N: While reading Miraculous Salt fics, I suddenly had the thought, “What if the 39 Clues universe was part of the Miraculous Universe?” And this came to life with a prompt. I can’t remember the prompt, but I’m happy with how this came out. 

Okay... so... I ran out of really cool fox names, so I actually googled Fox species, and there was only 2 cool sounding ones. Culpeo and Corsac. Can anyone guess who Corsac is?

[bugabash]

Cursed Past - Chapter 2

When the past is changed the only people who can help Adrien and Marinette defeat the new villain are themselves, just not from their time. The seasoned superheroes will need to teach their younger selves everything they know before the time runs out or else life as they know it will cease to exist. Love is blossoming, trust is strengthened, and the true power of their miraculouses will be revealed. 

AO3

Chapter 1

Marinette sat on the coffee table, looking at the young girl asleep on the couch in front of her. Her younger self looked so fragile, and so… young. Her long hair was filthy, half still in her high pony, bloody and soot ridden making it almost black. Her long eyelashes lay on her freckled cheeks, one which was covered with a waterproof dressing, she had tried her best to stitch it up so there wouldn’t be a scar. Most of the young girl’s torso was bandaged up, her wounds stitched up and her burns treated, she wore a sports bra over the bandages, keeping her modesty at least. Her trousers were singed but she was lucky to have no injuries to her legs, from what Adrien had said, his younger self wasn’t doing much better.

What happened to these kids? She had to stitch up what looked like a slice only a very sharp sword could make. She had never seen a miraculous holder with such a deadly weapon. If this new villain could cause this much harm to these kids who have been Ladybug and Chat Noir for well over 4 years now, then he must be extremely powerful. And that terrified her more than anything.

Bunnix wanted them to help, but how? Were they meant to train them? Fight their battles for them? They hadn’t fought any akumas in years, let alone a miraculous holder this strong. And how long did they have until they needed to go back and fight this guy?  

This was going to be impossible, she thought with a groan.

She was dragged from her thoughts when she felt a blanket being placed around her, looking up she saw Adrien standing there, looking over at her younger self.

“Shit… She looks even worse in the sunlight.” He said softly, handing Marinette a cup of coffee, sitting next to her, his elbows resting on his knees. Younger Adrien was still out cold, and Alix had detransformed and passed out on the other couch. It was almost 11 o’clock in the morning now and the married couple had already changed into normal clothes, done a medical supply run and Marinette had made some pastries for everyone. “What are we going to do, Mari?” Adrien asked softly, looking over at her.

She swallowed thickly, looking back at him, eyebrows furrowed in worry, “I… I don’t know.” She sighed, looking back at Marinette, sipping her coffee. “What I don’t get is what Alix wants us to do. I mean, yeah, we could train them, but how long do we have?”

“I don’t know, but something about all of this gives me a bad feeling.” Adrien replied sombrely, his eyes darkening.

Marinette looked over at him and rested a hand on his knee, resting her head on his shoulder. “I know,” she said softly as he wrapped an arm around her, “but whatever happens, as long as we have each other we will be okay.”

He chuckled, “life is always good with you, bugaboo.” He smirked down at her.

She pouted, “don’t call me bugaboo.” He chuckled again and captured her lips in a gentle kiss, making her smile and sigh in happiness, his kiss made her knees weak and made her inner teenage girl squeal still to this day.  

He pulled away and kissed her forehead, looking back at her younger self. “Do you think… do you think it’s my father?” He asked softly, his eyes softening, dropping his arm and looking down at his hands. “I mean, it is something he would do, you know, messing up everyone’s lives.”

“It could, but… it just doesn’t seem like something he would do. It seems… too evil for him.” Marinette tapped her chin in thought, “the wounds on her are… serious. Whoever did this wield a sword, a sharp one at that. Don’t get me wrong he’s a bad guy, but he wouldn’t… kill people. Lila was more the killing type.” She frowned, “Or…”

“Or it could be the person we are all thinking of.” Adrien replied darkly, his hair falling over his eyes as he looked at the floor, his tone empty and his eyes dark. “The one person who actually is capable of this kind of death and destruction.”

“Adrien, we don’t know for sure. And you know that, we can’t speculate and get upset.” Marinette replied.

“Marinette, you know just as well as I do who can slice open Ladybug like that!” He exclaimed, standing up and pointing at the injured teen.

“Adrien, calm down. You’re going to wake them.” She replied, standing up and grabbing his arm, the blanket falling to the floor, leading him away and pulling him through to the hallway and into the  kitchen. “If you start freaking out and getting angry then you will freak those kids out.” She said sternly, turning to him and crossing her arms over her chest much like she used to do when she would scold Chat Noir.

“Calm down? Marinette my psychotic cousin who is almost my identical twin could have the moth miraculous again and seems to have gone back to the past to kill everyone! Oh, and there is no Chat Noir or Adrien Agreste in that time, so he could impersonate me!” He yelled back at her, “there is nothing that could make this any worse! Oh wait!” He feigned a shrug, “oh that’s right! The fucking fox and peacock miraculous are gone! So who knows the shit they are causing!”

“Adrien!” Marinette scolded, dropping her arms and balling her hands into fists. He stared at her in anger, it wasn’t directed towards her, she knew it but she felt like he was blaming her. “If you are saying this is my fault -”

“No, I am not saying that,” He interrupted, sighing and pressing the bridge of his nose in frustration, “No, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it to sound like that. I don’t blame you, m’lady.” He sighed and walked over to her, taking her hands and kissing her knuckles, not opening his eyes. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. I know no one could have done anything to stop this.”

