#Tsurugi knows everything. which is why he’s listed

[nami-moittli]

The Higashikatas are so fun to play with

The first picture is supposed to be a family picture for the holidays, specifically Halloween. I find it kinda funny that Jobin almost looks younger than Josuke and Yukako

Also I find it funny how JoJolion is always like, Stands are a very secretive thing and even families don’t talk about them with each other, and then the closest thing we to that is when stand users don’t want to worry their non stand user family in previous parts. It makes it feel like it’s just a Higashikata family thing lol. Istg the only people in that family that actually know everyone else’s stand names are Tsurugi, the Josuke’s and Yukako

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

Do you think Gabriel and Tomoe trying to force their kids together when they never seemed to care about that before season 5 was too much drama? @tallwriter

Yes.

Here's a little writing tip: if you want to keep your audience emotionally invested, make the drama build and try to keep most of it tied to the plot. Miraculous is really, really bad at this. It has no idea how to build the drama up to a solid, satisfying, logical conclusion. Instead, it tries to keep people invested through extremely cheap, pointless drama that goes nowhere. I'll use season five to explain.

Season five's conflict is that Gabriel has all of the miraculous and the heroes want the miraculous back. Season five ends with that happening. But does anything in the season actually lead to that ending?

Here's a list of all (or at least most) of the multi-episode conflicts introduced and arguably resolved in season five:

Nathalie no longer blindly supporting Gabriel

Gabriel getting cataclysmed and slowly dying

Nathalie slowly dying

The reverse crush drama

Kagami having a crush on Adrien (and Marinette?)

Lila's lies and team up with Chloe

Gabriel and Tomoe wanting their kids together

Felix having the peacock miraculous

Marinette being unable to say that she loves Adrien

The senti plot

Adrinette getting together

The only thing on that list that kind of mattered to the final was Gabriel getting cataclysmed because it meant that he could die without it feeling like suicide since he was already dying. Everything else on that list could be cut and the ending would not meaningfully change because there is no story arc for season five. Stuff just happens.

This is what I mean by cheap, pointless drama. Season five doesn't care about setting up a good, powerful ending. It just cares about keeping you invested and asking "what's going to happen next?"

The is not how epic stories are told. This is how soap operas are told. The entire draw of that genre is melodrama. In other words, it's for people who enjoy drama just for the sake of drama. People who don't care if the characters are mostly shitty, awful people or if plots get dropped mid-season or resolved in wacky ways because the audience is not here to fall in love with the characters or to hear an epic story. They're here for the drama and that's about it.

To be clear, there's nothing wrong with soap operas. It's a massively popular genre for a reason. I'm sure that there are even standout examples that have fantastic plots, but that's simple not a requirement for something to be a good soap opera any more than a good romance requires the main couple to be healthy. The problem with Miraculous having a soap opera structure is that - as far as I can tell - Miraculous is not trying to be a soap opera. It's trying to be a serious narrative (which is why you have the writers claiming things like Marinette and Gabriel are supposed to represent individual creative spirit versus corporate greed), but it's failing and failing hard.

A show that was succeeding at telling a good, logical plot would have had multi-episode conflicts like:

Chat Noir and Ladybug figuring out how the miraculous powers are being given to people

Chat Noir and Ladybug trying to figure out if Tomoe knew that her rings got hacked/assuming the Tsurugi tech is behind everything and somehow infuriating the company, likely with Kagami's help

Chat Noir and Ladybug learning the truth of the butterfly and peacock and dealing with that/going to the mansion with purpose

Felix, Chat Noir, and Ladybug playing a season long game of cat and mouse

You know, stuff that would actually lead to the ending of the season instead of Felix randomly telling Ladybug what she needs to know right before the final without her actually doing anything to make that happen. (But don't forget that she's smart and clever guys. I promise you that she's smart and clever! The writers totally know how to write a smart and clever character!)

Another thing you may have noticed is that most of those suggested plot points build on each other. This is how good stories work. You should be constantly resolving subplots and, in the process of the resolution, you introduce new subplots. For example, they figure out that the rings are how the akumas are getting their powers, which leads to the investigation of Tsurugi tech. Two separate subplots that naturally link together to allow for a logical story flow while keeping things interesting.

This was a big problem with season four, which introduced the Ladynoir conflict that was just kind of there, looming over the story, but not doing anything for 20-something episodes. For all of season five's flaws, at the very least the writers kept things interesting. They just didn't keep it interesting in particularly talented way. It's all bullshit melodrama and, while I truly have nothing against soap operas, I'm not a fan of the genre.

All of the above is why I don't have any faith in the next season of miraculous. They writers clearly cannot handle conflicts that last longer than an episode because literally nothing they introduced set up the final. It actually weakened the final because season five spent a lot of time making Gabriel worse than he's ever been, which is not how you setup a dramatic, last-minute change of heart.

To end on a positive note, the one thing that I will give the writers some credit for is the reverse crush BS. Rumor has it that this season was originally supposed to have The Reveal and, if that had happened right after all of the crush stuff, then it would have been more satisfying than a reveal without the reverse crush.

While Adrien has always been a Marinette fan and him eventually developing a crush feels logical, Ladybug has been really anti Ladynoir for a while now, so having her backtrack that stance pre-reveal would have strengthened the reveal and the relationship that follows. It still will even though Ladybug's Chat Noir crush is now nothing more than a brief rebound that was quickly forgotten. That doesn't change the fact that it happened which means that we now know that she's okay with her and Chat Noir being in a romantic relationship no matter his identity when it previously came across like she was completely opposed to the idea until she learned that it was Adrien under the mask, which was something I always viewed as a terrible writing choice, so I'm glad they backtracked it instead of trying to solve it post-reveal.

[freezethunder]

Top 5 dra/sdra2 characters

I'll do both because it seems like fun and I want to differentiate them

Top 5 DRA Characters

1. Akane

As far as supporting characters go, Akane Taira is certianly up there. She’s positive and very trusting of those she hold dear to, which is very heartbreaking seeing how she dull and empty she became at the start of chapter 3. And of course we have to talk about her mastermind personality. I think it is very shocking how someone so close to the cast, especially the protagonist could be the mastermind behind their killing game. It’s like Tsumugi done right! Not much has changed about her from her time with the cast, she’s just very unhinged and incredibly acrobatic to make all those leaps. Look at her go. I like Akane a lot out of the main cast and dare say she even beats some of the canon characters in most aspects.

2. Rei

Female and Better Byakuya. I’m kinda cheating here honestly this list is of DRA characters but I’m also taking into account her time from SDRA2 sooooooooo…..Rei. Like I said previously, obviously a female Byakuya, I mean she even shares some of the same sprites as him as well as the notes. A tall, smart, and stuck-up jerk who constantly berates the crew and doesn’t want to put up with them for a majority of the run time. Golly, where have I seen this before?~ The reason why she is so much better than her predecessor comes down to two factors. One, her growth comes from not finding the game boring or not wanting to participate like long legged lemon boy, but rather; “…..well fuck. These sentiments got to me. Now I have to help” And two, how she behaves when we next see her in other material, primarily SDRA2. She’s a lot more emotional and compassionate, even striking Tsurugi during that shit he pulled in Chapter 6. Like, let’s go girl! Yaaas! Get hiiiim! Queen shit!

3. Utsuro

I want to go more in depth on the masterminds at a later date, so for now I’ll just say I’m very on the fence about. There are some days I like him and some days I don’t. But I will say that the twist of the protagonist being the mastermind was done really here, and in order to get to the true ending, you have to go down the darker path which is a really nice twist and one I can’t say I could have done better.

4. Teruya

Also kind of cheating with this one but uhhh…sue me :/ Anyway, Teruya was one of the comedic goofballs right behind Haruhiko and Satsuki. Single brain cell trio. I also love his growth, from fighting with Haruhiko in Chapter 4 to wearing his goggles the rest of the game, that character design I love to see! And it carries over in the sequel too. Having Teruya be the one with the killing game experience is a neat concept, even if that aspect wasn’t used all that much. A shame what happened to him though(STUPIDFUCKINGPSYCHOCOPTSURUGIIHATEYOUIHATEYOU-)

5. Kanata

Kanata is a sweet girl, nothing more too it than that. But there ain’t nothing wrong with being a simple, polite, short cinnamon bun. And it really was a shame she had to go like that, I would have liked her to stick around some more. And I’m kind of interested to see what really was LINUJ’s intended purpose for her was……..y’know considering another character he made in the sequel, I don’t want to know actually, Nevermind.

Top 5 SDRA2 Characters

1. Sora

I want to go more in depth with the protagonist’s another day too, but let me just say that SORA IS AN AWESOME CHARACTER AND PROTAGONIST! HELD BACK BY THE FACT THAT SHE ISNT ENTIRELY CANON! SHE WOULD DO GREAT THERE! Ahem! …..Sorry. I love everything about Sora, her sassy attitude, her snarky comments, even hints of showing something darker within her. Sora is a top tier character in my book!

2. Mikado

Also want to talk more about him at a later date, but Mikado is my favorite mastermind! Hands down, bar none, literally beating all of the ones from the main cast! Revealing him right from the jump was genius, because then it was the cast constantly hating him and roasting him. He’s so wacky and goofy that for half of the game, you kinda forget he even is the mastermind. From his charming personality to his cool design and powers, Mikado Sannoji carries the entire game on his back along with Sora.

3. Yoruko

A pink haired love interest for the sassy amnesiac protagonist? Where have I seen this before?~ In all seriousness I think Yoruko’s cool. Her angry behavior and yelling at others can get old at times and some are even unwarranted such in Chapter 4 to Yuki, but underneath that facade lies a girl that is trying her best to protect those close to her after some many hardships in the past. Her relationship is Sora is just adorable and it’s crazy that after Chapter 4 and beyond, she’s the most sane person there. Yoruko may be a tsun-dried-tomato, but she’s the best tsun-dried-tomato Ive ever seen. (Can tomatoes be pink?)

4. Hibiki

Before playing the game: Oh wow, a bully character to the shy girl, again?! Oh geeeez! I can already tell I’m not gonna like her.

After playing the game: OH MY GOOOOD! IM SORRY HIBIKI SWEETIE! DID NOT DESERVE ANY OF THAT!

Getting right to it, I think Hibiki should have survived! Unlike Hiyoko who’s only character development relegated to a blink and you’ll miss it moment in the third chapter. Hibiki was trying from the end of Chapter 2 onwards, so why waste the actually, good, DEVELOPMENT?! I guess it is interesting to see a Chapter 3 with only one victim and two killers this time, but there was no need to drag Hibiki down with it. The general consensus is right, this was wasted potential. Go look up some Hibiki lives AU to ease the pain.

5. Iroha

Ahto-Bleh incarnate. Iroha seemed like the overly kind, ditzy sort of character made for comedic relief, and she is. But making her out to be one of the voids was pretty neat I suppose. It does set her up for some development to overthrow and turn her back Mikado to be with her friends and, …wait what? That, that didn’t happen…? ……GOD FUCKING DAMMIT LINUJ! So Iroha just stays this bratty, annoying, and fearful child the whole way through and learns nary a thing in the process. So I have to ask: why even bother?! Now you may be wondering, why is she high let alone top 5 if I have these issues with her. Well for one, I think she’s kind of funny with all her reactions and expressions, plus knowing the identity of one of the Voids in the group builds tension, and her drawing book has helped several times in trials. And it could just be me imagining a better character than what we actually received. Death to the author folks!

[ct-multifandom]

Little analysis of the spoiler scripts

Mostly episode 22, which is, according to all those official influencers and whatnot, a massive, super intense episode.

We see how Adrien is being kept away from superheroing more and more by his dad, not even by him feeling personally left out. We’d assume that Adrien feels useless because Ladybug trusts a whole group of competent friends to be heroes while he, her partner, doesn’t even truly know her, but at the same time he respects all their temporary teammates and doesn’t show them resentment. Even though they overshadow him sometimes, he still gets along with them and understands that sometimes he and Ladybug can’t win alone. It’s true that feeling out-of-the loop trust-wise and less valuable to the team is part of the problem, but time and time again (my mind goes back to Crocoduel) Gabriel is the one preventing Adrien from doing anything, making him feel alienated from his friends both as civilians and as heroes. Adrien feels so bad because he can’t help, not because his team isn’t letting him. Gabriel might very well be doing this on purpose.

What “schemes” has Gabriel had this season? He set up the perfume ad from Mr Pigeon 72, funded the student film from Queen Banana, and teamed up with the Tsurugi company to push their O’Hare Bottled Air tower. He’s using his civilian power as a wealthy celebrity and businessman to manipulate specific targets into becoming his next akuma. Very convoluted for someone who spends four seasons losing, but anyways. Moolak is clearly a villain based on money. His name is a pun on moolah (slang for money), and he has a giant indestructible safe full of coins. It’s unclear what his powers are or what he wants other than being greedy, but I bet this is another example of Gabriel choosing a specific mark to target.

Bob Roth, resident CEO of greed, has shown up many times this season, way more than some of the major side characters, even. I’m convinced that he’ll get akumatized at some point. I even thought that he’d be Mega Leech when that title first dropped, but that turned out to be another one of Gabriel’s rich friends who was deliberately manipulated into becoming an akuma. Bob was involved in the perfume ad and student film, and even offered to buy AJT’s dinosaurs. He works closely with Gabriel and does everything for the money, making him an easy target for Hawkmoth.

Since the akuma is not Ladybug nor Chat (nor Viperion for that matter) whatever the “big intense” thing is in the “big intense” episode might not involve the main villain at all. Maybe something happens outside of the context of the akumatized person, such as Adrien deciding he’s had enough, or maybe Moolak’s powers function like Sandboy/Wishmaker and can cause major problems. From this snippet alone, the only “big deal” thing I see is just the sheer size of this team.

Now I’ll talk about the heroes here. This team consists of every currently active holder we’ve seen so far except Rena Rouge, who might also be there as Furtive (and Chat, obviously). Super exciting! We’ll see the girls and Kim again! This Pound It is gonna be legendary, at least until the finale. For the time being, I’ll assume that Porcella is Pigella, just with some sort of translation error. It’s possible that it’s someone else, but that doesn’t make any sense to me. What interests me is that none of the remaining new heroes are on the list. If this is episode 22, then there are only two more and the finale afterwards, leaving too little time for four or five people to get miraculouses. At least some if not most of them have to already be heroes by this time, so why are none of them listed? Are they involved, but not part of this large group, like some sort of a-team/b-team mission? Or are they conveniently not necessary for the “big fight that everyone else got invited to?” Interesting.

If Pegasus had a duck miraculous, he would’ve been able to enter the vault just fine and swim around in coins. Peak comedy in spitting them up though.

I don’t have much to say for 15 since this scene is probably unrelated to the main plot of the episode, and we barely even know the context. What I do want to remind you of is that Feri specifically pointed out that she thinks we’ll like this one, so whatever happens will probably have a happy ending, or if something bad happens, it’ll probably get leveled out by something really good.

[kidofthekat]

Let them eat cake (read - the rich)

Ao3 Masterlist

               Alya, Marinette, and Chloé, a trio no-one could have expected to get along, were huddled on Alya’s bed scrolling through Instagram as Chloé got exponentially more outraged at each ‘see this *insert realistic looking every day object* well it’s actually cake *cuts it with knife and gives you trust issues*’ videos.

               “Don’t you dare, DON’T YOU DARE!” the blonde screeched at the screen which displayed a Dorito’s bag seconds away from being revealed to be a cake. #exposed.

               Alya snatched her phone away, fully expecting her incoming swing and pushed her to the floor. “Nope.” She snickered, cradling her dear phone.

Marinette gave them both a Cheshire Grin, “You know I can make one of those.”

“Don’t even think about it, Dupain-Cheng.”

Marlena walked past the girls’ room, she knew it was really only her daughter’s but the other two spent so long in there that they could claim it for themselves if they wanted to. She would be lying if she said that she had never worried that the landlord would try to count them as tenants.

Hearing the doorbell, Marlena hurried over to it, avoiding the obstacles that were her troublemaking twins.

“Nino, it’s wonderful to see you again, come on in.”

The boy rubbed his hand behind his neck and smiled, “Thanks Mme Césaire.”

“Please, call me Marlena or Alya’s mum if you must, Mme Césaire just makes me feel so old.” Laughing slightly, Nino agreed and made his way over to where he knew his friends and girlfriend would be.

Bursting in, he immediately jumped into action, trying, and failing, to help Alya restrain the yelling blonde as Marinette taunted her with threats to make a cake.

“Dupain-Cheng, if you make a single cake, I will assume you’re cake and cut you in half!”

“Wait dudette, are you talking about the ‘everything is actually cake’ thing, because I have something that might just make all your days.”

Crowding around Nino’s phone, he showed them a thread of someone calling on people to eat the rich using crazy but admittedly fun logic to explain why. Nino continued to scroll, pointing out the ‘they might be cake’ argument.

“I mean that would explain why Agreste Sr never leaves the house, he’s getting his frosting touched up.” Alya reasoned.

Marinette giggled adding, “And how his hair does that… thing.”

“And why Agreste Jr has no spine.” All it took was one too many snide remarks from Lila, and Chloé, of all people, standing up for Marinette for Alya to realise her bestie was right all along and give up on her classmates. Nino, on the other hand, had some faith, especially in his ‘bro’ but after he spouted his ‘high road’ speech and Nino had realised his friend would never see the damage the liar was doing, he joined the growing ‘my classmates share one brain cell and I can’t seem to find the one who has it’ club.

“I could get behind this, you know, protest outside the Agreste mansion. My parent’s hotel, do you think Kagami would mind if we go against her mum?”

“To be honest, that sounds like an awesome plan. And she will be leading the charge.” Nino agreed.

“Now all we need is to raise an army.”

“Leave it to me.” Marinette’s smirk sent shivers down their spines.

*

Alya didn’t know what she was expecting when she received a video titled ‘let them eat cake (read – the rich)’ from an anonymous sender, but a video of Ladybug calling on Paris to protest against the Agrestes, Bourgeoises and Tsurugis (but not their children as they didn’t own the businesses) due to a deep corruption in each of their companies alongside a very detailed and almost obsessive list of research into what the companies had done wrong (underpaid workers, bad conditions, harassment at work etc) was not it.

Despite her initial shock, the reporter didn’t waste anytime in posting the video alongside an itinerary of when and where.

“Marinette!” Alay yelled over her phone.

“Alya please, a little quieter.” Even though they weren’t in the same room, Alya could practically see the smug expression Marinette definitely wore.

“How did you get that video?”

“I’m a little luckier than the average person.”

“And that research?”

“I know a god.” Alya huffed, she wasn’t getting anything out of her, at least she had admitted to sending the video.

“Can I use your ‘god’ for research in the future?”

“Sure, just give them credit?”

“Which would be?” The whole conversation felt suspiciously illegal to Alya.

“Stinky Sock.” What? Alya shook her head, her best friend had only gotten more mysterious lately, but she wasn’t complaining about this scoop. She quickly began writing scathing articles on the three companies that would make Lois Lane proud, prepared to reveal the true nature of Paris’ richest families, while leaving Chloé and Kagami out of it.

*

“Marinette.”

The girl in question was sewing a banner at her desk, and seemingly oblivious to her Kwami’s efforts to reach her.

“Marinette!”

“Hm? Yes Tikki?”

The Kwami giggled at her users bewildered look and flittered over to her.

“Alya is a reporter.”

“Yes, and?”

“And she is your best friend.”

“Yes, and?”

“And she knows you better than anyone.”

“Yes, and?”

“And you keep giving hints that you are Ladybug.”

“Yes, and?”

“And she is going to figure you out.”

“Pftt, no.”

Marinette was still laughing, in a way some might call hysterically, at Tikki’s ‘joke’ when she arrived in class, though it died down quickly once she figured out the scene in front of her.

Lila, standing on Bustier’s desk, was rallying the class (some of whom were recording) to go after the children of the three millionaires Paris was currently preparing to fight as well as their parents. Adrien was trying, and failing, to quiet her down all whilst giving Alya his best ‘disappointed’ look.

Marinette was suddenly very glad that Chloé had been transferred to Kagami’s school. Not that she wouldn’t find out about this, Lila Rossi had become Paris’s newest sensation, even Ladybug had no chance of talking down the people now.

*

Alya cleared her throat, “We need to call this off.”

“Yeah, I know I’ve never been the nicest person, and I probably deserve what’s coming but I’m kinda scared, I was looking through the comments on LB’s video and-” Chloé shivered.

“Dudette, you do not deserve what Lila is telling them to do,” Nino jumped in before the girl could spiral, “I mean yeah you were mean, and rude, and downright horrid-”

“But you aren’t like that anymore.” Alya gave her boyfriend a small glare before turning to Chloé, “I mean you publicly apologised to the whole of Paris and donated like your whole trust fund to mental health institutions for Akuma victims.”

“It doesn’t matter anyway,” Marinette cut in. “Lila holds too much sway, all we can do now is try to get Chloé, Kagami and, ugh, Agreste Jr to safety.”

“Do we have to save adrikins?” Alya and Nino nodded in agreement with Chloé’s whined question, all three turning to Marinette with matching pouts.

“Yes, we have to save adrikins Chlo, no Alya, don’t give me that look, Nino no, no not the puppy dog eyes, no, I’m leaving, Chlo let go, ALYA! Nooooooooo let mee leave we are good people, we have toooooo, Chlo you were just as bad as him once upon a time and you get better, imagine if we had left you to… no Ninoooooooooo, we are fighting injustice hereeee, violence isn’t ahhhhhhh heeeeelpppppp-”

*

Chloé ran around her room, stuffing her gym bag with anything she decided was useful all the while seething with anger. This was meant to be a peaceful protest against people who hurt others for no good reason and instead thanks to Lila, it’s turned into… this!

She jumped slightly when she heard a distant bang, while most people had stuck to the streets protesting against the billionaires of the city and their ways some, aka Lila’s mob and idiots who just want violence, had decided to attack the Tsurugi, Agreste and Bourgeoise’s homes.

Sooon Chloé found herself running down the servant stairs in a hope to get out the building before Lila got in. She had decided against warning her parents, in her mind they deserved what was coming.

“Chloé!” At the sound of her name, she began to panic, she had thought that the kitchen would be a safe way out bu-

“Chloé, it’s just me, Alya’s mum, follow me, I’ll help you get out.”

*

Ladybug sighed, watching the storm on the Agreste mansion with bored eyes, this is not what she had wanted.

She wasn’t worried about Adrien, she knew that he could escape but she still held enough love for her partner to want to make sure he was safe. And a black dot jumping out of a window was all the confirmation she needed. Next stop: The Grand Paris.

*

Marinette, fell to the floor in quiet despair. Her room was empty. Her closet looked ransacked and her parent’s hotel was full of people who only were here for some twisted revenge. She was gone. Maybe forever. And it was all her fault.

“Chloééééé.” She wailed into her hands as Tikki tried to calm the poor girl down.

“Yes?” Came a snooty voice.

“I can still hear her voice.” Marinette blubbered.

“What?”

Another sob came from the mess on the ground behind The Grand Paris, “Her ghost is just as whinyyyy!” She began crying louder.

“What the- Marinette! Get up off the disgusting ground!”

The girl in question sniffled and wiped her snotty nose on the back of her hand, “Chloé?”

“Ew. Just ew.”

“You’re alive!” She jumped up and enveloped her blonde friend in a bear hug.

“Get off me, maribrat!”

Marinette smiled, “I was really worried Chlo.”

“Yeah me too. So,” Chloé straightened up, “Let’s go save Kagami.” She smirked at Marinette’s eager smile.

*

Marinette faltered in her step as she walked behind Chloé, Alya and Nino. How was she going to save Kagami without these guys finding out her identity?

“You okay Nette?” Nino asked, worry creasing his normally strangely smooth face, she never understood that.

“We’re gonna save ‘gami don’t you worry.”

“Yeah even if that sword wielding b- uhh friend of ours probably doesn’t need us to escape.”

Marinette nodded and continued walking as Chloé and Alya began to bicker about Kagami’s claim that Ladybug preferred her to Queen Bee, apparently Chloé hadn’t gotten over that yet.

*

Nino and Marinette sprinted through the undergrowth, leaping over any fallen branches in their way. “You will forever be remembered for your sacrifice,” Nino whispered into the wind. Tears stinging his eyes at the thought of his girlfriend and friend’s remains.

“We can’t give in now, not after-” Marinette’s voice hitched, as it became too much for her.

“I know what you mean dudette. We must keep going, it’s what they would have wanted.” A lone tear slipping down his face.

Chloé sighed as she dusted off her clothes, no longer immaculate after being used as a stepping stool so her idiots of friends could get over the fence, “We’re not dead you morons.”

“Go, you’re wasting time, we’ll meet you by the Seine.” Alya added her two cents.

Nino and Marinette nodded, dangerous glints in their eyes. They were going to save Kagami, no matter what it took. They once more began running through the Tsurugi gardens towards the towering mansion. And they had almost made it when they ran into a guard.

“Shoot, I thought they would all be distracted by Lila’s mob.” Nino took of his cap. “Here, go, save your princess, I’ll distract the guard. Don’t forget me Nette, never forget me.”

Marinette stared at the cap, bewildered, “She’s not my princess.” But it was too late. He was gone. She was alone. And now she had nothing to lose.

Pulling her hair into a ponytail and slipping it through the cap, Marinette began the dangerous journey to the window of her friend.

Grabbing a pebble, Marinette launched it at the window on the second story. She had another aimed and ready when the window opened. Marinette dropped the stone and brought her hands up to her mouth, “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!”

A head popped out the open window, “It’s not nearly long enough for that Mar- uh Flynn, here catch my bag.” Marinette held her arms out to catch the bag, promptly falling backwards under the sudden weight.

She heard the crunch of gravel under feet and a hand came into view. “I’m supposed to be the one helping you, ‘Gami.”

“I like the hat.” Kagami responded as she pulled the now blushing girl to her feet.

“Hey dudettes, stop flirting and follow me, we have to get out, now!”

“We weren’t flirting.” Marinette whispered. Kagami simply raised an eyebrow and followed their retreating friend, hand still in Marinette’s.

*

               “Nette, can I have my cap back, I feel kinda vulnerable without it.”

               “No.”

               “I lay my heart in the open and you just don’t care.”

Thanks to @flufflepuffle296 for proof reading!

Also I wanna say that the Agrestes, Tsurugis and Bourgeois are bad people (at leat the senior versions are) and they have hurt a lot of people meaning the people Lila had roped into her scheme are honestly righteously angry. If, for example, they hadn’t wanted to go after the kids (minors who have absolutely no say in their parents companies) LB probably would have joined them. I’m in no way condemning protests or riots (in fact I probably would have joined Lila’s side in this),

[jasmine-the-fox]

I’m not obsessed!

So I got this idea from rejections that would be horrible for when Mari reveals her feelings to Adrien written by @lenoreofraven and i’m going to write this one first and then do another one I saw in them and then write my own...

Mari never thought Lila would go this far with her lies... But this was over the top, she had gotten to school early for once after finishing another commission for Jagged and sent it to him, when she walked in... The class stared at her like she grew a second head, she ignored it and went to the back... Where she was sent to alone after Lila once again got the class to agree on the seating change without telling her.

Everything was going well until Adrien asked to wait after school, said he needed to talk to her, she didn’t really mind at all... But she didn’t think this would happen.

“I’m really sorry but I can’t return your feelings since there not healthy” he said “Lila told us about how you have my agenda written down, how you know everything I do... And I just think you should get help! I actually called your parents and offered to pay for what you might need!” he claimed as she looked at him like he was stupid.

So this is what happened? Lila made them think she was crazy for Adrien? Did her class not know her at all? Guess they didn’t... Adrien said that he could return her crazy feelings right? Oh well “Okay then” she said as he looked at her with a smile of hope “Then I guess were not friends anymore, i’ll unfriend you when I get home. Have a nice day Adrien” and with that she left him there in shock.

She walked into the bakery to find her parents looking furious... It was obvious it was about what Adrien called them for “I’m going to my room” she said and headed up, she went to the kitchen first to get herself something to eat and then headed up to her trapdoor and went in to find Kagami there “I heard what happened... To think they would forget you told the class you were dating me” she snapped as Mari sighed and went to her girlfriends side.

The two went up to her bed with the goods she brought, they talked about everything that had happened because of Lila, the possibility of a restraining order from the Agreste about something that they had no proof of happening, Tomoe Tsurugi came over moments later to speak to the Dupain-Cheng family “I wish to invite your daughter to come with me and my daughter to Japan” she explained, Tomoe went further with how long they would be there, where they would stay... In the end Mari’s parents agreed, Marinette was going to Japan in two weeks for the summer.

Now they had to take care of Lila...

The next day, Mari came to school with Kagami holding her hand, Kagami was dropped off at the bakery to have breakfast and then they walked the corner street to school together which Nino saw them holding hands and looking like he does with Alya, they walked in and went to Kagami’s locker first, Aurore, Mireille and Marc greeted the couple and headed to class, then they went to Mari’s locker where Alya was waiting by Mari’s locker for some reason “Why do you need to be so crazy!? Be grateful Adrien didn’t tell his dad on you!” she yelled and then left the room.

Kagami wanted to charge at her but Marinette stopped her “Just two more weeks. Two more weeks and then we won’t see them for the whole summer” she said making Kagami sigh and nod as they went to Bustier’s class “I’ll see you at lunch” Kagami said after kissing Mari... Without knowing that Rose and Juleka saw them “Sure babe. Here, bakery or your place?” Mari asked as Kagami rolled her eyes “I don’t care since I know your going to make something for us to enjoy” she replied making Mari giggle as they kissed one more time and then Mari went to her seat in the back.

“Oh Marinette! I can’t believe you stalked Adrien to school today! I really thought you would stop this by now!” Lila exclaimed as Mari raised a brow, Adrien looked horrified, Alya looked pissed, Nino, Rose and Juleka looked like Lila was saying a load of BS and the class was shocked “That’s not true dude” Nino said making them all turn to him “I mean, I walked to school to see her holding hands with Kagami when they walked in, after that Adrien arrived” he explained as Lila hid her anger at being revealed as a liar.

“Well then... Why did I see her going into Adrien’s locker before going to class?” Lila asked making this time the class glare at Mari “That can’t be right... Juleka and I saw her kissing Kagami by the classroom” Rose revealed... And the class watched as Mari turned beet red at those words “Sorry! You actually surprised us... But yeah, not only that but they were talking about where to eat for lunch today... So Lila is lying” Juleka explained as everyone turned to look at Marinette and then to Lila in a back and forth.

They were all confused, did Lila lie? But Mari was obsessed with Adrien “I seriously am shocked that you guys forget that I told you all that Kagami and I were dating... Then again it was three days before Lila came back” Mari spoke making there eyes widen as Adrien looked confused, she was right! They remembered the picnic Mari prepared for them with Kagami to reveal they were dating... Adrien hadn’t gone because of piano lessons, so he never knew about the two girls dating... But now he knew the truth... Mari wasn’t obsessed with him.

Lila had lied to them...

With that, the class blew up on Lila, yelling demands on why she lied to them all this time, what else did she lie about, demands to Max and Alya to look her name up on google... Look at that! Her name links you to the Ladyblog! Guess it should be called the Lilablog since that’s all Alya posts about! Lila Rossi took over the blog with her lies! Now Alya’s blog and dream job was in dust! Thanks a lot Lila! The class was yelling even when miss Bustier walked in and tried to have Marinette stop them... Only to find her doing her homework, Caline had to get the principal to stop them and get answers.

The words “Lila lied to us!” was all that was said before saying every single lie she told them... All up to Alya saying “Yesterday Lila claimed Mari was obsessed with Adrien!” which made Damocles look at them in shock, he took Lila to his office with Adrien... Ignoring the fact that Mari was spoken in a major number of lies and demanded answers while calling both of there parents... Only to find a second phone in Lila’s purse ringing, this made the principal understand that Lila gave them a fake number and was the one answering his calls from the start.

After a while both parents arrived, there was major yelling between the mother and daughter before miss Rossi took her daughter out of school and sent back to Italy to live with her father while she tried to fix Lila’s lies, still none of them thought about Marinette having been a target of Lila’s at all and the day went on, not even Nino, Rose or Juleka went to see Mari to say sorry for not believing her, in the end at lunch she went to the Tsurugi house to have lunch... Believing the class might look for her in the cafeteria or at the bakery.

In the end they never did, they all forgot that they believed Lila about Mari, bullied Mari because she bullied Lila... And they didn’t think about saying sorry and try to fix things with her, so when she came back, it was to find the old seating for the class, Caline tried to have Mari sit next to Alya like before but “No, I preferred the old seating arrangement with me alone in the back where I was ignored and believed to deserve to have my things destroyed and attacked because I was believed to be bullying Lila” she said making them look at her in shock.

She didn’t want to go back to the old days? But she’s there everyday Ladybug. There friends. So now that Lila was gone... Everything is fine right? Caline tried to push Mari to be the better person “Your all friends remember?” she asked as Mari glared at there teacher “Last I remembered, I wasn’t friends with any of them since last year when they announced that they weren’t going to be my friend since I was a bully” she snapped as she went to the back as Nathaniel sat next to Ivan, everyone was so quiet that Caline decided to begin the lesson, no one spoke and just looked like they were focused on the lesson like Mari and Chloe were when really they were shocked at there actions towards Mari.

For the next two weeks, none of them spoke to her, they didn’t try to contact her which unknown to them she had changed her number, they didn’t try to visit the bakery when Mari was either at the hotel with Chloe talking about date plans for Mari and Kagami or at the Tsurugi house making lists of what Mari had to bring with her... They simply did nothing, they thought Mari would come to them at some point to talk to them, but she never did, at the end of the second week, Alya made a group chat with the class to have them meet at the bakery to talk to Mari, Alya believed that Mari was giving them the silent treatment (she really wasn’t) and how Mari had to stop acting like a child.

Without knowing that morning they were heading to the bakery, Mari was at the airport saying bye to her parents and Chloe, by the time they got to the bakery, the couple had just opened the bakery “Hi! Were here to invite Mari to the park to have fun” Alya explained, of course it was a lie, the real plan was to surround her and confront her about her way of treating them being mean and selfish “Sorry Alya, but Marinette left for the whole summer” Sabine said as she then turned to a customer.

Alya was shocked and walked out of the bakery, by the time they were talking in the park about trying something else, Mari was sleeping with Kagami on there plane flight, since Mari’s phone couldn’t take a call from Paris, she left her phone at home, so when the class tried to call and text her, they were shocked to find a stranger answering them and saying they got the number a week ago... Explaining to them that Mari was being so mean to them that she changed her number... Not knowing that the day after they disowned there friendship to Mari... The designer had changed her phone and number.

For the rest of the summer, the class got to work on planning a way to get back at Mari for her way of treating them and then a plan to confront her for being so mean to them... Not knowing that Mari had transferred to Mendeleiev’s class to be with Kagami, and then had worked on papers with the Tsurugi lawyer to sue her class (minus Chloe) her teacher Caline and the principal for the way they treated her and to get the justice she deserved, of course Kagami had documented everything Mari went through since before they were dating and she handed it to her lawyer who with it claimed it would destroy them and make them loose so much.

By the time summer ended, the school board was investigating Damocles and Caline for there actions, the Tsurugi lawyer was ordered by Tomoe to target them first, then Lila’s mother called her daughter to yell at her about how Lila was being sued for bullying Marinette, when school started both Caline and Damocles were fired, Damocles was fired for embezzlement of money that was meant to help the school and using it for his The Owl costume, he was fired and investigated to find out how much money he owed the school, Caline was fired for lying to them, turns out she had her teacher’s permit destroyed after doing the same thing she did to Marinette and her classmates to another class in another school... Where the student who was like Mari committed suicide, Caline was sued and lost money for her actions but because Damocles didn’t search her further he never knew who he really hired.

Lila made her mother loose so much money that she was in heavy debt, Lila was forced to get a job to pay her mother and father back (he ended up helping to pay the fine Lila had to pay) Lila had lost everything and was being forced to get medical help for her lying, then it was the class, there parents all got letters about there kids being sued by Mari with a list of damaged items they destroyed (including prices of each item) clothes and pastries they forced Mari to make and refused to pay (more money listed with each item) and for Alya and Alix a list of injuries (including pictures) that they caused Mari at some point.

Gabriel was informed in the letter that Adrien had believed Lila that Marinette was obsessed with him in a romantic way... When she was dating Kagami, and instead of asking Mari about it, he instead called her parents about the lie and promised to pay for any center she was going to be placed in including treatment and then told Mari in a rejection about the lie, Gabriel grounded Adrien and warned him that one more wrong move and he would pull Adrien out of public school, still the class (minus Adrien and Chloe) were sued and some (Alya, Alix, Kim, Nino, Rose, Juleka, Mylène and Sabrina) were in heavy debt for things they destroyed, baked goods or clothes they demanded from Mari.

Meanwhile, Mari was happy to be with Kagami in class, she was having fun and was making friends with the class, when her old class saw her with her new class... They were lost, they had lost there everyday Ladybug due to there actions, but they still had a plan to do... But as they were about to do it, Kagami brought up the restraining order that was on the papers they received, Mari was surprised but she knew Kagami wanted to protect her... Since they were going to get married and all.

It happened in Japan, Kagami had taken her to a temple to pray and she made her demand, of course Mari joked about how “Kagami never hesitates” making them laugh, but Mari accepted so they went to the restaurant with Tomoe to give her the good news so they could celebrate together, after that the couple went around Japan to do some shopping and all Mari could think about was the wedding she would have with Kagami... They had much to plan but that could wait, they had to think about college right now since this was going to be there last year of high school.

Needless to say... Mari proved them wrong about her being obsessed on Adrien.

[the-delta-42]

Broken

@gale-of-the-nomads you said I could and now you can’t stop me.

Broken

Kagami did not know what happened. She saw Lila and everything went black.

“Kagami, stop!”

Kagami kept hearing excerpts of what happened, Marinette was shouting. But Marinette never really shouted.

The distinctive sound of metal hitting metal rang through the air.

“Kagami, this isn’t how you are!”

“Kagami, please, listen to me!”

Kagami took in her surroundings, she was in an interrogation room, handcuffed to the table. It was only then she noticed the blood on her hands.

What did she do?

The door opened, Kagami expected her family’s lawyer to walk in, but a young woman, roughly ten years older than Kagami herself walked in and stood in front of her.

“Kagami Tsurugi?” Asked the Woman, Kagami was struck by how similar she looked to Marinette, with the difference of hair and eye colour. Where Marinette’s eyes alternated between blue and grey, the woman’s eyes were a warm green colour and while Marinette’s hair was black, this woman’s hair was a soft brown colour, like Marinette’s father’s hair.

Kagami nodded.

“Skye Dupain,” Said Skye, “I’ve been asked to handle this matter, which was easier than expected, since there was no one else.”

Kagami’s heart sank, her mind already connecting the dots.

“Do you know what you’re being charged with?” Asked Skye, looking at Kagami, who shook her head, “They’re holding you for ‘attempted murder’ of a girl your age, with one eyewitness supporting this claim.”

“M-Marinette told them that?” Whispered Kagami, making Skye look down at her.

“Mlle. Dupain-Cheng is listed as the victim, Mlle. Rossi is the witness listed on the file.” Said Skye, glancing through the document, “I want you to tell me, in your own words, what happened?”

B

Kagami spotted Lila shoving Marinette against the locker, a bag of swords that D’Argencourt kept in the school falling from the top of the locker, before jamming a knee into her gut and throwing her on the floor. Marinette’s side hit a bench as she went down.

“You’re pathetic.” Sneered Lila, “You say you love Adrien, but you give him up for some other bitch.”

“That,” Gasped Marinette, slowly getting to her feet, “was Adrien’s choice.”

Lila sneered and kicked Marinette in the side, knocking her back to the floor, before stepping on Marinette’s right hand and pushing down on it until she heard a crack and a cry of pain from Marinette.

“You know you never had a chance with Adrien, don’t you?” Snarled Lila, punctuating each word with a kick, “he’d never be interested in a piece of filth like you.”

Marinette grabbed Lila’s foot mid swing and knocked the other one out from under the Italian. Lila let out a yelp as she fell, as Marinette slowly got to her feet.

“You know what?” Said Marinette, holding her side, trying to ignore the pain, “I can live with that. As long as Adrien is happy, I can be happy. Love isn’t something that requires both parties to feel the same way, because if you truly love someone, then seeing them happy is enough.”

Kagami felt touched by what Marinette had said, before Lila snarled and grabbed one of the swords from the bag and went to stab Marinette with it. Something in Kagami broke, growling as she charged forwards grabbing the sword from Lila’s hand and swing it at her.

Marinette stood frozen, watching as Kagami started to attack Lila, mentally arguing on if she should stop Kagami or remain out of the fight. The decision was made for her when Lila tripped and landed on her rear. In a flash of movement, Marinette had grabbed a sword from the bag and parried Kagami’s jab away from the liar.

“Kagami, listen to me,” Said Marinette, her breath shaky, “you need to calm down.”

Kagami roared and went to slash at Lila, Marinette making sure to keep the blade from connecting with Lila.

“Kagami, stop!” Cried Marinette, as she parried another jab aimed at Lila, the distinctive sound of metal hitting metal rang through the air, “Kagami, this isn’t how you are!”

“She needs to be punished!” Snarled Kagami, advancing towards Marinette.

“Kagami, please, listen to me!” Yelled Marinette, “This isn’t you! Please, you need to calm down!”

Kagami lunged forwards, with Marinette going to parry from Kagami’s previous position. The blade slid between Marinette’s ribs, the girl felt a pain in her chest, before she felt the sword poke out her back. The sword Marinette had been holding fell to the floor.

“Kagami…” Said Marinette, as she struggled to breath, coughing up some blood as she spoke. The sword was removed.

There was silence, before the sword clattered to the floor, joining its partner. Marinette felt her legs give way beneath her, while Lila smirked viciously, before letting out a scream. Kagami stood frozen, as she stared at the blood coating her hands.

B

Kagami stared at her hands in horror, “I killed her.”

“Marinette is still alive, she has a punctured lung and a cut artery, but nothing too fatal.” Said Skye, looking down at Kagami, as the Japanese girl started to hyperventilate.

“Hey, hey, in through the nose, out through the mouth.” Soothed Skye, “Marinette’s fine, she’s going to make a full recovery.”

Kagami followed Skye’s instructions, inhaling deeply through her nose and exhaling through her mouth.

“Until Marinette wakes up, you’re going to be kept here,” Said Skye, gently, “I’m sure once she’s awake, you’ll be able to go home.”

Kagami nodded, before Skye left and a police officer arrived to take Kagami back to the cell she’d been allocated.

B

Adrien stared down at Marinette’s unconscious form. He didn’t want to believe what Lila had said, that Kagami had attacked and tried to kill Marinette, but without anyone else to give an alternative take on what happened, he couldn’t do anything but believe what had been said. He’d tried to think of everything that he thought could explain it, other than Lila lying, Kagami being akumatized, Marinette getting stabbed by someone else and Kagami was the one who found her, anything that wasn’t that Kagami had lied to both of them and deliberately tried to kill Marinette.

But what if she did?

Adrien shook his head, trying to dispel the thought from his mind. He had already heard from his father that he was to break up with Kagami, he didn’t want her actions to tarnish the Gabriel brand. Everyone was treating Lila like a hero, except the select few of Nino, Alya and himself, the three of them more concerned with Marinette’s situation.

“The doctors said she had a couple of broken ribs and a broken hand.” Said Alya, quietly, “They think that Kagami, or whoever did this, was already attacking her before she was stabbed.”

Adrien saw Alya tightly holding her phone, her knuckles slowly going white, every time someone was akumatized, there was a side effect, Alya couldn’t be separated from her phone, Nino couldn’t hold or come in contact with bubbles and Juleka couldn’t look at her reflection.

Everyone who had been Akumatized was left with an invisible scar, Damocles would hoot and Bustier was say ‘kissu’ at random points while talking. Perhaps Kagami was left with a serious aggression.

But that didn’t explain how or why Marinette was stabbed. Marinette looked so small, the bed spanning around her, as if she were an island in the middle of a sea of white and blue. Marinette suddenly started jerking, as if someone had grabbed her by the throat.

Within moments, a doctor, nurse and a couple of orderlies rushed into the room.

“Right, she’s choking.” Said the Doctor, as one of the orderlies guided the group out of the room. The door closed before any of them could hear what the Doctor said next a few minutes later the Doctor stalked out of the room and headed to a desk.

Before Adrien knew it, he was in the corridor, with Gorilla watching from the end of the hall.

Adrien was just leaving class when he heard the scream. In the back of his mind, he was able to identify the voice belonging to Lila, but still, he ran to the source, skidding to a stop when he reached the locker room. Lila was plastering herself against the wall, while Marinette lied in a steadily growing pool of her own blood.

With Kagami standing over her. With Marinette’s blood on her hands. Adrien froze, absently aware of Kim rushing past him and tackling Kagami to the floor. Alya started calling for an ambulance, while Ms. Bustier and Ms. Mendeleiev started applying what first aid training they knew, being careful to stem the bleeding as best they could.

“I really don’t know what good this is going to do.” Said Mendeleiev, checking Marinette’s pulse, “Since she’s discharging blood from her mouth, we know she has internal bleeding.”

“Demeter,” Said Bustier, looking sick, “Can you, kissu, please not say that.”

Mendeleiev looked around, noticing the pale faces of the students.

“All of you, go to the library.” Barked the Teacher, making most of the students’ scatter.

“Alya, could you please take Lila to the staff room?” Asked Bustier, as an ambulance pulled up outside the school.

Adrien had been guided away by Nino, when Alya took Lila to the staffroom. There was a commotion by the lifts, Adrien looked up and saw a young woman, roughly Ms. Bustier’s age, stalking towards them. Adrien was struck by how much she looked like Marinette, with the exception of her hair and eyes, being light brown and green respectively.

“I’m looking for the Dupain-Chengs.” Said the woman, in place of introductions or greetings.

“They’ve gone to close their bakery up.” Said Alya, after a moments silence.

The woman growled, before fishing her phone out of her pocket. Adrien frowned, quickly noting that it was an older style of mobile, early 2000’s, and not one of the latest models like most people went for.

“Mike, where are you?” Demanded the woman, Adrien had the sinking feeling that both the woman and ‘Mike’ were Mrs. Tsurugi’s lawyers, “Okay, if you’re there, then they can’t be home yet.”

The woman stiffened, before her attitude changed entirely, “Ah, hi… Okay, I’ll wait for you to arrive at the hospital… No, I don’t think anyone’s been able to raise Toby, we’d need a fucking Ouija Board.”

The woman nodded and confirmed a few things, before hanging up. She then turned to Alya.

“I take it you’re Alya?” Asked the Woman, looking at the Creole girl.

“I am.” Said Alya, drawing the same conclusions as Adrien.

The woman took them all by surprise by smiling widely and grabbing Alya’s hands, “Mari’s told me so much about you, I’m Skye, Marinette’s sister.”

“I… didn’t know Marinette had a sister.” Said Alya, after a moment.

Skye was still for a moment, before slowly turning to Nino.

“I didn’t recognise you.” Said Nino, quickly throwing his hands up.

Skye only narrowed her eyes, before her gaze settled on Adrien, “And you must be the pretty boyfriend of the girl who stabbed my sister.”

Skye’s tone wasn’t accusatory, merely factual.

“Soon to be ex.” Said Adrien, keeping his tone level.

Skye wrinkled her nose, before she started to circle Adrien, frowning as she went. Skye stopped and glared at Adrien.

“If what I’m told is true,” Said Skye, her tone cold, “being akumatized affects everyone differently, each victim having an invisible scar that they have to live with every day. Ms. Tsurugi was not in control of her actions and, while Marinette is still unconscious, we only have the testimony of a teenage girl who claimed to witness the entire thing but didn’t alert anyone until after someone had been stabbed and remained calm as she recounted every detail.”

Adrien could’ve sworn that the room temperature dropped.

“And that isn’t taking into account her… ‘exceptional’ lifestyle that is faker that Kim Kardashian’s ‘assets.’” Skye’s glare pinned Adrien in place, “But, seeing as you’re more of a wet blanket-”

“That’s enough, Skye.” Said a gruff, yet at the same time soft, voice, making everyone look towards the entrance.

“Michael, you got here faster than I expected.” Said Skye, leaning back on her heels, “I was just talking to Mari’s friends.”

Michael looked like an older, male, taller version of Marinette, except his eyes were a mixture of blue and grey. Michael had three pale scars that ran from the middle of his cheek to his jaw.

“Skye, you’re not in court,” Sighed Michael, before looking into Marinette’s room, “I take it she hasn’t woken up?”

“No, but she started choking on something just before I got here.” Said Skye, folding her arms.

“Well, I’m sure she’s going to be fine.” Said Michael, turning to look at Marinette’s friends. His gaze slowly went over the three, before settling on Adrien, “Relax, you look like you’ve got a foil shoved up your butt.”

Adrien let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“You’re Emilie’s son, aren’t you?” Asked Michael, making Adrien stiffen.

“Wait, Emilie?” Asked Skye, whipping around to look at Michael, “You mean that actress you loved? The one you met while on work experience. The one you fainted in front of when she introduced herself to you?”

Michael slowly turned and glared at Skye, “That was one time.”

“Yeah, but you were bitching about how your life was over because your idol saw you act weird.” Snickered Skye, as Michael slowly grew redder.

“Well, at least I didn’t moan when I met Dark Owl.” Snarled Michael, making Skye freeze.

“Take that back!” Demanded Skye, as she went red as well.

“Make me!” retorted Michael, before a hand grabbed his ear, while the person’s other grabbed Skye’s ear.

Both suddenly paled, and silently sent a prayer to a powerful and merciless god, before they were tugged down to their mother’s level.

“Stop it, both of you.” Growled Sabine, before butting their heads together.

Michael and Skye recoiled and grabbed the point of impact on their heads. The two glared at each other, before they turned and look at their parents.

“Sorry, mum.” They said in unison.

“Anyway, why does it matter who his mother is?” Asked Skye, gesturing to Adrien.

“Because his father is a controlling, abusive dick.” Said Michael, as he stopped rubbing his head, “In the month I worked with her, he stormed on set six or seven times and had to escorted off by security.”

Adrien was silent as he processed the information, he’d never heard about this side of his father. It did fit some of his father’s attitudes and actions.

“He… He did tell me to break up with Kagami after the news broke.” Said Adrien, quietly.

Michael had a smug look on his face, until Skye punched his arm. Skye then turned to Adrien and spoke to him, “Do you have any other family members that can take care of you? An aunt or set of grandparents, perhaps?”

“T-there’s my Aunt Amelie.” Said Adrien, making Skye nod and walked away, pulling her phone from her pocket as she did so.

“What’s she doing?” Asked Adrien, frantically looking around.

“Most likely contacting Child Services,” Said Michael, looking down at the panicking blond, “Since you literally just told us that your father has near total control over your life.”

Adrien looked around the room again, his breathing starting to come out in rapid puffs. He vaguely heard Michael swear as the world went dark.

B

Amelie Graham-De-Vanily quietly swirled her tea around in her cup. One of the two rings laid on the table. Felix had decided to go to bed early, since he’d pulled an all-nighter the previous night. She jumped when the phone suddenly rang. She spotted the number was from France and scowled, no doubt Gabriel noticed the ring was missing.

“Hello, Amelie Graham-De-Vanily speaking, can I help you?” Asked Amelie, already knowing Gabriel was going to be as hostile as possible.

“Mrs. Graham-De-Vanily? My name’s Skye Dupain,” Said a young woman’s voice, a French accent tinting her English, “I’m calling to inform you about the current legal situation with Gabriel Agreste and that you’re currently Adrien’s only known living relative.”

Amelie paused, before frowning, “What has my idiot of a Brother-In-Law done now?”

“Currently we’re investigating him on suspicion of neglecting and coercively controlling his son.” Said Skye, making Amelie stiffen.

‘Well, that explains why Adrien wasn’t able to attend my husband’s funeral.’ Thought Amelie, as Skye let her take it all in.

“Do you have any residences in Paris that you and your son can stay at while the investigation is on-going?” Asked Skye, “We’re going to need Adrien to remain in Paris, as this concerns him, and we will need his testimony in the case.”

“I believe I have a house somewhere in Paris,” Said Amelie, oblivious to Felix picking up another phone and listening in, “I’ll have to check, but are you sure Gabriel is abusing Adrien? I know he’s been distant since Emelie died, but actively neglecting and controlling Adrien’s life?”

“I’m not at liberty to say at the moment,” Said Skye, “But, we have gone over the case and spoken to a few employees. One has given cause for concern, but that is another case that’s also ongoing.”

“Right,” Said Amelie, sighing, “I’ll let Felix know and be there as soon as possible.”

“Right, thank you for your time.” Said Skye, before hanging up.

Amelie kept the phone to her ear, before saying, “Felix, you’re supposed to be asleep.”

There was a loud groan, before the phone was hung up and Felix stomped his was down the stairs.

“What’s this about Adrien being abused?” Demanded Felix, making Amelie sigh again.

B

Skye put her phone back in her pocket, before looking down at the case file in front of her. It was thick with sheets of paper filled with testimonies, bank statements and other pieces of legal evidence. Skye looked over at the other files, one filled with unfair dismissal cases, another filled with evidence of illegal substances and purchases, a third filled with Gabriel’s concerning relationship with Gabriel Agreste, the fourth filled with Emelie Agreste’s ‘disappearance’ and the subsequent unsolved investigation and the final one filled with the case that concerned Ms. Tsurugi and Marinette. Skye had said to her boss that she shouldn’t handle a case that involved her sister, but their firm was a total of five people, two of which were on holiday and another was off sick after taking a dip in the Seine.

There was a knock on the door, before a Japanese man strode into the office.

“I assume you’re the one handling Ms. Kagami’s case?” Asked the man, holding a thin folder.

“I am.” Said Skye, leaning back in her chair.

“These are the disinheritance forms signed by one Tomoe Tsurugi in regard to one Kagami Tsurugi.” Said the man, dropping the file on Skye’s desk, “I tried to talk her out of it, but that only resulted in Tsurugi dismissing me from her service.”

The man left without another word, before Skye groaned and slumped forwards.

B

Kagami sat in the corner of her cell, waiting for her mother to turn up. Part of her wanted her mother to tell her everything would be okay, but it’d been a week since she’d been brought here, and her mother had yet to show up.

There was a knock on her cell door, before it was unlocked and allowed Skye to walk in.

“Kagami,” Said Skye, hesitantly broaching the subject, “I’m afraid I have some bad news.”

Kagami stared up at Skye, trying to read her body language.

“I’m afraid your mother has chosen to disown you,” Said Skye, slowly, “her former solicitor approached me last night with the paperwork.”

Kagami didn’t react, she just stared at Skye, as the young woman waited for a response.

“This makes your case incredibly complicated, as we will need to find a family for you for when all this draws to a close.” Said Skye, running her hand through her hair, “But, don’t worry. I promise we’ll have something sorted out before everything’s over.”

Skye was quickly ushered out of the cell, leaving Kagami alone. Kagami sat still for a few moments, before pulling her knees to her chest and started crying.

B

Alya watched Marinette’s chest rise a fall; she no longer needed a ventilator to help her breath, of course, Marinette had to learn to breath on her own again; so, they made sure they had someone in the room with her. The nurse was reading a magazine in the corner, keeping one eye on Marinette.

“Kitty Section got a new gig this week,” Said Alya, quietly talking to Marinette, “Nino’s got one tomorrow, he hopes he’ll get his big break and fix all the problems in the world.”

Marinette said nothing, as usual.

“Lila’s been unbearable since this all started.” Said Alya, wincing at the thought, “Your, er, sister inspired me to do some research. You were right, Lila has been lying.”

Alya reached out and grasped Marinette’s hand, rested her head on the bed.

“Adrien’s been living with his aunt and cousin,” Said Alya, her eyes closing, “apparently his Dad was controlling him, which actually lost him custody and since there are rumours that he’s unfairly dismissed people and had an inappropriate relationship with people who’ve been underage, I think it’s fair to say that he’s no longer someone anyone want to be associated with.”

Marinette’s hand suddenly tightened and relaxed, making Alya bolt upright.

“M-Mari?” Gasped Alya, getting the nurses attention.

“What’s wrong?” Asked the nurse, approaching Alya.

“M-Marinette just squeezed my hand.” Stammered Alya, before the nurse turfed her out of the room.

B

Lila entered the classroom, expecting everyone to crowd around her and take everything she said as gospel, but instead she found them all laughing and hugging over something.

“Lila!” Cried Rose, spotting the Italian, “Have you heard the news?”

“What news?” Asked Lila, already thinking up a way to make it about her.

“Marinette’s woken up!” Cried Rose, happily embracing Lila.

Lila’s mind screeched to a halt, if Marinette had woken up, then she’d tell everyone what actually happened and everything Lila had would vanish.

“T-that’s great.” Said Lila, quickly glancing around, “Are we allowed to see her?”

“The police were speaking to her when Alya left,” Said Alix, frowning at Lila, “Alya was in the toilet when she woke up. Marinette’s mum was with her when she woke.”

Lila swallowed her nervousness, quickly thinking on how she could turn this to keep the consequences away from her.

“How can they be sure Marinette remember what happened exactly?” Asked Lila, getting a few frowns.

“Well,” Said Max, pushing his glasses up, “they’ll ask Marinette what happened and depending on if her story matches to what either you or Kagami said, then they’ll carry on from there.”

Lila gnawed on her lower lip, before the conversation moved on. If she went home, perhaps she’d be able to convince her mother to move to another country. Things had started to get stale anyway.

Half-way through the lesson, a woman and a couple police officers knocked on the classroom door.

“Please forgive the intrusion, Mdme. Bustier,” Said the woman, quickly flashing her badge at the teacher, “but we need to speak with Mlle. Rossi, regarding the currently ongoing cases, regarding her employment at Gabriel and the attack on Mlle. Dupain-Cheng.”

Mdme. Bustier nodded, before turning back to the class. Lila wasn’t out of the room, before she screamed, “Marinette and Kagami planned everything to discredit me!”

The detective and police officers all stopped, all eyes were on Lila, as the Italian finally realised what she just said.

“We haven’t even asked you anything,” Said the detective, slowly, “and that’s the first thing you choose to say?”

Lila nervously looked around, before she was guided out of the classroom. She was guided to the Principle’s office, where she found her mother waiting for her.

“Mama!” Gasped Lila, her eyes darting around, “What are you doing here?”

“I heard the Police wanted to speak to my daughter and I decided to be with you as emotional support.” Said Mdme. Rossi, as Lila slowly paled.

“Mlle. Rossi,” Said the Detective, sitting in a chair opposite Lila and her mother, “I was hoping you could walk me through everything that happened when Mlle. Dupain-Cheng was stabbed.”

“Oh, it was horrible!” Cried Lila, burying her face in her hands, to hide her lack of tears, “Kagami was out of control, she kept hacking at Marinette! I could only scream when she finally stabbed her!”

The detective was silent, before she leaned forwards, “And when did Mlle. Tsurugi break Mlle. Dupain-Cheng’s ribs?”

“Just before she stabbed her.” Gasped Lila, pushing her hands in her face.

“And her hand?” Questioned the detective.

“Before she broke her ribs.” Said Lila, feigning a sniffle.

“That’s odd.” Said the Detective, locking her fingers together, “Because, Mlle. Dupain-Cheng’s ribs are broken at the back and on the opposite side to her hand. So, unless Mlle. Tsurugi rolled her over and then stomped on her hand, then the footage we’ve got is wrong.”

Lila’s world broke.

B

Marinette shifted slightly, she’d been discharged from hospital and was about to go into the witness box.

“The people call Marinette Dupain-Cheng to the stand.” Said One of Skye’s business partners, Malcolm.

Getting sworn in was reasonably quick and Malcolm started asking questions.

“Mlle. Dupain-Cheng,” Started Malcolm, “Could you tell us what happened the day you were stabbed?”

Marinette took a deep breath.

B

Lila shoved Marinette against the locker, she was vaguely aware of a bag with something metal in it falling to the ground, before Lila jammed her knee into her gut and threw her on the floor. Marinette’s side hit a bench as she went down.

“You’re pathetic.” Sneered Lila, “You say you love Adrien, but you give him up for some other bitch.”

“That,” Gasped Marinette, slowly getting to her feet, “was Adrien’s choice.”

Lila sneered and kicked Marinette in the side, knocking her back to the floor, before she stepped on Marinette’s right hand and pushed down on it until she heard a crack and a cry of pain from Marinette. Marinette was fairly sure it was broken.

“You know you never had a chance with Adrien, don’t you?” Snarled Lila, punctuating each word with a kick, “he’d never be interested in a piece of filth like you.”

Marinette grabbed Lila’s foot mid swing and knocked the other one out from under the Italian. Lila let out a yelp as she fell, as Marinette slowly got to her feet.

“You know what?” Said Marinette, holding her side, trying to ignore the pain of a broken rib, “I can live with that. As long as Adrien is happy, I can be happy. Love isn’t something that requires both parties to feel the same way, because if you truly love someone, then seeing them happy is enough.”

Lila snarled and grabbed something from the bag, a sword, and went to stab Marinette with it. Marinette heard someone growling before Kagami charged forwards grabbed the sword from Lila’s hand and swing it at the Italian.

Marinette stood frozen, watching as Kagami started to attack Lila, mentally arguing on if she should stop Kagami or remain out of the fight. The decision was made for her when Lila tripped and landed on her rear. In a flash of movement, Marinette had grabbed a sword from the bag and parried Kagami’s jab away from the liar.

“Kagami, listen to me,” Said Marinette, her breath shaky, “you need to calm down.”

Kagami roared and went to slash at Lila, Marinette making sure to keep the blade from connecting with Lila.

“Kagami, stop!” Cried Marinette, as she parried another jab aimed at Lila, the distinctive sound of metal hitting metal rang through the air, “Kagami, this isn’t how you are!”

“She needs to be punished!” Snarled Kagami, advancing towards Marinette.

“Kagami, please, listen to me!” Yelled Marinette, “This isn’t you! Please, you need to calm down!”

Kagami lunged forwards, with Marinette going to parry from Kagami’s previous position. The blade slid between Marinette’s ribs, the girl felt a pain in her chest, before she felt the sword poke out her back. The sword Marinette had been holding fell to the floor.

“Kagami…” Said Marinette, as she struggled to breath, coughing up some blood as she spoke. The sword was removed. Everything then went dark, before she opened her eyes again to a brightly coloured room.

B

“After I woke up,” Said Marinette, trying to stay calm, “the Police asked me what happened I told them what I just told you.”

“Just to clarify,” Said Malcolm, smirking at Lila’s lawyer, “Mlle. Tsurugi didn’t attack you, but entered a blind rage when she saw you in danger and, excluding the already existing injuries, you were only injured because you got between her and Mlle. Rossi?”

“Yes.” Said Marinette, clearly.

“No further questions.” Said Malcolm, as Lila’s Lawyer stood up.

“Mlle. Dupain,” Said the Lawyer, an old, balding, fat man who looked at Marinette as if she was a piece of dirt.

“Dupain-Cheng.” Corrected Marinette, her tone flat.

“Dupain-Cheng,” Said the Lawyer, “is it true that you do not like my client?”

“I don’t dislike Lila,” Said Marinette, carefully adjusting herself so she didn’t aggravate the stab wound, “I dislike the lies she is telling people, as it plays with their emotions and their dreams for their future.”

“But you have no proof she’s lying.” Said the Lawyer, smugly.

“On her first day, I saw her steal a book that belonged to Adrien’s father from Adrien’s school bag and then dispose of it in a trash can in the park.” Said Marinette, her tone flat, “I then followed her and saw her lies exposed by Ladybug.”

Lila’s lawyer paled slightly, before clearing his throat, “Hearsay, you have no proof that she lied about anything.”

“I didn’t need to,” Said Marinette, flatly, “The lies she started telling when she returned from hiding in her room, were poorly made and only required a quick google search to disprove.”

Lila’s Lawyer paled further, before looking at the judge.

“No further questions.” He muttered, before Marinette was dismissed from the box.

B

Kagami’s leg bounced, her host parent glanced over and her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Everything’s going to be okay.” Said Claire, gently rubbing Kagami’s shoulder.

Kagami nervously swallowed, while Maria took hold of Kagami’s hand.

“You just need to go up, tell them what happened and answer their questions.” Soothed Claire, while Maria looked at Lila and her lawyer.

The process of Kagami being called to the stand and sworn in came too quickly for the girl’s liking, Malcolm had gone over the basics with her the day before.

“Mlle. Tsurugi,” Said Malcolm, approaching the stand, “I only need you to answer yes or no to my questions. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Said Kagami, as Lila’s Lawyer smirked.

“On the 17th of September, you entered College François Dupont’s locker room to get changed for a fencing lesson, is that correct?”

“Yes.” Said Kagami, getting a nod from Malcolm.

“You said, in your statement to my colleague,” Said Malcolm, picking up a folder in his desk, “you saw Mlle. Rossi grab a sword from a bag and try to stab Mlle. Dupain-Cheng, is that correct?”

“Yes, it is.” Said Kagami, as Lila started to whisper in her Lawyer’s ear.

“After that, you described the following series of events that led up to the stabbing incident, as if you were not in control of your own body. Is that correct?” Asked Malcolm, putting the folder down.

“Yes.” Said Kagami.

“No further questions.” Said Malcolm, returning to his seat.

“Mlle. Tsurugi,” Said Lila’s Lawyer, looking at the Japanese girl, “Is it true you believe on acting first, despite not having the full picture?”

“Yes.” Said Kagami, looking at the lawyer.

“So, if you found that your boyfriend viewed a girl, who wasn’t you, and one that he clearly held feelings for,” Continued the Lawyer, “you wouldn’t wait for further clarification and you’d immediately go on the attack.”

“No.” Said Kagami, shaking her head.

“Just like how you didn’t wait before attacking Mlle. Rossi and, subsequently, Mlle. Dupain-Cheng.” Accused the Lawyer, “You saw the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, didn’t you, Mlle. Tsurugi?”

“No.” Said Kagami, shaking her head harder.

“Or perhaps Mlle. Dupain-Cheng was simply collateral damage.” Said the Lawyer, before Malcolm stood up.

“Objection, Your Honour. M. Strand is forming baseless accusations.” Said Malcolm, leaning forwards, his hands resting on the desktop.

“Sustained,” Said the Judge, before turning her gaze on Strand, “Monsieur Strand, I do hope you have actual evidence to back up these allegations.”

Strand grinned, “My client’s account of the situation will confirm the allegations.”

The Judge glared at him, “The testimony of one sixteen-year-old girl, who has been denounce as a liar by three different witnesses and has herself claimed to have blacked out and only woke up to see Mlle. Dupain-Cheng already wounded.”

Strand’s grin slowly fell from his face, and looked over a Lila, who had paled significantly.

“Permission to call a recess.” Said Strand, sweat forming on his forehead.

“Granted, we’ll reconvene in thirty minutes.” Said the Judge, slamming her gavel onto the desk.

B

“Strand’s got nothing to stand on.” Said Malcolm, as Skye handed coffees around, “Compared to who we’ve got, the case is ours.”

“So, he’s stranded.” Said Adrien, looking up at the legal expert.

“Not how I would’ve put it, but yeah, he is.” Said Malcolm, Lila had accused Adrien of harassing her, both at school and at photoshoots. Those claims were quickly refuted by Adrien’s classmates, the photographer Vincent and scars that adorned Adrien’s arms in the shape of Lila’s fingernails.

Adrien had another court date, in regard to Gabriel’s neglect and emotion and verbal abuse towards Adrien. A bell rang, signalling the people to head back into the court room. Malcolm walked up to his desk, with Skye sliding in next to him, as Strand stood up, his eyes glued onto his desk.

“Against the advice of her counsel, Mlle. Rossi wishes to take the stand.” Trembled Strand panic clear in his eyes.

“Mlle. Rossi,” Said the Judge, leaning forwards, “If you take the stand, you will be open for cross examination.”

Lila gave the Judge a sickly, sweet smile, before she nodded, “I understand your honour.”

“Mlle. Rossi, could you please recount the event of Friday, September 17th?” Asked Strand, a smirk on his face.

“I was arguing with Marinette in the locker room, she was just about to leave when Kagami burst in and tried to kill me,” Said Lila, tears starting to form in her eyes, “Marinette got caught between us and was stabbed, there was so much blood.”

“You said you and Mlle. Dupain-Cheng were arguing.” Said Strand, as Lila faked a wince.

“Someone had vandalised one of her sketchbooks,” Said Lila, “she thought I’d done it because I was the last one to leave the room it was in.”

“I have no further questions, your honour.” Said Strand, smirking at Malcolm.

“Mlle. Rossi,” Started Malcolm, approaching the girl, “you said you and Mlle. Dupain-Cheng were ‘arguing’, at any point, did the disagreement turn physical?”

“No, we were only using words.” Responded Lila, unknowingly walking into a trap.

“Then, how, may I ask, did Mlle. Dupain-Cheng suffer; a broken arm, a broken hand, two broken ribs and three fractured ribs, a skull fracture and a shattered ankle? Your Honour, I’d like to introduce items 14-JT, 15-JT, 16-JT, 17-JT, 18-JT and 19-JT into evidence.”

“She, she must’ve gotten them when Kagami attacked.” Said Lila, a small amount of panic appearing in her voice.

“Mlle. Rossi,” Said Malcolm, “you just said Mlle. Dupain-Cheng was caught in the crossfire, when all of these could be considered defence wounds.”

“M-Marinette did put up a fight.” Said Lila, trying to cover her story.

“Mlle. Rossi, you are aware that there is video evidence that contradicts your version of events?” Asked Malcolm, before turning to the Judge, “Your Honour, if you will permit it, I’d like to add item 16-JS-B into evidence, it is footage from the security camera the school locker room, it has also recorded audio.”

“Sustained.” Said the Judge, as a TV was wheeled into the courtroom.

The TV screen flickered into life and started playing the recording.

Lila shoved Marinette against the locker, a bag fell from the top of the locker, before jamming a knee into her gut and throwing her on the floor. Marinette’s side hit a bench as she went down.

“You’re pathetic.” Sneered Lila, “You say you love Adrien, but you give him up for some other bitch.”

“That,” Gasped Marinette, slowly getting to her feet, “was Adrien’s choice.”

Lila sneered and kicked Marinette in the side, knocking her back to the floor, before stepping on Marinette’s right hand and pushing down on it until she heard a crack and a cry of pain from Marinette.

“You know you never had a chance with Adrien, don’t you?” Snarled Lila, punctuating each word with a kick, “he’d never be interested in a piece of filth like you.”

Marinette grabbed Lila’s foot mid swing and knocked the other one out from under the Italian. Lila let out a yelp as she fell, as Marinette slowly got to her feet.

“You know what?” Said Marinette, holding her side, trying to ignore the pain, “I can live with that. As long as Adrien is happy, I can be happy. Love isn’t something that requires both parties to feel the same way, because if you truly love someone, then seeing them happy is enough.”

Lila snarled and grabbed one of the swords from the bag and went to stab Marinette with it. Kagami charged forwards grabbing the sword from Lila’s hand and swing it at her.

Marinette stood frozen, watching as Kagami started to attack Lila, mentally arguing on if she should stop Kagami or remain out of the fight. The decision was made for her when Lila tripped and landed on her rear. In a flash of movement, Marinette had grabbed a sword from the bag and parried Kagami’s jab away from the liar.

“Kagami, listen to me,” Said Marinette, her breath shaky, “you need to calm down.”

Kagami roared and went to slash at Lila, Marinette making sure to keep the blade from connecting with Lila.

“Kagami, stop!” Cried Marinette, as she parried another jab aimed at Lila, the distinctive sound of metal hitting metal rang through the air, “Kagami, this isn’t how you are!”

“She needs to be punished!” Snarled Kagami, advancing towards Marinette.

“Kagami, please, listen to me!” Yelled Marinette, “This isn’t you! Please, you need to calm down!”

Kagami lunged forwards, with Marinette going to parry from Kagami’s previous position. The blade slid between Marinette’s ribs, the girl felt a pain in her chest, before she felt the sword poke out her back. The sword Marinette had been holding fell to the floor.

“Kagami…” Said Marinette, as she struggled to breath, coughing up some blood as she spoke. The sword was removed.

There was silence, before the sword clattered to the floor, joining its partner. Marinette felt her legs give way beneath her, while Lila smirked viciously, before letting out a scream. Kagami stood frozen, as she stared at the blood coating her hands.

“As you can see, Your Honour,” Said Malcolm, “Mlle. Rossi has been lying on the stand in regards to the entire situation and sequence of events.”

“I now understand your reasoning for add additional charges against Mlle. Rossi.” Said the Judge, looking down at Malcolm, “Attempted Murder in the second degree and truancy. I believe that the Jury has seen enough to make a verdict.”

B

The Jury deliberated for an hour, before returning to the court room.

“Has the jury reached a verdict?” Asked the Judge, looking at the jury members.

“We have, sir.” Said the foreman, shuffling his feet.

“How does the jury find on the first count on the indictment, attempted murder in the second degree?” Asked the Judge, leaning back in his chair.

“Guilty, Your Honour.” Said the Foreman, looking down at the paper.

“How does the jury find on the second count on the indictment, truancy?”

“Guilty, Your Honour.”

“Mlle. Rossi, even without these charges, you would’ve been sentenced for your continued perjury in this court room,” Said the Judge, “you are hereby sentenced to 30 years in prison, you will start serving the sentence at a juvenile detention centre and, one you are of age, will be transferred to an appropriate prison to serve out the rest.”

The Judge banged his gavel on the desk, before dismissing the court.

B

Kagami looked around her new room, Maria and Claire had decided to adopt Kagami, after Tomoe had refused to allow Kagami back into the home to collect her belonging, instead having all of them burnt to a crisp.

Kagami took a deep breath, finally realising this was her first day of being a normal girl. There was a groan and a wheeze, as Marinette struggled to lift a box up.

“You’re going to tear your stitches!” Said Kagami, striding over and taking the box.

“The doctor said he might invest in getting me a cone.” Said Marinette, slumped against the door, “I can now write properly with my left hand.”

“Considering that your right one is fucked,” Said Kagami, carefully helping Marinette up, “I’m sure the compensation that Madam Rossi had to give you will help in finding someone who can get it back up to fighting strength.”

“I’ve actually got a physiotherapy session tomorrow.” Said Marinette, dropping herself onto Kagami’s bed, “Adrien’s helping with the animal’s downstairs.”

“Are you sure it’s not Felix?” Asked Kagami, dropping down next to Marinette.

“Nah, Felix hates cats,” Said Marinette, looking at the ceiling, “and I think he’s afraid of me.”

“I’m not surprised.” Responded Kagami, looking at Marinette.

Adrien joined the two girls half-an-hour later, dropping himself onto the bed and curling around them.

[chaotic-fiwwe]

New Gabriel Agreste Spoiler!!

....and a little journalism time

(Credits to : @Wayyz_World for sharing the spoiler on twitter and @The Maya B. Show for posting it on Youtube)

The spoiler states that "Someone will find out ShadowMoth's true identity in the episode S4E09 Gabriel Agreste"

Click "Keep Reading" to read my theory on this...

And, according to this list, the episode Mega Leech, Guiltrip, Optigami, Sentibubbler and Rocketear were after Gabriel Agreste .

And since, this time, they decided to put the episodes in the story's chronological order, we can conclude that

The person who found out ShadowMoth's identity was either Lila, Chris, Félix, Adrien's Bodyguard or Amilie

How?

Lemme show you

First, lemme jot down the list of suspects(basically almost all the characters)

Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Ladybug Adrien Agreste/Cat Noir Alya Césaire/Rena Rouge Nino Lahiffe/Carapace Chloé Bourgeois/Queen Bee Zoé Lee/Vesperia Alix Kubdel/Bunnix Caline Bustier Mylène Haprèle Ivan Bruel Juleka Couffaine Lê Chiến Kim Lila Rossi Max Kanté/Pegasus Sabrina Raincomprix Kagami Tsurugi Adrien's bodyguard Félix Graham De Vanily Amilie Graham De Vanily Luka Couffaine Chris Lahiffe Markov

Now, how I crossed out characters:

Sentibubbler was after Gabriel Agreste , right? And Marinette asked Alya to follow the purified butterfly every time in that episode Why else would she need that unless she wants to find out who ShadowMoth is? And, why would she need to find him if she already knew who he was? Thus, this crosses Marinette off our list

Then comes Cat Noir/Adrien Agreste..His behaviour is proof that he didn't find out ShadowMoth's identity. Cuz, if he had, then he would not have just felt sad that Gabriel manipulated him into filming the ad , he would've snapped or smthg, coz ShadowMoth used that to akumatize the Mayor and even a baby can figure out that this was his whole plan after seeing it play out once they saw who he was... So, Adrien is crossed of the list

Alya is obviously crossed out because when ShadowMoth threatened her to expose Ladybug n bla bla she could've threatened him back cuz desperate times desperate measures but she didn't...so.... *shrugs * She is dismissed U.U

This very episode crosses Nino of our list too...cuz, Nino would have at least told Alya or Ladybug about him finding out the identity of SM (Ima call ShadowMoth SM from now on bcoz typing the full name takes a looong time) cuz the couple is all like "No secrets"; well, okay, unless Gabriel threatened him or smthg..........and, SM akumatized him thrice!! and, there is no reason for him to not blurt out his identity when he gets akumatized coz not everyone has control over what they say then..okay...the last one is half -baked, but I still don't think he is the one...

Zoé Lee- even if she would've found out, there would be absolutely no reason for her to hide the fact that she knows who SM is!! and, yes, that's blind trust, I know, but think about it, her knowing does not make sense..so we can put her in the maybe list ig

We don't know much about Alix which might help here...But she might not have been the one coz she does not follow the "There is a right time for everything" kind of bullshit(yet)...and again, has absolutely no reason to hide...she goes to the maybe list ig

And, Chloé, is, well, Chloé...if she found out then do you think she would've let SM akumatize her own father??Nope...I know she hasn't redeemed and is still a bitch but she does care about her parents you know...She only got akumatized into Miracle Queen once she made sure her parents were back to normal...She isn't really the person who keeps quiet until the Big Showdown...(Yeah, she would've boasted about it, A LOT) So she's not the one ig

Max is "straight to the point" and "stating the facts " kind of person so if he were to find out ppl wud have known and there would have been improvement in the plan accordngly but that's not what happened.,,and Markov is an AI but he still didn't figure out who Ladybug and Cat Noir were..the magic protects them...so unless he directly sees SM (which is less likely) he wouldn't know...so I crossed them out

Miss Bustier, Sabrina, Kim, Ivan, Luka,Kagami, Mylène, or Juleka knowing, again, doesn't make any sense...okay...this whole thing is mostly following my gut...but...there is no change in their behavior in the later episodes and I don't believe that they might be working with SM either...so we can put them in the maybe list...

So I guess that's how I crossed out * grins nervously *

*ahem* The colors I chose for the ...thing....above(idk what to call it okay) do not have anything to do with ships ...and I mean no character hate

Now, onto why I "didn't" cross out Lila, Chloé, Max, Chris, Félix, Adrien's Bodyguard , Amilie and Markov

Lila, almost everyone knows why I didn't cross her out...So far, she's a liar, manipulative, hates Ladybug, works for Hawkmoth and ...I don't trust her

It is , again, obvious why I didn't cross Félix out...Most theories I've read state that him or Lila might be the next "HM" if u know what I mean...thus it was hard to cross him out after so many ppl thinking so...and the fact that they had to get the rings back n with the Sentimonster theory , this further fuels the fact that he might be the next Hawkmoth..aaand, he also lost his father n went on to manipulate Adrien's friends into believing that Adrien hated them..... Thus proved..and, if Félix could be a suspect, he would have to visit Paris..and along with him comes his Mommy Dearest™ (jk, his mom is wayy better than Lady Gisela...*ahem*..anyways..back to mlb)so...why not add Amilie into the list too?

Now, "Why Chris?", u might ask.. "He's just a kid!"...Yes, I'm aware...but remember, in Timetagger, he KNEW, that this Hawkmoth was not the HM of the future...while that may be bcoz this HM got defeated or achieved his goal n his identity got revealed to everyone in the future, this might also be bcoz Chris already knew?? He's the last person I would suspect but this show taught us to "Expect the Unexpected" so I'm keeping him...

Side Note: Remember, the person who finds out doesn't have to be evil or turn to the bad side once they find out

Adrien's Bodyguard- Well, I have many reasons to suspect him...1. He is almost always around the house.. 2.He doesn't speak, as far as we know and can remain very silent. 3.This might also be the reason why Gabriel didn't panic about anyone outing him...and, I don't think I have seen him in the eps lately?So..i guess he could be fired?

Yeah, so...that's that

That's how I conclude:

Main suspects

Lila , Félix, Amilie, Chris, Adrien's Bodyguard

And all the other people are in the maybe list cuz we don't know for sure until we actually see the ep...and, I just didn't say it's mostly Lila or Félix because I think we should not just consider the characters portrayed negatively as an option for things like these but widen our options to the sweet ones too...

Please note: This is just my theory, and not confirmed, anything could happen

Now, a subject change(kind of)

**I had posted my theory abt this episode, saying that this S4E09 ep might give us the answer to the Sentimonster theory...but the spoiler, as u saw, states that someone might find out who SM is, thus the whole...you know....the thing...above XD

Yeah, so...if this is really the whole synopsis and we won't be getting the Agreste Backstory then we r back to square 1 on the sentimonster theory I guess...coz that also makes sense...someone found out that SM is Gabriel Agreste, thus the ep name

Welp, for the sake of the people going crazy about the Sentimonster theory, here's to hoping this is not the whole synopsis (which includes me)...but the chances are less... :(

**Click the link below to check out my Gabriel Agreste ep theory..the one mentioned above

https://la-fille-noire-13.tumblr.com/post/657314554054918144/s4-episode-gabriel-agreste-could-it-be-the

I'm sorry for posting it so late, this had been in my draft for about 3 days but I just didn't have time to complete it

* takes a deep breath *

Well, now that all this is out of my system,

Thoughts?

This is La-Fille-Noire-13, signing out

[chocoluckchipz]

A Soulmate for Christmas - 3

< Previous

"Dupain-Cheng. We need to talk."

Marinette stopped breathing, sinking deeper under the desk. 

Chloe groaned and took a few steps away. "Don't make me get down there and drag you out. And next time, make sure you aren't hiding right in front of a mirror. Be thankful I didn't out you to Adrien."

Marinette glared at her reflection peeking out from a corner of the mostly covered mirror she’d failed to notice. 

"I suppose you want my gratitude for your generosity?" she huffed, climbing out of her hiding spot to face her old nemesis.

"I’ll do without, but let’s make one thing clear—I did it for Adrien, not you."

"Oh really? I fail to see how this benefits him since, you know, he wanted to find me."

Chloe smirked and looked Kagami’s way. Marinette followed her gaze, only now noticing how intently Kagami was watching her. 

"So, this is her?"

"Unfortunately."

Matching smirks on their lips, Kagami’s eyes held restrained curiosity. Chloe’s? Disbelief. 

Marinette could feel the weight of their judgement increase with each passing second. She scoffed. This crap was tiring to deal with back in the lycée. Now it wasn’t even worth the fight. "Listen, I doubt either of you want me to come in and mess up whatever thing you three have going on, so how about you tell Adrien you mistook me for someone else, the waitress he spoke to was not Marinette Dupain-Cheng, and we all walk our separate ways?"

Kagami folded her arms over her chest, arching an eyebrow. "What about Adrien?"

"What about him?"

"He’s your soulmate."

"He’s engaged to you."

"Did you hear anything we said here?"

"Didn’t have much of a choice."

"Then, you’re aware that we’re faking it. There is nothing but friendship between us."

"So I’ve heard."

"And you still want to walk away?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"She’s always been weird," Chloe snipped. "Adrien deserves better."

Marinette scoffed. "No one deserves a soulmate who humiliates them in front of the whole country."

"You can’t really pick your soulmate, you know," Kagami said. 

"But I can walk away from one who respects neither me nor our bond. Fake or not, he chose to be with you. I’m not going to interfere. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back work." 

Kagami grabbed Marinette’s hand before she could take a step. "You don’t understand. It’s not something he’s doing because he doesn’t respect or want you. Adrien’s practically saving my life with this, risking everything he ever wanted to do so."

Marinette almost laughed. "How is fake dating saving your life, Mlle Tsurugi? Fake dating is for fiction, a good book for a lonely evening or a movie to laugh with friends about. In the real world, in our modern society, it's irrelevant. And especially for someone as powerful and influential as you. You don't need to fake date. You can just say a word and all your problems will float away."

Kagami’s grip on Marinette’s hand tightened as she seethed through her teeth. "You have no idea what you’re talking about."

"Oh, don’t I? I’ve spent enough years in the same class with Chloe to see how people in your circle solve their problems."

"You shouldn’t put everyone in the same basket." Chloe stepped in, wrapping her arm around Kagami’s shoulder. She leaned closer to Kagami, their cheeks starting to glow at the contact, Kagami’s with a bee mark, Chloe’s with a dragon. 

To say Marinette was surprised was an understatement. 

"Just because we live in different circles doesn’t mean our lives are easy or that our problems always go away with a snap of our fingers," Chloe continued. "If you want to think of me like that, fine. Whatever. But not Adrien and certainly not Kagami." 

"I still fail to see the reason why someone would need to fake date." 

Before Chloe could start talking, Kagami cut her off with a wave of her hand. "Marinette, would you mind hearing me out? If you still want to walk away after what I have to tell you, neither of us will stop you."

Perhaps, this was the quickest way to get this over with. Maybe, she was curious herself as to what was going on between the three of them. Whatever it was, Marinette pulled up a chair, sat down and waited.

Kagami settled on a couch while Chloe leaned on its arm. "I was born and raised in Japan in a very conservative family where traditions were the law and whoever broke them was excommunicated forever. When I was fifteen, my mother and I moved to France, and I got to know the more liberal approach to life the French follow. I met Adrien through our parents’ business dealings. We became friends, and for the first time ever, someone could understand me, the life I was living, and the feelings I was suppressing. He wasn’t in any better of a situation at the time, but at least I was allowed to attend a private school. Adrien was kept locked inside his mansion. Later, I met Chloe and discovered the soulmate bond we shared. I was happy for the first time in my life. That is until my mother decided I had to marry one of her business partners’ sons for the sake of the family’s interests."

"A much older male," Chloe scoffed, scratching her nose. "Disgusting."

"Fifteen years older," Kagami confirmed. "And he lives in Japan which meant I would be forced to move back and lose not only my friends but also my soulmate. I would be expected to be an obedient, silent wife for the rest of my life, confined to looking after the house and birthing as many children as my husband wished."

"Ridiculous!" Chloe huffed. "Utterly ridiculous."

Kagami patted Chloe’s hand in a comforting gesture. "Perhaps if I’d never moved to France I would have gone along with her plans without complaining. However, after I had a taste of freedom and saw how happy I can be, I knew I couldn’t give up all of this. Give up Adrien and Chloe. Give up my dreams for the future. So, I panicked and said I was already secretly dating someone and didn’t tell her only because I wanted to make sure it was serious. Mother would’ve never agreed to let me stay if that person wasn’t from her list of approved potential spouses. A list made up of very influential and wealthy people. Adrien was one of them."

"He’s on the list of every Parisian mother." Chloe huffed. "Sucks to be him."

"I couldn’t say Chloe’s name," Kagami continued. "Mother isn't against same-sex relationships, but she considers them just ‘practice’ for the ‘real ones’ because, apparently,  I need a man as a life partner."

"As I said, ridiculous."

"So, I said Adrien’s name, then begged him to play along. We never thought it would get out of our circle. We even developed a plan for how to get me out unscathed and free. Adrien and I were supposed to only play a couple until my birthday in November when I became a legal adult by Japanese law. When that happened, I started transferring my funds to accounts my mother had no access to so I could walk away freely. But that takes time, and two weeks ago she found out and demanded an explanation for the transactions. She threatened to send me back to Japan immediately if she didn’t approve of what I had in mind. The transfers weren’t done yet and she had enough influence to stop it.

"I freaked out again and said Adrien and I were getting married, so I was gathering my personal funds into my own account that I planned to join with my husband’s after the wedding. I told her we were waiting for a special occasion to announce the engagement. She wasn’t buying it. She gave me a week to prove my words. She put a hold on all the transfers until then. It was Adrien who suggested we take it to the media. That way, she wouldn't doubt us, and she’d be somewhat pressured to let me stay in France, at least for the time being. Once the article was out, my mother released the funds, and as of last night, I’m a free woman.

"No one was ever going to announce an engagement. My things are being packed as we speak while my mother and I are out of the house. I won’t be going home with her. I’m moving in with Chloe, and, thanks to Adrien, I’m not doing so without a penny to my name. Adrien never meant to hurt you. He never looked any other woman's way. All he wanted was to help a friend." 

There wasn’t much Marinette could do but remain frozen in her seat, stunned at Kagami’s words. Her defences down, she hated to admit that everything Kagami had said made sense. There was a reason. A reason good enough to justify this whole thing. She couldn't hold this against Adrien. Heck, if any of Marinette’s friends were in Kagami’s shoes, she’d be fake proposing to them too. So, if everything that Kagami had told her was true, then…

"Marinette," Kagami spoke more gently, watching her with a lot less hostility. "For as long as I’ve known Adrien, every summer, every vacation he got, he was travelling to Milan, attending every fashion show and just wandering the streets in hopes of finding you. He painted over and publicly revealed his soulmate mark only because he’s desperate at this point. His father’s been pressuring him to date for publicity for years. He gave him a break when he thought we were a couple, but that ends tonight. And let me tell you, Gabriel Agreste is not the person to care for Adrien’s feelings and desires. He’ll make his life a living hell if Adrien continues to refuse to comply. Please, Marinette. Give him a chance. He deserves it."

"I’m giving him your number as a Christmas present tomorrow," Chloe spoke up. "You have until then to think about it. Let’s go, Kagami. It’s time to set Adrien free and show the world who your soulmate truly is."

"Right." Kagami stood up, giving Marinette one last glance. "The choice is yours, but you’d be a fool to walk away from a man like him. They don’t come as kind, loyal and loving as he is these days."

The door behind the pair closed, leaving only the sound of Marinette’s heart echoing in her ears. She could hardly move. If everything she’d just learned was true, she owed Adrien an apology and, if he wanted one, she owed him a chance. Because while she would definitely want a chance with the man Kagami had just described, she had to wonder if she deserved one at all. 

With a sigh, she stood up and headed back towards the kitchen. 

Later. She’d find him later. First, she had a job to finish and sweets to serve. The rest would have to wait. They’d waited for years. What would be another few hours?

Next >

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[the-phoenix-heart]

Sorting Hat Chats - Miraculous Ladybug (REDUX)

So probably not a lot of you remember that a while ago I did a sorting hat chat’s for Miraculous Ladybug right here. Since then I have changed my thoughts on some of the characters and gotten a LOT (a surprising amount) of asks on the subject, so I’m going to do a redux of my old sorting, especially since I’ve been away from the sorting hat chats community for a while. Make sure to refer back to original Miraculous sorting, as it has some information that I will not go over in depth here that I went over there, such as Marinette and Adrien’s Badger models. 

A little context: Badger = Hufflepuff, Lion = Gryffindor, Snake = Slytherin, and Bird = Ravenclaw

You can also find some good explanations about what I’m talking about here ( @wisteria-lodge ) and here ( @sortinghatchats​ ).

(There are SO MANY GODDAMN SNAKES IN THIS SHOW AND I HATE IT!! PEOPLE CAN HAVE OTHER MOTIVATIONS THAN THE PEOPLE THEY LOVE!!)

So I did not get MARINETTE DUPAIN-CHENG completely wrong okay! Addmitedly I did acknowledge she could have different secondaries and primaries, plus I got her primary models correct (an unhealthy exploded Badger primary and an unhealthy Snake primary built for Adrien that she’s failing to let go of). However, I posited the idea that she was a burnt Bird primary. I thought that she was a Burnt Bird, because she always seemed so willing to find other’s opinions on things, but I have since drawn back and decided that-no, she is a Burnt Lion. She doesn’t trust herself at all which is a common trait of Burnt Lions, and she does have her moments of having snap decisions and lashing out. She’s also the one more likely to try and do something when she believes something isn’t right, not hang back and find out more. 

And as for her secondary, I said she was a Snake with a Badger and Bird model. However, I was cherry picking. She is a Bird secondary with a Snake and Badger model. She IS a planner, she plots out schedules and comes up with intricate plans and she is simply more Bird than she is Snake. Her best examples of her plans are in Backwarder and Kwami Buster

And just to address why I was wrong, I think it was two things. 1. I myself am a Lion Bird and subconsciously did not want to be biased and say that Marinette was a Lion Bird just because I relate to her. 2. There are not many Bird Snakes and I wanted to add another to the list, Marinette fit the bill enough that I falsely accused her of that and that was a mistake. Please remember I am human and make these mistakes all the time, especially with characters I relate to. I had similar issues with Bakugou Katsuki from My Hero Academia. 

Okay so you (the anon) sent a response to these, but I’m going to look at these first, because ADRIEN AGRESTE is one of the characters who I think I got right, that being a Snake Lion with a Double Badger model. I know you backpedaled on Badger primary Adrien, but I gotta say all of this can be a Badger model conflicting with a Snake primary. His literal dream is to be alone on an island with Ladybug and a hamster, nothing about community, even Marinette’s dream included having children. 

(And a little explanation on his Badger model, it’s mostly because of his writing because the show uses him as a mouthpiece a lot of the time

As for him being Burnt Snake secondary...Idk I just don’t see it. He almost never goes for the sneaky way out, he’s more likely to do something dramatic like sacrificing himself or just wrecking shit, like a Lion (with a Badger model). We did see him lie about dating Ladybug because he was jealous (also not a Badger thing) but that’s about it. And while I do like how you pointed out that when they were kids Felix and him used to pull pranks all the time, please consider that Felix is a Snake secondary. Also weird bit to get hung up on, but I don’t think he’s EVER played jazz. Although interesting that you pointed out that jazz is all about the Snake secondary!

Oh, btw, in case anyone wants to argue about him actually being a Badger secondary, it is in fact a model seeing as Adrien has no qualms about putting piano music on to think he’s practicing and lying about where he’s going to his father. A Badger secondary doesn’t like taking shortcuts or picking the lazy option. I know I literally just said he doesn’t lie that much, but just because he can lie doesn’t mean he’s a Snake secondary. Anyway, I think he built his Badger model for his dad when he suddenly started lumping all these responsibilities on him.

Okay so, I get mistaking Adrien for being a Badger because of his model and performance...but where the heck did you get Lion from?! We don’t actually see him fighting for his community a lot and there is a big difference between Marinette and Adrien. What kind of Lion gets mad that he’s not being told something and decides to stop being a hero while Paris is underwater and probably millions of people are drowned. I’m sorry I cannot get on board Lion primary Adrien. 

Also, vying for people to get people akumatized so he can spend time with Ladybug?? Yeah sure that totally sounds like a Lion who values community. 

Lmao, I can agree with you there, I know I said ALYA CESAIRE was a Bird secondary, but I think I gave her too much credit. Alya is the type to rush in once she believes something, and I think she has a Bird secondary that she uses for journalism that she doesn’t use a lot of the time. 

Okay so, I didn’t sort NINO LAHIFFE last time so let’s do him now. I honestly think you’re taking the cause thing a little to literally, and also witling down Nino’s, admittedly limited, character. I sort him as a Snake primary, mostly motivated by Adrien and Alya, but also by his own hopes and dreams, like being a dj and director. He could be a Glory-Hound Lion, but I think he’s just a regular Snake. His secondary is way harder to pin down as I don’t believe he’s a Lion secondary, but I also don’t think he’s a Bird secondary like you said. I think he might also be a Snake secondary, impulsive, but more avoidant than a Lion secondary. When he’s Bubbler he stays away from directly attacking and keeps to long range, and as Carapace he hangs back and uses Shellter. I think he stays in neutral a lot. (This show is so Snake heavy I swear, especially for a show with Badger ideals).

And let’s just do some more rapid fire characters. 

LUKA COUFFAINE is a Snake primary no surprise there, he just cares about his family and Marinette and will do anything for them. As for his secondary, I’m gonna say Bird as he had to have the smarts to use second chance (which Adrien could not), and as an akuma he usually comes up with some nifty plans. 

KAGAMI TSURUGI is so confusing because the writers jerk her character around all the time. I would like to think she’s a Lion primary, since at the start she wants to prove her worth and fight the best at the fencing academy, but the rest of the evidence points to her being a Snake. So, I think she’s a Snake primary with a Lion model from her mother. As for her secondary, she’s a very straightforward Lion, rushing into battle and slashing her sword, plus she gave away her identity because she didn’t see a reason to lie.

LILA ROSSI is the last one I’m gonna do. I think she’s a Glory hound Lion primary, since all of her lies are about the awesome things she’s totally done and how she saved a kitten from being run over by a plane. I don’t think she’s motivated by the people she loves, mostly because she doesn’t actually love anyone and one humiliation in front of one person was enough for her to hideaway in her house for a year pretending to be on a charity globe trot. As for her secondary, she is the embodiment of a Snake to the point where I say she’s exploded. She lies about everything and tricks so hard, and she almost always comes up with the lies on the fly. 

So...

Marinette Dupain-Cheng - Lion primary, exploded Badger model and unhealthy Snake model/Bird secondary, exploded Badger model and Snake model 

Adrien Agreste - Snake primary, possibly starting to explode, Badger model or performance/Lion secondary, Badger model he built for his father

Alya Cesaire - Lion primary/Lion secondary, Bird model for journalism

Nino Lahiffe - Snake primary/Snake secondary

Luka Couffaine - Snake primary/Bird secondary

Kagami Tsurugi - Snake primary, Lion model/Lion secondary

Lila Rossi - Lion primary/Snake secondary

And to reiterate the sortings I did last time...

Chloe Bourgeois - Snake primary/Lion secondary

Gabriel Agreste/Hawkmoth - Snake primary/Bird secondary

Natalie Sancoeur/Mayura - Snake Primary/Bird secondary

[moonlightsbeams]

Dragons Make Surprisingly Good Girlfriends - Act 1 Part 4

Our bard and prince have come together, searching for the princess stolen by the dragon. But does the princess want to be found?

Dragon Prince Bard Princess

Dragon Prince Bard {Princess}

Marinette is so full of love, she just doesn’t know what to do. From very early on, she knew that she loved everything. From warm bread from the kitchens, to her Papa’s big strong arms, to the older maids who taught her how to sew.

When she first met the heir of the bordering Tsurugi kingdom, Marinette didn’t care that Kagami was reserved and stiff. She just saw the potential in a new friend, and she was determined to befriend her.

From that moment on, they were inseparable. Marinette would travel to Tsurugi and Kagami would come visit so often that her maman would tease that one of them should just move to the other kingdom. Marinette would respond that it would have to be Kagami, because she loved her parents too much to leave.

One night, the constellations hidden by dark rain clouds, her parents knock on her bedroom door. Marinette puts the dress she was working on aside on her bed, and goes to hug her Maman and Papa.

Squeezing her Papa tight she notices that his arms hang loosely around her, as if he’s afraid to touch her. “Papa, what’s wrong?” she sweetly asks.

Tom can’t look her in the eye, so Sabine gently takes her hands in her own. “Marinette, sweetheart, we need to talk.”

Marinetye sits down, her parents settling down on either side of her. “Sweetheart,” Sabine begins, a sad look on her face. “First off, your father and I want you to know we love you very much.”

Marinette only nods, unsure of her mother’s intent.

“You are aware that our kingdom is on very shaky terms with Agreste, right?”

Marinette nods again, remembering how when Dupain-Cheng was the kingdoms of Dupain and Cheng, before they were merged by her parents' happy marriage, that Dupain and Agreste were constantly on the brink of war. Things had cooled down, but after the untimely death of King Gabriel’s wife, the tensions had gotten worse.

“Your father and I recently met with King Gabriel and he as well wanted to mend the rift between our kingdoms. And thus we came to an agreement.”

“Oh Maman, that's wonderful! I know how much this has been bothering you two!” