#Lila and Chloé have already been exposed for working with Hawkmoth

[mcheang]

Sorry for you

A draft inspired by Rhiannon Crochan - her quote is what I remember most about Heir Of Fire. This story is kind of gloomy.

Marinette had been brutally beaten by the thugs Gabriel had hired. Bound and dragged before her enemies, Marinette’s blue eyes remained steady.

Gabriel, Nathalie, Chloé and Lila stood before her. One triumphant, one professional, one eager and one malicious.

They had found her identity, stolen her earrings. How was not the priority.

Seeing the ring gleaming on Gabriel’s finger, Marinette knew her partner was out for now. After a quick glance around her, feeling her tight bonds, Marinette knew there was no escape, nor could she save these poor souls. All she could do now was have the last word.

Marinette steadily looked at them and smiled. “Demon. Witch. Traitor. Nobody.” They were what the Parisians chose to call the villains. “By all means, enjoy my bruises. How they must pale to all the havoc you had caused before. Does it annoy you to see all your damage undone as if it were nothing but a trifle?”

The girls were about to snap back but Nathalie raised a hand for silence.

Gabriel just raised a brow. “All done for a noble cause, I assure you.”

Marinette laughed, blood splattering from her lips. “Pretty words to hide behind. What happens to me will only be a haunting memory when you make your wish. Because you chose this so-called path to greatness or goodness, whatever you call it.”

Marinette leaned forward. “Do you one to hear one last secret before the end? Not the names of my kwamis or why you all keep failing. Please, anyone looking at your actions already knows that. No, the secret is that we, heroes and immortals alike, pity you.”

Silence.

“We pity you, Hawkmoth, even after your crimes against humanity and Nooroo. We pity you, Mayura, even after your abuse of power. We pity you, Chloe the cause of most akumas. We pity you, Lila the liar. You weren’t born evil and you’ve suffered (who is and who hasn’t?), but you overlook everything but your own feelings and now there’s nothing left inside you. You’re all pathetic and sad, empty and lonely. That is why you now stand desperate and despairing before me. Because of the danger you posed to Paris which made you flee like cowards. You chose to be the hated villains for whatever cause you dreamed, and we feel sorry for you!”

Who knew Chloé had a gun? Her father wanted her to be safe so he taught her to use it only for emergencies, not to vent her temper. But this is a girl who antagonizes akumas without thought. And a girl who has crossed the line long ago.

After the brief argument about Chloe’s hasty execution, they decided to just make their wishes before moving on

Gabriel wished for a perfect family reunion. He was overjoyed to see his wife again. But while both Emilie and Adrien behaved appropriately and as expected, they kind of creeped him out. It was like living with zombies. It was like they were corpses with no soul, with only magic guiding their actions. And oh yeah, as a family man, he was now stuck in this house of zombies. The doors cannot open.

Nathalie wished she would stop harbouring romantic feelings for Gabriel so she could be truly happy about his family reunion. The wish was granted but soon Nathalie could not feel anything at all. Life became a cold, meaningless existence.

Chloé wished to be a queen she deserves to be. She became a queen but her subjects revolted and it was Marie Antoinette all over again.

Lila wished to be famous, no longer hunted by her haters. And yeah, Lila became this perfect celebrity, doing charitable acts. But the thing was, this sweet Lila’s actions were forced. She was the new Mother Teresa, forced to put everyone else before her own, and refusing any kind of material comfort. And as a new girl, Lila is also compelled to make amends. In short, she confessed her crimes and willingly went to jail, but not before visiting the graves of Marinette and Adrien (the boy living with Gabriel was so not the real Adrien).

Lila: you were right. You became a memory. I have no doubt that you were the strongest memory in Nathalie’s life before she ended it. I have no doubt Chloé saw you in her last moments as queen before the crown fell off with her head. I have no doubt Gabriel is cursing you as he tries to escape his mansion of zombies. And I can feel the real me screaming inside this shell of a body. The real Lila often remembers you when she recalls what led to her imprisonment. I think everyone has finally realized the truth of what you were saying. That we were pitiful creatures before for choosing evil, and we are pitiful now because you knew what would happen when we made our wishes. And thank you. Maybe with your last words echoing in their heads, remorse will save what’s left of their souls.

For the record, Marinette and Adrien were reborn as Bridgette and Felix. And let’s just say Felix wasn’t interested in clingy girls or obeying over controlling parents that much. Which made it harder for him to reunite with his girlfriend from his past life but love is hard.

[gale-gentlepenguin]

ML Fic: Soulmate Survey Part 32

Happy Halloween to everyone! I hope that you enjoy this treat. Sorry this took so long to write out. This one took a few rewrites to get it where I wanted it to be.

Plus, Real life stuff got in the way So hopefully this will be a nice little treat for you all.

(Master Post)

__________________________________________________________________

Marinette watched in horror as she watched her best friend struggle on the floor.

She dashed to her side, and tried to help Alya get that weird mask off her face.

“By all means go right ahead. Its already too late.” Masquerade laughed as she watched Marinette struggle. “Soon enough she will be helping me take you down.”

The designer pushed the words of the psychotic akuma out of her mind. She refused to let her friend get turned into a mindless drone like before.

“It wont come off!” Marinette grunted as she tried so hard to remove it.

Masquerade watched her bracelet, waiting for a change to occur.

Alya’s muffled screams and frantic movements stopped.

“Alya?”

Marinette jumped up as she watched her friend transform, her casual clothes transformed into a familiar black and white costume. The Wi-Fi symbol on her chest. Lady Wifi has returned.

Masquerade’s bracelet gained a new charm, one looking reminiscent of a cell phone.

“And now she is my friend.” The villain stated as she watched Marinette start stepping away from the enslaved akuma.

“Alya… you need to fight it. You can’t let her control you.”

“Sorry Marinette, but Alya is unable to answer.” Masquerade mocked. “But I can take a message for you.”

Lady wifi stood silent, like an inactive robot, awaiting orders from its master. The inner machinations of the mind are not shown with the emotionless white mask covering her face.

Marinette turned her eyes toward the mask themed akuma, anger burning in her pupils.

“Let her go Lila. Let them all go before things get serious. Your plan will fail, Ladybug and Chat noir will arrive and beat the akuma out of you. Then you will have to answer for this too.”

Masquerade’s smile faded when she saw the fierce look. Marinette was not a sniveling mess, she actually looked even more defiant then before!

“Acting all high and mighty. I think I will enjoy turning you into my helpless puppet next.”

Masquerade lifted her hand towards Marinette, waiting to unmask her deepest secrets, and break her down.

“When I get a peek at what is hiding behind all of that fake courage, it will all come crashing down. Now let’s see your greatest secrets.”

Marinette looked around, trying to think of something. If Lila figured out her big secret, it was over. Ladybug would be exposed. She needed a way out, until she noticed something. Masquerade wasn’t doing anything.

“Huh?”

Marinette was perplexed by the akuma simply standing there.

“Ummm... are you going to do it now or...”

“Why can’t I see your secrets? My powers should allow me to see what you’re hiding and allow me to exploit it. It worked on everyone else I used it on, why not you?”

“Maybe I just don’t have any secrets to hide.” Marinette commented, watching with a bit of satisfaction as the akuma’s smug look shift.

Masquerade felt her frustration and anger boil at the comment. Something wasn’t adding up.

“Hawkmoth!” She cried out in rage.

A purple butterfly outline popped out.

“What is it?” The dark voice connected in her head.

“Why can’t I read Marinette’s secrets?” Masquerade angrily questioned.

“What?”

“Her secrets! I was able to zero in on everyone else I’ve used the ability on. Why does it not work on her!? Of all people I want this power to work on!”

Marinette felt both concerned and a bit flattered that she was the one Lila wanted to defeat the most. It was sort of mutual.

“Your power works on anyone I’ve akumatized, regardless of who it is.” The butterfly villain communicated. 

“So… your saying you didn’t akumatize her before? How is that possible?”

“I haven’t gotten to every single person in Paris.”

“You’ve akumatized that stupid pigeon man 26 times! How have you not gotten everyone!?”

“Paris is a big city, even if I akumatized someone every day, I doubt I would have hit 1/10th of the population. Besides, it takes strong negative emotions for me to send out an akuma. And that man seems to just be the easiest target for it. “ Hawkmoth defended himself. “Its not like I WANT to akumatize him every other day.”

“Unbelievable!”

“Just get the miraculous. That is your focus, the girl can wait for later.”

Masquerade’s butterfly outline dispelled as hawkmoth was finished with that conversation.

“Well that sucks. I guess I can just go back to plan A. Having you watch as I turn everyone against you... aren't here. What!”

Masquerade frantically looked around for the teen she had been antagonizing and found that she was no longer in the same spot. In fact, she was no longer in the office!

Marinette had decided to slip away from the akuma while she was having her little tantrum to the evil butterfly man.

“Why didn't you do something!” She shouted at Lady Wifi.

“You did not give me an order.” Lady Wifi answered robotically. 

Masquerade glared at the akuma servant. She would almost think it was rebelling against her.

“Even as a mindless servant you still find a way to ruin things.”

She looked around and noticed the other akuma in the room that was still on the floor.

“Dark Owl get up!”

The owl themed akuma got up from the floor. Removing parts of the broken pot from his costume.

Masquerade snapped her fingers. Catching the attention of Dark Owl and Lady Wifi. 

“Both of you, I want Marinette brought back to me right now! I want to make sure she stays quiet and sees everything we have set up. I don’t need her causing trouble.”

______________________________________________________________________

“…and that is everything.” A young woman said with a mixture of relief and excitement. She had finally finished setting everything up in the school infirmary. She had organized the files, restocked the bandages, changed the sheets on the resting cots, and put her personal decals on the desk. She was starting her first day as the school nurse, and things have been going up.

She put herself back out there and started dating Curtis, the sweet guy she met last week despite what would’ve normally been a deal breaking misunderstanding, she got into the med school program she wanted to get into and will be attending part time, and she managed to get a job at the school she went to when she went to Lycee.

She heard a ding from the front of the nurse’s office just as she was about to sit down.

“First student of the day. I better see what they need.”

She exited the small office area in the infirmary to see a blonde student who was clearly impatient

“What is taking so long!?” The teen shouted.

“Hello there. How can I help you?”

The blonde looked up a bit to see the nurses smile, she rolled her eyes.

“Who the hell are you? Isnt there supposed to be a different woman here?”

“If you are referring to the previous school nurse, she retired officially last week. I am the new school nurse. You can call me Nurse Angela.”

Angela never really liked using her last name, it made her sound old. So, she would be fine with the kids calling by her first name. It also helps with psychology, allowing more for a social dynamic based on mutual respect rather than authority.

“Whatever.”

Angela felt a twinge of frustration at the girl’s dismissal. But she kept her smile.

“And you are?”

The teen smirked.

“Chloé Bourgeous. And before you ask, yes, the daughter of the mayor.”

Angela felt a shiver go down her spine. She remembered from what the previous nurse told her. That Chloé was the mayor’s bratty daughter who would use her father’s influence to get anyone fired if she got angry enough.

‘That at least explains her rude attitude. She is a spoiled Brat.’

Angela was not going to let this bother her. She was going to take it in stride. She would be kind and courteous as she planned to be with any student at the Dupont.

“So, Chloé. What brings you here?”

Chloé walks in.

“My chair broke because someone sabotaged my chair. I ended up bruising my… anyway I need some ice, and anything to numb the pain.”

“My goodness! That sounds terrible. Who would do such a thing?”

“It was probably Marinette, that nasty little rat. Adding insult to injury now that she is dating Adrien.”

Nurse Angela moved to get some ice from the freezer for the bruised bottom of the Mayor’s daughter, listening to the girl vent. She was sure that whoever this Marinette girl was, probably didn’t do it. And if somehow, she did, it was likely because the annoying blonde deserved it. But that was not something Angela felt was worth mentioning. She kept that bit to herself.

“She is probably blackmailing my adrikins with something. There is no way he would be dating her without some sort of reason.”

“Is it possible that maybe he just likes her?” Angela inquired as she presented the bag of ice to Chloé.

Chloé looked at the nurse as if she had just told her that she had 3 eyes and a scorpion tail.

“Adrien liking Marinette?! That is ridiculous, Utterly ridiculous! There is no way that Adrien would…”

Chloé felt her mind flash through moments. Adrien and Marinette about to kiss for that movie, Adrien and Marinette dancing at her party? The photos she found of them running from fans, that kiss at the picnic during heroes’ day. Adrien taking Marinette to that interview instead of her… The stubborn blonde felt as if everything clicked into place.

“Chloé? Is everything okay?” The nurse called out, trying to get the spaced-out teen’s attention.

“He might actually LIKE her!”

Chloé felt her own skin crawl as she made her realization.

Angela didn’t know how to respond to this situation.

“I am going to straighten Adrien out right now! I am not going to let him make such a foolish mistake!”

The nurse could tell this could be bad if the mayor’s daughter was so heated, what if she got this innocent girl expelled? If she stood by and did nothing then her time at the school would be internally marked with the regret of not stopping such a potential disaster.

“Wait, Miss Bourgeois.”

Chloé stopped.

“What is it?”

“I… I just noticed that you’re limping. The injury might be more serious than you think. Let me have a look at it closer before you leave.”

The mayor’s daughter would simply have left without a second thought. But having a limp would make her walk much less dignified and lacking the power she needs to intimidate, but mainly that she would look lame with a limp.

“Alright, just make it quick.”

______________________________________________________________________________

“I don’t get why you felt the need to leave.” The cat kwami rolled his eyes. “If you want to be rebellious Adrien, we could leave the school and head to the movies. Though if we do, you should invite your girlfriend.”

“Plagg, this isn’t about rebellion or future date ideas. Something isn’t right with this whole situation. I just want to sneak a peek in the office, make sure Marinette and Alya get their story out, and then I am headed right back to class. No problem.” Adrien summarized as they kept walking.

Plagg noticed someone headed their way and went to hide in Adrien’s pocket.

Adrien took notice that it was his homeroom teacher. Perhaps he could ask her.

“Hey Ms.Bustier. Can I ask you a quick question?”

The red headed teacher walked past the teen without acknowledging his question. Her eyes focused on what was ahead.

“That’s weird… She would always stop to help a student.”

Adrien could feel that his favorite teacher may have been affected by something sinister.

“Ms.Bustier, can you hear me out for a second?” He asked as he touched her shoulder to try and get her attention.

The mirage of her appearance shifted from the homeroom teacher to the stylized patchwork costume of a familiar akuma enemy.

Adrien was surprised to see the true form of the imposter. The kiss zombie maker, Zombizou.

The akuma turned to show the face mask that hid her face. Her attention was now firmly on the boy, whether he wanted it or not.

Adrien backed away, nervously keeping his eyes on the teacher as he carefully backed up.

“You know, I think I will just ask someone else.”

Adrien took down the next hall running.

______________________________________________________________________

Masquerade reclined in her chair, her frustration was growing as she wondered what was taking those two minions she sent out to capture Marinette so long.

“They shouldn’t be having that much difficulty. She is just one person!”

She heard a ring, and knew her sentimonster was trying to contact her.

“What is it Simulare?”

“The illusion I had on Zombizou was broken. Someone is on to us, and the minion is in pursuit.”

Masquerade felt a headache forming. She didn’t have time for a wild goose chase. She needed to move on to phase two of her plan, making her army of akuma.

“Track down Marinette and this other  person that found out about Zombizou, keep them busy as long as possible. I am going to move on to phase two. Make sure no one is on to us.”

“Understood. I’ll get them back in the office and make sure neither of them escape.”

“Good”

Masquerade ended the call and felt her head ease a bit. The sentimonster she was given was obedient and competent. It was based on her mindset, so it would make sense that it would be capable of handling this problem.

“Now, let’s get that army.”

______________________________________________________________________________

“Give me a break.” Marinette muttered to herself.

She thought she would have time to transform once she escaped the office, but the two akuma were right out of the office before she had time to make sure everything was clear.

In her rush she cut a corner down a hallway and ended up colliding with another person.

“Ouch.” They cry out in unison, both looking to realize who they bumped into. Their faces turned to relief.

“Marinette!” “Adrien!”

The two called out in unison.

“Why are you running?” “Why are you running?”

“An akuma!” “An akuma!”

“An akuma?” “An akuma?”

They both look behind the other to notice the incoming akumas approaching them.

“As cute as this is, we need to go.”

Adrien Grabs Marinette’s Hand and they both head to the open area and try to get to the main entrance.

‘I need to get Adrien somewhere safe, then I can go transform into Ladybug.’ Marinette thought to herself, unaware that Adrien was thinking the same thing.

They make quick movements down hallway, moving up and down staircases to confuse their pursuers. They managed to give them the slip as the controlled akuma seemed to not be able of basic reasoning and quick fake outs and movements.

The two make their way down to what appeared to be the front of the school.

“The entrance!” Marinette called out. “Okay, we split up at the entrance and try to get help. They can’t catch us both.”

The run to the entrance only for them to stop short, colliding with some invisible wall.

It was only after making contact did the front entrance of the school shift back into a wall. The layout of the entire school seemed to shift instantly. The school had been put under an illusion to trick them into thinking they were escaping.

“It’s an illusion. Which means Lila must be involved with that group of akumas.” Adrien exclaimed.

“More like she is the cause. She is the one controlling the akumatized mask wearers. She got the Principal and Alya.”

“Wait, does this mean that Lila’s power is to make akuma!?”

“From what I saw, she can only akumatize people that have been akumatized before using her face masks. You haven’t been akumatized right?” Marinette questioned.

“No, and since she didn't get you, you haven't either right?”

“Yea, though I have had a few close calls.”

“So, if Lila’s power is akumatizing people, what akuma made this illusion on the school?”

“That would be me.” A third voice calls out.

The two turned to look and see a familiar fox themed villain smiling confidently.

“Volpina!”

“Not exactly.”

The Volpina impersonator looked around to see if the other akumatized servents were going to arrive.

“Seems you both are quite clever when it comes to annoying Mistress Masquerade.”

“Masquerade?”

“That’s what Lila’s calling herself.”

“Oh... cause of the masks.”

The villain rolls her eyes, encapsulating the personality of the arrogant volpina that it was pretending to be.

“Masquerade realizes that you two are both quite difficult to snag with mindless servants, so she requested I handle this.”

“No, you won’t.” Marinette grabs Adrien’s Hand and tries to run away only for the Faux Fox to flip in front of them

“Yea, I am not letting you out of my sight. Now be good and come along peacefully.”

Adrien moves in front of Marinette.

“Go, I’ll hold her off.”

“But…”

“Go. I trust you.” Adrien smiles as he looks to her for a moment.

Marinette wanted to stay and fight with him, but she knew that she needed to go and transform. Ladybug will be needed before this blows up.

“I’ll get help.”

Marinette runs away from the two as fast as she can. Adrien making sure to block the way should their foe get any ideas.

“She won’t get far, she will get captured before she even gets a chance.”

Adrien shook his head.

“You would be surprised with how just how amazing Marinette is.”

Marinette rushed out of sight and into the closest bathroom, quickly making sure it was a safe place to transform.

“Coast is clear. Time for Ladybug to step in.”

“Let’s hope we can get to Adrien in time before things get worse.” Tikki commented.

“Don't worry, I trust he’ll be okay. Tikki! Spots on!”

______________________________________________________________________________

“Can you believe it Juleka?” The peppy perfume enthusiast squealed. “Marinette and Adrien are finally an item.”

“Yes, I was there rose.” Juleka commented with an eye roll and a smile.

“I know! I am just so happy for them both.” Rose calms herself a bit. “Though… how will your brother take it?”

The purple haired teen reflected on the comment.

“It will be an adjustment, but I am sure Lulu will be fine once he gets a couple songs out of it.”

“I’ll be sure to be supportive.”

Juleka patted Rose’s head, smiling sweetly at the blonde’s caring attitude. She decided now would be a good time to spring that surprise on her. She was planning on showing her during lunch, but since Ms.Bustier wasn’t in class. Now would be the perfect time to show Rose the earrings she got her.

She casually reached into her bag, sliding her hand into her lunch bag, trying to find the earring box, only to notice it not there. Her hand moved frantically searching.

“Is something wrong?” Rose inquired, a bit of concern on her face.

“No, nothing. Nothing is wrong, just…” Juleka dismissed as she kept searching only to know for certain that her gift was not in there.

“Are you sure?”

“I just need do something really quick.”

She quickly grabbed her phone and calmly while hoping that her brother would see her text.

In her quick movement, she failed to notice the door of the classroom opening.

_______________________________________________________________________

“Psst, Luka. Luka!” A dark-haired teen whispered, trying to get the attention of the teal-tipped hair guitarist that was hiding his sleeping face with an open science book.”

“Hmm?” The tired teen responded with his eyes still closed. He was barely awake. He had been up all night working on that new song that was stuck in his head. He could still hear it playing in his thoughts as he tried to shake himself awake.

“Your phone vibrated, seemed important.”

“Oh, thanks Theo.” He moved his hand to take a look at his phone.

The science teacher was rambling on about molecules or something, clearly unaware of how disinterested everyone in the class was with his boring lecture.

Luka looked through to see a few text messages from his sister.

‘Hey, can you check your lunch to see if there is a jewelry box in there? Rose’s gift is in there.’

‘If you find it, can you swing by around your free period to bring it to me?’

Luka quickly snuck his hand into his backpack and sure enough he felt the small box. He was about to text a response. But stopped when he read the last two texts.

‘Sh*t there is an akuma in the class!’

Luka’s eyes shot open, his sister was in danger. Which also meant his band was also in danger. He needed to get there.

He shot up from his chair. And started making his way to the door.

“Mr.Couffaine, where do you think you’re going?”

“Family emergency.”

The science teacher was about to tell the young boy to wait until his parent calls, but he remembered who is mother was and what she did the last time he held up her kid when Anarke wanted to pick him up early. The teacher proceeded to held back his response.

“Proceed. Just be sure to get the notes from today’s lesson.”

Luka was out the door before the teacher could finish.

______________________________________________________________________

A car speeds down the road, the driver cursing to herself as she tries to move faster.

‘Get in, get Adrien, and get out before everything hits the fan.’

Nathalie mentally repeated to herself. She knows that pushing herself too hard was also dangerous. She couldn't risk feeling weak right now.

The driver slammed the break as she arrived at the school. She needed to hurry. She parked the car and opened the door.

“Lets hope that this akuma hasn't gotten to Adrien yet.”

_______________________________________________________________________

Ms. Bustier’s class had diverted all their attention to the costumed individual in the front of the classroom. The eerie masks that adorned her costume seemed to unsettle everyone.

Juleka put her phone away and joined in on what everyone was staring at

Alix was the one to say what was on everyone’s mind.

“Who the f*** are you?”

The akuma smirked.

“Excellent, a volunteer.”

Raising her hand and pointing towards Alix, her charm bracelet began to glow.

“Interesting, seems that you have quite a soft spot for cute things.”

The class turned to look at Alix with confusion.

Alix kept her cool.

“And? Is there a point?” Alix rolled her eyes, ignoring the akuma’s attempt to get under her skin. It would take more than that to actually do anything to her.

“You pretend you have this ‘Devil may care’ attitude, that you are too cool to care about what people think, but really you are more obsessed with how people perceive you than anyone else in here.”

Alix felt her smirk falter for a second.

“You are really sensitive about your height and anytime someone brings it up you are in a bad mood for the rest of the day. But what really gets to you is your ‘Family’. You hate how your brother is a laughing stock because of his crackpot theories and your greatest fear is that no matter how much you try to be this punk rebel, you will always be cast as ‘The Conspiracy nut’s sister’.”

“Shut up! You don’t know my life!” Alix yelled.

“Not so fun getting exposed, is it?”

The class realized immediately who this mysterious akuma was.

Masquerade smiled as she flung a mask right at the pink haired teen. Causing her to fall down. And struggle to get the mask off, but before anyone could help her. It was too late.

The class could only watch in horror as their classmate transformed into their Akuma persona. Before standing up.

The class tried to make a break for it. They knew full well the dangers of this new akuma.

“Timebreaker, guard the door.”

The akuma skated to the door and everyone jumped back. They knew that touching Timebreaker was not a good idea.

“Lila, this isn’t cool. Let Alix go.” Nino called out.

The Mask akuma shook her head.

“Lila is not a thing anymore. She was unmasked and dismissed. But now I have a new mask, I’m Masquerade. Soon enough, you will all be unmasked and given a new mask that better suits you. Alya knows that very well.”

Nino’s his eyes flared at the statement.

“What did you do to my girl?”

Masquerade pointed her hand at him just as her charm bracelet glowed, now with a rollerblade charm added to it.

“The same thing I am about to do to all of you.”

______________________________________________________________________

Will the rest of the class fall victim to Masquerade’s evil plan? Will Ladybug be able to save Adrien from the Sentimonster? Will Nathalie get to Adrien before its too late? Will I ever update consistently?

Fine out all these questions and more in the next part.

Thank you all for reading the most recent addition to Soulmate Survey.

Please let me know your thoughts on this chapter and if you really liked it. Reblog it. (Sharing is the only way my story actually gets out.) Plus, tagging has been kind of glitchy for me, so until that gets straightened out, I can't tag people for the story at the moment.

[miraculouscontent]

Didn’t Need Burrow (April 11th-16th)

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: After the Truth episode occurs, Luka will either not appear nor be talked about(not even by Marinette, Juleka, Sass, or Anarka) at all, or, if he does appear, he'll avoid Marinette like the Black Plague. Guess who's fault it'll be(Kagami will still appear and be on good terms with Adrien, though, since anything that makes Marinette happy needs to be either ruined or gotten rid of, while anything that makes her miserable needs to stay around just to be rubbed into her face.).

I s2g if they have Adrien and Kagami patch things up immediately just to make Marinette feel awkward--

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: The idea that Nino's hat is a keepsake from his late brother comes up during an episode where it inevitably gets damaged and/or destroyed. Marinette is somehow responsible/blamed for this, and/or is forced to try and repair it regardless of feasibility, while being guilt-tripped/ridden every inch of the way. Bonus points for Adrien making some clueless comment about buying a replacement and STILL being treated as more empathetic to Nino's feelings even while ignoring them.

“Bonus” if everyone pressures her over the hat, which eventually leads to Marinette realizes that it can’t be fixed to be the exact same way, so she hides it and lies about it, leading to the episode blaming her for hiding things from her “totally understanding friends” (who are suddenly “totally understanding” and are only upset that she lied to them/”thought so lowly of them”) instead of her friends for making her feel like she had to be perfect.

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: A Sleeping Beauty-inspired akuma will ensnare Ladybug, 'forcing' Chat Noir to kiss her awake. While Adrien/Chat naturally claims that he would 'never take advantage of his lady', he is openly gleeful at the prospect and taunts her afterwards, complete with a call back to Oblivio as he tells her to 'check the LadyBlog' to find out what happened. Her dismay over this is played entirely for laughs.

*flashbacks to the “jokes” in “Prime Queen”*

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: Just like in countless Salt Fics, Alya will get upset at Ladybug for claiming that it's 'too dangerous' for her to be Rena Rouge anymore after Miracle Queen. Regardless of what she does/how she lashes out, Marinette will be held 100% responsible for the fallout, with Su-Han criticizing her for selecting Alya/the others in the first place AND for 'allowing' their identities to be exposed.

That’s what you get for trusting people, Marinette (apparently).

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: Alya will expose more Miraculous-related secrets on the LadyBlog, such as posting the identities of the heroes who were 'already outed' by Miracle Queen. Marinette will be blamed for this, with Su-Han reading her the riot act for every single choice she's made.

And also, Alya will get no flack for this because “she’s a journalist!! she’s just doing what she’s supposed to do!”

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: After spending most of the season taking the piss out of Marinette at every available opportunity, Su-Han will start warming up to her just in time to be taken out of the equation by something like Alya posting another 'big scoop' on her blog revealing his existence to the villains. Marinette will be left with even less support and all of the guilt, while Alya learns absolutely nothing from the experience because why would she?

Considering “Truth,” I just automatically presume that characters who support Marinette lovingly/unconditionally will either be abused or kicked to the curb.

Anonymous said:

Don't need Burrow: "Queen Banana" will be like typical episode with Chloe akumatization. 90% Chloe drama and angst, 10% akumatized Chloe (and probably 0% sense)

Show, I’m begging you, just let this character’s focus die already. We are SO tired...

Anonymous said:

didnt need burrow: the show ends with hawkmoth (now shadowmoth i guess) being defeated, heavy implications that the LS will be canon, but no solid proof, any other plot holes disappear in the cheery end music and all fans are left annoyed at the open ending filled with plot holes (bonus: That Guy says smin like "you would know if you watched carefully" to anyone that asks wtf happened)

Fun for us love square salters at least so there’s that? :P

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: Trixx wants to return to Alya despite the danger/her past exposure, and ignores Marinette's concerns, leaving/reuniting with Alya over her protests. This is either played as 'It's fine, and Marinette should have trusted Alya more' or 'It's not fine, and it's all Marinette's fault for trusting Alya in the first place and letting Trixx get so attached'. Or both.

Astruc would totally use the opportunity to brag about the whole, “She’s already taken!” line in “Truth” being foreshadowing.

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: Bunnix reveals that there is an alternate, 'better' future in which Lila never worked with Hawkmoth and became a heroine instead. The turning point was, naturally, that Ladybug never called her out for lying/stealing from Adrien. (Possibly because Adrien never snooped in the safe in this timeline, yet it's still depicted as Marinette's fault.) May couple with confirming she's the future Hawkmoth and that it's all Mari's fault the heroes are still fighting her years later.

Which means that Chat makes the “reversible” mistakes (i.e: Cataclysming Bunnyx’s miraculous) while Ladybug makes the “permanent” ones.

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: Marinette/Ladybug will get accused of being a selfish glory hound who needs to learn how to share the credit and 'be a team player'... after Adrien/Chat slacks off during a fight and refuses to help. Bonus points if this is tied into the exposed heroes' predicament somehow, implying that the REAL reason she won't give them 'their' Miraculi back is that she's selfish/short-sighted/not good at working with others/insert other bullshit excuse here.

T_T

I’m so tired.

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: Marinette will do something unbelievably selfless and self-sacrificing, only to promptly be slammed by the narrative and treated as though her decision was incredibly selfish.

Honestly you could just ad lib that.

“Marinette will do [something positive], only to promptly be slammed by the narrative and treated as though her decision was [negative].”

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: Su-Han will pressure, belittle and berate Marinette until she breaks and agrees to give up being Ladybug/the Guardian. This is naturally treated as the worst thing she could possibly do, with everyone (including Su-Han) ripping into her for it. There is no equivalent of Plagg's 'I've had many holders, but nobody can replace you, Adrien' shilling, beyond Marinette being informed that she MUST continue and deal with her many inadequacies by becoming BETTER. She has no choice.

“You’re the worst Ladybug!”

“Okay I’ll stop being Ladybug.”

“HOW DARE YOU”

“?!?!?!”

Anonymous said:

Don’t need Burrow to know that the writers will retcon Marinette allowing Adrien to BORROW her lucky charm so that Marinette actually GAVE it to him instead.

Bonus: of course, the birthday scarf issue/secret is never addressed. RIP in piece, Marinette gift number xxx0

Technically, this has already happened even back in “Befana,” so I don’t count it. Adrien has said that Marinette gave him that lucky charm forever.

Definitely adding that scarf one though.

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: We get Love Square scenes (shipping fuel) in the next episode (even though Maribug and Adrichat just broke up with Luka and Kagami).

I mean, we got love square shipping fuel in the Adrimi and Lukanette episodes, so :|

I’ve just come to expect inappropriate timing at this point.

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: In a future episode Chat Noir will be even worse than he was in Lies and still be portrayed sympathetically. I don't know how you can get that low, but I have faith that the writers will be able to pull it off and that's not a good thing

“I don't know how you can get that low“

they’ll find a way, I’m sure

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: Kagami will become an antagonist/team up with Shadow Moth post-Adrimi breakup for the plot twist "the main villain has been in the show all along." ((This is based on the end card for Lies. I really hope they don't do this because Kagami is one of the only reasons I'm still watching the show.))

I’d only be here for that if her endgoal is getting Luka and Marinette as far away from the plot as possible.

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: We STILL don't know how the Peacock Miraculous got damaged and how Emilie Agreste fell sick. Bonus points, we find out in the season/series finale or on social media.

Double bonus if Astruc claims that the decision is good and they did it on purpose (probably to keep people talking).

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: Zoe debuts as the new Bee holder on the same episode Chloé is akumatized.

I’m 100% expecting Chloe to be salty at all the adoration that Zoe gets.

Anonymous said:

Didn't Need Burrow: if Adrien is ever in the wrong about something, it will only be for about five minutes and it will ultimately be blamed on Marinette.

Marinette: *breathes*

writers: Yes! Something we can blame on her!

Anonymous said:

Didn't need burrow: The relationship between the Couffaines and Jagged will not be explored. They might perform a song together and that's all, Luka forgives Jagged for abandoning him (his daddy issues just magically disappear so he doesn't bring it up anymore) while Juleka doesn't interact with Jagged at all

I’m torn between, “Luka will basically never appear again,” and, “Luka will suddenly appear much more often now that he’s no longer a ‘threat’ to the love square (Marinette didn’t break up with him because of Adrien but sure).”

Anonymous said:

Didn't need Burrow: "Gabriel Agreste" will be all about how he's not really evil just misunderstood. He had a lonely childhood or some garbage and we should feel totally sad for him you guys.

wow i hate it

[anjuschiffer]

Amira Wayne - Chapter 19

There’s no way I’m going to keep dragging out this chapter... so here’s the next chapter! Enjoy :3

Chapter 19: Discovery

-

P.Tag: @theatreandcomicfreak @damianette-is-life @toodaloo-kangaroo @elijahcrevan @vixen-uchiha @nathleigh

Tag: @we-want-mini-mini @ramos123 @bluesimani @redscarlet95 @greatcatblaze @promiswords @fantasiame @corabeth11 @anonymously-odd @alexandriamw @officiallydarkgeek @galla02006 @maleive07

Special thanks to @m3owww for helping me with translations!

-

MASTERLIST | FIRST | PREV | AO3

The dreaded school bell rang, signaling everyone that school was over.

Despite Christmas being right around the corner, no one was in the Christmas spirit. After all, how could they after what happened?

“Adrien, Sabrina.” Miss Bustier brought to attention, watching as the two glared at Lila as she walked out the classroom with a few of the girls of the class. 

Lila shrunk into herself, a single tear making its way into her eye as she felt Adrien’s eyes burn at the back of her head.

“Yes, Mlle Bustier?” Adrien asked once he saw Lila out of vision, noticing that Nino was waiting for him right outside the classroom. Ever since that day, the trio of friends traveled in a pack, leaving no one by themselves. 

“I was wondering if you could take some classwork and some break work to Chloe, seeing as the two of you are close friends.” Bustier handed a few papers to Adrien, Adrien gently placing them inside his bag. “And Sabrina. How is Marinette?” She dared to ask after handing Sabrina a large manila envelope. 

With Chloé not being in school, Sabrina had to step up as Vice President and do the Class President’s job of dropping off homework to those who missed class. 

Mlle Bustier didn’t expect for Sabrina to scowl, an expression she never saw on the girl ever since she first started teaching her seven years ago.

“Mlle Bustier, shouldn’t you have already made a home visit by now? Actually, in this type of situation, you should’ve done a home visit the day after the incident. But you didn’t. It’s been two week since then.” Sabrina recalled, taking the manila envelope and walking out of the class, waiting next to Nino.

Adrien didn’t miss the way their teacher shrunk into herself, before attempting to bounce back up.

“I’ll try and make a visit later on today. Ever since the incident, the school-“

“Sabrina has a point, Mlle Bustier. With all due respect, I think you should’ve already visited Marinette and have checked for yourself how she’s doing. After all, that’s part of your job.” Adrien bluntly stated. “And a piece of advice? I know you’re trying to act as if all of this isn’t bothering you, but I suggest you stop acting as if nothing happened. Yes, the akuma happened two week ago, but everyone is still recovering from it.

After all, those memories don’t disappear no matter how long ago it happened. So if you would excuse me, I have some dear friends to visit.”

—

It’s been two weeks since the Banshee incident...that’s 14 days since both Marinette and Chloé haven’t been at school...and 14 days without a single akuma attack, the longest period of rest the team had ever had since given their miraculouses. 

When Chat Noir raced to initiate Plan B with Ryuuko and Osprey, they were halted due to someone else beating them to the Eiffel Tower. 

A guy their age had been the one to get rid of the akuma that had been controlling Marinette and not only that. He had also used Ladybird’s power to reverse the aftermath of the battle and bring back Marinette.

While from a distance he could easily be mistaken for Ladybird, up front, you could tell it wasn’t her.

Said one-time vigilante cradled Marinette in his arms, something that broke Chat upon seeing how shaken she was about the whole thing.

Usually all of those affected by Hawkmoth’s manipulation wouldn’t remember a single thing about their akumatization...but Chat knew…

Something caused her to remember every single detail.

“Who-” Chat Noir started, only for the ‘new’ Ladybug to cut him off.

“Ladybird was the one who told me to finish the job for her. She too had been affected by Banshee’s powers before she was even able to transform. She also told me to relay you a message. Do not worry about her identity being exposed, for she was wearing a mask before giving me her miraculous.” The guy didn’t take off the miraculous, making Chat wonder what exactly was going on.

Where was Ladybird? “Ladybird?” Crap, he said that outloud. “Don’t worry too much about her. She’ll be back the next time the Ladybug miraculous is in use.” Lifting Marinette with ease, Chat wondered if that was because of the magic or because he was able to easily do so himself. “Meanwhile, I’ll take her home. Want to lead the way, or?”

“I’ll lead.” Chat solemnly said. “Just make sure you don’t drop her.”

“Roger that.”

After dropping Marinette to her home, Chat never saw that guy again. Not like he had all the time to mull over him. 

He had to ensure Chloe and Lila’s safety as well, although he didn’t want to do so for the latter. 

He first met up with Gris, who had moved Lila inside the Montparnasse Tower. While she wasn’t psychically hurt, mentally, she was greatly injured. 

Chat explained to her of the next step they were going to take next, explaining how she will have to go to mandatory therapy sessions to ensure her well-being, how he will be escorting her to each one personally so that she doesn’t try and worm herself out of them when she said she didn’t need it. 

“You may think we’re only doing this out of duty, which you’re not wrong, but it is also something Ladybird herself wanted to incorporate in Paris. Something about the lack of a rehab system in Paris.” Chat answered when Lila asked why he was bothering to make sure she was fine. “Also something about preventing a second ‘G.’”

After setting up the next therapy sessions with Lila, Chat and Gris headed over to where Ryuuko and Carapace were dealing with Chloe’s rattled behavior.

“She’s inconsolable.” Ryuuko said when Chat asked why Carapace had a shield around him and Chloe. “She tried to run off multiple times, but we always managed to keep her contained.”

“Let me get someone who can help us.” Chat left the group, dropping his transformation in a safe area before returning as Adrien. “Chloe!”

At the call of her name, Chloe stopped clawing her way from the force field Carapace had placed up, looking over to Adrien. 

She threw herself at him and started to cry into his shoulder, crying how she saw her parents abandon her, how her friends also abandoned her. How she witnessed her best friend’s deaths, Adrien not noticing the way the team stiffed upon hearing their civilian names being said. 

Before spiraling into more crying, Chloé mentioned being a failure of a friend, as she couldn’t stop Marinette from becoming an akuma. 

Adrien didn’t once let go of Chloe, telling the team his gratitude for helping her. 

He guided her to her home, wondering where things were going to play out now that the team took the largest blow yet in their fight against Hawkmoth.

But for now, he knew he had to stay by Chloe’s side. 

---

As Sabrina sat on a kitchen stool, she scrunched up the manila envelope in her hand as her thoughts went back to what caused Marinette to lash out the way she did and caused her to turn into Banshee. 

If only Lila didn’t lie about knowing him. If she didn’t lie about him, then her friends wouldn’t be-

“-Sabrina. Sabrina dear, are you alright?” Sabine asked, worried.

“Mlle Cheng! I’m sorry! I got lost in my thoughts and-”

“It’s alright. I’m guessing that’s for Marinette?” Sabine gestured towards the envelope in her hand. 

“Yes. They’re homework assignments and a few notes from Mlle Bustier.” Sabrina said, handing them over to Sabine. “Oh! Here are my notes for her. She’d probably find these more useful than-”

A scream pierced the kitchen air, Sabrina watching as Selina appeared out of nowhere and rushed up the stairs with two other women right behind her, Sabine quickly grabbing her phone and dialing a number. “Mlle Cheng, what is going-”

“I’m sorry about this Sabrina, but you’ll have to leave. Now.”

Without another word, Sabrina nodded, grabbing her bag and started to head downstairs when she spotted M.Wayne go upstairs, two others right behind him…

Was that Oliver Queen?!

Sabrina watched as the trio walked right into the Dupain-Cheng home, wondering what M.Wayne, M.Queen and the other man were doing there.

What is going on?

--

Selina sat on the chaise lounge, Amira letting out shuddering breaths as she laid against her chest.

When Selina had heard Amira’s screams, she felt her heart stop for the umpteenth time that day.

Ever since that day, ever since the day of the appearance of Banshee, Amira had restless nights, recurring nightmares throughout the day and refusing to see anyone except for Selina and her two therapists. 

“Poor pumpkin.” Harley sympathized, draping a blanket over Amira and Selina. “She shouldn’t have to go through all this. She’s just a kid.”

“To think you’re stupid boyfriend-” Ivy started, making sure that the daisies scattered around the room were doing all right...until Harley jabbed Ivy at her side. 

“Pammy,” she gestured to a silent Selina, “sure, Brucie had some fault to this, but it wasn’t-”

“I know, I know.” Ivy sighed, spraying some water on the daisies. “The tiny magically butterfly-”

“Listen, I didn’t convince Bruce to let you two out of Arkham so that the two of you would shit on the man I’m about to marry and what’s he done.” Selina sighed. “I’m sorry, Ivy. It’s just- Bruce could’ve prevented all this if-”

“Of course he could’ve! If he weren’t such an idiot!” Ivy growled. “Selina, seriously? What do you see in-”

“Pammy, Pammy! Remember? Magical butterflies? Get mad and they’ll come for ya.” Harley reminded Ivy, placing her hands on Ivy’s shoulders. “How about we take a stroll and enjoy the sun a bit, eh? After all Brucie did promise us that he’d-”

“Alright. But just until I calm down, alright? And then back to our hotel, okay? Not fond of the fact of being mind controlled by a stupid butterfly man. Haven’t been there and don’t plan on-”

“Then we better get going Red!” Harley grinned, guiding Ivy to the hatch before stopping to turn to Selina. “Selina. Everything is going to be alright. and if you need us to talk some sense into that boy of yours, Ivy and I have your back.”

With that, the two were gone, leaving Selina alone.

Selina pushed a few strands away from Amira's face, placing them behind her ear. Because Amira always kept a straight face and would directly tell you her opinions, that led many to think she was mature for her age. But they were wrong about that.

She was still a child…

A creak at the floor snapped Selina from her thoughts, watching as Bruce peaked into the room.

“How is she doing?” Bruce asked, eyeing the bean bag and bringing it close to where Selina was. He tucked away a loose hair strand from Amira’s face, watching as she flinched from his touch. 

He watched as his daughter turned away from him and snuggled closer against Selina. 

“Not any better since that day. Even Harley is having trouble getting through to her. Doesn’t help that Amira knows her background with the Joker. Doesn’t trust Harley one bit.” Selina looked over at Bruce before breaking the silence. “You can’t keep in doing this to her Bruce.”

“Selina, she’s my child. My daughter. My one and only daughter.” Bruce reasoned. 

“Bruce. She’s 13. Turning 14 in half a year. She’s not the tiny girl who-“

“I know.” Bruce quietly said, dropping onto the bean bag. “I know Selina, but even so, I can’t help but keep treating her as one.” Bruce places his hand over hers. “You’ve seen first hand the cruelty of Gotham. No one is safe from it, not even Batman. Bruce Wayne? He’s been a target countless times. 

I’ve been held at gunpoint, kidnapped, taken as a hostage, mugged so many times I’ve lost count. To top it off, I’ve been stabbed once when Amira was just a toddler and on the brink of death.

Can you imagine what would happen if word got out that I have a daughter?”

“You’re worrying too much Bruce. And if you’re worried about her safety, you can just-“

“I should’ve worded that better. What would happen if word got out that I have a biological daughter?” 

Selina remained quiet. “The media and people alike swarmed Dick when word got out I adopted him years ago. It’s only gotten worse for him now that he’s 18. Families sending invitations to dinner, some asking for some meetings to see me over how WE should merge with theirs...Dick even gets gifts sent to his apartment, which thankfully he tells the delivery man to always send back or use it for themselves. Marriage is the last thing that should be in his mind.

Right now he’s worried about Slade who made an appearance again at Gotham. We aren’t truly sure why he is here, but perhaps he’s back to trying to “claim” Dick as his successor. He’s been at it the moment he found out we got rid of the Court’s eyes on Dick.”

Selina didn’t know what to say, after all, she was there when it happened. 

“When word got out that Jason has also been adopted, do you know how many attempted kidnaps were stopped? How many people who he trusted before stabbed him in the back to try and get some ransom off a planned kidnapping?

And then there’s Tim. There’s rumors already floating of how he will be the newest addition to the family. The walls have ears and I’ve already heard the upper ring of idiots planning on a way to get a hold of Tim. 

Not only will Tim be part of Wayne Manor, but he is also still a Drake. Can you imagine the golddigger's imagination growing wild at the thought of Tim having both family’s wealth once he’s older?”

Bruce dug his face into his hands. “Selina, these are happening to my kids, my kids who aren’t biologically mine. So what awaits for the one who is biologically mine? Will it be just as terrifying as the dangers my other kids face, or will it be worse?

I don't want her to be thrown into that kind of life. Not her. I just...I just want her to be able to live her life as a proper child. Without the limelight, without the multiple targets that would arise to her back when-”

“So you believe that keeping her hidden was the best thing to do.” Selina concluded.

“She’s safe inside.”

“But is she happy?” Selina watched as Bruce tensed up at those words. “Bruce, look at her.” He did. “Do you call this happiness?

She took upon a mantle so that she can get your attention, your acknowledgement of her existence. Why? Why does she have to prove this to you? Her father? A father who claims that he adores and loves her to pieces? Do you want to know why?” 

Bruce remained silent. “Your love for her caused you to deprive her of the same love you claim to have on her. Your ambition to keep her safe caused you to stray from her, causing her to stay at a large mansion occupied with two people: herself and Alfred. 

How was she supposed to see your love for her when you spent the entire day at work and then dived into vigilantism in the night?” 

Selina carefully slipped Amira off her, allowing herself to sit properly on the chaise lounge. “You made things worse once when you dismissed her approaches to you, dismissing her from joining training, letting her-”

“I let her join-”

“You let her train when you realized she was opening up to her brothers, not before then. I get it, you wanted them to get along, but not letting her join from the get go wasn’t the decision you should’ve made. You should have-”

“She wasn’t ready.”

“How would you know that before even letting her have a go at it? She already knew the basics-”

“Knowing the basics won’t do you much and you know that Selina, better than anyone else. She didn’t have Dick’s flexibility and precision, Jason’s strength and quick thinking. She only knew the basics and that’s it. If I had allowed her-

“Mu’quin?” Amira groggily asked, turning to look at Bruce and Selina with glassy eyes. She missed the gaped mouth from her father and Selina’s wide eyes.

When did she know Mandarin? “Mu’quin?” Amira asked again once she pulled herself closer to Selina, laying her head on her lap. “Ma’ma, don’t...go.” Amira slurred as she went back to sleep, never seeing the look on Selina’s face.

Bruce watched as Selina fought back tears, her hand placed over her mouth as she let out a shuddering breath. She kept blinking in hopes of getting rid of the tears, but her efforts were in vain.

Tears slid down Selina’s face as she stroked Amira’s hair, watching as she comfortably rested.

Bruce continued to watch the interaction between Selina and his daughter, happy to see how close the two have gotten despite the short time spent with one another…

“Selina.” Bruce looked at his soon-to-be-wife, holding her hand in his own. “I’ve made a decision. I’m staying in Paris.”

—

“It got quiet.” Oliver obviously stated. “ Think-”

“I don’t even want to know about what happened in there.” Barry cut off, running a hand through his hair.

“Everything good?” Oliver asked, noticing Barry’s unusual quietness. “Another meta-”

“Ever since the incident, Wally hasn’t been...himself.” Barry confessed. “He’s refused to take time off missions, constantly finding something to do. When it isn’t that, he’s always here, staying by -”

The apartment door cracked open, causing Barry to shut his mouth and for Oliver to turn to see who just entered.

“Well, speak of the devil.” Oliver muttered. “Wally, what brings you here?”

“I came to visit a friend, although the question stands. What brings you to Paris?”

“He’s here with me.” Bruce informed, Wally snapping his head to the man. “I asked him-“

Wally uppercutted Bruce the moment he stepped off the stairs that led to Amira’s bedroom. Bruce stumbles back as the pain spreads around his face. 

“It’s all your fault!” Wally screamed, about to punch him again, only for Barry to hold him back. “It’s all your fault that Amira is like this!” 

“Woah, Wally, calm-” Barry tried to speak, only to turn to Oliver for help. With a nod, Oliver began to search for a tranquilizer on him. 

“Calm down?” Wally screamed. “Barry, he’s the reason why Amira got akumatized!” Wally snarled, trying to pry himself from Barry’s grasp. “If only he had let Amira say goodbye to her brother, to give Jason a proper goodbye! If only! But you didn’t.” A dry laugh escaped him. “No, instead, you sent her here, with her bottled up emotions...here! An ocean away from her family, her friends! People who cared about her!”

Bruce remained silent, Oliver watching the revelation with wide eyes. “Did you know how worried I was about her when I heard she was no longer a moment away but now an ocean away? Amira, being sent away like she was some kind of- some kind of, ARGH!” Wally yelled, not noticing how Barry had already let go of him.

Instead, Barry let him empty out his heart. After all, he needed it, just like how Bruce needed to listen to the consequences of his actions. “That day she was brought to HQ against her will, when she connected the fact that Kid Flash was me, she threw herself at me. At first I thought it was because we hadn’t seen each other in a while, that she was relieved to see me. But no, it was more than that.

 She cried. And let me tell you something, she rarely cries.” Wally told Bruce, feeling his fists starting to hurt. “She always has a stoic face on, always having her guard up in public in case others want to try and make a fool of her. A mechanism she always has on to fool everyone, even herself. 

So can you imagine the feeling I felt when I saw her crying not only in front of me, but also in front of Superman? In a place she wasn’t familiar with?” 

Oliver watched as Bruce shrunk into himself a bit. “She was hurting Bruce. Not only because of Jason’s death, not only because she didn’t have someone to lean on, but because of you. 

You keep pushing her away, telling her ‘no’ to anything she could come up with to try and stay by your side. How do I know this? Because when we were younger, Dick always told me how he felt guilty for being the one to worsen your relationship with her. He always blamed himself for everything wrong that went between you and her.” Bruce’s eyes widened. “Didn’t know, did you, Great Detective? 

If you didn’t know that about Dick, then what about Amira? While you believed to have been protecting her by pushing her away from anything related to vigilantism, she ended up misinterpreting your good intentions. Every time you told her ‘no,’ do you know how she saw it? What she ended up thinking in her mind?

That being your blood child wasn’t enough to get your love. That she had to do something to prove herself worthy of your attention, even a crumb. So if anyone’s to blame for the current situation, it’s you.”

Wally let out a huff, feeling his chest thousands of times lighter. “If only you gave her the love she deserves, the life she was meant to live, then none of this would’ve happened. Hope you’re glad with the way things turned out.” Wally huffed, grabbing his bags. “When I come back tomorrow, I better not see your face unless it’s an apology to Amira.”

A laugh escaped him. “Then again, it would take more than an apology to fix this bullshit.”

With that, Wally left the apartment, slamming the door behind him.

Oliver and Barry didn’t budge, instead, the two men stood there, not knowing what to do when they saw their friend with a hung head.

“Hey, Bruce, you-”

“First Harley, then Selina and now Wally.” Bruce listed. “How was I the only one-”

“Love is blind.” Oliver spoke, finally finding the energy to approach Bruce. “Even parental. All you can do now is move forward.”

Bruce could only nod.

“However, this doesn’t mean you’re off the hook Bruce.” Oliver crossed his arms. “How the hell did you manage to hide your daughter’s existence for the past…” Oliver trailed.

“13 years,” Barry filled in, “she’s turning 14 in July.”

—

Amira let out a sigh the moment she woke up, rolling to her side, away from the afternoon light…

She quickly picked up her phone, noticing that it was already the next day. She placed it back down, wondering how she slept through most of the day. Then again, it was silent in the apartment for once…

Silence...she probably alone...or so she thought.

“Amira.” She flinched, sitting up to prevent another disadvantage. “Amira, how are you?” Slowly, Amira turned her attention to her father. She looked away, hating that tears started to pool in her eyes. “Amira.”

When was the last time she ever heard her name spoken so softly by her father?

“You were right, you know.” She whispered, sitting up. “As you always are. After all, you are the greatest detective in Gotham...and possibly the world, because yes, I know of the countless times you’ve helped the Justice League solve a case they were stumped on. It’s all Wally would talk about sometimes.”

“Amira.” Bruce was about to get closer, but stood by the bed when he watched her curl into herself, her body tensing. “I...I was actually...wrong.” That caught her attention, Bruce watching her loosen her body a bit.

“You? Wrong? Since when?”

“All this time, I thought I could keep you safe if I kept you hidden from the world and yet, it still managed to find you. Or rather, you managed to find it.” Amira watched as her father finally decided to sit at the edge of her bed, the mattress sinking under him. “You managed to prove me wrong, not only once, but multiple times. 

The first time was when you accepted Jason into the family. Then when you finally pushed aside your grudge and accepted Dick into the family. When you accepted him as Robin. Then after his death, you managed to accept his death and move on from it. To be honest, I envied how easily it looked.”

“Even though it wasn’t. I’m still trying to move from it, even now.” Amira added meekly. 

“Then when you came to Paris and continued to move forward. You took up a mantle without a doubt and went with it. You’ve saved countless lives, protected an entire city...all without me. Without my help or intervention.”  

Bruce finally decided to sit down once he saw the opportunity. “You see Amira, I never thought you were ready to become a vigilante, to fight against the cruelty of the world, to live in it and yet...you proved me wrong. You’ve shown me that you were already ready to live in this society riddled with obstacles. You showed me that you were capable of adjusting to whatever was thrown your way...of acting accordingly to society. 

You’ve shown me that you’re no longer the tiny, defenseless infant brought to our home all those years ago. You’re no longer the waddling toddler who had to be spoon fed and changed, having to be supervised 24/7 or else you would fall and earn a new scrape. You’re no longer the girl who struggled to reach the edge of the Batcomputer’s chair nor the girl who couldn’t swing a proper hit.” Bruce wiped away a tear that slid down Amira’s face. “You’re now my pride and joy, a young lady who can easily defend those around-”

“I can’t!” Amira confessed, wondering if her father’s hand had always been this warm...this caring. She pushed it away. “You’re wrong! I can’t defend myself, I can’t defend those-”

“Yes…yes, you can…” Bruce tried to assure, but it made Amira panic even more. “You have a team, don’t you? A wonderful team at that.”

“Didn’t you see what happened to me? I allowed myself to get akumatized. I-I failed.”

“Amira, you didn’t, you couldn’t-”

“I knew what Hawkmoth was capable of and yet I allowed myself to-”

“Amira,” Bruce called to attention. “This wasn’t your fault.” That shuts her up.

“It wasn’t?” She scoffed. “Who let their emotions get the best of them? Who let themselves get a lie get under her skin? Who let themselves get akumatized so that they could get revenge on that little-I am the leader! 

I should’ve known better than to let him take advantage of me! But what did I do?

I let him. 

I let him use me, manipulate me, manipulate my emotions, my anger to his benefit. I let him get the better of me and he got what he wanted. He got the strongest akuma he had ever wanted. 

He destroyed my team’s confidence, our strength.” Bruce watched as his daughter stayed quiet, looking down at her hands with disgust. “All it took was one slip up...and that’s probably why you’ve been here all this time, isn’t it? You stayed so that you could take me back to Gotham, isn’t that right?”

Bruce remained silent. “Well, isn’t it?” 

“No.” Bruce didn’t miss a moment. “After seeing how well you’ve been handling this situation, of how proud I am of you finding your suspect on your own, I’ve decided to stay. I’m going to help you take down Hawkmoth, Amira. 

Even if it’s the last thing you want from me.”

Amira watched as her father left, watching as she was left alone once again. 

Tikki flew out from her hiding spot, quickly pressing herself against Amira’s face. 

“Are you okay?” Tikki asked. Amira didn’t respond. “Amira, we need to talk.”

“That we do.” Amira looked at Tikki with glazed eyes. “Tikki. Spots on.” Heading to her skylight, Amira hesitated to open it. 

How will the Parisians react to seeing Ladybird again? 

That didn’t matter. After all, this will be the last time any of them will see her. 

—

A knock came from the door, Chloé not budging from her place in her bed. Then her phone buzzed, but it went ignored.

She was surrounded by post-it notes and papers, Ladybird’s pictures mixed with class notes and online articles trying to find who it was behind the black mask. 

She kept sitting as the door opened, Chloé not lifting her eyes once, listening as footsteps approached her. 

“So, what did Mlle Bustier say this time?” Chloé asked, picking up an article that analyzed Ladybird’s appearance based on people who’ve seen her after she would detransform. They only got one of the details right. She did indeed have green eyes. 

“What she said last time: an excuse for not coming. Now I see how easily it was for you to push her around.” Adrien yelped when Chloé threw a pillow at him. “Hey! I’m only the-“

“I’m not like that anymore.” Chloé muttered, jotting down something on her phone. “I’ve changed.” She hated it when people said she ‘hasn’t changed in the slightest,’ that she was still the same old Chloe. 

“I know.”

“I’m changing. And for the better!” She quickly added afterwards, remembering her last therapy session she had just two days ago. Gris had dropped her off, but Chat stubbornly made it his duty to wait for her and drop her off. She thanked him when he dropped her off and bid her a good night. 

“I know.” The two friends sat in silence, Adrien watching as Chloé kept lifting papers and setting them down. A vast difference to the Chloe who didn’t move a muscle a day after the akuma attack. The Chloe who would wake up nightmare after nightmare, begging those around her to come back. “When do you plan on visiting-“

“I...I don’t know.” Chloé breathlessly said, Adrien regretting asking her when he saw her hands shake. It would always happen no matter where she was. As long as Chloe remembered the events of that attack, it would happen without question. “Every...every time I gather the courage to see her, I see her.” Adrien watched as Chloe’s eyes began to cloud. “I see Marinette, I see her glaring at me, looking at me in disgust. Just like how my mother would look at me whenever I would...I would try to get her attention.” 

Chloé trailed off, shrinking into herself. “She would then pick me apart, telling me every visible flaw she could see before turning around and leaving me. Just like-“

“But you know she would-“

“I know she would never! But seeing that, seeing her walk away from me so easily, without turning back, without shedding a single tear,” Chloé let out a sniffle. “It hurt. And what’s even worse, Sabrina and you would follow her. You guys would walk away from me and leave me.

You guys left me...without a second thought...”

“Chloé, you know we would never do-“ Adrien said with a hug. 

“I know.” Chloé sunk further into the gesture. “I know you guys wouldn’t. But I can’t help but-“

“It will never happen.” Adrien promised. “We won’t allow that to happen. Ever.” Chloé would only him as Adrien rubbed circles on her back, the two continuing to sit in silence. “You know…” a hum. “What if we threw a Christmas party?”

“A Christmas party?” Chloe asked for clarification, already planning for it. “That...that would be...nice.”

“Exactly!” Adrien smiled, now holding Chloe’s hands. “It can just be us! And of course, Nino, Sabrina and Marinette! Just us and that's it. A party amongst friends!” He watched as Chloe’s lips turned upwards. She was on board. “So? What you think?”

“Let’s do it.” Chloe said with a smile, getting off from her bed. “I could use the change of pace.”

“Okay then! Want to make the invitations or plan out the-”

“Why would we need invi-” Chloe started, only to stare at Adrien with wide eyes. “No way.” Adrien simply grinned.

--

Once Adrien had left, telling Chloe his plan, Chloe started to clean up her bed, throwing discarded plans into her trash bin while she took a pile of post-it notes to another part of her room. Or more specifically, her closet.

She picked up a control, the back panel of her wardrobe opened up, exposing an all-points bulletin, photos of Ladybird scattered around the wall, red threads crossing each other. Notes and pieces of news articles were firmly placed alongside the photos, a few of them crossed out or labeled ‘debunked’.

Chloe placed a photo of Bruce Wayne near the index card where the name ‘Amira’ was written. Unlike the other photo Chloe had of Bruce, this one showed him entering the Dupain-Cheng Bakery. It was from earlier today. And unlike the other photo Chloe got from the media, this photo was taken by Sabrina.

Whether this was the first time he’s been there or not, one question remained.

“Why exactly are you here, Bruce Wayne? Are you the reason why Ladybird has not been appearing for the past two weeks?” 

--

Days went by when Adrien decided to visit Marinette again, surprised to see the Dupain-Cheng residency filled to the brim with...strangers.

“Adrien. What brings you here?” Selina snapped him from his trance, not blaming the kid for gaping at the sight of the apartment. 

Dick came unannounced to visit Amira for the upmteenth time that week, this time bringing Kor’i and Roy along. They were busy chatting with a disinterested Amira. Bruce was trying to scold Dick for it, to let Amira settle for the evening, but with Wally just a few feet away, it wasn’t exactly easy. Barry, Oliver and Dinah were chatting away with Ivy and Harley, the adults not giving a care in the world about releasing information about their other ‘job.’

“I came by to see Marinette.” Adrien quietly said, his eyes catching how Marinette perked at the sound of her name and how Wally turned to him as well. “But it seems like now’s a bad time. I could-”

“Nonsense, come in. Ignore the others. Marinette could use an excuse right about now.” Selina pulled him in, closing the door behind him. Adrien watched as Marinette weaved her way towards Adrien, Wally right behind her. He watched as the trio they left behind either smirked or smiled.

“Adrien. You literally texted me just an hour ago.” Marinette brought up. “You could’ve-”

“Are you doing anything for Christmas?” Adrien asked, earning a tilt of a head from Marinette and quirked brows from Wally before his eyes studied him. Adrien felt a shiver down his spine. “I just wanted to invite you to a Christmas party, of course! It’s just going to be us and a few friends! Your friend could come as well, if he wants to!” Adrien quickly added.

Ever since he met Wally, something about him threw Adrien off. At first, he thought it was because he was Marinette’s friend from the States. Wally himself had said he was on Winter Break and decided to spend it with Marinette so that they could catch up...until the attack happened. So Adrien brushed his worry as just a concerned friend thing. But ever since Bruce came into the picture, Wally had gone...aggressive. 

“I…” Marinette started, looking over to Selina. “Can I think over it?” Marinette asked, Adrien noticing Wally gave Marinette’s hand a squeeze. “If that isn’t too much to ask.” Adrien smiled.

“You got two days to think about it. Use all the time you need!” Adrien chirped, waving goodbye to everyone before leaving the apartment.

“Are you sure about this Amira?” Wally asked her, Amira noticing his concern. “You don’t have to force yourself to-”

“I’m not forcing myself.” Amira confessed. “I...I do need time to think about it though. I don’t want to make any mistakes while choosing their gifts.”

“You’re getting one for me too, right?” Dick asked, Amira turning to see her brother by her side. 

“I’m not going to if you continue to pester me about it.” That earned a dramatic gasp from Dick.

“My own sister!”

While Wally smiled at seeing Amira starting to act like herself again, he couldn’t help but continue to stay on high alert. 

Ever since the akuma attack, something has been off and he didn’t know why. 

Seems like only time will tell.

--

Two days came sooner than wanted, Amira standing outside the bakery bundled up with Wally by her side, the snow welcoming them. 

While her father didn’t want her to go, nonetheless with Wally, Selina managed to convince Bruce to go back to Gotham, telling him that Gotham was never uneventful during Christmas Eve nor the day after. Begrudgingly, Bruce went, dragging Dick, Ivy and Harley back with him.

Selina assured Amira that she had nothing to worry about, to go to the party and have fun.

“Are you sure you want me to go ahead?” Wally asked, managing to maintain the stack of gifts in his arms balanced. “I can just zoom there, drop off the gifts and then walk you-”

“Wally. I’m going to be okay.” Amira assured him. “I just want to walk there by myself. Think about a few things before facing...everyone.” Wally’s mouth formed a thin line. 

“Amira, you don’t-”

“I’m not forcing myself.” She cut him off. “I do want to see my friends again...after all, it’s been almost three week since I’ve seen any of them.” Wally sighed in defeat, bouncing the gifts before taking a step forward. 

“Fine. But seriously. If you end up not wanting to go, just call me or text me. I’ll be here in a heartbeat and keep you company back home.”

“I know you would.” She watched as Wally began to walk away. “Wally.” He stopped, watching as Amira skipped towards him. 

“Yeah.”

“Thank you, for always being by my side.” Amira said with a smile, placing a knitted hat on him. “An early Christmas gift...for you.”

Feeling the tips of his ear begin to burn, Wally turned away from her.

“Thanks...I’ll see you there, okay?”

“Yup.” Amira watched as Wally walked towards the Agreste manor, letting her smile drop.

She walked towards the park nearby, listening as her foot crunched the snow beneath her. She continued to walk, going as far as reaching the carousel in the middle of the park. The carousel was perfectly still, it’s lights lowly dimmed, allowing Amira to see the untouched snow surrounding it. She looked behind herself to see that the only tracks in the snow were her own...so then...why was she still able to hear the snow crunch?

“Amira.” Amira regretted not keeping a weapon on her, cursing herself for going soft. “Amira.” The voice said again, Amira picking the voice coming from her right. But no one was there, not even a pair of footsteps. But this voice...it sounded the same as the time she was- “Amira.”

Swiveling so that she was now facing the path that led to the park entrance, Amira locked eyes with a woman she swore she never saw before...and yet…

She seemed familiar. Amira felt like she had seen this woman before, an odd memory flashing before her eyes as she remembered having once seen this woman. But where?

“Why do you know my name?” Amira asked, her mind running through different plans in her head on a way to escape and tell Wally or Selina about her dilemma.

“It’s been so long, Amira.” The woman said, approaching Amira, not making a sound as she made footprints in the snow. How Amira hated that the woman ignored her question, but it intrigued her to know that they did indeed meet once before. But then the questions still remained. Who was she? And how did she know her name? “The last time we saw each other, you were just a child, an infant. Barely able to walk, even babble.”

Amira watched as the woman got closer to her, now circling her. “You were such a quiet baby, never fussed about anything.” Amira watched as the woman placed her hands on either side of her face, her brown eyes analyzing her. “Now look at you, all grown up. Just how many milestones have I missed?”

“You still haven’t answered my question. Who are you?”

“I thought you would’ve already had your answer by now.” The woman said, letting go of Amira only to pull her into a tight hug. “I’m your mother, Amira. My name is Talia Al Ghul...and I’m your mu’quin.”

Just as Amira was about to ask if she was Talia, she felt herself limp and soon, she saw black.

--

Wally stood at the entrance of the Agreste manor, tapping his foot as he checked his phone for the umpteenth time. Something was wrong.

“What’s taking her so long? It’s literally just a few blocks from-”

“Is Mlle Dupain-Cheng still not here?” It took everything in Wally to not immediately turn around and glare at the man. While the man did take the time to greet him, there was no way Wally was going to buy his act, especially when Gabriel looked like he had seen death and just got back.

“I’m going to go look for her.” Wally muttered, quickly putting back his coat and hat and going out to look for Amira. 

Going back to where they saw each other just minutes ago, Wally noticed that her footsteps lead straight to the park, deciding to follow them. But when he got to the end and noticed that the footprints didn’t continue to anywhere, Wally panicked. Using Speedforce, he quickly zoomed around the park, looking for any trace of Amira, but found none.

“Where did you go?” Wally asked no one, feeling his head begin to hurt, finding it harder to breathe. His head began to ring and then it happened. He saw Amira reaching out for him before being dragged away.

It was happening again…

He couldn’t protect Amira… he failed her yet again.

A scream pierced that Christmas Eve’s cold air, the scream carrying out to Christmas Day itself.

What a wonderful gift to start Christmas Day.

NEXT

[princess-of-the-corner]

I think one of the reasons that I don’t care for the Marinette vs. Lila plot, as much as I like writing fics where Lila get called the fuck out, is that it’s… the least interesting.

Out of the Main Five of Team Miraculous, Lila being a narrative foil to any of the others is so much more interesting!

Like sure. Marinette vs. Lila is the basic good vs. evil. The protagonist vs. one of the many antagonists. Not to mention the love rivalry over Adrien. But like…. on top of all that, Marinette’s narrative foil should honestly be Gabriel. And that’s a post in itself so I won’t go into it here.

But look at the opportunities the rest of the Team would have!!!

Lila vs. Adrien:

While I argue that Adrien’s true narrative foil should be Nathalie, just like Marinette has Gabriel, Adrien vs. Lila would be interesting.

Both seem to have mildly similar parental backgrounds, from what we’ve seen. Lila’s dad is out of the picture for some unknown reason, and Adrien’s mom is missing.

While Gabriel does seem to be worse than Mrs. Rossi from the little screentime we’ve seen, both parents are very busy with work and ignore their children.

Both also have to uphold reputations too. While Adrien is ‘the face of the brand’ and more in the public eye, anything Lila does reflects on her mother and therefore Italy itself.

Adrien deals with this by believing the best in people, believing he can help them, and being genuinely nice to others.

Lila deals with it by becoming cynical, thinking everyone has an agenda and that niceness is just politics. Be nice or mean to get what she wants.

Seeing the two of them have a rivalry would be more interesting because we can see what both could have become. And how easily they can become each other even now.

We can see Adrien trying to get Lila to be a better person and learn that people will genuinely love her without lying and faking. That while some people just have agendas, that others are sincere.

Meanwhile, Lila could be trying to get Adrien to be like her. He has the actual money and power to get whatever he wants. It would be easy for him to manipulate anyone into anything.

You can even have it working on both sides! Adrien convinces Lila that some people are genuinely nice, and she tries to refrain from lying to them. Eventually either getting a redemption arc or tossing it out the window.

On the flip side, Lila can show Adrien how her lies can get Gabriel and Nathalie to listen to him more. And he can even go darkside for a short time by getting frustrated with unrequited love and using the tactics on Ladybug, but eventually realizes how shitty that is and stops while apologizing.

Again, the back and forth would’ve been interesting.

Lila vs. Alya:

This one!!! Rena Rouge vs. Volpina! Fox vs. Fox! Truth vs. Lies!!

Seriously! Why set up Lila as a lying fake fox and Alya as a journalist searching for the truth if you’re not going to have them get into a fight?

Especially because while Marinette’s foil is Gabriel and Adrien’s is Nathalie, both Alya and Lila are the 'third team member’ to both sides.

I already went over this before, but I think of it would’ve been great if Lila’s lies were outed, but everyone believes her lies were just “new kid trying to make friends quick” lies.

Alya, pissed that she was tricked and resolving to not get tricked again, continues to be suspicious of Lila. Eventually she realizes that Lila is a full-on manipulator, only pretending to have repented to get close to people like Adrien and Marinette.

Alya trying to find the Truth while Lila makes more Lies could make a good back and forth battle.

Especially as Alya would be simultaneously struggling with the idea of exposing the truth due to realizing how the truth can hurt. In the beginning she wanted to find the story and dig up any secrets like the identities of the Heroes. But after becoming a Hero herself, she realizes why the lies and secrets about her identity are in place. The safety of herself and her loved ones.

Meanwhile, Lila is struggling with her lying tactics. Because despite not actually having famous connections and even after the annoyance from the class finding her out she was lying, they still like her. They still care about her and want to be her friend.

Lila vs. Nino

I will admit that Nino is the least developed of the five which is a crime because he’s great and deserves better but that’s for another post.

It would be interesting because he’s the least like Lila. Marinette is the one with all the connections that Lila claims to have and is the 'Love Rival’, Adrien is the one with a similar history but on a different path, Alya is the 'opposite’, and Chloé (who I will get to) is the Mean Girl. But Nino’s none of that.

Still, Nino is friends with everyone Lila targets. And he’s a protector type. Like bruh. He gets the Miraculous of Protection!! That’s just Canon.

The idea of everyone thinking Lila is genuine, but Nino is the only one who get bad vibes and is wary of her could’ve been a good story.

Especially because this would make sense for extending this plot!! Like, Nino is the only one of the four who can’t disprove Lila’s lies himself. Marinette could just be Ladybug and otr Lila again or call any celebrities she knows. Adrien could do the same as Chat, or just by telling people that Ladybug called Lila out. Alya can contact the Heroes and knows how to research anything Lila claims. Chloé can do the 'call up celebrities’ thing too. Nino being unable to prove Lila’s a fuck makes more sense than everyone suddenly being dumb for the plot to work.

It’s also so much harder to have Lila turn people against him! With Marinette, it’s the “sure she’s nice but jealousy makes a vicious monster out of the best”. With Alya it could be either the “jealous I’m bffs with Ladybug” or “jealous of her getting close to Marinette”. With Adrien, Lila could claim that he’s the one pretending to be nice while manipulating them. And Chloé is self explanatory. But Nino is none of that.

It might not have quite the back and forth like the others, but that is also why I like it. It’s more subtle. It’s not a full on battle between the two. Neither is really a threat to the other directly.

This would also make sense writing-wise for why Lila is both built up as such a threat but is also doing nothing to actually be a threat outside of, like, four episodes. She’s subtle, and Nino’s protection of his friends is just as subtle because he plays defense. 

As a bonus: This would also give Nino more screentime and development.

Lila vs. Chloé

This would’ve been so good because, like, they both start as antagonists for the Civilian plot. And there’s two ways that I would go with this.

The first, which I like better because it’s Chloé Redemption: As Chloé learns to be a better person, Lila begins becoming worse and worse.

Both start as Mean Girls for the class, but in different ways and in ways that are reverse of each other. Chloé seems like the typical 'rich girl bully’, but does have hidden niceness and just wants to be loved. Lila seems oh so nice, but is cynical and only seems to want power and attention.

Chloé being the one to try and out Lila’s lies and not being believed makes so much more sense because, well, Chloé is an asshole and the class is just barely beginning to trust her. If they trust her at all. But compared to the other four, she’s the least trustworthy.

However, Chloé is also much more morally gray than the other four. So she can play Lila’s games just as hard. Lean into the lies just enough to turn it around on her. Much like the Adrien plot, you could have Chloé learning to use these skills for 'good’ to help people while Lila continues to just get what she wants.

This would eventually come to a head when Chloé’s redemption arc gets to the point where people do legitimately believe she has changed and trust her.

The other story option: Both hate Ladybug and go Darkside, but for different reasons.

Yes this includes keeping Miracle Queen which hurts me, but it also includes keeping Chloé’s character development by changing a few things.

So, Lila hates Ladybug because Ladybug ruined her plans, and is joining Hawkmoth because she can use his powers to further manipulate the situation and get what she wants.

Chloé hates Ladybug because she feels betrayed and abandoned by her, and joins Hawkmoth because at least he is upfront about how she’s only useful as a tool.

Both are doing the same things, but one is an asshole while the other is sympathetic. And it leaves room for the narrative, and the Heroes, to offer both of them a redemption arc and see who takes it. 

Anyway! That’s my point on how I think literally any of these would be more interesting than making Lila be Marinette’s problem!!

[angelofthequeers]

Not a Good Look: Chapter 7

@thequeenofpotatoeunicornss @lady-charinette @elmokingkong tagged as requested :)

Chapter 6 | AO3 link

Disclaimer: I don’t own ML.

Thanks to everyone who’s enjoyed this fic! It was just a little something I had to get out because of this whole quarantine crap…and then I misplaced my brain cell and picked my presentation topics with the same due week as my essays, so this was a welcome break from four assessments at once.

Because I got a few queries about Gabriel hearing the conversation after he was Venomed and realising that Adrien is Chat: considering that the driver in 'Queen Wasp' was delirious and didn't know what the heck was going on, I see Venom as freezing all the senses and basically making you black out. So no, he doesn't have a clue what happened after he was Venomed.

Also, you'll notice that I don't actually mention Emilie at all. That's because the investigation's still ongoing and they'd have to know to look behind the painting, let alone the combination to it, and they won't have that without Gabriel telling them or without some good tech if they did suspect it in the first place. Unlike in 'Hold Me', it's only been a few days since the takedown, not a few weeks, and Adrien doesn't have the knowledge about Emilie and the secret lair here that he did in 'Hold Me' when Gabriel physically showed him, so he can't go and tell any of the authorities. Just figured I'd throw that in before people start asking XD

“I can’t believe it!” Alya throws her hands up and almost steps onto the road in front of a speeding car, which honks furiously at her as it passes. “All that evidence against Lila and you’re not letting me air it?”

“Hawkmoth is fair game,” Marinette says. “And they’ll probably use the footage in court to prove that he was grooming an underage girl. But if you air that footage, you’re giving her a free ticket out. She’ll have solid proof that she was being manipulated by Mr Agreste. And honestly…Adrien’s right. Sure, we can expose her over the internet, but what then? It follows her everywhere she goes. She’s got no chance of ever growing past this evil, self-absorbed phase that she’s in because it’ll haunt her for the rest of her life.”

“That’s surprisingly mature for someone whose life was almost ruined by said phase,” Alya mutters.

“You think I’m happy about this?” Marinette says. “I want nothing more than to throw all her lies in her face and cackle like a witch about it. But I don’t want to sink to that kind of person. Being her for five minutes, even though it was an illusion…it made me pity her. She’ll do anything for her fifteen minutes of fame, even if she has to make deals with creepy old men who try to intimidate her, and she’ll squash anyone who gets in her way. And honestly? That’s just sad. I’m the one with true friends. I’m the one who’ll still be standing when the dust settles. Not her. I told her I had faith in my friends and look where we ended up.”

Alya reaches over and rests the back of her hand on Marinette’s forehead. “Are you sure we got the Butterfly and Peacock on Wednesday night?” she says. “You sure there’s not an akuma that’s making you say this stuff? Or that you’re not a sentimonster?”

“Oh, ha, ha,” Marinette says, rolling her eyes. “And besides, the police may or may not have told Ladybug that they were arresting Lila yesterday for colluding with a terrorist, since there’s enough doubt in the footage of me as her to at least claim that she had a clue that he was Hawkmoth. And even though she’ll most likely wriggle her way out of it because that proof’s not a hundred percent solid, at least she won’t be playing everyone like a puppet anymore. There’ll be just enough doubt that they’ll start to question her and then her lies will just…fall. And it’ll kill her more to have no attention than to even have bad attention.”

Alya blinks at her. “No, seriously, who are you and what have you done with Marinette? I know there’s no way you’d come up with that all by yourself.”

“Okay, fine!” Marinette crosses her arms. “Tikki talked me down from going ballistic last night, and Adrien, Kagami, and I had a good talk about what to do about her.”

“I knew it!” Alya says, jabbing Marinette in the chest. “That’s way more complex than your single brain cell can handle!”

“Excuse me?” Marinette splutters. “How dare you? I’m the saviour of Paris! You have my posters in your room!”

“And I’m also your best friend, so I’m allowed to ruthlessly roast you,” Alya says smugly. “Too bad, so sad.”

Sure enough, as Marinette had predicted, Lila’s at school today and is holding court in the classroom, strategically sobbing into her hands when Marinette and Alya enter the room.

“Oh, Marinette! Alya! I’m so glad you’re here!” Lila cries. “Marinette, I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done to you! I never wanted to hurt you but, well, Mr Agreste took advantage of my lying disorder and our natural rivalry and he – he –” She sniffles and blows her nose, and Marinette resists the incredibly strong urge to roll her eyes at the theatrics. “He manipulated me! He promised me modelling contracts and favours and that I could spend time with Adrien, since I had a crush on him, and – and oh my gosh, I feel so dirty!”

“It’s okay, Lila,” Rose says soothingly, patting her on the back. “He took advantage of you. It’s nothing to be ashamed of!”

“I always knew that Mr Agreste was a dirty old man,” Alix growls. “On top of being a shitty father and a supervillain!”

“I mean, we were all used by him as akumas,” Chloé scoffs, delicately touching up her mascara in her compact mirror. “You’re nothing special, Rossi. And Adrikins is staying at my hotel now, so which of us ended up winning, hmm?”

“Well, we might never be friends, but I forgive you for everything you’ve done,” Marinette says as everyone glares at Chloé. Kind of rich of Chloé to say that, considering what she’d done as Miracle Queen, but no one actually remembers that, so…oh well. “And I’m…sorry for the way I treated you. I should have believed you about your disabilities even if you didn’t have that lying disorder.”

As much as it pains her to do so, this apology is necessary. As Tikki and Adrien had pointed out, their classmates had in fact been in the right to believe Lila about her disabilities instead of forcing her to prove every little thing, and Marinette had wilted when Tikki had asked her to remember how she’s felt whenever anyone’s doubted her claim of being autistic because she “seems normal enough” and demanded that she provide evidence. But Marinette’s not apologising for or excusing Lila’s evil manipulations and every other lie of hers, especially the ones that got her expelled, and Tikki and Adrien had thankfully taken her side on that point.

“Oh, of course I forgive you!” Lila says dramatically. “And I agree! Even if we never end up being friends, I’d much rather be on friendly terms than unfriendly!”

“So, what happens now?” Sabrina says. “My father told me that you were arrested yesterday!”

Lila’s face falls. “Oh, yes, they had to arrest me for colluding with a terrorist, but it’s all a formality and I’m sure to be let off in the trial! Especially since their only evidence is some footage of me talking to Mr Agreste that’s clearly doctored, since I’ve got an airtight alibi, and Alya’s interview of me that she had to get as more evidence against him! Ladybug had to summon an illusion of me to trick Mr Agreste into confessing, of course, and I was so scared that he would take it out on me if our plan failed, but I’m fully prepared to give media statements, even if Ladybug can’t confirm or deny that we were working together for my safety…”

Marinette’s eye twitches as Lila spins some tale about the grand plan that she’d been part of to take down Gabriel Agreste. But, to her surprise, their classmates aren’t falling over themselves to ooh and ahh at her story. They’re not calling her out, of course, but they’re just…losing interest the longer she talks about herself. Huh. That’s never happened before.

“What’s going on?” Marinette turns to whisper to Ivan. “You don’t believe her?”

Ivan shrugs. “She’s got a lying disorder. She can’t help it. Not gonna be mean for something she can’t help but…yeah, I don’t believe Ladybug would use a civilian like that.”

“I pity her, honestly,” Nathaniel pipes up from behind Ivan. “But I’m also kind of wondering what else she’s lied about, especially if Mr Agreste made her. Even if she wasn’t doing it to screw us over…she was still lying to us.”

Marinette could sing to the heavens. Finally, someone’s using their brain! It might not be immediate, but Lila’s downfall is just around the corner, and honestly? Marinette had been telling the truth earlier; all she can feel right now is pity for when Lila’s eventually left alone, surrounded by nothing but her lies as her empire crumbles around her. And honestly, maybe fading into obscurity like that is a worse punishment for Lila than being targeted and called out, since that would still be giving her the attention that she craves. But this? This is nothing.

Although Marinette keeps an absent eye on the door for Adrien’s entrance, she’s not expecting to see him, since she already knows that he’s not coming to school today as well. Not that she can blame him, really, after the whole “Hawkmoth exposed” thing that Alya had posted on the Ladyblog that’s generated so much traffic that poor Alya can’t even check up on it since it keeps crashing (much to her gleeful annoyance). Marinette doesn’t think that anyone will accuse him of being in league with Hawkmoth but, well, it’s inevitable that there’ll be some dicks who pull the whole “like father, like son” crap, so it makes sense that he wouldn’t want to expose himself to that.

However, that doesn’t stop her from making a beeline for Le Grand Paris after school, where Adrien and his bodyguard are staying temporarily since the mansion’s now considered a crime scene. It’s so…weird. Hawkmoth and Mayura have been taken down and Adrien’s life has been utterly turned on its head and shaken some more, yet the sun still casts its weak rays down on Marinette’s back. The pigeons still coo and rustle their wings, with Mr Ramier no doubt nearby. The cars still zoom past, leaving acrid trails in their wake. The world just…keeps on keeping on, with no regard to the massive shock that’s turned people’s lives upside-down. All these people – these animals – they won’t know, they won’t care, what she and her friends have had to go through, being used like pawns in a chess game and giving up so much for the greater good, in ways that will stay with them forever –

“Marinette!” Warm hands grab her by the shoulders and a pair of brown eyes root her to the spot, grounding her so that she doesn’t float away from everything that’s currently assaulting her brain. She lets out a shuddering gasp and slumps forward, allowing the person to fully embrace her, and she buries her nose in the damp skin of their neck and inhales sweat and sharp deodorant, along with the faintest traces of what smells like some kind of incense.

“Kagami,” she croaks and digs her fingers into the back of Kagami’s blazer. “Why? What did Adrien do to deserve this? What did we do to deserve this? Lila – Mr Agreste – am I really that bad that they teamed up to break me –”

“What they did to you isn’t a punishment for anything,” Kagami says, firm but soft at the same time. “They colluded like that because they’re awful people.”

“But the way I treated you and – and stalked Adrien – I stole his phone, I followed him around, I tried to sabotage you with Chloé at the movie event because I was jealous – it’s been bothering me but I didn’t – it didn’t hit – not until now, when I realised how Mr Agreste and Lila treated him like – like a toy –”

“Marinette –”

“Why do you even like me? Why does Adrien like me? He said I’m good but I’m not. I’ve done bad things and it’s like – everyone acts like me being Ladybug makes me a saint but I’m not, I’m just a teenage girl and I can’t cope, I can’t do this –”

“Yes, you can.” Kagami undoes Marinette’s pigtails so that she can run her fingers through Marinette’s hair, stroking it in a rhythmic pattern that hypnotises Marinette into a blurry trance. “Hawkmoth and Mayura are dealt with. I’m here to talk to Adrien, just as you are, and we’ll figure it out, okay? We always will. And I can’t say that I haven’t acted jealously before either, because I definitely clung to Adrien to make a point to you and Chloé at the movie premiere, so you’re not a bad person just because you did a few bad things. And your flaws don’t mean that Adrien was lying when he said that you’re a brilliant girl. I wouldn’t have feelings for you if you were anything less than extraordinary. Why do you think I like Adrien?”

“God – I’m a mess –”

“It’s okay. I moved us to an alleyway, so no one will see. And now that there aren’t any more akumas, you deserve this, Marinette. It’s okay.”

Dimly, Marinette registers her legs caving underneath her as she sobs into Kagami’s shoulder and clutches fistfuls of the other girl’s blazer, finally exorcising everything she’s had to keep bottled up for fear of akumatisation, because Kagami’s right: now that there aren’t any akumas, there’s no threat for expressing her emotions, and it’s so good to be able to just break down like this, rather than having to suppress everything and paste on a smile for the greater good. She almost jumps out of her skin when someone leans against her back and wraps their arms around her from behind, but then she gets a whiff of their musky, earthy smell and she melts into their embrace because it’s Adrien; it’s her kitty, and he’ll always be there for her no matter what.

“Wow, you weren’t lying when you said she was a mess,” Adrien murmurs, his voice distorted as though they’re underwater. “What brought it on?”

“I don’t know what triggered it, but I believe the underlying cause is not being able to express any of this with Hawkmoth around. She just…exploded.”

The voices turn to a dull buzz after that as Marinette gasps in air and her tears finally start to die down. The next time she’s able to discern individual words, it’s Adrien talking to her as she finally stops crying and just slumps against Kagami with her eyes closed and her limbs like lead weights.

“It’s okay, Marinette,” he’s saying. “I forgive you for stealing my phone and following me and Lila home and everything else. And Kagami forgives you for trying to embarrass her.”

“But why?” Marinette croaks. “It’s not normal. I’m not normal. Why don’t you h-hate me? I’m a creep.”

“After what Hawkmoth and Lila did, you still think you’re a creep?” Adrien says. He gently pulls her back, detaching her from Kagami, and he pulls her into his lap and tangles his fingers in her hair, his warm breath ghosting across the top of her head. Through her blurry eyes, Marinette sees Kagami snuggling up to Adrien’s side and pulling Marinette’s legs into her lap while she rests her head on Adrien’s shoulder. “I said I forgive you, bugaboo, not that you didn’t do anything wrong. So, you know, that means that I know you messed up and I’m okay with it. It’s not like I’ve never made mistakes either.”

Somehow, it’s the admission that yeah, she’d screwed up, but he forgives her for it, that manages to calm Marinette down the rest of the way; if he’d tried to excuse her actions and brush them off as her never doing anything wrong, that probably would’ve just brought on a fresh emotional meltdown. She sags against Adrien and closes her eyes, allowing the last of her meltdown to seep out of her and into the world around them, and when Kagami shifts under her legs, she acts purely on instinct and wraps her legs around Kagami to pull her closer.

“Looks like Ladybug never skipped leg day,” Adrien says when Marinette pulls Kagami to lean back against her. Although Marinette can’t see him, she just knows that he’s wearing that shit-eating grin that Chat Noir always has, so she punishes him by elbowing him gently in the gut. “Meowch!”

“So, I’m guessing this means we’re…a thing?” Marinette says. Her voice cracks halfway through her sentence, like she’s a teenage boy in the middle of puberty, but thankfully, neither person around her calls her out on it.

“I’m happy with that if we take it slow and don’t jump straight into the deep end,” Adrien says. “It’s pretty lonely in the hotel, but hopefully Gorilla or Nino’s mother gets custody of me soon. I don’t know who they’re leaning towards. And after what just happened…well, if both of you want to give me kitty cuddles, I won’t say no. And, uh…I have to confess. One of the times I messed up as Aspik was because I…couldn’t stop staring at Multimouse’s butt. So, uh, I think that beats out any creepy things you’ve done.”

The shock of hearing Adrien confess to looking at her butt like he’s a little kitten confessing to being naughty jolts a laugh out of Marinette, and then she’s sagging against Adrien in a fit of piercing laughter as tears roll down her face. Alya had been right the other night. What the hell is wrong with them? How did they end up in a two-person love square that turned into a tangled polygon when Kagami had entered the room?

“Then it’s official.” Kagami laces her fingers with a hysterical Marinette’s and rests their hands on her stomach. “I have a tentative boyfriend and a girlfriend. But Adrien has a moral obligation to punch anyone who makes any disgusting remarks about him having “two girls”.”

“You act like I wasn’t gonna do that anyway,” Adrien grumbles. “I’ll also throw in an additional punch if they ask you two to make out with each other.”

“Our hero,” Marinette tries to say dryly, but the effect is ruined when she chokes it out in the middle of the hiccups of her dying laughter. “Whatever would we do without you?”

“Well, your life would be –”

“No, wait, don’t finish that sentence. I know you’ll make a pun out of it somehow and then I’ll be forced to punch you for it.”

“Aww,” Adrien whines, while Kagami snorts. “But that’s half my charm!”

“Getting punched? I agree,” Kagami says innocently. Adrien whines again and Marinette can’t help but laugh again and realise that, while navigating the territory of having two partners at the same time won’t be easy, the extra support is probably exactly what she needs right now. With her two partners and her two best friends by her side, there’s nothing the five of them can’t do; especially with no more supervillain terrorising Paris and no more attention-seeking teenage girl trying to ruin everyone else’s lives.

It really hadn’t been a good look for either of them after all.

[miracul0us-multishipper]

Welcome to the back (Part 15)

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

- - -

Adrien had never felt this afraid. He‘d been in this building countless times before, as both Adrien and Chat Noir, but he’d either been guided or had simply followed his Lady’s lead. Now he wished he’d paid more attention to the the layout of the building.

He had reached the main studio a minute after the ads had started - this place was a maze! - just to find all his friends gone already. A confirmation of his worst fears. They were up to something!

He had to find Lila! She could get them out of this mess, she knew how to talk her way to safety. If she were to be exposed... Earlier that week, it had only been their class’s harmony that had been at stake.

Now, she would take Adrien down with her. What had he been thinking? Why had he helped her, why had he lied for her? He’d only made everything worse! Damnit, Marinette had been right. This was his own fault- Marinette!

His thoughts returned to their encounter earlier, and he ran even faster, searching for the others. He needed to find her. How she had gotten her hands on his Miraculous, he didn’t know, but the fact it was inactive and on a string meant that she wasn’t using it - yet. Maybe she was simply waiting for the right time to steal his place. He growled and ripped another door open, revealing the room behind it to be empty.

Marinette wasn’t fit to be Chat Noir. She didn’t have what it took to be Ladybug’s partner, and she hadn’t deserved his miraculous like he did! He would convince her to give it back. Marinette wasn’t unreasonable, she’d understand. And she had liked him, Lila had told him once. Maybe if he promised to be a better friend now, maybe even go out together, she’d realize this was his destiny.

His thoughts began to spiral down a slippery slope. He needed Plagg, needed his miraculous. He’d do everything that was necessary, for Paris’ sake, for Ladybug’s sake!

But no need to do something rash, he’d try it the nice way!

Adrien knew this would work.

Adrien knew that it had to.

Adrien-

“...really is a bitch.”, a familiar, although muffled voice declared from somewhere in front of him. Felix! With his last bit of strength, Adrien pushed the doors to Jagged Stone’s studio open. His eyes widened when he saw what had happened.

He was... too late.

Lila stood in the middle of the room, together with Felix and a man he didn’t recognize, even though he looked vaguely familiar. She was frozen in fear, and she had every right to. There were cameras pointed at her from every side, and her classmates stood at the walls like angry bulls. Jagged Stone was patting a smugly grinning Marinette on the shoulder, and Nadja Chamack held a microphone out to the unknown man.

“This is Nadja Chamack, life from the TV tower, 21st arrondissement!”, she almost screamed into her microphone in excitement. “We just witnessed Chief Editor René Bordeaux admitting to have actively and willingly spread false accusations about an aspiring designer, specifically to harm her career. Will you give us a statement about your conspiring with a minor in order to blackmail your son, famous model Felix Leanne?”

The man - René Bordeaux, he remembered him from the fashion show, now! - backed away, arms raising to simultaneously hide his face and gesture through the air

“Y-You’re not allowed to publish that!”, he yelled at her, panic and wrath merging his voice into a shrill shout. “I have not consented to any interviews! As your superior, I order you to stop!”

“Actually, since you are a public figure and I am a journalist investigating your case of corruption, everything that has just been published is perfectly legal.”, Nadja informed him with a wink. “And it doesn’t look like your position as my superior will last much longer.”

”Also, since Lila has signed a declaration of consent just this morning,” Alya chimed in, holding up a document, “she’s fair game as well! Maybe you should’ve read the damn thing, Liar.”

Lila was only now recovering from the shock.

“Y-You guys did so great!”, she tried to fake a smile. “We finally busted that evil producer! I knew you were there, of course, I was just acting to make him spill his deeds-“

“Oh, shut up.”, Felix rolled his eyes at her and walked over to Marinette. “It’s game over for you, so save your excuses!”

Tears welled up in Lila’s eyes, and this time Adrien actually believed they were real.

“I-It wasn’t my idea! He forced me to, René Bordeaux forced me to help him!”

“I deny any involvement in this affair! I want to speak to my lawyers!”

“Come on, guys, you know me! I-I did so much for you, didn’t I?”, Lila whined on. That’s when she spotted him in the door.

“Adrien!”, she all but sobbed. “Tell them! Tell them I’m innocent; I’m the g-good guy!”

He backed away, wishing she hadn’t brought him up. Now the others had noticed him too.

“Is it true what she said?”, Nino said, brows furrowed in frustration. “You knew everything? And you just... did nothing?!”

“What the hell, Adrien?!”, Chloé spat, towering over him like a hawk. “I thought I was the jerk between the two of us!”

He fell to his knees, exhaustion catching up with him. His legs were wobbly of shock.

“No! No, I... I only wanted... I was just trying to protect you!”

“Protect us?”, Alya snarled. “By leaving us at Lila’s mercy, completely unprepared?! I uploaded a shit ton of fake news on my blog thanks to her! If it hadn’t been for Marinette, this could’ve ruined my entire career!”

“I thought we were friends, dude!”, Nino agreed, looking as betrayed as Adrien felt. “But friends don’t lie to each other! And you sure don’t help others with lying to your bro!”

No, no! This couldn’t be happening, no! Not like this, not now, not him!

“Please...”, he whispered, his hand clutching around the lucky charm in his pocket. “I wasn’t... Lila just...”

He couldn’t think of any excuse that wouldn’t sound hollow now. His friends didn’t care as they turned back to Lila, ignoring his slumped figure on the floor as they continued their petty fight.

Adrien didn’t listen to them, too busy with his own despair. He had... failed. At everything.

At being a good friend in the first place. At being there for Ladybug. And now at stopping Marinette from exposing Lila. Everything he did went wrong, everything he put his mind to-

“Cathexis”, a deep voice called and a purple glow illuminated the darkness of his mind. “I am Hawkmoth.”

Adrien froze. The lucky charm beneath his fingers had grown cold, and he couldn’t lift a finger to throw it away. Its cool prickle travelled up his wrist, his arm, into every cell of his body.

“I will give you the power you need to achieve your goals.”, Hawkmoth whispered into his head. “To keep your loved ones close, and your enemies even closer.”

No. No, he was a hero. He couldn’t let himself be turned into another one of Hawkmoth’s monsters.

“You’ve been wronged, haven’t you?”, Hawkmoth continued sweetly. “Ah, you have tried so hard, yet they keep ignoring your advice.”

His fight with Marinette flashed through his mind.

“Rejecting you, even though you have done so much.”

Ladybug pushing him away, again and again and again.

“If they cannot listen...”

Lila had continued to lie, Marinette had kept on plotting against her, Felix just wouldn’t stop being rude...

“...they must feel.”

Adrien’s head lowered and his lips moved on their own, whispering a word he didn’t mean.

“Yes, Hawkmoth.”

His eyes closed as the purple smoke covered him entirely.

“I will reign them in.”

Cathexis smiled.

“And be the hero they deserve.”

-

“You did it.”, Felix beamed at Marinette and pulled her aside. “I don’t know how, but you did it.”

How had she gotten everyone involved? Their oh-so skeptical class, Nadja Chamack, even Jagged Stone! It seemed impossible, but she had succeeded. He was free, from his father’s lingering shadow and Rossi’s obsessive manipulations. Free, once and for all.

“Of course I did!”, she played it off, cheeks as pink as Rose’s shirt. “I promised you, didn’t I? Besides...”

Her eyes wandered to her classmates.

“It was more of a group effort.”

Felix followed her gaze to the others, who were gathered in the middle of the room. Alya eagerly assisted Madame Chamack in pestering Bordeaux with one cutting question after the other, Nino cheered her on. Chloé led the others in their rage against Lila, who had started to spout every lousy excuse in the book. Sabrina was calling her father at the Police to arrest Bordeaux, who would have a hard time getting out of this one. Juleka and Jagged Stone were comparing the hues of their hair dye, Rose being their obviously biased judge. They were chaotic and loud and ruthless and absolutely amazing.

“I guess I should thank them.”, he said, a smile creeping onto his face. “They’re not so bad, after all.”

Yes. Annoying maybe, but full of loyalty and love for their friends. For Marinette, and after some time, perhaps even for him.

“Still”, he insisted, not here for Marinette not giving herself enough credit. “You are the best. How do you want me to repay you? I could invite you for dinner!”

She shook her head, smiling ironically.

“I think we are past favors and debts, aren’t we?”

Favors and debts, like on their very first day. No, they really had moved on from there. He had moved on, from his obsession with owing nothing to anybody. When he thought back, he could only see fear. That Bordeaux had been right, and every nice thing done for him came at a cost. Now though...

“Then let’s not call it favor.”, he suggested softly. “Let’s call it... a date?”

Part of him was shocked to hear himself even propose that, but rest of him was tired of hesitating. He wanted every second of Marinette’s company he could get, to make up for the days of Lila-induced isolation.

He watched every movement in Marinette’s face, every minute twitch of her lips and eyebrows. At first, her eyes widened and her cheeks turned darker. (Was she blushing? She was blushing! That was a good thing, wasn’t it?)

Then her fingers bolted up to her face, as if to hide it, only to settle for brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I...”, she started, voice two octaves higher then usual. Until finally, her lips curved into a smile. “I’d like that. And I know just the place!”

A mischievous glimmer appeared in her eyes.

“You’ll see when we get there, it’s-“

A scream drowned her voice out and they jumped back. Felix felt his blood run cold. The door had been slammed shut, chained and locked. Where Adrien had kneeled when he’d last checked, a gloomy figure hovered over the floor. It was held up by heavy metal chains that crept over the ground like snakes, apparently not bound by any law of physics. Defying gravity, some of them simply floated next to their wielder, waiting for orders.

The wielder himself looked monstrous enough on his own. His skin was devoid of any color, lifeless and dull like bleached bones. Black stripes ran down his face, like tear stains from his wide, eerie green eyes. His hair shared the stripes’ unsettling color. On top of his head rested a spiked, golden crown that reminded him of a halo.

Knight-like armor adorned with an upside down paw-print protected his torso, and around his wrist was a beaded bracelet of some sorts. From a chain around his other hand dangled a heavy, spiked Morningstar.

The akuma - because what else could he be? - chuckled.

“Much better.”, he sighed. “Now, let’s see... who wronged me the most?”

Without any visible sign, his chains bolted towards Lila, who screamed when her waist was seized by the animated metal. Instinctively, Felix’ hand grabbed Marinette’s. Any fast movement might draw the Akuma’s attention to them, but he needed her to be ready to run as soon as there was a chance.

All eyes were fixed on Lila and her captor, who tapped his chin as the girl quivered before him.

“Oh, you look so scared.”, he gasped. “Poor Lila. It’s just me, good old Adrien! Or... Cathexis, to be exact. Why would you fear me?”

He hummed.

“Maybe... because you know that you used me? Or because you lied to me? Or because you stalked me?” His voice grew louder and louder, and his soothing smile turned into a malicious grimace.

“Or because you ruined my friendships? My school life? My everything?”

Cathexis laughed joylessly, eyes so wide they looked as if they might pop out of his skull.

“Please!”, Lila pleaded desperately. “It wasn’t my fault, I-I only wanted the same thing as you! I promise-“

“SHUT UP!”

Everyone in the room startled, frozen in fear. Marinette gripped his hand more tightly as the chain holding Lila started to glow in the same, cold light Cathexis’ bracelet radiated. It began at its root somewhere behind his shoulder, and slowly spread over the links towards its victim. Lila whimpered.

“See, I am tired of waiting for you to change.”, Cathexis lamented. “I gave you so many chances, but you just won’t listen! So I’ll have to make you a better person myself.”

He grinned, revealing a mouth full of sharp teeth.

“Let’s call it one last emotional investment in you, okay?”

Lila trashed and trembled in her restrains as the glow came closer, tears in her terror-stricken eyes.

“Stop! I’m sorry, but whatever you’re doing, please stop it!”

Marinette twitched, but Felix held her in place. He wouldn’t let her endanger herself for Lila of all people! They could only watch as the light reached its prey. A white flash blinded them, then the chain dissolved and Lila dropped to the floor. She breathed, and her eyes were open, but her gaze was lifeless and empty.

Cathexis sigh broke the silence he’d shocked them into and he looked around.

“So...”, he said with an innocent smile. “Who’s next?”

-

Cathexis felt strong. He felt quick. He felt ready.

His chains dashed through the room the second he thought about giving the order, and as the people in the room broke out in panic, they seized them with ease. Nino, Alya, Chloé, all immobilized and chained to the ceiling with nothing more than a thought. The chain he had lost by fixing Lila was regrowing, and he directed it towards Marinette. His dear friend had started to guide the others to the back of the room and behind a curtain, cherishing the hope they might find safety there. Felix was next to her, but he could wait. For now, his ring was priority number one.

With a flick of his wrist he send the chain flying. It wrapped around Marinette’s wrist before she even noticed he was targeting her, and he had pulled her into the air in a heartbeat. Ignoring Felix’s scream, he retreated to the other side of the room.

Hawkmoth’s approval humming through his head, he sunk on eye-level with her, dodging the punch she’d aimed at his face. Another chain wrapped around her, fixing her arms at her side.

“Marinette!”, he rebuked her with a raised finger. “You should never react with violence, don’t you know that?”

“Let me go!”, his mannerless friend snarled. “What did you do with Lila?”

He knew the question sourced from fear for herself rather than concern for Lila, but he pretended otherwise for the moment. Soon, she’d care about Lila for real. And about him. And about any other person he chose to fix. They’d be a big happy family, with no problems or flaws under his watch. But first...

“You know what I’m looking for, Marinette.”

She froze and his eyes darted to the bump in the fabric above her collarbone.

“It’s fate that brought it back to me, so soon after I lost it.”, he whispered with a blissful smile. “You have it, don’t you? I saw it on you. My little secret, I want it back now.”

Marinette’s eyes narrowed in confusion.

“Lost it... wait, your secret?”

Her jaw dropped as her mind caught up.

“You!”

“Yes, me.”, he admitted happily. “You understand, don’t you? I need it back. Once Hawkmoth is done with it, I’ll be Chat Noir again. It’s my destiny! Surely, you wouldn’t want to stand in the way of a hero.”

Marinette looked absolutely shocked. Devastated even - hopefully at the thought of hindering Chat Noir. But the way her face hardened told him otherwise.

“It’s no longer yours!”, she hissed. “And you’re a fool if you think Hawkmoth would just give it back to you, once he has it.”

He sighed.

“The hard way, then.”

The chains tightened around her as he concentrated, focusing his energy on her. She was his friend. He’d done so much for her; he deserved something in return. But before he could conjure the light into his chains, pain flared in his right cheek and he was thrown sideways.

“Argh!”

More startled than hurt, he rubbed his cheek and looked around. The moment of distraction had been enough to make his chains go slack, enough to let Marinette free herself. His eyes fixated on the culprit. Felix stood in the middle of the room, arm still raised from the punch he’d given.

“Ah.”, the stubborn annoyance of a boy sighed, despite his obvious fear. “That was cathartic.”

“You!”, Cathexis growled, summoning his chains. “I’ll make you regret ever coming to our school.”

Oh, he wouldn’t fix Felix, no, no, no. The rude bastard didn’t deserve this mercy, and Cathexis wouldn’t invest his emotional energy in a guy whose akuma had cost him Plagg! No, Felix would meet a far harsher fate. Cathexis raised his Morningstar and swung it through the air to gain momentum. With a battle cry, he hurled the spiked sphere at his enemy, who threw himself aside just in time to avoid getting turned into a pancake. Again and again Cathexis took aim, using his sentient chains to block Felix’ path. Finally, when he had nowhere left to run, the Akuma called his weapon back to attack one last time.

“I should’ve done this sooner!”, he cackled gleefully. “It would have saved me so much trouble, you living nuisance!”

He swung the Morningstar, blind and deaf to anything except his target. A mistake, as it turned out. He couldn’t hear the creaking of metal over his own laughter, couldn’t see the beams for the cameras at the ceiling move. Only when they crashed down on him he realized he should have payed more attention to Marinette.

“No, no!”

Trapped beneath the crashed metal structure he could only watch as Marinette - the crafty pain in the butt - climbed down from the bars of the supporting column, pulling Felix with her. The two of them vanished behind the curtains at the back, and when he send out his chains to rip the fabric apart, he understood why.

“A backdoor!”, Hawkmoth growled. Of course, that’s why no one had been inside anymore. “Idiot! Now the girl escaped with the ring, our ring!”

Groaning, Cathexis pushed the beams and bars off of himself and stood up.

“I’ll hunt them down!”, he swore and called his chains back to him. “They can’t run from me!”

“No.”, Hawkmoth stopped him. “No, wait. The Cat Miraculous is already close, but Ladybug is still missing. Call her here, then go after the ring.”

Cathexis nodded as the violet glow faded from his face. His Lady would be here shortly! Until then, he could bring Chloé, Alya and Nino under his contr- supervision. They were still struggling with their restraints, but not much longer.

“Lila!”, he barked for his new ally and the brunette stood up. “Get the camera working. I need to alert Ladybug.”

“Of course!”, she obliged with a smile. “Then I can apologize to her. We’ll be great friends, with your help!”

Cathexis grinned and bared his fangs as she got to work. Soon, he told himself. His chained friends looked at him in fear.

Soon.

[aquariusrunes]

The Superfriends AU (part 11)

Her eyes stung every time a flash went off, the bright lights reflecting off the water surrounding her. She wasn’t sure when her migraine had started, but it was now throbbing and making her dizzy. And her stomach? Turning. It was like all her insides were knotted together, constricting every few minutes to remind her how much pain she was in. 

It’d been like this all morning, pretty much since Damian received the video from one of her friends. She, her cousin, Adrien and Chloé had all watched it together. It was brutal. Marinette had never seen Rose slaughter someone so seamlessly. She knew her small friend would be upset once finding out about Lila’s lies, and she knew they needed something big and loud to make clear Damian had never even met Lila, to make sure he and Colin would be protected from the girl. But it felt a little too far for her.

It all just felt like too much. Really her luck was incredible. After months of planning, all the sacrifices she’d made, the battles she’d fought, the friends she had to lose and earn back, the ones she could never get back, it was all meant to lead up to this big moment. The moment where she finally proved just how much of a liar Lila was, as well as show everyone that the girl was not only evil, because she definitely was. But also that she was working with Hawkmoth. 

Now she had to rethink her whole plan. 

She wished Lila had never even thought about Damian Wayne. While she was glad to have Mylène, Rose and Juleka back, it was just such a setback. She needed Lila cocky, confident. She needed her to feel on top of the world to fall for what she had planned. 

And now the Italian girl was at rock bottom. With only Sabrina, Alya and Nino left. Though Marinette had to seriously wonder how much longer Nino’s cover would last. If Lila didn’t know he was a mole by now, she had to be close to figuring it out. Lila was many things, like evil incarnate, but she wasn’t stupid. 

And then there was Adrien.

He’d looked so hurt after watching the video, betrayed almost. And yes, this technically wasn’t taking the ‘high road’, like he’d once suggested, but surely he had to see that she had no choice. She didn’t want to publicly humiliate the girl! Okay that was a lie, she very much wanted Lila to get her just deserts, to go through all the pain Marinette had to endure. However, her plan was not to get even, she’d come to peace with the fact that they would never be even. Because Marinette had bigger fish to fry. And she was so close to proving Lila was working with Hawkmoth! She could practically taste it. But now, now that victory felt farther away than ever. And so did her partner. 

The camera lights flashed again, several more photos being taken. She was trying her best to do as the photographer asked, but it was a tad difficult to model when you didn’t have any prior experience, and you were chained to a lake. 

Marinette’s outfit was, of course, gorgeous. Though it did make her feel a little exposed. She was in a white sleeveless tube top, that was essentially just a strip of cloth covering her breasts. She wore a low set skirt made up of strips of metallic silver and black fabric, and in her currently kneeling position the entirety of her thighs were exposed. A black shawl hung off her elbows, she’d tried to use it to better cover herself earlier but had been instructed to keep it off her shoulders. 

Her hair was placed up for this photo shoot, into a messy rose bun that left her bangs to fall in her face. A silver daedem placed on her forehead with a gemstone that matched her eyes. She hadn’t been given shoes for this outfit and walking around the studio barefoot was an experience she didn’t really want to repeat. Her wrists were bound by intricately detailed long silver cuff bracelets, which were attached to sparkling silver chains. The chains disappeared beneath the water. 

She was sitting on a semi visible platform in the middle of the set that was really, just a small man made pond. But she really couldn’t tell how deep the water went, though she doubted it could be too deep, unless Edna had cut out part of the floor to make it deeper, which she wouldn’t put past her aunt. A fake forest backdrop was behind her and flaking both her sides. She’d been sitting on the ground for what felt like hours, but the photographer still didn’t seem satisfied. 

“Maybe it’s the earrings.” A woman suggested, she was looking at the photos that had already been taken. The current pair that adorned Marinette’s ears where big dangling silver ones that ended in sapphires. They would sweep against her neck or shoulders whenever she moved. 

“I like the earring.” She heard her aunt say. 

“Oh I love them.” The woman immediately agreed. “I just meant the way they are reflecting off the water.”

“I like that effect as well.” 

“Oh I love that effect.” 

She couldn't help the eyeroll. It was ridiculous the way people kissed her aunt’s ass. It was honestly no wonder Edna asked her for her opinions, at least she knew Marinette would be honest with her. 

“Maybe we should take a little break?” Violet suggested from behind the women. “Let Marinette rest for a moment while we sort out what needs to be changed?” 

“Fine fine.” Edna waved the girl off. 

It had freaked Marinette out when she was first hooked up to the platform, the way it moved from the middle of the water to the edge, it freaked her out when it suddenly started moving this time as well. She really wished these people would start giving her warnings about stuff. 

Once at the edge it only took a moment for someone to come and unchain her, then she was helped to her feet and off the platform entirely. Violet was waiting for her with a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry about all this.” She whispered to the younger girl. “I know you can get overwhelmed easily.” 

“Oh, I’m fine.” Marinette tried to force a smile to reassure the girl, but she was sure it came off as anything but. 

“Are you sure?” Violet asked. “That your fine, I mean. You’ve seemed a little off all morning.” 

“Oh.” Marinette looked down, Violet had looped their arms together and was leading her back to the makeup chairs. “I’m fine, I guess, I just...well.” 

“It’s okay Marinette, you don’t have to tell me, but I’m a good listener if you need to talk with someone.” 

“Thanks Violet.” Her smile was a little stronger this time. “I just have a bad headache, and a bit of a stomach ache. I’m sure it’ll go away soon.” 

Violet gave her a considering look before turning and hollering out. “Aisha, could you come here a moment?” Soon a tall black woman with hair dyed every color of the rainbow was in front of them, a headset on and clipboard in her hands. 

“Yeah boss?” She spoke with an accent Marinette didn’t recognize. 

“Could you go and grab Marinette here a coke with crush ice?” 

Aisha smiled at Marinette before nodding to Violet. “You got it.” The girl swaggered her way towards the elevators, she had one of the strongest walks the bluenette had ever seen. 

“Coke and crushed ice, Parr family remedy for headaches and stomach aches.” Violet turned back to face Marinette. “But, if it doesn't help, please let Edna or I know. If we need to eat into another safety day-” 

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.” The younger girl reassured the older one as best she could. “It's probably just everything catching up with me.” It wasn’t technically a lie. Yes everything was finally catching up with her, but it wasn't anything involving Edna or this week that was causing her distress. 

“But you’ll let me know if it doesn’t get better, right?” 

“Of course.” Violet had always been so nice, whenever Marinette was near her. She was kind of like the big sister she’d always wanted. The bluenette watched as Violet walked off towards her aunt, probably to inform her of Marinette’s troubles. Hopefully her aunt would just blow them off as nerves and not come pry. Her plans needed reworking enough, the last thing she needed was Protective Mama Bear Edna getting involved. 

“You alright?” Her cousin’s slightly concerned voice was startling to the girl previously lost in thought. She raised a hand to her heart, trying to calm it’s rapid pace as she looked over to Damian, now seated in the chair next to her. 

“Fine.” 

“That’s a lie.” He crossed his arms, turning the chair to better face her. “What’s going on?” 

“Nothing, I just don’t feel great.”

“That’s not nothing Marinette,” Damian’s face started contorting into what those who knew him meant worry, but those who didn’t would only see as pure anger. “Are you sick? Do you have a fever?” He raised his hand to her forehead, which she was quick to knock away. 

“Seriously Damian, I’m fine. I’m not sick, I don’t have a fever. I just feel crappy, okay?” She turned her head away from him. Edna was the last thing she needed right now, the second to last was Damian prying into her business. 

“Is it about what happened this morning?” He asked, voice quieter. “You didn’t seem even half as excited as Bourgeois did when the video showed up.” 

“Sort of.” She shrugged, pulling the shall up to better cover herself. “I don’t know. It’s a few things I guess.” 

“Do you want to talk about it?” His voice was quiet. He wasn’t good at this sort of stuff, she knew that. But whenever he had a problem she’d make him talk about it till he either figured out what to do or started to feel better. It was sweet of him to try and return the gesture. 

“Not really.” She laughed lightly. “But it’s sweet, what you’re trying to do. I appreciate it a lot Gremlin.” 

“I’ve never seen you look quite so down before, you’re kind of worrying me.” He placed his hand on her wrist. “Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?” he leaned closer. “If you don’t want to talk to me I could go get someone else, Adrien?” 

“No.” She answered far too quickly, and she knew it the moment the word left her mouth. Well, the cat was out of the bag now. 

Damian’s face quickly changed to one of scepticism and stubbornness, his eyes quickly scanning the room till they found the blonde model far away having a conversation with his father. 

“What did he do?” His voice was a little too threatening for Marinette’s liking.

“He didn’t do anything Damian, really.” 

“You’re lying.” 

“I’m not!” 

“Then you aren’t telling the whole truth.” His jaw set as his eyes came back to bore into Marinette’s soul. “What’s going on?” He demanded. 

“I just…” Oh great, her voice cracked, she was going to break down. She needed out of this conversation and she needed out of it quickly. She’d been stewing in her own thoughts for too long. She couldn’t talk about it now, she’d have a complete meltdown. 

“Marinette.” Both dark haired teens looked up, view obstructed by one Chloé Bourgeois dressed in shimmering golds and bronzes, her arms crossed and hip cocked. “Edna wants you.” She was talking to Marinette, but her eyes were locked on Damian. 

Chloé’s outfit resembled Marinette's in that the top was just a simple white tube top that barely covered anything. Instead of a skirt Chloé wore pants, high waisted and made of unconnected gold and bronze metallic straps, giving the outfit a swaying movement every time she moved. A thick golden belt covered her abdomen, matching the golden gauntlets that adorned her wrists, and a gaundy golden necklace hung from her shoulders. She also wore a daedem, but her gem was a much darker blue. Her hair was down and had been teased to give it more volume around her. 

“Okay.” Marinette was quick to get out of her chair and follow the blonde to where Edna was waiting. It was strange, walking with Chloé like this, but what was stranger was when the girl took her hand and squeezed it.

“Just keep it together for like twenty more minutes. Then we’ll break for lunch.” Chloé whispered, releasing her hand and taking a step back. Marinette’s eyes were wide as she watched the girl turn and walk away. 

Had she just been comforted by Chloé? 

“Good! Dahling come here!” Marinette was pulled from her thoughts as Edna grabbed her wrist and physically pulled her forward to look down at the screen where her pictures were waiting to be examined. “What do you think of these?” She asked, eyes scrutinizing. 

Marinette carefully went through a handful of photos, trying to pretend that about ten people weren’t staring at her as she did. She pushed everything that had been eating away at her down as far as it would go, focusing solely on the problem at hand. 

“I don’t like the colors.” 

“How dare you.” 

“Edna’s colors are genius.” 

“Who does this girl even think she is.” 

The area around her erupted with criticism the moment her opinion was voiced. But it didn’t matter what everyone around her was currently saying, what mattered was that Edna was now staring at the photos and considering what she had said. 

“What about the colors bother you?” The woman asked, effectively shutting everyone else up. 

“I think it’s a little dark?” She shrugged. “I don’t know, I guess, if I had been the one to design it, I would have gone with some pastels for the skirt, like lavender and sky blue, maybe a darker blue too. But if you had wanted to keep the dark, then I would suggest making the top black. And maybe, make the straps of the skirt a little softer too, I don’t know how committed you are to the metallic material, but maybe changing it out for tulle or silk. Just to make it more flowy, it would also make it look better with the calm of the water.” 

“Violet.” Enda called and the girl seemed to appear out of nowhere. “How long would it take to make those alterations?” 

Violet quickly went to work on her tablet. “Well, ma’am, they wouldn't be alterations, it would be a whole new garment. But seeing as we’d be using the same patterns and measurements, if we got the sewing room to work now, it would probably be done after lunch.” 

“Order it.” Edna snapped her fingers. 

“Yes ma’am.” 

Edna turned to Marinette, smiling. “Thank you dear, your input is invaluable as always.” The small woman then turned to the room, clapping her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Alright everyone! Seeing as how one of our outfits still isn’t here yet, we will break for an early lunch and pick this up afterwards. Oh and Violet, call your brother for me Dahling, tell him I’ll pay double the normal fee, I’m tired of waiting.”

“Yes ma’am.” 

… 

How had she gotten here? 

One minute, she was in the elevator, tentatively sipping a glass of soda, the next she was magically in Chloé Bourgeois’s room, sitting on the girl’s bed with a tray of cafeteria food in front of her. 

She had wanted to avoid Damian. He was angry now, and she knew that anger was going to be directed at Adrien. But she didn’t know how to properly avert it. If she told Damian the whole truth, he’d be even more upset. Nothing pissed him off more than someone beng complacent. But she also wanted to avoid Adrien. He just looked so disappointed after watching that video, she couldn’t face him yet. 

She still wasn’t sure how she ended up in her current predicament. She had gotten her food, and then Chloé had grabbed her hand again, second time today, that’s more physical contact in one day then she’s had with the girl in a year. The blonde dragged her off towards the elevators. And then they were in Chloé’s room, sitting on her bed with their lunches. 

“Okay,” Chloé dropped a straw into her glass. “What’s going on?” 

“I-uh, what do you mean?” Marinette asked. 

“Don’t play dumb Dupain-Cheng.” The girl gave her a pointed look. “You were seconds away from a total break down back there. And you looked terrified of both Damian and Adrien downstairs. What’s going on?” 

“Why do you care?” The bluenette asked, eyeing the girl suspiciously. “Why would you care?” 

Chloé looked a little taken aback by the question. And a little insulted, but did she honestly not expect Marinette to question her motives. Eventually the blonde girl huffed, setting her drink down on her tray before crossing her arms. “I’m trying to be a better person, okay.” She rolled her eyes. “Forgive me for attempting to help when someone is clearly holding back tears.” 

“Why?”

“I told you I’m trying to-”

“Why are you trying to be a better person?” Chloé looked even more unprepared for that question. 

The blonde sighed, turning away from Marinette and pushing some teased hair behind her ear. “It’s always come easy to you.” 

“What?” 

“Being nice. Making friends. Smiling without a care in the world.” Chloé rolled her eyes. “When I was little, all I had was Adrien. He was kept away from the world for so long, but so was I. I didn’t get to go to public school until I was seven. Your first year of school in Paris was mine too. I didn’t know how to socialize or anything. All I knew was being loud got me attention and most of the time what I wanted. When I started school I only had one person who I got along with, and then you transfered into the class and everyone decided they liked you more, including her.” Chloé looked down. “I was a bitch because I was jealous and hurt, but recently I’ve been making some emotional breakthroughs and thus have decided to be a better person.” She huffed out the last sentence rather quickly. “So, what’s your problem today, cause that’s what we’re here to talk about.” 

“Oh Chloé,” Marinette set her hand atop the blonde girl’s. “I never meant for that to happen. I tried really hard to be your friend back then too.” 

Chloé rolled her eyes. “Yeah well, I kind of hated you the moment Alix decided she wanted to sit next to you instead.” 

Marinette’s eyebrows furrowed. “Wait.” She held up her hand. “Are you telling me, there was a time when Alix and you were best friends?” 

“Duh.” Chloé gave her a pointed look. “Well, not besties, but we were almost friends before you transfered. Why do you think I never mess with her?” 

“But the watch-”

“Okay, that was a total accident. And had I known it was Alix’s watch I so would have left it alone, I was only messing with it because I thought it was Adri’s.” 

“Oh my god.” Marinette sat back. She was racking her brain but she literally could not think of a single time Chloé had targeted Alix. “This is unbelievable.” 

“But back on track.” Chloé clapped her hands. “What’s going on? You should be on cloud nine after Lila’s epic take down, but you have literally looked so pensive all day.” She moved to open up her silverware. 

“I haven’t looked pensive.” 

“You have.” Chloé stabbed her salad with her fork. “Spill it Dupain-Cheng.” 

Marinette stared down at her plate. She hadn’t been that hungry so she just grabbed a premade sandwich and a muffin. But looked at them now, they didn’t seem that appetizing. She mainly kept herself occupied with the glass she had been handed after changing back into her sweats. 

“Back before people started believing Lila was lying, it was just me going against her. But someone else knew the truth too.” She took a sip from her glass. “Adrien had recommended I take the high road, he said her lies weren’t hurting anyone and he was sure things would turn out fine eventually.” 

“Oh that sweet naive boy.” The bluenette nodded in agreement. 

“This morning, after we watched the video, I don’t know. He just looked so disappointed. I just can’t help but feel like I let him down. Like I should have handled it differently or something. Especially considering he’s been walking around like a kicked puppy all day. I just don’t know what to do.” 

Chloé sighed, setting down her fork. 

“Okay, well first off. Adrien gave you shit advice.” Marinette’s head popped up at her harsh words. “But they are very on brand for Adrikins. He obviously views Lila in the same light as Garbage Gabe. As long as Adrien stays quiet and plays along, things run smooth with his dear old daddy. He probably thought the same rules would apply to Lila.” 

“Garbage Gabe?” Marinette asked. 

“Look, Adrien is sensitive. Yes. But he is also bad at confrontation. You just need to talk this out with him. If you explain that she gave you no choice, he’ll be fine. And besides, even Adrien has to admit that she was getting out of control.” 

“But did I have no choice? Was there no other option for me to pick?” Marinette rubbed at her arms. “Maybe the situation was the same as with you, if I’d just given her a chance-”

“You gave me a chance Marinette, remember, we just established that.” Chloé leaned back on her hands. “And Lila and I’s situations are very different. I was a bitch because I have trouble making friends. Lila is a bitch for shits and giggles. She has had no trouble befriending people at all, and she was still awful to you.” 

“But maybe I did something-”

“You did. You didn’t fall for her bull.” Chloé pointed out. “Because you weren’t falling for her tricks, she had to eliminate you before you could expose her. She runs on self preservation Marinette. I wouldn't be surprised if she was already spinning a web of venom to get back half her followers.” 

Marinette’s eyes went back down to her tray. Locked on her poor pathetic sandwich. She felt a lot like that sandwich right now. 

“Marinette, you can sit here and feel bad all day long. You can go back up to that shoot and do your thing while feeling awful, just like you were this morning. But the fact of the matter is, you aren’t going to feel better until you talk to Adrien.” Chloé leaned forward, taking one of Marinette’s hands again. “He doesn’t hate you Marinette, he could never. Trust me. I’ve only seen Adrien hate two people our whole lives. My mother, and this no name who used to work under Gabriel when we were younger. If you go to him and ask to talk he will listen.” 

“But what do I even say?” 

“Say that you’re sorry if you hurt his feelings, it wasn’t your intent. But you had to do something to stop Lila. Maybe it got a little bigger than you anticipated, maybe if you could go back and change it you would, but you’d still do it.” Chloé squeezed her hand. “Come on Dupain-Cheng, I have seen you take on so much, do not let one little model scare you into a panic attack.” 

“I’m not scared of him.” Marinette rolled her eyes. “I just don’t want him to, well, I just don’t like the idea of him thinking bad about me.” 

“He could never think badly about you Marinette.” Again Chloé squeezed her hand. “Believe it or not, I think you’re actually his favourite person.” 

At that Marinette blushed, pulling her hand away. She quickly snapched up her drink, sticking the straw in her mouth. She took a few sips. “I am not.” She whispered, chewing on the straw to relieve some of the nerves coiling in her stomach. 

Chloé shook her head, smirk gracing her lips. “Yeah, you are.” She crossed her arms. “Marinette please, he’s like head over heels for you, it’s obvious. I once saw that boy hold the door open for like sixteen people just waiting for you to get there so he could hold it for you. It was a little pathetic, but i guess kind of cute.” Marinette’s face felt hot, she was sure it was bright red by now. 

“W-we aren’t like that.” She laughed. “We’r-I mean he just sees us as friends. We’re just friends.” She tried to get her stammer under control, hoping her voice came out with more authority than she felt.

“Oh god, you aren’t on that now too, are you?” Chloé asked, eyes wide and slightly horrified. “I swear I can not listen to another person drone on about being just friends with their true love.” 

“T-true love?” 

Shit. She’d taken it too far. Chloé knew by the girl’s wide eyes. There were going to be questions now. Damn it, why had she let Jon get in her head. She never should have talked to Marinette, she should have just convinced Adrien to do it. 

“What do you mean by that?” The bluenette asked, straw falling out of her mouth. 

Chloé had two options, come clean or bullshit like she never has before. 

“That depends…” Chloé whispered. “We have two options Marinette, option one is I rock your world like it’s never been rocked before and possibly destroy this tentative friendship I’m trying to create, or option two, things stay the same and I give you a heaping pile of bullshit.” Chloé bit her lip. “I’m also trying to be more honest, but if you’d like me to lie right now, I so can.” 

“Define rock my world?” Marinette’s face suddenly became much more serious. The bluenette knew that sometimes lying was necessary, like were her identity was concerned. And also, sometimes the truth was just hard for people to stomach. 

“Let’s just say, it involves kwamis.” That was both not safe and safe for Chloé to say. It would get her point across clearly, and being a past miraculous wielder herself, she would be privy to the knowledge of their existence. Marinette would undoubtedly understand what the blonde was trying to say. 

The bluenette’s face dropped into surprise and horror. “Let’s go with the bullshit.” 

“Awsome.” Chloé clasped her hands together. “Adri has a diary and whenever I’m at his house I sneak into his room and read it.” She smiled largely. 

“We are going to have to talk about this later,” Marinette pinched the bridge of her nose, eyes closing as she let out a sigh. “But honestly I’ve felt like exploding all day long and I don’t think I can take anything else right now.” She whispered. “God my head hurts so much.” 

“Do you want some ibuprofen?” Chloé asked, already standing form the bed. 

“Yes please.” 

Chloé quickly went to her bathroom and collected it from her toiletry bag. She sat down closer to Marinette before handing her the bottle. “This is so my fault, I definitely slipped up there.” 

“Again,” Marinette took the pill bottle and dumped a few out into her hand. “A conversation for later.” She swallowed with the aid of her soda. “Oh my god.” She whispered. “I just-how?” She looked at Chloé, wide eyed. 

“Well I-wait, I mean, do you want to do this right now? We’ve got like twenty minutes before we have to be back and you have not even touched your food. We can talk later?” 

Marinette looked back down at her sad sandwich. If there was any hope of her surviving the rest of this shoot she would need to have something in her stomach. But she also had so many questions. How had Chloé known, does Chloé know? Maybe this is a misunderstanding. Maybe what Chloé is trying to say is that she knows Marinette was once Multimouse, and not that she’s ladybug. Though what that has to do with Adrien loving her she wasn’t sure. Oh god, did Chloé know about Adrien too? But how? This didn’t seem possible.

“Marinette?” 

“Yeah?” 

“You look like you’re about to pass out, please eat something.” Chloé pushed her tray closer to the girl. 

“Okay.” Marinette picked up her sandwich, eyes unfocused as her mind raced. “Chloé, I have so many questions.” She said before taking a bite. 

“If you want, I can explain while you eat?” Chloé moved farther back onto the bed, putting the lid back on her salad. She’d finished most of it while Marinette was talking earlier. 

“Yeah, that might be good.” The bluenette whispered. 

“Okay,” Chloé took a deep breath. “So, I guess it all started when Nathaniel got akumatized.” 

_______________________________________________________________________

(part 1)  (part 2)  (part 2.5)  (part 3)  (part 4)  (part 5)  (part 6) (part 7) (part 8)  (part 9)  (part 10)  (part 11) - Here (part 12)

Photoshoot Part 3! Thank you all so much for the likes, reblogs, and especially the comments! They are such huge mood boosters for me, they really change the whole course of my day and I appreciate them so much. Sorry this part is a little shorter, writing has kind of been kicking my ass this week. Plus with finals I’ve just been too stressed to write. But luckily I was able to find some time to unwind and get something done on this. I’m really excited for what the next few parts should bring (if everything comes out the way it is in my head right now). As always if you have any questions about the story or AU feel free to ask, I love getting them and will happily answer any question you got (even if it’s not about this AU)! And if you want to be tagged let me know! 

@graduatedmelon @northernbluetongue​ @violatiger8​ @bamagirl513​ @vixen-uchiha​ @beaversuenightly​ @tumbling-down-hills-and-stuff​ @todaylillypads​ @laurakinneylance​ @vgirl-10123​ @wellcrud-blog-blog​ @silvergold-swirl​ @crazylittlemunchkin​ @an-ahez​ @queencommonsense​ @ladybug-182​ @meganemily231​ @driftingmoonlitpetals​ @kand-roo​ @worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry​ @theatreandcomicfreak​ @paradoxal-occurance​ @miraculousl4dybug @thanks-captain-obvious​ @sassydepression​ @multishipper1needshalp @wegan97​ @surprisebishhhhhhhhh  @redscarlet95 @throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen @synnesstra @fandomkitty8 @tired-yeetling @saluteswifties @kanamexzeroyaoifangirl @dast218 @naclychilli @royalchaoticfangirl @panda3506 @nataladriana9 @shreky-boi @my-name-is-michell @dawnwave16  @thethirdwheelfriend @quiet-oracle @heaven428 @dabub167 @kris-pines04 @severelyenchantedwonderland @urbanpineapplefarmer @goblinwhoships

[silvia7272]

7 ~ Its Costume Change Time.

I kinda lost track of how many I’ve made at this point, (It's actually 10) but I was in a creative mood and wanted to drabble with the information the superheroes have gotten already. I’m excited cause I’m happy with the artwork I made alongside this, so I really hope you like it.

Chloé Bourgeois is like an older version of Hiyoko Saiyonji (From Danganronpa) but one is hated while the other is loved and I don't really get it.

Word Count: 4479

Tags: @queenmj10, @fangirl39, @animegirlweeb, @northernbluetongue, @daminett4life, @raisuke06, @indecisive-mess-named-me, @luleck​, @themamaravenclaw, if you wish to be tagged all you have to do is say.

***

“Sooooo~ you wanted to see us?” A confused black cat hero pondered as he was on top of a supposedly abandoned building. He had gotten a call from his Lady asking him to meet her and Crisono at this specific location. Apparently, the redhead had seen it whilst circling Paris. He of course came and was reunited with the two heroines.

“Yes, pardon if I may have intruded on any free time you had but I thought since there aren’t any Akuma’s today I should ask for some first-hand information” Chat saw a whiteboard behind Crisono, and finally took notice of other belongings that didn’t seem to fit with the abandoned building appearance. Maybe this was some sort of hangout?

Maybe that meant they could all watch Big Hero 6?

‘Chat focus!’

“It's fine, I wasn’t doing anything important anyway” In truth, he was meant to be practising some piano but that could wait.

“Oh good, I’m glad. Ok, first I would like to know the radius of how far the Akuma’s can go? Whether once someone is controlled will they always be under Hawkmoth’s spell or if distance matters?” A map of Paris had appeared while Chat tried to think.

“We’ve never actually investigated that before, we’re more focused on catching the Akuma than becoming a detective right M’Lady?” She nods as well.

“But I guess when there was an Akuma on a train half a year ago, the train driver was Akumatized and led everyone to space by her own free will, so maybe around there.” Ladybug circled the area of the map she believed the spot could be.

“Ok it’s a start, maybe one day we can go along the tracks and see if we can nearly become Akumatized? Or possibly get a willing volunteer to help us out? But we’d have to take precautions of course. If we can no longer summon a butterfly, then we’ll soon find the radius. That way it could be safer for us as we’ll have an area to work with, to see where the mastermind is.” She sure seemed confident.

“It would have to be on a day no Akuma’s will be sent out, it would take too long to get back to Paris in case there’s an emergency.”

“I suppose if one of us stays behind to keep an eye on matters here that would be fine, or if we have back up for some moments”

“It depends if Master Fū would let us use the Miraculous like that”

“I’m sure it will be fine, as long as it's for a better cause”

“Yeah I suppose you’re right” Chat watched as they negotiated back and forth, it was interesting. He found it almost enjoyable to listen to them talk, this was all so exciting to him, a mystery yet to be discovered.

Although the way they talked… It was like they had been acquainted before.

Before they all knew each other perhaps?

Then did that mean Rosina knew Ladybug’s identity?

“Chat have you been listening!?” A stern Ladybug asked. He was caught, he shrugged and gave a guilty smile to her as she put her hand to her forehead.

“Don’t worry its fine Ladybug. Cheer up. I’m sure we can find Hawkmoth soon, with all of our help combined I’m sure it’ll be a victory.” She pumped her fist out with Chat joining in as well. It was nice to have someone as energetic as himself on the Team now. Who knows, maybe Ladybug could lighten up a bit more and learn to have more fun?

“Although there are other things to go over as well? I may need an account of all of the Akuma’s that have happened, their powers and Akumatized items, possibly a tally chart of how many times they’ve been Akumatized as well. Then there's where exactly they’ve been Akumatized, it may form a pattern pointing to Hawkmoth. Even the centre of the radius could give up a point” She was rambling now, and Chat couldn’t comprehend most of what she was saying because of how fast it came.

“Hold up Crissi, you’re going too fast. And how long have you been thinking of this? Have you done this before?” She looked over to Chat for an awkward amount of time before blinking… Very… Slowly.

.

.

“Yes…?”

“That doesn’t sound convincing at all” What did she have to hide?

“Yeah you’re probably right”

.

.

.

“Let us get back to business, shall we?” They spent the next hour coming up with potential plans to do in their spare time.

***

It was afternoon by the time they had finally finished.

They all went their separate ways to rest and hopefully continue further on another free day. She knew it would take a while before she could get an account for every single Akuma that had ever happened.

Hopefully sooner than later, Crisono still had a lot to talk about.

The duo was impressed with her vast knowledge of ideas for this type of thing, she definitely did this before, but with what a black feline couldn’t work out.

Crisono had taken to swing through the buildings of Paris to relax, she had done too much explaining in a single day she needed to stretch herself. Her Aunt had nagged her to teach them more about the analytical side of being a hero… The detective side basically. And she didn’t believe Ladybug and her Aunt would be comfortable in the same room together. So regrettably she had to take on the burden. And it had burnt her out, she sighed as she tried to think of anything she may have forgotten before she spotted someone standing on a rooftop.

‘Is that-? It is!’ She smiled with glee, she was able to see two of her friends in a single day, and not even with school playing a factor.

She glided over near her, hoping to playfully scare her, like a jest she had done to Mari that one time, she still didn’t know why she was so angry with that but oh well, maybe Chloé would appreciate her humour. Oh dear Lord no

.

But she couldn’t bring herself to.

Not after seeing the same sadness she saw similar to the Luxembourg trip.

“Chloé?” She saw the blonde's eyes widen and look to her, that sadness disappeared and was filled with annoyance.

“What are you doing here- More importantly, how did you get here!” Crisono pointed to her grappling hook before plopping down on the railing, sitting on it. It was extremely cold and uncomfortable, but she was this far already she can stick it out.

“I was out with Ladybug and Chat Noir, since I’m still new here I wanted as much information we had on Hawkmoth and Akuma’s. So, I’ll probably start asking for first-hand accounts from people” She probably shouldn’t be divulging this type of information to a civilian, but she was sure Ladybug wouldn’t mind, after all, they were all friends.

“That won’t work, Akuma victims forget everything afterwards” She mumbled into her arms but Crissi could still make out every word.

“Really, well that’s a bummer. Well~ I still have plenty of ideas left to use” It became silent, and since Rosina hadn’t been in company like ever, she just figured Chloé had grown bored of talking.

.

.

.

“Why did you become a hero?” She was surprised by that question, normally they’d talk about other common teenager things, or as common as Rosina would read about them in magazines.

“Well, my Aunty asked me if I had wanted to become one when we were fighting, err crime. She trained me all my life but always made sure I was safe. I really wanted to become a hero because I wanted people to think of me as a number”

“Huh?” Chloé heard something similar when she reluctantly looked at the LadyBlog after finding out Rosina was Crisono. She mentioned something about numbers, but no one knew what that meant.

“What do you mean by that?” Crisono looked out at the horizon, and for once, Chloé noticed there wasn’t a smile on her face.

“I believe everyone has a number.” She fiddled with her ring, almost playing with it.

“Dedicated just to them, for how many people care for them. The number is solid and cannot be changed. It will be constant for all your life. You may think you have more, but you will acknowledge how true that number is. In truth, I believe I have a low number… Which is why I want to be a number for everyone else.” That… Kinda made sense. Chloé saw how she was still kind to everyone that she met, even to Lila. She gave everyone new to her a compliment, she never seemed angry at anyone of her classmates, even if they wanted to take her away.

“I’ve always known my number to be lower than everyone else's. But that’s because I haven’t interacted with anyone else before now. And I’ve… Accepted that it won’t be higher, but to be someone else’s number, without having to receive anything in return would just be bliss to me. But I know when not to push it.” She stood on top of the railings and started walking around, she was getting antsy from staying in one place.

‘She’s in heels how is she able to walk on something so tiny?’ Chloé thought to herself.

“I get it, you want people to remember you. I kinda thought the same” Crisono looked over to her to let her know she could continue.

“I… Thought I couldn’t be a hero as myself, because no one would’ve trusted me to believe me. I thought because I was still Chloé Bourgeois, everyone would still hate me. But then… When I got a Miraculous, it was amazing, I thought I could be just like her. Like Ladybug. I wanted to try and help people, and I thought I was getting better at it.” She smiled ever so slightly, but it quickly vanished.

“But I blew it. I failed at the first rule of being a hero, I was so angry at my Mother that I exposed the fact I had the Miraculous. And because of my anger and ideals of being a heroine, I put so many people in danger. People could've been hurt but I was more focused on thinking I was a hero than being a hero.”

“Chloé…”

“Because I wanted to be Queen Bee, not Chloé Bourgeois! And I couldn’t even do that.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as Rosina stood in silence.

All she wanted was to be nice but didn’t know how. With everything Chloé had told the redhead, she’d been given everything in her life with the snap of her fingers, if you had that chance what need was there to be nice? At least that’s what Rosina concluded.

So, she hugged her. Causing Chloé to freeze at the sudden contact before slowly wrapping her arms around her, letting it out. Even if she cried for a brief time, she needed it.

“Chloé. I don’t think you need to be Queen Bee to be considered a hero. We can help you. Me, Marinette and Kagami too.” The blonde wiped her eyes, hellbent on stopping this show of emotions.

“You’re just saying that because you’re my friend. No one will believe me, hell I don’t think I could believe myself. I’m utterly ridiculous for thinking I could even be a hero anymore” She argued back, even if they were friends she didn’t know for how long, what if she did something she couldn’t take back, if she went too far because she wasn’t aware of self-control, what if she was left all alone again? What if-

“Chloé, you don’t need powers, or a costume, or money to be a hero. Just do what your heart wants, morally do what's best, we can help you with every step. You’ll never be alone Chloé. Just trust us. Let me help you be Chloé Bourgeois”

She immediately hugged her back, the waterworks flowing down again.

“Thanks, Rosy”

“C’mon Chloé no more tears, we have to be happy so no Akuma’s come and bother us.” She put a finger to her cheek, thinking of a solution.

“I know, why don’t we go flying again?” Before Chloé had any time to register what the younger heroine had suggested, they had already jumped off the building. Chloé screamed before hanging onto Crisono for dear life as said girl made the hovering board, Chloé soon realised she had grown to resent that contraption with a growing passion.

‘Besides, I think I have an idea on how you can be a hero Chlo’

***

“What do you mean it won’t work?” They were both on the balcony at their newfound home. They had to either stay there or go on different roofs after Marinette’s Parents would come into the room unannounced, and as much as Rosina found it endearing, it wouldn’t help the duo if they overheard them being heroines.

“I’m sorry Rosy, it's not that she isn’t my friend. It's just because she revealed herself to all of Paris. Including Hawkmoth. If I gave her Miraculous again her Parents, friends and home could all be targeted. And I couldn’t live with myself if they got hurt for Chloé” Marinette had momentarily stopped drawing as she said the last sentence.

“I guess I didn’t think of it like that. When people have loved ones to consider getting hurt that makes revealing stuff tricker” Marinette gave a confused look before she realised what she meant.

“Trickier”

“Oh? Thanks, Mari” It was silent as they look upon the night view. Rosina thinking of ways to help her friend. To be a hero in and out of costume.

“She is starting to become better, but I doubt Master Fū would allow it to happen again. Chloé would have to make sure she never lets anything slip about her being Chloé or Queen Bee.”

“So, wouldn’t that mean she can have a different Miraculous?” The Silver eyed girl mused, it seemed so simple to her.

“I doubt Chloé would like that either”

“How come?” Turning her head to the side so she knew she was paying attention.

“I saw how happy she was when Pollen was there, it was like she was truly delighted, I did think she was the perfect Chosen for the Bee Miraculous, but now who would take it without Chloé being upset and causing an Akuma-”

“Marinette calm down, you’re thinking too far ahead again!” Tikki insisted, floating up to place both her hands on Marinette’s cheeks.

“Tikki’s right, it hasn’t happened so no need to worry” Rosina was trying to remain positive; she swore she would never attract another Akuma ever.

“Right… Thanks, guys”

“It's too bad you can’t change the costumes, Aunty told me since its magic no one can tell who it is behind the mask so a costume change would be great… No idea why no one knows it's me then?” The bluenette jumped when she heard what the other had muttered out.

“Wait- What was that?” She asked.

“Yeah, no one knows it's me even though I don’t have magic” Thinking that had been what Mari was talking about, she finished with her trademark smile.

“Isn’t your ring magic?”

.

.

.

“I thought it was just a special worm on a string?” She was so confused.

‘So that’s what it was’

“…I meant the other part” Marinette sweatdropped. Her behaviour should’ve been expected at this point, but she was still random.

“Changing costumes?” She tilted her head as Marinette's smile widened. She had an idea.

“Tikki, you said that the Miraculous responds to the Chosen’s wishes of what outfit we have right?”

“Yes?” She was just as puzzled as Rosina.

“Then would it be possible to change it again?” Tikki’s eyes widened.

“Oh, I see yes of course” She nodded in understanding.

“Chloé must’ve modelled her outfit after mine, so maybe if I can change it enough for Hawkmoth not to recognise her then she could be a hero again. Now I have to design until I’ve worked out which one is best. C’mon Rosina, let’s go back home, I’m sure Maman has some cookies for you.” Rosina’s eyes widened before picking Marinette and Tikki up and running straight towards the kitchen.

Boy did she have too much energy.

***

“Ok guys Cya, I need to go” Their redheaded friend enthusiastically waved as they ran off for their fencing lesson.

“Man is she too energetic at times” Marinette sighed.

“You have no idea, I had to pry caster sugar off her at one point” She shuddered as she recalled that memory. They continued talking as they had these past weeks. If you had told the two, they would be friends when they were 10, they would’ve scoffed at you while one would say utterly ridiculous multiple times. But they had changed that. And as they made plans in Chloé’s room they found they were becoming closer, not best friends yet, but they would get there. There was no doubt Rosina was already thinking they were best friends. But what else could they expect from their new friend?

A few hours passed by before Marinette had to get going, something about her Parents needing help.

Chloé didn’t really remember what but she did know one thing.

She was alone.

In her empty room.

And no one was there.

But of course, she was used to it. Besides, she could call them later on… Wait Rosina still didn’t have a phone.

“I know. I declare for my first act of being nice, I’ll get Rosina a phone. She’ll remember the first phone so much she’ll never get rid of it.” She starts looking at phones for her friend. Which one would be the best for her, which had the best reviews, which one was the easiest for her to use considering she doubted she’s ever had one before?

“That one looks cute, ugh this is so boring, I wasn’t made to be a search engine. Ughhhhhh, I want Jean to do this, but it has to come from me… How does anyone do this? I hate my life” She dramatically flopped onto her bed; all the woes of her thumb aching fallen on Death ears.

“Is this a bad time then?”

!!!

“Ladybug! You came to help me wow you must’ve sensed it- Wait! Crisono?” She waved as Chloé stood frozen mid hug from Ladybug.

“Yep, surprise”

“No-no, I can only have Ladybug here I’ll talk to you later, but you have to go” Chloé tried to push Crisono out the balcony. She saw her jump off buildings all the time she wasn’t worried. And like hell was she going to spill her surprise.

“Wait Chloé, I came here on official hero business” She tried to reason.

“Then do it somewhere else”

“It involves you Chlo” She halted her movements.

“Me?” Ladybug took that as an indication to continue.

“Yes, Chloé, it's about your position with the Miraculous. I’m sorry I never really talked to you about it. Crisono talked to me because you felt upset” Chloé glared at Crisono, hadn’t that meant to be a private conversation? However she couldn’t stay mad for too long, she only did what she thought was right. Plus, she was a hero.

A real hero.

“Who said I was upset, I’m not upset. I don’t need to be Queen Bee anymore.” Chloé tried to put on a strong face, but anyone could see through it, it was just they didn’t seem to point it out.

“Think we can talk about it?” Ladybug felt it was weird to have this type of relationship with Chloé, after always fending off her attacks of affection, willingly coming over to the hotel seemed absurd.

So, they talked.

But really talked.

Chloé may not have been the first intended target but she was damn better than the previous one in the long haul.

“I understand Ladybug. I don’t blame you for doing the right thing, that’s why I idolise you so much. You always look out for everyone good or bad.” Chloé waved her hand dismissively even if Ladybug could tell she really wanted to be a hero.

“Chloé, listen to me. I heard about the incident with Lila at your school, and how you’ve changed since you’ve gotten two friends pointing you in the right direction, and how you're treating them fairly. You’re learning Chloé, and I’d like to help too” Ladybug pulled out a box containing something Chloé knew all too well.

“That’s-” She was about to reach out but stopped midway.

“Are you sure? I mean I know I am the best wielder of the Bee Miraculous but why now?” Ladybug smiled. Chloé always had to brag about something even at a time like this. Good, she should be confident, and not change too much to be someone she’s not.

“This will be the start of your test to continue being a hero. Crisono and I will train you to become a stronger hero. In the end, the Master will decide if you can continue or not. But there is one condition” Chloé grimaced as she could guess what it would be.

“I know, I know, I won’t reveal my identity to anyone… But, you do know I know who Crisono is right?”

“Yep she knows, I told her first and its ok. I only let my friends know” Plus Adrian she wanted to add but that would cause an argument about her being careless and this was about Chloé, not her.

“Actually, two conditions” She nodded, whatever it took to be a hero for Ladybug, no for herself. She had to prove it to herself the most before heroing.

“Because you’ve revealed yourself you must change your costume design, I was able to draw a design I think best suits you” She handed the blonde some paper, wow Chloé muttered. Her designs were on par with Marinette, maybe they drew together?

“You have to think of that design once you transform, Pollen has already seen it and knows, once you both think of it, you’ll be able to change it. And you must change your name” The two hero’s smiled.

.

.

.

“That’s actually three things”

“Chloé!”

“Alright chill” She was given the box with her Pollen pooping out. They embraced each other as it had been so long since their last meeting.

“I missed you so much” After a few minutes they began pondering name ideas, each one getting shot down by Chloé herself.

“Ugh, none of these can stand up to Queen Bee! Can’t I just be Queen Bee 2?”

“No Chloé,” Crisono was thinking intently. Scribbles of names on paper were scattered everywhere as none could satisfy the young blonde.

“Wait, what about Sovereign Stinger?” The blonde’s head perked up.

“Having a supreme rank aspect like a Queen, as well as a quality for a Bee … Well?”

“Well I guess it’ll do; I’ll keep it for now before a more efficient name matches my graces” Secretly she loved the name. It was long and was fancy, as if she’d change it, she just didn’t want to seem like she enjoyed it. Another hug ensured before Ladybug had to leave and go back, Crisono copying her.

“Remember Chloé, become a hero you want to be, continue being Chloé Bourgeois.” And they left.

“…She is getting the best phone ever”

***

Chloé was experiencing an emotion she’d never felt before.

Never in her life.

What was it?

It's definitely not because she had found the perfect phone for her friend.

Or that she had a smaller gift for her two friends as well.

Or that this would be the first gift she’s given to them; the hotel didn’t count shut up.

It most certainly wasn’t the fact they were standing in front of her after she pulled them both into an empty classroom.

It sooo wasn’t the fact that she was nervous or anything.

“Well, Chloé? What is it?” Marinette inquisitively asked, Rosina busy standing on the desks with her arms, legs straight in the air.

‘Too much energy’

“Look, Rosina, I know you don’t have a…” She muttered something the girls couldn’t figure out. Baffled for why the girl was blushing so much.

“So… I- ugh, here!” She shoved the gift into the direction of the redhead. Rosina swivelled around to sit on the desk, her Aunt told her when receiving a gift, you must sit properly, or it’ll be rude, and she didn’t want to be rude to her friends.

She pulled a rectangular box out of a pretty bag that Marinette deduced cost a bomb itself.

“A… Phone?” Rosina tilted her head, showing she was confused.

“S-So we can all keep in touch. It’s a bother having to text Marinette every time I want to tell you something so this was a better solution” Rosina would’ve hugged the girl then, but she held up her hand.

“Hold on you haven’t opened everything yet, one of them is for you D- Marinette” She caught herself, thank god.

Marinette took the bag and out came two phone charms. There were three flowers tied in a circle, one blue, one red, and one yellow. Except for the blue on one was bigger while the red remained a smaller size. The reverse effect on the other.

‘They were specifically made for us in mind?’ The bluenette concluded.

“Huh? A charm?” The Silver-eyed child guessed, it looked so pretty, she didn’t know what it was for. But she was sooo going to keep it.

“I thought they'd make the phone look better… Well?” She knew they may not like them, Chloé knew she should’ve gotten the bigger charms, but Jean said these would be better.

“Anyway, it's not like they mean anything, they came with the phone” Marinette would have given a remark back to the girl, if she hadn’t noticed the charm on said girls own phone. She was trying but still didn’t know how to say it, she could see she cared though, otherwise, what would the point in getting all three identical charms?

“Thanks so much, Chlo, I’ve never had a charm before. Thanks!” The redhead hugged the other, the blonde already used to the affection at this point pat her head.

“Yes yes, now get off you’re ruining our clothes.” She couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face.

‘Keep up the good work Chloé. I know you can do it.’ She placed her own charm on her phone.

A reminder that these were her friends.

And she was damn sure she would keep them.

***

How do you like it? I wanted to try and give Chloé a steady Redemption Arc but still with her in character, so it doesn’t seem too soon of a change for her, is this good or should she still be different about it. Also, I’m going to upload the picture separately since I think that might seem better and not as many tags.

Question, should I make some art posts for some ML characters? Like just a short story for any character you request. It will give me something to do and I can further develop a character for my story. Up to you, I just need to hone my drawing skills. I kinda forget stuff I’ve already written about, so I think I haven’t stated Rosina has a phone beside the first thing I posted but that one happens in the future.

Also is anyone interested in a final songfic? One last sone for that series to end, it would have Marinette sing the song that was on the piece of paper. Plus plenty of class salt.

Have a nice day.

[a-ratt]

Into the Mari-verse (for real this time)

Alright. Alright. Alright.

I’m back. That’s not a good thing. Maybe it is. I don’t know.

Okay, so, like, a week ago, I made a post about a WIP fanfic I was writing, but, uh, that may or may not happen idk. Anyways, I thought I might as well throw out all the notes I took and ideas and concepts I came up with, so, here goes:

The Goal:

So, when I first brainstormed this I wanted to think about how this would have to differ from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse. First things first, the main character, Marinette, is an established superhero who’s confident about herself, both in her personal and superhero life. Meanwhile, Miles Morales is a normal teenager who suddenly gets superpowers and has to learn how to be Spider-Man to save New York City.

Taking that into consideration, I had to write out a completely different arc for Marinette. From reading multiple fanfics and posts critiquing the show (credits to @zoe-oneesama @miraculouscontent and others.) I decided the best course of action would be for Marinette to work on her self-confidence. Now, here’s the thing, she’s already self-confident. At least, that’s how she’s portrayed. (Unless she’s in the same room as Adrien.) But, through reviewing the show’s canon and plotting out how characters should be growing, I decided that she’s probably got a lot of pent up emotions. Chief among them is probably anger at always being walked on and taken for granted, especially after Chameleon.

With the goal being more introspective, I was also able to validate the idea of the Mari-verse. (i.e. bringing multiple Marinettes into the same reality.) Each one has their own issue that they’re dealing with and each one helps the others with dealing with those issues.

The Marinettes:

Okay, so this is the real meat of the story. This is what everyone’s probably coming for. The base concept of Into the Mari-verse, is that multiple, alternate Marinettes converge on the same reality due to some phenomenon (I’ll explain that later.)

Anyways, the final total of Marinettes to show up in the story was five:

Ladybug!Marinette: The canon Marinette who received the Ladybug Earrings and became the Miraculous Ladybug. She has lived a rather successful life, saving Paris and getting A’s at school. Recently, she’s hit some rough terrain thanks to the return of Lila and her plot to turn her class against her. Thanks to her, Marinette has become tired and detached from her personal life; depressed, but not to an extreme.

This has led to a crisis of identity. Unlike most stories, however, she beholds her superhero alter ego, to the point that she questions her role as Marinette. Though Tikki argues that she shouldn’t neglect her personal life, Marinette cannot help but notice that people take her for granted, but they worship Ladybug.

Butterfly!Marinette: An alternate Marinette that succeeded in giving away the Ladybug Earrings to Alya in the Origins episodes. While Ladybird and Chat Noir continued to protect Paris, Marinette remained a side character. She stayed true to her values, standing up to bullies and helping others, but her she often feels guilt and experiences moments of self-loathing for pushing such a heavy burden as the duties of a superhero onto someone else; i.e. the new girl in class and her best-friend at that. Her closeness with Alya, however, has also translated into favoritism by Ladybird and Chat Noir, something Hawkmoth noticed.

During the events of Hero’s Day, Marinette was captured and used as bait, but after being freed, she helped distract Hawkmoth long enough for Team Miraculous to regroup and defeat the super villain themselves. She was taken to safety before the final fight and in the aftermath, crossed paths with an exhausted Gabriel Agreste who claimed to have been transformed into the Collector. Unbeknownst to either of them, Nuuru stole the Butterfly Brooch from Gabriel and stowed away inside of Marinette’s purse. Later that day, she discovered him. He convinced her to take up the superhero mantle once again and she became Le Monarque. Her inexperience has resulted in self-doubt and a fear of failure.

Bee!Marinette: (credited to @zoe-oneesama) An alternate Marinette that had the Ladybug Earrings stolen from her by Chloé without her ever realizing she had them. While Scarlet Lady and Chat Noir defended Paris (mostly Chat Noir), Marinette remained a resolute figure of confidence and courage among her peers. After receiving the Bee Comb, she became the Miraculous Marigold and clashed with Scarlet Lady over the role of team leader during akuma attacks. Her constant taking command of situations and pushing Scarlet Lady to the side has developed into a kind of controlling behavior, resulting in a minor issue of pride. Usually seen as the obvious leader among her peers, she rarely butts heads with anyone.

However, in Ladybug!Marinette’s reality, she butts heads with the other Marinettes over what course of actions should be taken.

Dragon!Marinette: An alternate Marinette who received the Dragon Miraculous. In a Paris that has long been protected by Ladybug and Chat Noir (in actuality, the married couple, Gabriel and Emilie Agreste), Marinette Dupain-Cheng was born with brown eyes. She adhered to her mother’s Chinese heritage, but was bullied for this. Due to this, she has developed an isolationist demeanor, veering away from social contact.

Later, in collège, Paris came under attack by the former Guardian of the Miraculous, Master Fu, who abused the powers of the Butterfly Miraculous in order to reclaim the Miraculous protected by the Agrestes. To fight him, both Ladybug and Chat Noir required aid, so they gifted Marinette, a notably resolute and resilient classmate of their son, the Dragon Miraculous, turning her into Chu Long.

Cat!Marinette: An alternate Marinette who received the Cat Ring instead of the Ladybug Earrings. Plagg’s influence developed her into a more mischievous and conniving character, often playing pranks, making jokes, and playing around. Though she retains her serious demeanor when it comes to situations demanding it, she is usually playful. (She’s basically a Meme!Marinette) However, she has an issue with self-sacrifice, believing that she must give up herself if it means she is helping others. While it is a tense issue in akuma fights, it is even worse in her personal life, with her classmates usually walking over her and bullies, such as Chloè and Lila taking advantage of her kindness.

Peacock!Marinette: An alternate Marinette that lost faith in herself. (Yeah, this is gonna take a dark turn.) Marinette has always proven to be a strong and confident character, incorruptible and resolute in her beliefs. However, she has had moments of doubt.

She holds Ladybug to an impossible standard. She must be the flawless symbol of heroism and nobility in order to be a superhero. However, is she truly worthy to be Ladybug is she’s been nearly akumatized twice? These seeds of doubt have haunted her for some time, and after the akumatization of her father because of her own emotional, irrational actions, she chooses to give up the Ladybug Earrings.

Her life took a downspiral from then on out. Her classmates abandoned her. Alya and Nino turned their backs on her. She was slowly breaking. Lila’s lies were destroying her life.

In the end, she managed to find comfort in Adrien, but when she managed to build up the courage to confess her feelings, he rebuffed them and told her about his devotion to Ladybug.

That was the last straw.

She once beheld Ladybug, but now she loathed her. While Paris praised their beloved hero, they forsook her.

Her festering negativity drew Hawkmoth’s attention, but instead of akumatizing her, he invited her to the Agreste Mansion under the guise of an internship. She was overjoyed at the prospect, but was quickly horrified to find the super villain in Gabriel Agreste’s place.

Hawkmoth manipulated her emotions, making her believe that the world had turned its back on her. He offered the damaged Peacock Miraculous to her, hoping she would claim it and work as his minion. Marinette, at the lowest point in her life, accepted.

Thus, Le Paon was born and began her reign of terror on Paris, hunting down her former friends and forcing Master Fu into hiding.

The Catalyst:

So, this is the event that actually causes the Marinettes to crossover into Ladybug!Marinette’s reality. It’s not so much of an event as it is an akuma, though.

Her name is Metadrama.

Prior to her akumatization, she lost her father to cancer. He often read her storybooks and she was fascinated with the fantastical tales. Heartbroken at this “bad ending”, she longed for a happy ending. Hawkmoth granted her the ability to search every reality for that happy ending.

In battle against Ladybug and Chat Noir, she proved a powerful opponent. Unlike most akumas, she manipulated the environment around her. Wielding paracausal and reality-warping abilities, she forced Paris to “glitch” and alternate between different versions of itself.

Her ultimate goal was to reach the Eiffel Tower and, from there, alter the entirety of Paris in search of the perfect universe where her father survived.

Ladybug and Chat Noir managed to restrain her with the former’s Lucky Charm, but realized to late that her akumatized object was not on her person, but was actually a storybook that she was using to conjure a portal.

Ladybug was able to destroy it, but was exposed to its paracausal and reality-warping energies, causing multiple Marinettes to converge on Ladybug!Marinette’s universe.

Extra Notes:

So, yeah, that’s Into the Mari-verse, or, at least the base concepts and ideas that I came up with. Thought I’d just throw this out there since I don’t know if I’m actually going to write the story. Pairings with the Marinettes are subjective until I finalize who I want with who. (Kinda gunning for a Chlonette/Kagaminette ending, though.)

Character development is based on how the Marinettes interact with each other, either clashing with or helping each other. For example, the Marinettes, looking for a way home, need Butterfly!Marinette to akumatize someone into Metadrama so they can create another portal. However, Butterfly!Marinette doesn’t know how to use her powers, or even how to be a superhero, so they spend their time teaching her. Another example is Ladybug!Marinette coming to terms with how she’s treated by her friends (i.e. Chat’s neglect of her personal space and feelings, her classmates invalidation of her feelings, and her own weariness of herself.) Over the course of the story, the other Marinettes support her and encourage her to believe in herself.

Characters outside of the Marinettes are still being worked on. I definitely want to include redemption arcs for certain characters, Chloè especially. I would like to put more spotlight on Kagami and Luka, both are characters with an incredible amount of potential. I’d like for Alya to have a moment when she comes down from her pedestal and actually apologize to Marinette for her behavior and confess her faults.

On the note of Gabriel Agreste/Hawmoth, I’m uncertain if I want to resolve the Agreste storyline. It’d be a good conclusion to have the Marinette expose his true identity, but it’d also deprive the show of its basis of Team Miraculous winning the day instead of a single character and her many selves. Also, it’d also leave out a future where Team Miraculous deals with Akumas rather than regular crime.

Anyways, thanks for reading. I hope you all enjoyed what I’ve got jotted down. If you’ve got some constructive criticism, please leave some notes. Share this around if you’d like, I’d love the promotion. It’d help me build this idea more.

Thanks again to @zoe-oneesama for letting me use Marigold in this story concept and thanks to @miraculouscontent for her amazing critique and “fixes” of ML canon.

[mcheang]

Too much kindness

Watching Chinese dramas made me angry because the villains were forgotten/forgiven and practically came back to harm the heroine.

Marinette had been watching Chinese dramas with her mother and recently, she realized something. The heroines were kind and decided to move on from the hurts their enemies gave them, before being pretty much taken offguard when their enemy striked again.

Marinette thought about her past situations. She agreed to ignore Lila and her declaration of war after Adrien’s advice. The next thing she knew, she got expelled. Even after she was readmitted, Lila practically warned her that their enmity was still there.

And no matter how much Ladybug scolded or gave Chloé second chances, the bully was as vain and mean as ever. I mean, come on, she sided with Hawkmoth. Hawkmoth!

Marinette didn’t want to be taken offguard again, of having to deal with another one of their dramas.

It was time to end their influence and power once and for all.

What were her obstacles?

Lack of influence: Damocles was weak when Chloé threatened to sic the mayor on him or Lila warned that disturbing a diplomat at the embassy was a bad idea.

Solution: Hello, she’s Ladybug. Paris’ beloved heroine. If it came to a public showdown between her and the mayor, given Chloe’s infamy, the public would side with her. And as Lila’s so-called BFF, Ladybug can easily shut down that nonsense with a little help from some celebrities who would be glad to help her. Jagged and Clara are fans of hers.

Then there was Adrien. Marinette quailed at the idea of disappointing him. She hated to do that. But if it was between his disapproval (Tikki reminded Marinette that he is still friends with the class after they celebrated Chloé moving to New York, so he’ll be fine) or another impending incident where Marinette is in trouble....ok it took a while for her to settle on the second option. But she’s crazy when it comes to Adrien.

Besides, her priority is that he like Marinette, not Ladybug. Even though she really wants him to like both aspects of her.

So even if he disapproves of Ladybug, at least he’ll still be Marinette’s friend.

And who knows, if Lila or Chloé succeed at their next round, he might hate her too! So really, the second option is better, right? (Tikki: right!)

When all the public exposure was over (basically Alya live-streamed Ladybug demanding Damocles be a proper principal and stop letting Chloé off the hook or blindly believing Lila)

Surprisingly Chat Noir was fine with Lila’s exposure and admitted he found out she faked an injury during Onii Chan’s attack.

Ladybug stared at her partner. “And you just left me with her?”

Chat’s upcoming lecture about how Chloé should be given another chance was halted at the accusation in her eyes. “It’s not like she could hurt you.”

Ladybug: she can still try to steal my earrings if I actually had to send her home. What the hell, Chat? Why didn’t you tell me this?

Chat: i didn’t want you to get any angrier with her.

Ladybug: so you’d rather I believe Lila had forgiven me when she really rather I get impaled by a sword?

Chat: i...i...

Ladybug: you know what, don’t talk to me again until you can prove you actually have my back. I don’t need a partner like you. I need someone I can actually count on.

Chat flinched.

Ladybug swung away angrily.

While Tikki tried to get Marinette to calm down and forgive Chat, she replied, “I could have died Tikki. Died. Like Joan did.”

Tikki stopped. Ok, so maybe Chat did need to think things through.

Adrien asked Plagg what he should do.

Plagg yawned. “Quit being so wishy washy. You need to pick a side and stay there.”

Adrien: but I don’t want to hurt anyone

Plagg: you think Ladybug wanted to humiliate others? She gave Chloé and Lila another chance and apologized or whatever. They didn’t learn. So she finally put her foot down.

Adrien: they would have learned, in time

Plagg: but we are at war with Hawkmoth. Chloé creating more negative emotions is not good. And neither is letting Lila grow in influence. Better to stop a problem now before it grows worse.

Adrien: there had to have been a better way.

Plagg: well, it certainly wasn’t your way. Chloé is still mean to your friends and even worked with Hawkmoth! and Lila got pigtails expelled. Do you honestly still think your way is the best way?

Adrien:...it wasn’t the right answer. But neither is Ladybug’s.

Plagg: well, we gave your way a shot. Let’s see if the bug’s way is the right answer.

Chloé had been sentenced for allying with a terrorist. She was sent to a correctional facility due to her age, but she was banned from Paris. What a scandal this caused the mayor.

Lila had been discredited and was currently grounded by her furious mother. Everyone knew her now, just not in the way she wished. She had been fired by Gabriel. And since Ladybug learned the truth from Chat, she was insistent Lila go away because she won’t risk another Chloé incident with her.

With Chloé gone, the class certainly was happier. Adrien was the exception, but Marinette reminded him he could visit Chloé. The latter asked for Adrien to help bail her out. Gabriel forbade it since associating with Chloé would ruin his image. And Chloé doesn’t help from a mangy cat.

With Lila exposed, eh life went on as normal and Adrien wasn’t sorry for her.

Akumas came and went but Ladybug treated Chat professionally.

Chat wanted her to talk to him but he was still unhappy about the Chloé situation. Plagg told him to just choose a side already. He was miserable when all his friends were happy.

Plagg: why do you care about Chloé anyway? If you were just a normal boy, she wouldn’t even look at you. She only befriended you because of your father, hence why you were worthy of her friendship.

It struck home. After all the insults Chloé threw Chat’s way, this question finally hit true.

Adrien began to doubt his friendship with Chloé. And it was enough for him to choose a side.

Chat called Ladybug and explained that he was upset with her charges against Chloé but he trusted her and will support her even if he doesn’t agree entirely with her decision.

Ladybug raised a brow. “It’s a start.”

And Ladybug’s plan was a success. Chloé and Lila were no longer around to cause trouble for her. They were being punished until they learned to correct their ways.

When Gabriel was suspected after the theory of “what if Hawkmoth can akumatize himself?” came up, Plagg reminded Adrien to choose a side. If his father is really Hawkmoth, can Ladybug count on him?

When faced with this fact, Adrien admitted he could not. He has personal feelings about this and he can’t be biased.

Plagg: does that mean you’ll hinder her investigation?

Adrien paused. If he did, and if his father was Hawkmoth, would he be aiding a terrorist?

No.

Personal feelings aside, Adrien does have morals. He cannot condone what Hawkmoth has done.

Conviction renewed, Chat joins Ladybug’s investigation with zeal. He wants to put his all into this investigation because if his father is really Hawkmoth, Adrien hopes to stop him from committing any more heinous acts, and save his father from himself.

[mcheang]

Dangerous fan club

what would happen if Marinette had a possessive fan club. Inspired by the K-Pop Confidential and Shine, and celebrity couple forums. Remember this is fiction!

In this fic, Marinette is a teenage transfer student. She had been in Paris for two years already after she quit her acting job in China.

She had been famous as China’s flower. Her Chinese name Cheng Hua was well known.

Marinette had been acting since she was a baby in what had become a classic family drama. (Think Olsen twins in Full House)

Then she starred on horror shows and musical films.

Then costumed dramas and detective shows.

In short, Marinette started in pretty much every kind of genre there is and became very popular in Asia.

But Marinette didn’t want to be an actress forever. Especially when she couldn’t even have a boyfriend without fans harassing him.

Upset, Hua announced her retirement and went into hiding.

As Marinette, she relished her privacy and freedom.

Until that incident of being caught with Adrien on a date went viral.

The people in Asia instantly recognized her and her fan club absolutely denied her dating some pretty boy, claiming she was too good for him.

The commotion was enough for Marinette’s identity as Hua to be revealed. Though her class took it in stride. Chloé was in denial Dupain-Cheng was a celebrity.

Marinette’s social accounts suddenly boomed with followers and likes, commissions overflowed her. Many Hua fans wanted an MDC original.

Marinette wanted to cry. She couldn’t accept all those commissions. It was too much work. Also, she wanted her talent to speak for itself, not her fame!

By the time, Lila had returned, Marinette’s um...more extreme fans had actually moved to Paris, a few even transferred to Dupont.

Wary of antagonizing Marinette directly, Lila decides to make use of her fan club.

When they spy on Marinette and realize she and Adrien are sitting side by side. There is a huge uproar on social media.

Gabriel’s profits are actually sinking because of Hua’s fan club insisting his designs be boycotted and receiving hate reviews.

Gabriel considers akumatizing the fans but they would likely want to kill his son; so no chance. He demands a restraining order against Marinette. But Nathalie advises against it as it would appear he blames Marinette, and her fans would defend her again.

So Gabriel coldly asks she and Adrien avoid each other because her fan club is ruining business and tarnishing his son’s image.

Marinette is upset. Her past fame is ruining her love life too. What she wants is to be a normal girl, and hopefully a designer who made her way to the top based on creativity rather than fame.

But what can she do?

A few days later, Marinette makes a post to respect her privacy and clarifies that while Adrien is handsome, he is just her friend. She also asks her fans to be respectful given that Paris is under the threat of akumatization. Spreading hateful comments is never the answer.

Some fans actually resolve to find Hawkmoth after this. And they suspect Gabriel Agreste.

Ladybug dismisses their theory because they already dislike Adrien. An akuma who accuses her of not listening forces her to relook at their old suspect.

Ladybug asks to investigate Agreste manor so they can clear the air once and for all.

While Gabriel agrees, confident she can’t find anything. Ladybug summons a lucky charm to prove to Hua’s demanding fan club that she is even using her powers to aid the investigation. The lucky charm is a mini portrait and yes it leads her to find the hidden hideout.

Gabriel is arrested and the fans are thrilled to be able to attack Adrien again but Adrien reveals he is Chat Noir, and since they all know how in love with Ladubug he is, they move on.

Somehow Hua’s fans manage to get details of her class life by asking her classmates or just scouting their social accounts. They are happy Hua is seen as a cheerful and talented girl, albeit clumsy.

As for Lila, one fan overheard Marinette say how she can’t stand her to Alya. Leads to massive search about her background.

Lila’s lies are exposed in the Ladybug comments.

Lila is harassed on social media. Not just by Hua’s fans; but anyone who heard her crimes.

Lila is sent away from Paris and isolated to get away from the hate. And yes, she is also sentenced to a correctional facility.

Chloe was discovered to be Hua’s bully and made her life miserable. The difference between her and Lila is that she is used to hateful comments. Hello, she is a bully. But Hua’s fans are super determined. If her parents won’t punish her or if the staff are too scared of her father, they’ll pretty much ramp up the criticisms on her parents, boycott Audrey’s magazine, and even send messages to the president of France asking how he could stand by while the daughter of the mayor of Paris causes akumas without remorse.

Let’s just say Mayor Bourgeois has a headache and Audrey is throwing a fit that her magazine sales are plummeting because her daughter’s attitude has become a worldwide scandal.

They send her to boarding school to be a proper lady.

Marinette wonders how she can save her love life.

She already decided on a limited supply of commissions she would accept.

But love...she doesn’t dare to even see Luka perform.

Trixx has the solution. He can cast a spell over Marinette so that her fans will only see a different appearance.

Soon, there is a case of where Hua has hidden to this time. But Marinette finally has her life back.

[mcheang]

A fashionable costume

This is a draft

For a Halloween Party, DC will be holding a masque and finally unveiling herself. Whoever guesses her in her costume will get a free commission.

Celebrities are invited, especially Jagged Stone, Clara Nightingale, and Audrey Bourgeois, the only people who knows her identity.

Regular invited clients of DC include Diana Prince, Tim Drake-Wayne, and Lois Lane.

Lila is thrilled to be attending the Halloween masquerade. She preens and pretends to be nice to Marinette, offering to mention her name to DC.

Marinette scowls at Lila and curtly declines.

Alya thinks Marinette is jealous that Lila will get to attend and she doesn’t. She suggests a girls’ night watching the Halloween masque on tv. But Marinette refuses.

DC wears a mummy dress.

Lila knows better than to pretend to be the star designer of the party but that doesn’t stop her from trying to schmoozing up to the celebrities.

Lila tries to tell Lois Lane about the Ladyblog, knowing that her own interviews are there. But while Lois admires Alya’s ability to capture footage, she is dismissive of anything that actually tries to identify the heroine’s identity. Not only is it dangerous to the hero, but the Ladyblogger doesn’t really think things through when digging into Ladybug’s private life. She believed Chloé was Ladybug, of all people. Unless there was actual proof, it was best to take the Ladyblog with a grain of salt.

Clara is easily identifiable with her rhymes and constant motion. She exudes excitement and joy over DC’s unmasking because she is such a darling girl to work with. Lila tries to claim she knows DC too but Audrey overhears and scorns that DC would never tell such a chatterbox with bad hair. Considering she is masked, Lila accuses Audrey of being jealous.

Audrey: me, jealous of the likes of you? Haha! I have never heard anything so ridiculous in my life. Such utter ridiculousness! Haha!

Lila is now praying Audrey doesn’t recognise her and tells Gabriel to fire her.

Diana and Tim have already identified Lila as a lying wannabe and decide to ignore her if she decides to talk to them. Luckily she doesn’t recognise them and chooses not to.

Adrien is happy Kagami is present and has a friend to talk to instead of being stuck with Lila. Kagami admits her own surprise at the invite despite having ordered some clothes from DC before.

Time for the unmasking.

As everyone takes off their masks, their eyes are fixed on the mummy girl onstage. Seriously that dress could be worn outside of Halloween too!

Marinette smiles at the crowd, her blue hair held back with a gold crown. She thanks them all for their support.

As Lois starts the questions, the girls from class are gaping at their tv screen. Ok, so maybe Marinette wasn’t jealous after all.

Lois: How did you get to where you are now?

Marinette: i have Jagged to thank for that. He kept recommending me to his friends. And when Clara told Audrey I had designed her tour costumes, she asked me to be her apprentice in Paris. I said yes. Audrey Bourgeois has been such a great mentor. She doesn’t cut corners and gets right down to the heart of the matter. And of course it helps to have such loyal clients.

Lois: Why all the secrecy?

Marinette: let’s just say I know a girl who likes to lie and make herself look good. We don’t get along and she likes to frame me for things I didn’t do. I would not put it past her to try to sabotage my career before it even started.

Lois: Frame you?

Marinette took this chance to clear her name, knowing some people in school were still suspicious about her. Honestly they had a grand parade for her expulsion but her réadmission was practically hush hush.

Marinette: yes, apparently I cheated on a test because the answer key was stolen right after I handed my test sheet in. A necklace planted in my unlocked locker automatically means that I had stolen it. And of course, I pushed the liar down the stairs when she has absolute no bruises or scars.

Lois paused. “People actually believed her?”

Marinette: they’ll believe her if she tells them Jagged has a kitten and a napkin ball can gouge out an eye.

Jagged: wait, seriously, they believed that?

Marinette: apparently you wrote a song in gratitude for saving your kitten at the airport tarmac.

Jagged: but I don’t even own a cat.

Marinette: i know, right?

Diana: where did you get your inspiration for your designs.

Marinette: all around me. I once got an idea for a recyclable paper gown from my own notebook.

Tim: what will you do now that you have unmasked yourself?

Marinette: I’m still going to take things slow. I’m still in school after all. But you can expect to see my next line at Fashion week!

Excited murmurs ripple through the crowd.

As Adrien and Kagami congratulate Marinette, Lila is seething. She was outed on television. Sure Marinette didn’t mention her name but everyone in school would know she was referring to Lila.

But what to do? Causing a scene would be a bad idea. Especially with celebrities like Audrey and Jagged on her side.

Hope for an akuma? Not enough negative emotion apparently.

In private, Nathalie fired Lila. Apparently her guile was exaggerated if her classmates were just gullible.

Lila was furious enough to attract an akuma. Unfortunately Chat Noir and Ladybug were expecting that.

Adrien spotted the akuma first. Kagami swiftly threw a cup over the butterfly, trapping it. Security took the butterfly away.

Great, now Hawkmoth can’t akumatize someone until this akuma was freed or killed or purified.

Oh and soon after the unmasking, Diana was announced the winner of the contest. She had quickly recognized the aura of Tikki around DC. Diana asked why Marinette chose to expose her nemesis in public like that.

Marinette: because people need to wake up to the truth, your highness. You of all people should know that. Besides, it’s not like I haven’t tried to expose her dozens of times before or gave any names to the media.

And wake up they certainly did. The live broadcast of the defects of Dupont set the school board on Damocles and Bustier. A public apology was given to Marinette.

While the class were not publicly outed for their gullibility, they certainly felt the shame of it. How could they be so easily fooled?

Lila was expelled from Dupont and curious DC fans also blamed her mother for being ignorant of Paris heroes.

[mcheang]

When Lila is exposed, everyone gets mad at Adrien & asks why he didn’t help Marinette. Adrien replies, “Bc Mari is strong & amazing there’s nothing she can’t handle her life is perfect there’s no way she’d get akumatized, & Lila’s obviously weak and emotionally unstable, she lies all the time bc she’s unhappy with herself, she’s clearly insecure & feels she’s not good enough, so I felt sorry for her.” Basically he tells the whole class that Marinette is a super woman & Lila is a train wreck, that Marinette has everything a girl could want & all Lila has is her petty lies. Mari doesn’t know whether to be offended or honored by his putting her up on a pedestal, & Lila now wants to murder him.

Let me at him!

This is a draft because I have no idea how to end it

It was a rare collaboration of the bee and fox working together to expose Lila.

Bustier was too used to letting Chloé do her own thing and so let her interrupt her class with an impromptu PowerPoint presentation full of interviews Alya had scored.

When the video was done, ending with a recommendation that everyone apologized to Marinette, Alya asks Adrien why he didn’t expose Lila himself?

This enragés the class but Chloé isn’t happy with him either. He had let her be lied to by that harpy. What kind of friend does that?

Adrien defends himself. Apparently, to him, Lila is a rich lonely girl who wanted to impress their already impressive class. But because she had nothing impressive to brag about, her travels notwithstanding, she had to make stuff up. Who was he to expose her for being average? Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But Lila is just so sensitive that she is like akuma bait.

Lila, preciously recoiling against her seat in fear, is now glaring daggers at Adrien. Pretty boy say what?

Alya: oh, so raising our hopes and letting them fall to pieces, as well as letting Marinette’s reputation be slandered isn’t akuma worthy!

Adrien: you all have talent to get by, you would have moved on and tried again. And Marinette is our Everyday Ladybug, she can’t be akumatized.

Marinette was torn about that. While it was flattering that he thought her to be akuma immune, she wasn’t and she needs support too.

Alix: she’s human, you idiot! Not a robot, but a human girl who has feelings.

Markov: ahem!

Alix: Sorry, Markov. She is not made of stone, Agreste!

Adrien: and yet no matter how much Chloé bullies her, how many times she worries, she has never once been akumatized. She even comes out the most successful of us with her business and school reputation.

Chloé: Adrien, (wow...no Adrikins), let me put it this way. You are our Everyday sunshine child. How would you feel if everyone left you alone to deal with your father. You have no friends left and you have to deal with a lot of pressure. But everyone doesn’t care because you are the sunshine boy of Paris, and Hawkmoth has never targeted you before?

Adrien: what a horrible scenario. That will never happen.

Ivan: it might happen with your attitude.

Rose: you left Marinette alone to deal with the potential scenario. Even if she is good at resisting akumas, she would have felt lonely. You of all people should understand that!

Adrien: but you didn’t abandon her, did you? This way no one in class would be left alone. But if I had exposed Lila, then she would be friendless. I mean, sure she would eventually move to another country, but to be friendless for any period of time is just sad.

Lila: better to be friendless than to be friends with the likes of you! One word, Agreste: tact!

Nino sighs: Dude, you are so clueless.

Kim: and not a very reliable friend.

Pretty much everyone but Adrien agrees on that.

Adrien: but-!

Alya: I vote we let Adrien have a taste of his own medicine and ignore him when he is being taken advantage of. Because frankly, he still doesn’t get it!

Chloé: first hand experience would do the trick, but we are trying to avoid an akuma.

Alya: as said before, he’s akuma résistant. He’ll be fine.

Adrien: but-

Lunch bell rings and the class exits, leaving Adrien alone to go home and Ms Bustier watching the show.

Ms Bustier: you should learn from this Adrien.

Adrien: but what did I do wrong?

Don’t worry. Adrien wasn’t alone. Wayhem filled in Nino’s position. Unfortunately Wayhem’s présence also included other fans of Adrien. It was an uncomfortable time for Adrien to be treated like a celebrity rather than a friend. He felt lonely.

But once the fans got used to Adrien and found hanging out with him kind of crowded and really not worth the mileage since Adrien would only be there for a half hour at best. They moved on.

Adrien was disappointed but already knew they were fans, not friends. But when would his real friends talk to him again?

Ironically it was Gabriel who pointed out that his son was wrong for enabling a liar and putting all that pressure on Marinette. He only noticed once Nathalie reported Adrien’s declining popularity.

Adrien had an innocent mind but he hated disappointing his father and promised to do better. He apologized to his class and promised he learned his lesson to always expose lies and never to leave them to face hardships alone.

The class was doubtful he really understood the lesson but why not give him a second chance?

[mcheang]

Idea: After Onii-chan, Lila (somehow, not sure on the details) contacts Chat Noir. To his shock, Lila is proposing an... alliance? Well, Chat Noir knows that Lila lied during the Akuma attack to make sure Ladybug had to fight the Akuma alone, risking her losing her Miraculous or even dying. But he hasn't done anything or told anyone. To Lila, this must mean that Chat Noir also secretly hates Ladybug and wants to take her down. And in that case, they'll have a much easier job if they join forces.

Silent ally

This is a draft

To no one’s surprise, the dutiful fireman reported the incident to anyone who would ask and then some. People questioned why Lila would feign an injury and risk hurting Ladybug.

And yes, the police and media were interested too. Lila quickly claimed that it was just a sprain. She had panicked and exaggerated.

But Lila got to thinking, Chat Noir obviously knew she was lying, so why hadn’t he ratted her out? That was why she came up with the panic excuse. She had been expecting Ladybug and Chat Noir to expose her of working with a terrorist.

Only...Chat never told Ladybug Lila had lied, just to be careful around Lila. Some partner.

Lila grinned. This could work to her advantage if Chat Noir wasn’t the trusty sidekick he appeared to be.

And really, it wasn’t hard to guess the possible reasons behind his hatred of Ladybug. The constant rejection. Being shunted to the side as the unlucky cat while Ladybug got the glory as the saviour.

Lila does not know what Chat plans to do with Ladybug’s defeat, maybe steal the miraculous for himself or go solo?

Who cares? They both want Ladybug defeated. And it would be better to work together. Chat had Ladybug’s ear while Lila had her silver tongue and could work from the shadows.

But how to arrange a meeting? Obviously anything in public would draw Ladybug’s suspicions. But Lila does know that unlike Ladybug, Chat has sensitive hearing.

One night on patrol, Lila feigned to be in trouble. Sure enough, the cat appeared, confident he can handle petty thievery singlehandedly.

Instead he found Lila waiting for him, perfectly unharmed.

“What do you want?” he asked flatly.

“A truce, if you will,” Lila replied.

“Yeah, right. I trust you about as much as I trust Hawkmoth.”

“Oh quit the high horse already. I don’t want to spend all night out here,” Lila was impatient. Chat couldn’t be gone for long or Ladybug would get concerned.

Chat was outraged. “Excuse you!”

Lila laughed. “Please. Like you’re one to talk about trust...when you betray your own lady. When you betray Paris.”

Chat: i have done no such thing!

Lila: really? You knew I was sabotaging Ladybug. That was enough evidence to accuse me of working with Hawkmoth. But you didn’t warn Ladybug, let alone warn all of Paris.

Chat: ...i...was distracted at the time.

Lila: of course. That fencer was saved and you were more concerned about sending her home that you left Ladybug alone with me.

Chat: i warned her about you.

Lila: some warning.

Lila took Chat’s unease to be based on her catching him in the act, when really, Chat was shocked by the truth of her words. Why didn’t he expose Lila?

Lila: don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone that Chat Noir helped an enemy of Ladybug.

Chat paled at the implication. Lila thought he was worried she would ruin him.

Chat: you’re speaking nonsense! And you’re wasting my time.

Before Chat turned to leave, Lila called after him, “Just think about it. I could help you be the victor for once.”

Back at his mansion, Adrien was silent. What Lila said struck true. He knew she was the enemy, so why hadn’t he exposed her?

Plagg tried to comfort him.

“You aren’t the kind of hero who confronts people when they are civilians.”

Adrien: what do you mean?

Plagg: you are still friends with bully blondie. You never stand up to your father despite his child abuse. And you never tried to expose Lila despite letting her fool everyone else. You always give the excuse that there is good deep inside them. Even when faced with how cruel they can be, you cling to that hope or sentimentality. You are optimistic that they can become good.

Adrien: but I’m wrong, aren’t I?

Plagg: pretty much.

Adrien: why didn’t you tell me to expose Lila earlier?

Plagg: she snooped around your room, got your secretary and bodyguard in trouble, somehow stole fencer girl’s number and sent her that photo to provoke her, sabotaged your battle, and you thought to punish her for all that by putting her on probation for friendship. I know that whenever things go bad, you always insist on doing that. No matter what I say, you always think of giving people a second chance.

Adrien: tell me what to do, and I’ll listen this time.

Plagg: seriously??? Tell Ladybug! If you’re not going to expose Lila to the police, at least tell your partner Lila is not genuine about being friends!

Adrien: right.

Needless to say, Ladybug was not happy Chat neglected to tell her this important fact. His trustworthiness is definitely doubtful now. But Chat is eager to redeem himself.

It’s simple, Chat would pretend to work with Lila to humiliate Ladybug so he could save the day. All he had to do was record how she had purposefully sabotaged their fight before they could report to the police.

The police took this report seriously and decided to investigate Lila Rossi. Roger asks Sabrina about Lila. Her tales do not match up with what they know about Lila.

Late at night, the police arrive at Rossi residence to arrest Lila for working with Hawkmoth. Mrs Rossi protests them taking the word of an incompetent hero. As the police correct her, Lila is handcuffed and dragged to the police car. She tries to run away and struggles, claiming they have the wrong girl, but Roger informs that they have evidence of Lila confessing her crimes and have witnesses. With all the lies Lila has told, no one would believe her and it is best that she remain silent.

Chat promises to do better.

Adrien actually renounces friendship with Chloé out of the blue. He even demands his rights or he quits being a model! What would his fans say if they knew Gabriel was blackmailing him for his freedom?

[miracul0us-multishipper]

Welcome to the back (Part 9)

First Chapter Previous Chapter Next Chapter

- - -

I know, I said the next Chapter would go up on Monday but it’s getting really long and I had to split it up. Also, I really wanted you to know how Sentiquill’s costume looks like, I spent hours mulling over that! (When I say he’s wearing tails, I mean the evening dress. Does the English language seriously not have a better word for that?!) So here’s the first part, three days earlier than planned:

- - -

Marinette had been witness to more Akuma’s than she could count. As Ladybug, she had a place in the first row guaranteed. She‘d never seen the transformation itself, but the outcome was always the same: disaster, and a villain she had to defeat. Akumas consisted of negative emotion blown to their extreme, concentrated until the person underneath all but vanished. They weren’t the people they had been anymore. These people were simply the host of what had possessed them. As far as she knew, there was no way to stop it once it had begun.

She clung to Felix anyway. Logic and reason didn’t matter anymore, only that this was her friend, her most trusted confidant, and she couldn’t lose him.

“Don’t listen to him!”, she begged and buried her face in the curve of his neck. He was trembling, his eyes unfocused. “Please, don’t listen to him!”

Her fault, this was her fault! He’d been fine just seconds ago, but she just couldn’t keep her mouth shut, could she?

“I’m fine, you see? We don’t need him, we can d-do this on our own!”

A sob escaped her and she tightened her grip, as if she could keep him here with sheer strength alone.

“Please, Felix, stay with me!”

His arms closed around her, and a quivering “Yes” tumbled from his lips. A cold feeling washed over her.

She pressed her eyes shut, imagining it had worked. She’d succeeded. The Akuma had given up, and when she opened her eyes, it would be Felix’ cool grey eyes she’d look into. It would be his voice that told her not to worry, it would be him.

“Marinette.”

She stiffened and took a shaky breath. He still smelled the same. Of ink and fresh paper and coffee. It was easy to pretend nothing had happened.

“Please, look at me.”

She shook her head and Felix sighed. His hands grasped her shoulders and he freed himself from her - supposedly - iron grip to stand up. Even though he made sure to be gentle, the superhuman strength in his arms was still palpable and only confirmed her fears. When she looked at him, she knew she had lost.

“Felix”, she breathed hopelessly.

But it wasn’t Felix, was it? His skin was even paler than before, almost paper white. An inky black mask covered the skin around his ruby red eyes, and his usually combed back hair framed his face freely. She’d never noticed how long it actually was.

A red beret sat on his head, it’s brim decorated with feathers. It was the same color as the uniform jacket that hugged his torso, reminiscent of the British Royal guards. On second look though, it looked like he was wearing tails.

The arms ended in white cuffs that looked more like the nibs of a fountain pen than uniform cuffs.

And in the hand that had held his pen - this goddamn pen - he held a huge... something. It’s hilt was formed like the nib of a quill, and it’s blade looked like a feather, complete with a hollow shaft, downy barbs... There was no use talking around it.

It was a sword. A giant sword. A very sharp looking sword as well.

Oh fuck.

“Sentiquill.”, he introduced himself. Or maybe he was correcting how she’d called him earlier. “Don’t be afraid.” Says the guy with the giant weapon! “It will be alright, now.”

The same words he had used to comfort her earlier now filled her with dread.

“I’m sorry!”, she blurted out. “I’m so sorry! Please, just turn... turn back. We can expose Lila on our own, I’ll think of something! A really good revenge plan, with all kinds of strategies a-and traps!”

Fe- Sentiquill smiled and shook his head.

“I’m not out for revenge. I couldn’t care less about Lila.”

Was that a good thing? Or something even worse?

“Marinette, you mean so much to me.”, he said softly and kneeled down in front of her, since she was still sitting on the ground. “More than you know. Why would I care about something as petty as revenge when I could use my power to protect you? To...”, he pulled a grimace at the pun, “...stand sentinel over you?”

That sounded too good to be true. Too pacifist. She knew Hawkmoth, and he would never create an Akuma with this mindset.

No.

He twisted his victims motivations until they fit his own goals. They were means to an end, and that end surely wasn’t Marinette’s safety.

“And how do you want to do that?”, she whispered, almost afraid to ask. The grimness in his face said everything.

“You’ll go after them.”, she derived. “You’re going to hurt my friends.”

“They’re not your friends!”, he spat and jumped up. “They failed you, betrayed you! But this was the last time they made that mistake, I’ll make sure of that.”

His face turned pleading.

“They have to be punished. For you! So you won’t be hurt anymore.”

His eyes were eerily red, but the look in his eyes was sincere. Genuine conviction that he was doing the right thing.

“You don’t have to worry about a thing, Marinette. Just... just stay here and let me take care of everything. And after that, we can do whatever we want! Wait here. Okay?”

No. I am Ladybug, and I have to stop you.

But first, she needed to transform, and that required solitude. So she nodded. As soon as he was gone, she’d run away and hide to change into her spotted costume.

But Felix knew her too well. And that meant, Sentiquill did too. The look on his face made clear that he saw right through her.

“Of course you won’t.”, he sighed. “You’re you, after all.”

He raised his sword and Marinette backed away. They were in the corner of the yard, behind the stairs. Right above them was the walkway to the classrooms on the second floor, if she managed to dodge the first blow, she could run up and-

Before she could fully form a plan, Sentiquill’s sword was between them. But... he didn’t strike her. Instead, he pointed the tip of the hilt - the one that was formed like a nib - at himself until it rested directly on his chest. Black swirls of color appeared on his body, spreading over his jacket as if they were being sucked into the sword.

“I’m scared of becoming like my father.”, he admitted out of the blue and the ink like darkness intensified as it filled the hollow shaft of his quill. “I hate loud voices because he used to yell so much. Being around people drains me and I’m more ashamed for that than I’d like to admit. I’m afraid you won’t want to be around me anymore if I tell you how I really feel.”

The ink only filled up a quarter of the length of his sword, but it seemed to be enough. He lowered the sword again and the black swirls vanished from his body like smoke.

“What... What are you doing?”, she asked and took another step back. Why had he told her this? And what was it about the ink that had appeared out of nowhere?

“Don’t worry, Marinette.”, he said gently as he raised the blade again. “I’ll come back for you as soon as I’m done. I promise.”

With that, the quill sliced through the air and released the ink it had gathered in a powerful torrent. She screamed, but the black fluid didn’t seem to be bound by any law of physics. It spread through the air weightlessly and formed an opaque barrier between her and Sentiquill; a wall that surrounded her like a prison. She jumped up and tried to escape, but as soon as the ink had reached its intended shape, it dried and solidified.

“It won’t be for long!”, Sentiquill’s voice promised from the other side of the wall. She couldn’t see him, couldn’t see anything. The only source of light was the opening of her cylindrical prison, at least three meters above her head.

“No, wait!”, she shouted back. “Don’t go! We can... We can find another way. Come on, don’t leave me here!”

There was only silence from the other side. Then:

“I’m sorry.”

His footsteps receded quickly, likely towards their classroom. Lessons must have begun at least fifteen minutes ago, everybody would be in there. She had to do something!

“I messed up, Tikki!”, she whispered horrified when her Kwami zoomed out of her purse. “It all happened so fast, I-I couldn’t react.”

“This is not your fault!”, Tikki hurried to assure her. “You’ve had enough troubles to begin with. Right now, we need to take care of this particular trouble.”

The tiny creature smiled and patted Marinette’s shoulder.

“We’ll talk about Adrien later. Let’s just hope Chat Noir arrives soon and get to work!”

She nodded. She’d get her best friend back, and if she had to claw him out of Hawkmoth’s cold, dead hands - then so be it!

“Tikki, Spots on!”

-

Alya yawned. She loved Madame Bustier’s lessons, she really did. And she wanted to pay attention. But she was simply so tired! Staying up late again probably hadn’t been a good idea, but if Lila needed her help... the poor girl had so many problems to deal with already, it was only right to do some of her homework for her. And it was not like Lila was simply foisting her work off on her, like Chloé used to do with Sabrina. Nah, Alya had offered it herself when Lila had told her how busy she was organizing the Journalism Junior contest. In return, she’d promised to talk to the hosts about Alya’s report, and she’d even given her another interview.

It was the right thing to help Lila out. But god, it sure got draining after a while.

She looked up when Nino elbowed her lightly.

“You okay?”, he mouthed quietly and she gave him a wobbly smile.

“Yeah, just tired.”

They’d barely had the time to talk, the past weeks. Not that Alya didn’t want to! But every time she tried, something got in the way. Either an Akuma, her blog, Lila’s stories or the ongoing drama between Felix and Lila... there just wasn’t a calm second anymore. And now...

She looked to the back, where Marinette and Felix usually sat. Felix had stormed off after he had yelled at Lila some more - this guy had nerves! - and she didn’t care whether he returned or not.

But where was Marinette?

Her girl had acted so weirdly since she sat in the back. No, ever since Lila had arrived! Alya just didn’t get it. Marinette was awesome, and so was Lila. If that girl would just get over her jealousy, she’d see that too. And damn, someone with Marinette’s talents combined with Lila’s contacts and experience... They’d be a power duo! And they could all hang out at once, which would make Alya’s time management a lot easier. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been alone with Marinette.

A groan formed in her throat. She was still mad Marinette would choose Felix over her, Alya, first with the seating and then this morning. But... god, she missed her.

Sure, Marinette’s chaotic, clumsy and bubbly personality were a handful from time to time. Lila was right about that. But it was also what made her so charming! She was always genuine, naturally positive and her dramatic humor was just endearing. Being around her always made Alya lighten up, stop her brain for a moment to just... be. Have fun a little. Get down from all her passions and work.

Yep. She really missed that. The more she thought about it, the more absurd Lila’s theory sounded. Marinette wasn’t turning into a bully. It just... wasn’t in her nature. And once everything had settled down a bit, Lila would see that too. Not that she was accusing Marinette of anything. She was just concerned.

“Adrien”, she hissed under her breath, not capable of staying quiet for any longer. The blonde turned around, careful that Mme Bustier didn’t notice. “Where’s Marinette?”

His face darkened all of a sudden, which was so unusual for sunshine boy that Alya had to take off her glasses to clean them for a second. Adrien merely shrugged and turned around, which Lila didn’t miss. She scribbled something on a note and gave it to Alya.

Marinette confessed and got rejected by Adrien, that’s why she’s not here. Poor girl!, it said. Alya gasped. Oh no! Why would Marinette confess all of a sudden when she hadn’t even been on a proper date with him yet? And why hadn’t she told her best friend? Jeez, she was probably heartbroken right now...

She sighed.

Alya might be biased in Marinette’s favor, but she knew that Adrien wasn’t obligated to return her feelings. Still. This sucked.

As soon as she saw her, Alya would tell Marinette to forget Adrien. Wait, no, that was probably too direct. Maybe... gently nudge her away from Adrien? Towards Nathaniel maybe, he was cute! Or that Luka she had told her about? She’d have to be discreet about it, so she wouldn’t upset her any further. Maybe-

A loud crash ripped her out of her thoughts. The door to the classroom was ripped out of its hinges and thrown at the opposite side of the room; her classmates screamed. Alya jumped and hurried out of her seat, pulling Nino and Lila with her to the back. It had been so many attacks the past year, at this point she knew exactly what to do.

“Akuma!”, she warned the class with a shout, just when a tall figure entered the room. Despite the mask, the strange color scheme and the guard-like evening dress it was absolutely clear who he was. Felix’ stern look was unmistakable.

“I apologize for the late arrival.”, he deadpanned and raised what looked like an oversized quill. “But Agreste caused a lot of trouble that I will have to correct.”

Adrien? Trouble? Was he referring to Marinette’s rejected confession? Her eyes widened. Marinette! Had she been with Felix when he was akumatized? Had he hurt her?!

She forced herself to breathe. No, she had to be safe. Felix might be a prick, but everyone could see he had a soft spot for the cheerful designer. She couldn’t exactly fault him for that.

His eery red gaze roamed over the students that had fled to the back and fixed on Lila, who swallowed hard. Alya paled when his face contorted into a malicious grin.

“I think I’ll start with you!”

He pounced and time seemed to slow down. Logic told her to stand back, to escape. What if Ladybug needed Rena Rouge? She couldn’t afford to get taken out of commission! But the emotional side of her mind screamed Lila and Friend and Protect. So she stepped forwards and gave Lila a shove out of the way. Felix’ sword hit Alya instead, directly in the chest. An icy sensation washed over her as the rest of the class watched in horror. But to her surprise, it wasn’t the blade that had stabbed her, but the nib-like hilt. She didn’t feel any pain. Just numbing, terrifying coldness.

“How sweet, a volunteer!”, he mocked her and she trembled. A vague, undirected fear rose in her chest and formed a lump in her throat.

“Felix”, she whimpered, surprised by her own, scared voice. He shook his head.

“It’s Sentiquill. Now how about you show your friends what dark places you hide from them?”

His face darkened.

“Not that you know much about friendship. Why would you abandon Marinette for someone like Rossi?”

She didn’t plan to answer, wanted to scream at him to buzz off, but her mouth didn’t comply her.

“I feel so boring next to Lila’s adventures, so small.”

What?! No, no, no! She didn’t mean to say that!

But she couldn’t stop, not even as black swirls of ink appeared around her, aiming for the sword. She felt as if her greatest fears and demons were sucked out into the open.

“I’m scared to be forgotten, to never reach my dreams. But Lila helps me with that.”

Lila hid behind Madame Bustier, eyeing the door. Was she searching for an escape? Wasn’t she interested in what Alya was forced to admit?

No, of course not. Alya wasn’t important, after all. Just some girl that clung to Lila. She was no one.

“Is that why you leave Marinette to herself?”, Sentiquill snarled gleefully. “Because you’re a pathetic nobody?”

“Marinette thinks Lila is lying. She’s acting so aggressive all the time.”, Alya was forced to say. Sentiquill leaned in, as if he planned to whisper. But when he spoke, it was loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Let me tell you a secret, Césaire. Lila is lying, and you are wrong.”

The darkness around her amplified as she looked at him in horror. If she’d been in her right mind, she could have denied his words easily. But whatever spell he had her under made her vulnerable to his influence, as if he were forcing the words directly into her brain, making her doubt herself.

“But she’s done so much for me and my blog.”, Alya whispered shakily, trying to fight his magic. “If she lied, all of that would be for nothing. She can’t be lying. She can’t.”

He lowered his sword and Alya broke down, feeling empty. She was no one, she was useless. She had given up everything for a lie. She was a monster to the people she cared about. What had she done?

Her muscles didn’t work, her body didn’t obey her as she fell to her knees, hugging herself. She couldn’t move. Guilt and terror weighing her down like chains.

The only thing she could do was watch as Sentiquill raised his sword, it’s hollow shaft filled halfway up with the ink he’d created from her confessions. A single strike released enough of it to block the door, trapping everyone inside. Everyone? No, Adrien wasn’t here anymore. Must have slipped out when the rest of the class had been frozen in terror. Maybe he’d get help.

Not that she deserved it.

With dull eyes she watched the Akuma walk towards Lila, raising his blade again. This time it was Mme Bustier that sacrificed herself.

“I don’t know how to handle conflict. I don’t care enough to learn.”, he dragged one secret after the other out of her. “I try to make my students clear trouble out themselves because I’m scared they won’t like me anymore if I get too strict.”

Alya heard her, but didn’t really understand her words. The pain in her head was too great, the hopelessness in her stomach too heavy. Only when Lila hid behind Nino - brave, kind Nino - as Sentiquill went after her again she managed to look up.

He’d attack her boyfriend next.

He’d make him just as miserable as her.

She couldn’t let that happen.

Her body slumped, ignoring her wishes. She couldn’t do anything. She was nothing.

The last thing she saw before breaking down for good was a red yo-yo breaking through the window, just in time to knock the quill away. She sighed as the world faded to black.

Nino would be save.

That was all that mattered.

-

Adrien had hid beneath his desk when the door had been kicked in, and slipped out of the room the second Sentiquill had spotted Lila.

Typical for Felix.

Once he had made an enemy, he couldn’t think of anything beyond petty revenge. And now this idiot had gotten himself akumatized.

“I hope Marinette’s alright.”, he told his Kwami as he hid behind a locker. “If she was with Felix when the Akuma possessed him, she was probably his first victim.”

Plagg raced around him before giving him the dirtiest glare Adrien had ever seen.

“If anything, she was your victim first!”, the tiny cat snarled. “What were you thinking?! You were acting like an ass!”

Adrien scowled.

“It’s not my fault she’s so obsessed with Felix that she can’t see reason anymore. If she’d listened to me in the first place, we wouldn’t be in this mess!”

“Gah!”, Plagg groaned. “You’re so incredibly dense, kiddo! Transform already, before I forget myself and claw your blind little eyes out!”

Adrien pouted.

“Hmph! You’re being ridiculous. Plagg, claws out!”

As soon as the transformation was complete, he went back to the classroom. The door was sealed shut by a solid black substance, but luckily for him, the classroom had windows to the yard he could see through. Ducking so he wouldn’t be noticed, he glanced inside. Alya was on the floor, holding herself as if she might fall apart. Lila was hiding behind Nino, and Sentiquill stood in front of Bustier, who said something he couldn’t hear. Black ink floated around her before streaming up the quill’s nib. When Sentiquill stepped back, Bustier fell to the ground and wrapped her arms around herself, mumbling incoherent words. So that was how Sentiquill’s power worked. He made inkwells out of people, turned their secrets into ink to fill up his sword, then used it to create barriers and walls or whatever. Kind of stupid, just like his costume design.

This would be too easy.

He froze, an idea creeping up on him. Sentiquill’s power wasn’t very challenging for him and Ladybug, that was true. But... Ladybug wasn’t here yet. And if he took out the Akuma on his own, his Lady would only be here to purify the Akuma and disappear again. He hadn’t spoken with her since their last disastrous patrol.

Slowly, he started to retreat, then broke out running and jumped on the roof. There was no need to rush things. He would wait for Ladybug and use the chance to be around her for as long as possible. There were still a lot of other people ready to sacrifice themselves for Lila, so revealing her lies was no immediate threat. A smile appeared on his face when he spotted something red, just before Ladybug’s yo-yo broke through the window.

He’d been right! Now they could talk about why she’d freaked out at him the last time.

Or... he could wait some more. To make his entrance as dramatic as possible, and to remind her how great he was as her partner.

Chat Noir sighed.

He truly was brilliant, from time to time.