She took his hands, as he dropped his head against her knuckles, his shoulders trembling softly. “Hey, it’s ok minou, I understand.” She said gently, stroking his cheek and lifting his chin, “you silly kitty,” she smiled softly. He looked into her bluebell eyes and eventually smiled small, “we will figure this out, right now we need to stay calm.” Adrien nodded in response, dropping his head back onto their joint hand.

Marinette just stroked his hair softly before red and black whizzed in front of her eyes. Plagg and Tikki looked at Adrien curiously, Plagg looked more concerned.

“Kid, are you alright?” His kwami asked, buzzing under the young mans face, “do you want some camembert?”

“No, Plagg, I don’t want your stinky cheese!” He exclaimed, jumping back and holding his nose with his fingers. “You stupid cat with that smelly stuff.”

“Your loss!” Plagg replied, tossing his cheese up and catching it with a satisfied moan.

“The other kwamis are resting at the moment in the miraculous box.” Tikki spoke up, resting on Adrien’s shoulder, nuzzling his cheek in comfort.

“So, what are we doing with the runaways anyway?” Plagg asked, rummaging through the fridge on the hunt for more cheese.

“They aren’t runaways, and you know that.” Tikki squeaked, glaring at Plagg.

“Sugarcube, don’t give me those eyes, you know you love me and my creamy cheesy centre.” Plagg chuckled, flying over to Marinette and resting on her head, munching on more cheese.

Tikki rolled her eyes and flew in between them, “you two are masters, Marinette you are even the guardian, you know more about the miraculouses than anyone!” Tikki explained, “if you are going to stop this villain especially as he has 2 other miraculous holders helping him then you will need them to be the best ladybug and chat noir they can be!”

“What if we don’t have time?” Adrien asked, speaking Marinette’s thoughts. “It’s a lot of training! It took us years, and we will have to do it in, what, a few months? Plus they need to heal! Even with Marinette using her healing on them it will take time.”

“Adrien is right, I haven’t healed anyone since after the last battle.” Marinette said, “and the kind of training we will need to do… well let’s just say our actual jobs will kind of get in the way.” That’s when she gasped, “Work! Oh no no no!” She started pacing, “my project! It’s due in a few weeks! How am I going to finish it and train them!” This couldn’t be happening, she needed this win! She worked as a designer at the fashion line formerly known as Gabriel, since Adrien took over it was renamed Agreste. She always felt like she needed to prove herself even more being the wife of the CEO and owner of the company, she never accepted special treatment and made her way up the fashion food chain under her maiden name. She couldn’t let this slip, or she would never hear the end of it.

“I can work something out.” Adrien said, placing his hands on her shoulders and making her stop pacing, looking into her eyes.

“That is special treatment, and you know it, Adrien!” She said pouting before she groaned, she knew what she had to do, she just hated it. “I will try and work around it, hell I did more in high school!”

“There is another thing,” Tikki spoke up, nervously looking down at her hands, “I spoke to the other Plagg and Tikki. The new villain… He isn’t… new.” Marinette and Adrien slowly looked at her, fear covering their faces, Adrien’s eyes darkening. “They saw who took the miraculouses.” She looked at Plagg who looked sombre. “It’s Felix. He’s back, and he seems to be a lot stronger. Even stronger than Hawkmoth and The Painted Lady put together. He is older, stronger and on a war path.”

Adrien stiffened, his arms dropping from Marinette’s shoulders, “you’re certain?” He asked in a scary tone making Marinette back off slightly. “How did he even get the miraculous?”

Tikki looked away, “I-”

Plagg zoomed in front of Adrien’s face, getting between him and Tikki. “You know how, kid.”

Adrien looked at them with wide eyes, before he pulled out one of the kitchen chairs and sunk into it, rubbing his hands over his face. “How?”

“He must have broken in, the only time I can think he could have done it was-“ Tikki spoke up.

“The gala.” Adrien said softly, looking over at Marinette, “The fucking gala that was put up by an anonymous buyer.”

Marinette looked down at her hands, feeling like everything was her fault, Adrien had been suspicious about that gala, but she made them go. “Adrien…”

“It’s fine, for now we need to be on alert, we will need to do more patrols, we don’t know that he wont come back to our time. We will train them, I’ll organize any problems at the office, and we will get through this.” Adrien stated, his eyes never leaving the floor.

“Adrien…” Marinette looked over at Adrien, reaching out to stroke his back but he stood up before she could and walked out of the kitchen and over to the back door, calling his transformation as plagg was dragged away and into the ring, and pole vaulting off into Paris. Marinette knew exactly why he was upset, this was possibly the worst news after having two bloody versions of themselves showing up out of the blue.

Marinette sighed and looked back at her kwami, she was hoping it would be Gabriel, hell she was wishing it would be her father in law, he would be easy to defeat, they know him like the back of their hands. But this was bad.

“Felix…” She whispered, rubbing her face with a groan, “why did it have to be Felix.” Groaning she dropped her head in defeat. “I hope Adrien is ok,” She said, looking over at Tikki who flew over and snuggled up to her cheek.

oOo

Chat ended up on top of a building, looking down at the abandoned mansion that used to be his home, well his prison more like. It was closed off to the public for years now, too unstable after the battle to resell, and with all the underground construction his father had done it was impossible to do anything to it. He hated this place, nothing good ever came out of it at the end. Only heartbreak, pain, and, well finding out your father terrorised all of Paris and all your friends for years can be a kick in the teeth to say the least. He crouched down, resting his chin on his crossed arms, glaring as his ears twitched, always listening. He wanted to burn the place down, burn it to the ground and watch every last bad memory disintegrate with it. He wanted it to burn.

He stood up and vaulted over and through the window to his old bedroom room with practiced ease. He looked around at what remained of his teenage room, glass crunched under his steel toed boots, looking around at the destruction. The climbing wall was rubble around where basketball and skating area used to be, his basketball hoop broken in half and lying haphazardly on the floor and the ramps just a pile of rotten wood. His bed was rotten as well, water rot must have set in with the giant hole in the roof above it. The spiral stairs were in tatters, half of it in rubble on the floor and his library was completely missing, the giant hole replacing it. He couldn’t even recognise half of it anymore.

The rest of his room was covered in rubble and his old clothes strewn across the floor.  One thing that caught his eye was his old computer monitors, covered in soot and dust, the keyboard broken on the floor, the mouse nowhere to be seen. He walked over to it, looking at the main monitor and remembering when Ladybug was in here, smiling at the photo of his mom. He smiled at the memory. Any memory with either of them in it was a happy one. He wiped the monitor screen, leaving a hand mark, his anger and hurt bubbling to the surface finally like a dam breaking.

“You did this.” He whispered, clenching his fist. “You ruined everything!” He picked up the monitor and threw it across the room with a roar, panting as he watched it hit the wall and crash to the floor, the sound echoing through the mansion.

A flash of lightning lit up his face followed by a bone shattering clap of thunder, rain starting to fall slow but getting heavier.  

“Why!?” He screamed at no one, “why did you do this? Why father? To torture me more? To ruin my childhood more?” He kicked his table, grabbing it with one hand and throwing it across the room like it weighed nothing. “Why couldn’t you love me? You kept me from people! Forced me to hurt people without even realising it! You never fucking loved me!” Tears stung his eyes, throwing the chair he spent so many nights sitting on studying to make his father proud at the broken piano, the clangs bringing him out of his anger. Another flash and clap lit up the room again as the light disappeared even more, Adrien’s hair now soaked, his suit keeping the chill out. He slowly turned and looked at the piano, blowing the rain water out of his mouth.

He slowly walked over to it, tears falling down his face hidden in the rain. That was his mother’s piano, memories of sitting on her lap, his small hands over hers as she played, smiling up at her beautiful face, so full of love and understanding. He dropped to his knees, looking at the wrecked piano in front of him. He wiped his eyes, not able to take his eyes off the bloody fingerprints covering the now grey keys, forever staining them, no amount of rain would get those off. It was tainted now, the good memories stained by his own blood, from what his father did to him.

“Adrien…” He heard a soft whisper behind him, causing him to jump up and release his claws, the green glow from them lighting up his contorted, pain ridden face, rain streaking down his face and his hair soaked. But when he saw who it was his claws retracted and he collapsed to his knees, loving arms catching him and pulling him into her chest, cradling him softly. “It’s ok, mon cœur! You are safe! You are loved, I will not ever let anything happen to you again. I’m here now.” Soft hands stroked his hair as he sobbed, rocking him softly. “Maman is here now.”

oOo

Adrien woke up groggily, his head was throbbing, and everything hurt. He opened his eyes hesitantly, wincing at the pain in his arm. As he adjusted to the soft light coming through the sky light. Blinking he noticed it had begun to rain outside, the soft pitter patter soothing him somehow. His mind was adjusting to everything, trying to find his thoughts so that he could figure out where and when he was. That’s when he remembered everything. Gasping and sitting straight up, regretting it immediately and grabbing his shoulder in agony, yelling in pain. He looked down at the bandages on him, grimacing at the sight of a bit of blood coming through.

Dammit! He blinked, his vision still blurry, that’s when he realised his eye was still swollen shut, his hand going to feel the hot, swollen skin. Hell, he was really beaten up. He touched the tender cut on his lip, wincing at not just that pain but the throbbing in his throat. Oh yeah, this is what it feels like after you have been strangled. He thought with a groan.

“Plagg?” He croaked, hardly any voice coming out, looking around for the small cat kwami. Plagg zoomed through the wall and hugged Adriens cheek.

“Oh Adrien! Thank God!” He exclaimed, “don’t scare me like that again!” He said crossing his arms over his chest and glaring at Adrien. “Who is going to get me the cheese I like!” He cried, fishing out a corner of camembert and eating it whole.

“Augh, Plagg!” Adrien waved his hand, “anyone can guess the cheese you like just from how you smell.” Plagg floated onto the pillow purring happily.

Adrien looked around at the room, sitting up more comfortably, leaning on his good arm while holding his side with the other. It was a very spacious room and was beautifully decorated like the room he had seen earlier that day. But this room was a lot more simple than the bedroom he had been before. The bed he had slept in was large, with dark navy blue bedding on it with silk white sheets under the duvet, with a fluffy throw covering the foot of the bed. A carpet stood out prominently on the hardwood floor, recognising it as the one from his old room surprisingly, or one identical to it. Lifting his eyes, he saw a chest of drawers with ragdolls of all the old miraculous holders and their akumatised friends in the distance, he recognised them from Marinette’s room a few years ago. It stood with a standing mirror next to it, medals hanging on the corner. He recognised them straight away.

Swinging his legs off the bed he winced again, taking a deep breath and standing up. He groaned and stagger into the wall. Shit, something didn’t feel right.

“I wouldn’t do that,” He spun around to see Marinette running over to him, she was in plain dark blue jeans with a baggy off shoulder pink sweater, red straps from what he thought was a vest standing out on her pale shoulders. “You’re bleeding, sit back down!” She exclaimed, leading him back to the bed, opening the bedside drawer and pulling out a first aid kit.

“Wow, you really do keep those everywhere, huh?” He asked with a raised brow, wincing as she pulled his top off and started unbandaging him. He looked over at the wall, tried to ignore the pain as she started examining him.

“You need to be more careful; you’ve torn your stitches.” She said, her eyes never leaving her handy work as she started the first aid. “Sorry, I don’t have the morphine in here, and you need only a few.” Adrien nodded, taking a deep breath, trying his best to ignore the dull pain, thankful for the little morphine still in his body.

“How is La-uh… Marinette?” Adrien asked finally, looking down at her, gulping nervously.

“It’s ok, it must be weird knowing her real identity.” Marinette replied, smiling up at him softly, even as an adult she was tiny.

“It’s… quite over whelming.” Adrien admitted, “I never thought of her… you, as Ladybug.” He looked her sheepishly.

“It’s okay, I never thought of you as the Alley cat I was partnered with,” she replied laughing softly, “it’s okay to be a bit in shock.”

“Adrien told me about you guys finding out about each other.” Adrien replied.

Marinette giggled at that, “ah, I’m sure he did,” She started bandaging up his chest and shoulder, “he put his paw in it in that one.” She looked up at him, “but look at us now.”

Adrien nodded, thinking about all they had. A home, a family, friends, they seemed happier than ever. “Can… Can I ask you something?” Marinette nodded, “why did you get with me? Or my older… self…”

Marinette raised an eyebrow and giggled, “Speak to younger me, and maybe she will tell you.” She looked at him and sighed, “Adrien, I’m not your Marinette.” She said resting a hand on his arm, his heart beating fast. “I’m my Adrien’s Marinette, we have different pasts, and different futures. I am just here to make sure your futures happen and so that my future doesn’t become non-existent.” This comforted Adrien somehow. “Speak to her, I know how chat felt about ladybug, and it’s a lot knowing she is just Marinette - ”

“Just Marinette? Marinette is so much better than Ladybug!” He exclaimed, Marinette just smiling back at him.

“Exactly, now make sure she knows that.” She said standing up and turning to face him, Tikki settled on her shoulder. “No shirt for you until Adrien checks those wounds, he is more precise when it comes to physical wounds.”

“Marinette?” he piped up, “where is he?” He asked, something in his gut making him ask that.

Marinette stood up and froze, looking back at him, “he… needed some air. Don’t worry, he will be back soon.” And with that she left, leaving Adrien to his thoughts.

Adrien blinked, something making him uneasy, “Plagg? Is there something I need to know?”

“Kid, you are in the best hands, Marinette in this time is the guardian, she will know what is best for all miraculous holders just like Master fu.” Plagg reassured him.

“Okay, I need to see my Marinette.” He said, his memories of this morning making him cringe. He stood up, wincing and heading out of the room, Plagg resting on his head.

Now that he had a clearer head he looked around and noticed just how big this house was as he          stepped out of the spare room. He stepped out into the corridor, noticing another door opposite his, he guessed it was another room. He turned and looked down the corridor that turned into a bridge to the doors across the ways, walking forward onto the walkway he blinked, almost in shock. How had he not noticed it before, giant two storey windows covered the back wall with glass double French doors framed in the centre on the bottom floor.

The rain trickling down the glass, the sound like a soft hum in the background. He noticed the garden outside, beautiful and well looked after, but he also noticed a small building with no windows and covered in vines, almost like it was trying to be hidden. He shook his head and started limping down the stairs, they were hard, polished wood, glass banister on the one side and the wall on the other.

He skimmed his hand on the stone banister as he padded down, looking around until his eyes stopped on a canvas on the wall. It was an oil painting of the Eiffel Tower in the background, orange and brown autumn trees with street lights dancing in between them, but the thing that caught his eye was the black umbrella with two people hidden behind it as they stood on a stone bridge. The woman was in a red dress with her dark blunette hair down to her waist just peeking out from under the umbrella. The man was in a black suit, their faces were hidden but he could tell they were kissing or embracing each other. He stopped midway and examined it, his heart skipping a beat. It was enchanting, seeing the two people, feeling the love they have like no other. It was like he was under a spell. He felt like he had experienced this in another life. It reminded him of a memory, a distant memory of him giving Marinette something… his umbrella.

Was this… the miraculous connection Adrien spoke about? The love coming off the picture made his heart speed up. His green eyes were locked on the painting, feeling his injuries tingle slightly. He shook his head, making a mental note to add that to the list of questions. Turning, he started down the stairs again. Stepping down into the entrance hall and he felt at home immediately, unlike his home back in his time.

Looking around it wasn’t sterile and white like his mansion, the floor was chocolate brown hard wood floors, the walls were a comforting cream colour, and a long rug ran from the front door through the large hallway. One big archway to the left lead to the lounge where he had taken Marinette before, while another swinging door to the right, under the stairs lead to their kitchen.

The front door was a large, dark hard wood with patterns carved into it, with two slim windows on either side with cream curtains pulled back from them, but what stood out were the several dead bolts and other locks on the door, and that there was no mail slot. Weird.

He headed into the lounge, smiling when he saw Marinette asleep on the couch, the fireplace blazing softly in the background. He walked over and sat down on the floor by her head, stroking some hair from her pale face, hoping she wouldn’t wake up. She needed the rest. He still couldn’t believe the girl he had loved for all these years was Marinette. One of his best friends. He needed to snap out of it, the thoughts too much for him.

He looked around at the lounge to distract himself, it was even bigger than he had thought last night, two large dark blue sofas were placed perfectly, two recliner chairs placed nicely, one more used than the other with a green hoodie on it, the flat screen tv hanging over the fireplace, the walls a soft brown colour and the windows covered the one wall again, looking onto the garden. Behind the Main sofa was a larger area, a homely dining room table sat perfectly, a wall of books surrounding the other two walls. He saw so many books about fashion, nothing perfect in the library and all mismatched, knowing it was Marinette’s more than his. He felt the soft carpet under his hands, feeling comforted by how at home everything made him feel.

Was this what a family home was meant to feel like? He had seen his friends’ houses before, and had wished for what they had, but seeing this home, his home, made him have hope that one day this could be his.

Marinette walked in with a plate of pastries and placed it on the coffee table, placing a can of diet coke next to it.

“Here you go, Adrien, you need to eat.” She said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and smiling gently. She sat down on less used recliner armchair and pulled her phone out, she looked like she was anxious about something as she typed away and put it next to her.

“Everything okay?” Adrien asked as he grabbed a pastry, taking a bite. Oh wow! These were incredible!

“I haven’t heard from Adrien in a few hours.” She stated, looking down at her hands, “I’m starting to get worried, usually he would check in with me.” She sighed, looking at her phone again. “I think I may need to go find him soon.”

“Why did he leave anyway?” Adrien asked, his brows furrowed.

“He… We think we know who the villain is.” Marinette said, avoiding looking at him, “and it… it’s hard for him. It’s his family, he just thinks they’re cursed. Last time we fought him it… almost killed us.” She looked at nothing, “Adrien lost something in the last battle…” She wore a look that made his hair stand up. “Adrien… He…” she sighed, dropping her head, “he lost a part of himself in that battle. He had lost so much already, after his father-”

“What? His father?” Adrien sat up, looking over at Marinette, “What happened to my father?”

Marinette looked up in shock, blinking, “you-you don’t know?”

“Know what?” He asked, pushing up on his hands, “what happened to my father?”

She opened her mouth to talk but was interrupted by the back French doors blowing open, making all of them jump. Chat noir stalked in, closing the door and detransforming before Adrien could get a proper look at him. He walked in, a serious look on his face, his blonde hair messy and wet, his green eyes dark. He was dressed in blue jeans, a black short sleeve shirt, and wore black converse. He walked in and looked at everyone, eyes falling on his wife.

“Are you okay? Has anything happened?” He asked, walking over to Marinette as she stood up and jumped on him, his arms enveloping her in a big hug. Adrien could feel their love, it radiated throughout the room and lifted the mood. That was until Marinette spoke.

“Where the hell were you?” She exclaimed, pulling away and pushing his chest, “you can’t just leave! You know that you can’t do that!” She had tears in her eyes, “you could have been dead, or attacked and I wouldn’t have known! You turned your tracker off too! I couldn’t find you!” She pushed him again, tears streaming down her face. “Look at them!” she pointed at the two teenagers, one unconscious and the other severely injured and looking confused, “what would I do if you were attacked! How would I DEFEND them both if we were attacked!?” He looked back at her speechless, obviously as shocked as his younger self was.

“I-“ He stammered.

“No! You don’t get to make any excuses, you stupid cat! We are in danger! I need my partner here! I need to know you have my back!” She was crying now, he wondered if she was scared and that’s why she was lashing out at Adrien. His older self just stared back at her, his eyes sad. “You can’t just leave me like that.”

He wrapped her up in his arms, whispering something that Adrien couldn’t hear, turning away from them and looking at his Marinette who was still fast asleep, only now her brows were burrowed and she looked like she was in pain.

“Marinette?” He questioned, the adults looking over too. “Marinette? Wake up!” She started whimpering, her legs twitching as if she were running. “Marinette!”  

oOo

“Ladybug!” His screams echoing her mind, she could feel his desperation in his voice, but she felt like she was floating, why was this a bad situation? Everything was going by her so quickly, what was happening? “No!” Why was he so upset? They were just flying, it’s ok, he would catch her like he always did. She trusted him. He looked so cute when he was worried, why did he look so cute? He was Adrien, that’s why, but also because he was chat. Her two favourite people in one.

Suddenly she wasn’t falling, a hard surface stopping her, but there wasn’t any pain, only arms around her. She blinked the blurriness away and looked up at Chat, tears were streaming down his cheeks, falling onto her face. She felt the wetness. He looked terrified. What was wrong? She felt happy, he was holding her like his princess, and she felt like she was in heaven in his arms. But as she smiled up at him, darkness started taking over slowly. “Chat… It’s ok. You caught me.” Darkness took over as she went limp in his arms, her long hair falling into a muddy puddle, soaked from the rain.

“Ladybug, no! Wake up!” Chat begged, how could she still hear him? She was trying to sleep. He collapsed to his knees as he cradled her close to his chest, sobbing softly and shaking her softly. “Please… Marinette… Don’t leave me alone…”

Leave him alone? He wasn’t alone, she was only sleeping, the silly cat. Where was the alley cat she loved?

Loved.

That’s a funny word. Did she love him? What was she saying, of course she did! She always loved Adrien, but knowing he was Chat Noir, that made everything better!

“Please… I need you.”

And with that Marinette woke up with a gasp, sitting straight up and taking in her surroundings. The first thing she saw was Adrien’s battered and bruised face before her, worry all over it and his eyes searching her face. Wasn’t she just dreaming of him? She couldn’t remember. Why was he here? And what happened to him? He was speaking but she still was trying to figure out what was going on. She looked around, taking in her bearings, Adrien pushing her back down softly, looking up at the raindrop lights that hang high above her. She still hadn’t gained her hearing back, her eyes looking back at Adrien.

He was still talking to her, stroking her cheek and trying to get her to hear him. But she just furrowed her brows and reached out, stroking his cheek, thumb running under his swollen black and purple eye, brushing some of the crusted blood off. He winced but had more of a shocked look on his face. What happened to him? She thought to herself, frowning as she felt a tingle, she turned her attention to her body, her eyes widening and her memory, hearing and pain coming back at once. Her hands flew to cover her face and she curled up in pain, groaning softly.

She felt large hands on her back and could finally hear his words, “Marinette! What’s wrong? Is it the pain? Talk to me, please!” She could hear the desperation in his voice even over the ringing in her ears. She winced as she felt a needle go into the top of her arm, but almost instantly the pain faded and her body, that she had no clue was tensed, relaxed. She was rolled onto her back by the big hands which stayed on her side as Adrien leant over her, she opened her eyes and moved her hands, meeting his eyes. Blush covered her face, his green eyes were solely focused on her, full of concern and never leaving her face.

Wait… Adrien…

Her eyes widening, she felt her mind go into over drive, “Adrien!?” She squeaked, covering her face again. Adrien was Chat Noir! Adrien!!! This couldn’t be real! He was Chat Noir! How could he be Chat Noir?

Adrien looked at her nervously, rubbing the back of his neck as he pushed off from over her and sat on the coffee table, “y-yeah, it’s me.” He stammered out, “it’s okay if you’re disappointed.” He said looking away. Disappointed? Why would she be disappointed it was him?

“N-no!” She exclaimed, peaking from behind her hands, “I’m not disappointed, I just… I didn’t expect it to be… you!”

He blinked, “Okay? Is that… bad?” Before she could answer she felt a shooting pain in her stomach, wincing and looking down she saw some blood spreading on her abdomen. “Marinette!” Adrien exclaimed, hands going to put pressure on her stomach, looking back at the adults who Marinette hadn’t even noticed. They jumped into action, running over with a first aid kit, cutting the bandage open, Adrien moved to where her head was, smiling down at her calmingly. “Hey, just look at me, it’s ok, it’s all going to be ok, m’lady.” He must have seen the panic in her eyes, so she just nodded, letting them patch her back up, just looking into Adrien’s eyes, letting him calm her with his jokes and comments, thankful for the pain killers.

oOo

“So what do we do now?” Marinette asked softly, she was finally sitting up, still pale but looking better. Her long blunette hair that was in a mess down her back, in desperate need for a brush, dark circles under her eyes, she was freshly bandaged up all over, a huge bruise covering her whole left side of her jaw, stitches across her cheek where her gash was under a plaster. She had a blanket around her, Adrien sitting close, his arm around her protectively, not letting anyone or anything close to her.

Marinette smiled at how protective he was of her younger self, it reminded her so much of her own husband who stood close, arms crossed over his chest, staring at the fireplace. Alix had woken up, sprawled out casually on the other couch playing on a tablet.

“Well, you will need training, but we can’t do any of that until you have both healed.” Adrien replied, looking over at them finally. “But, we also need to be careful about the past.” Adrien said, taking control much to Marinette’s relief. She wasn’t over being angry with him yet. Stupid cat. She huffed, Adrien side glancing her. “We can’t change anything in the future.”

“Well, I’m not sure that will be an issue, kitty.” Alix spoke up, everyone looking at her, “it seems that when Shadow Blanc went back in time he changed everything, he didn’t go back to our past necessarily, when I was there I noticed some… differences.” She sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the couch. “For one, Daddy Gabe is a free man.” This made Adrien stiffen, looking at his younger self.

“Wait, what? Gabriel is still free?” He asked, dropping his arm and clenching his fists. Marinette looked over at him, biting her lip, “How is that possible? We caught him when we were 17! How old are you two?”  

“Eighteen.”

“Nineteen. What does my father have to do with any of this?” The young boy looked utterly confused.

“If they are that age then why haven’t they stopped him yet?” Adrien asked Alix who shrugged, “Why haven’t you stopped Hawkmoth?” He turned to them now, his eyebrows furrowed.

The young boy broadened his chest and shoulder, almost in a defensive way, his brows furrowing. “We did!” He argued, “We stopped her! She is in jail!”

This made all three of the adults freeze and look at them. “Her?”

“Yeah,” younger Marinette spoke up softly, “we stopped Lila last year, finally. Master Fu took her miraculous and locked it away.” She looked up at Adrien who was still on the offense.

“Wait, Lila was Hawkmoth?” Alix asked, looking at the older two, “how is that possible? She didn’t get the miraculous until after Hawkmoth was in prison?”

“Can we go back to the part where you mentioned my father?” Adrien piped up, standing with his fists clenched. “What happened to my father?”

Marinette stepped forward, “Adrien, calm down. We don’t know your timeline, but…” She looked at her husband for help.

“He was Hawkmoth.” Adrien stated, looking down in disgust. “It was him, all along. All those years of akumas, all the lies and pain, it was all him.”

Marinette looked over at the young man, his eyes wide, colour draining from his face, “Adrien, we don’t know anything about your father, though.” She reassured him, “this is just the Hawkmoth from our past.” Adrien nodded, sitting back down slowly, his partner placing a hand on his thigh and looking up at him worriedly.

“Okay, so training?” Her younger self spoke up, the confidence back in her voice. “What will the training be?”

“We need to teach you to the way of the Miraculous.” Adrien said, walking over to the bookcase and pulling out an old book. He walked back and placed it in front of the young adults.

“But we know how to be Ladybug and Chat Noir?” Marinette questioned.

“Yes, you do, but you have powers that you need to unlock, you will be trained in the ways of the miraculous and unlock your full potential. Your powers will grow, and you two will become ying and yang, just like the black cat and ladybug miraculouses are meant to be. They are made from the same whole. Two sides of a coin.” Marinette described, opening the old spell book onto the page of Chat noir and Ladybug, Adrien’s eyes widening. “You two cannot work with out the other. Where there is destruction there is creation, where there is creation there is destruction.” She explained, gesturing with her hands.

“For you two to be the best team possible you will need to work like ying and yang.” Adrien looked at them seriously, “we had years to train, we built it over time, we had times we had to push extra hard, but it is possible. It will be extremely… taxing though.” Marinette shared a look with her husband, “mentally, spiritually and physically. Your bond will grow, and your powers will change with it.”

“How?” Marinette asked, her brows furrowed, the two looked very confused and slightly nervous.

Marinette chuckled softly, “it’ll be different for you, it’s different for each Ladybug and Chat Noir. But we can discuss this more once you two are healed up.” She smiled reassuringly at them. “For now though, you both need to rest and heal. I will help you with that, I cant fully heal you but I can help you along.” She explained.

“Wait, you can heal people? Without using your miraculous ladybugs?” Younger Marinette asked softly, furrowing her brows in confusion.

“Yeah she can, its one of her powers that she discovered, but it isn’t a miracle cure. It does have it’s… consequences.” Adrien replied to her question, looking away from them, darkness covering his face. Marinette knew why he seemed upset, it’s because he knew what it did to her to use it too much, he hated her using it but he knew just as she did that she had to use it.

“What kind of consequences?” The younger Adrien asked, Marinette looking back at the young adults, noticing the frown on his face.

“Don’t worry about that,” Marinette reassured softly, smiling small, “let me deal with that, we need to get you two out of the woods and on the road to a quick recovery so that we can start the physical part of your training.” Adrien sighed next to her and turned, walking out of the lounge through a door next to the bookcase, Plagg following close behind. Alix raised her eyebrow and looked over at Marinette for some kind of answer. Marinette sighed and shook her head at Alix.

The two youngsters were looking at the door in confusion until younger Marinette suddenly started shivering and winced in pain, her head dropping onto Adrien’s chest, her eyes closed and her eyebrows screwed up in pain. Younger Adrien’s expression changed to panic as he pulled her closer, stroking her cheek gently. “Marinette?” He asked in concern, eyes examining her paling face. “She is really warm!” Marinette rushed over and help her hand against her head, she was boiling and sweat was accumulating on her forehead.

“She’s burning up, we need to do this now.” Marinette stated simply, removing the blanket. “Adrien!” She called out to her disgruntled husband; she knew he wasn’t happy about this but she needed him now. “We need to do this now! I need your help!” As she finished talking Adrien stalked in, concern all over his face. “Take her to the spare room, we can let her rest after.” She said, motioning for the young boy to let go of her, which he did hesitantly as Adrien picked her up gently bridal style like she weighed nothing, rushing her to the spare room, Marinette behind him with Alix helping the younger boy get there.

 oOo

Adrien lay the small girl on the same bed he had put his younger self earlier that morning, she was pale, very pale. He looked over at his wife who was taking deep breaths. “Are you sure you can handle this?” He asked sternly, taking her hand as the younger Adrien was led in and went straight to his partners side, holding her hand and stroking her forehead.

“I have no choice.” She stated before Tikki flew over. “Tikki, spots on!” The familiar  red glow filled the room, fading and there stood is magnificent partner. She had changed as Ladybug over the years, long black like gloves went from the middle of her upper arms, one single red dot on each of the insides of her palms. Her yoyo hung the same around her waist like normal but a second one hung across the other side as her second weapon, her body more developed to when she first became ladybug, her hips wider, her strong muscles could be seen through the suit, and she filled the suit perfectly. Like her arms she now had black down her legs from midthigh down to her feet. The soles of her feet were still red. Her pigtails were long gone and her hair was a little short, curled around her ears slightly as it hung loose. She opened her eyes, Adrien seeing the look of determination on her face that made him first fall in love with her. He looked over at his younger self, who’s eyes were wide as he stared at her. He knew what was going through his head, when he remembers his young partner he is always in awe of her now.

Ladybug walked over and sat next to Marinette, “Marinette, I need you to stay still. This is going to hurt.” She warned, looking at the young boy next to her, “hold her down.” He nodded and held her arms down as Ladybug stood up, taking a deep breath. Adrien stroked his wife’s shoulder in reassurance, seeing her relax slightly. “Miracle heal!” She called out, her spots on her palms glowing red, she looked at Marinette before placing her hands on her stomach. Marinette’s eyes flew open and she let out a scream that made everyone wince and run to hold her down, everyone but Ladybug who had her eyes closed as she concentrated. This only lasted around 20 seconds and then Marinette relaxed and Ladybug stepped back as if she had been burnt. Adrien rushed to her and placed his hands on her shoulders stabilizing her.

Shit. He knew this was bad when he saw the pain on her face. “Keep Marinette rested, stay here.” He ordered as he scooped up his small wife as she detransformed. “Do not follow me.” He stated, heading out and into their bedroom. He lay her on their bed and pulled open her bedside table, pulling out a round medallion and sat on the bed. He placed it on her chest, watching it start to glow softly, Marinette was watching him with a small smile.

“Hey.” She said softly, placing a hand on his cheek, “you will get frown lines if you keep that face on.” She chuckled.

He snorted a laugh and kissed her palm. “You need to take care of yourself, you held on for too long.” He said with a defeated sigh, dropping forehead onto her stomach. “You know the rules.”

She chuckled softly, stroking his blonde hair, “I know, but you couldn’t feel how bad those wounds were. I had to help.”

“That’s the problem, Marinette, you will help at your own cost.” He replied.

“Adrien, it’s the right thing to do, and you know it.” Adrien just looked at her before sighing an dropping his head down again in defeat, her chuckling softly.

oOo

Adrien watched as Marinette lay staring at the ceiling as his older self whisked his wife away. He slowly let go of her arms and sat next to her, stroking her hair out of her face. She reached up and touched the bandage on her cheek, he wondered what she was doing. He watched as she pulled the bandage off, his brows furrowed. That was when he blinked and sat up more, his eyes widening.

“Marinette…” He breathed, his hand hovering over her cheek as the stitches that were in her once cut up cheek fell off her cheek and onto the bed next to her. How did that happen? She felt her now smooth skin and blinked. “How is that…” He breathed again. He then sat up and looked to her torso, eyes darting back to hers for a second. With gentle hands he reached down and tore the bandage with ease, pulling it back slowly to reveal her stomach looking a lot better, the wound was still there but again the stitches were out and laying on her stomach. He felt his breath getting faster, the wound looked just like a long thin minor cut now from right side of her ribs to her left hip bone, the burns were just pink marks decorating her stomach, all the other small cuts gone as well. He looked at her arms and saw not all but most of her wounds were gone, the ones that remained were there but not too serious.

“Damn. I knew she could do it but I have never seen her do it in person before, and to this level.” Alix piped up with an amazed chuckle, walking over and looking the young girl over.

“What do you mean?” Adrien asked as he pulled the fluffy blanket over Marinette, still in shock.

“after their last big fight,” Alix started, “Ladybug and Chat Noir were pretty banged up, well that’s an understatement, they were fucked up.” She explained walking around, looking at the room around her. “It was a few years back, their last major battle, hell maybe their last akuma battle all together since. Chat took a blast to the chest for Ladybug, he got a giant piece of fuck knows in his chest, she dragged him away and voila! New power. Never been heard of with any of the other ladybugs, heals him right then and there, pulls this thing out of his chest, totally insane!” She exclaimed, a huge grin on her face, “they had no clue what was going on, one minute he’s dying, next he’s sitting up, covered in blood from closed cuts! Insane right? Gets even more insane, his suit was ripped to shreds, and then it just… grew back!” Adrien and Marinette looked at each other with raised eyebrows. “But…” Alix’s smile faltered, “it comes at a price, so it’s never a good idea to use it in the middle of a fight…” she paused, “but they didn’t know that.”

Marinette grabbed onto Adrien’s arm, making him jump and look at her, she wanted help up so he hugged her under her arms and raised her gently, resting her on the pillows and pulling the blanket up again to cover her bra, sitting next to her with a wince. He looked back at Alix and then suddenly felt soft skin against his hand, he looked down and Marinette was holding onto his blood stained thumb, his cheeks flushed and he then looked over at her, she was looking at Alix, her cheeks red, but she also looked frightened.

“They went back up, Chat full of confidence and ready to jump in front of anything to protect his bug because he thought he was indestructible.” She flicked one of the medals, “he wasn’t.”

oOo

“Chat, you have to be more careful!” Ladybug screamed, coughing and fanning away the dust surrounding them, Chat had a slice down his arm and he was leant against the wall, holding it in pain, coughing too. She was furious, why did she feel so weak? “We don’t know if this is a one time thing! What if you get hit and I cant heal you! Huh?” She stormed over to him and smacked him across the shoulder, trying to wipe the dirt from her face to see better.

“Ladybug I’m fine, I know you can heal me, it’s my job to protect you!” He exclaimed, pushing up and bending his arm, watching as his suit grew over the wound again and the pain fading, that was his magic this time, not hers. “Look, this is a minor set back-”

“Minor fucking set back?” She screamed, pointing out the fact they were in a collapsed building, trapped. “You have used your cataclysm, I’ve used my lucky charm. 9 times each!” She started pacing, her head felt funny, why did her head feel funny? It must be the dust. It has to be. Chat look annoyed and just sighed, “Chat this is-” before she could say anything something crashed through the wall, hitting her in the back and slammed her down, pain was all she felt, not the three floors she went through before she hit the ground and skid on the dusty tile into the street. She heard ringing only, she couldn’t breathe, something was in her back, and she couldn’t see.

Light was what she saw first, then the ringing stopped, she couldn’t move. She needed to move, why couldn’t she move? Then her sense of feel came back, and it was a hand on her back, then pain as the pressure left her back, making her gasp and her vision to hit her like a tonne of bricks. She saw panic, people were running, dust falling to the ground, she also heard a weird groaning noise? She tried to focus and realised it was her. She was making that noise, like a dying whale.

“Marinette!” Chat? What was happening, why was he saying my real name? “I’m so sorry, please please, don’t leave me! Please, this is all my fault! Marinette!!!” His last scream woke her right up and she gasped, rolling onto her back and screaming in pain. Her palms suddenly lit up, and the pain started to get worse, then suddenly it faded enough for all of her senses to come back normally and the groaning stopped. Chat was crying, holding her black gloved hand, blood covering the once side of his face from a cut on his forehead. “I’m sorry… I had to… She… She was… She was going to kill you!” What was he talking about? That was when she looked to the right, there lay a dead body, blackened, the hair singed off… Lila. “She… I had to” He sobbed. He killed her. To save Marinette. He made the ultimate sacrifice. She suddenly noticed she was wet, lifting her hands she saw she was lying in blood. She was still injured?

“We need to get out of here…” Suddenly ladybugs flew all around them, fixing Paris around them and swirled around them, but didn’t touch them. They both looked around in confusion. “Get us out of here. Now.” She said, fear creeping in. Chat nodded, wiping his nose before he grabbed a flag from a now fixed pole nearby, strapping her in it securely to make sure she didn’t move unnecessarily. He hoisted her up and pole vaulted away.

Once he got to their shared apartment he laid her on the dining room table, his transformation falling as he ran to get water and towels, digging out the first aid kit. Marinette watched him, scared to move, even though her body was numb. He ran back and gave her a look, she gulped and let her transformation fall, blood soaking into the oak table. Plagg caught Tikki and flew away, Marinette grabbed the edges of the table and gritted her teeth. Adrien came back over, his face paling, tears still wet on his cheeks. “Marinette? Can you hear me?” She nodded, that was all he needed, he took the scissors from the med kit and cut her top and bra off down the middle and at her arms and pulled it off, lifting her softly and pulling it from under her back and when he looked at her chest he froze. She wondered why.

“What?” She whispered.

“Mari…” He gulped, “You… your…” He covered his mouth, his legs giving way as he collapsed against the wall, tears streaming down his face.

oOo

“You see… Her power works, she heals, but she doesn’t as well. She just takes them on.” Alix stated, looking over at them sadly.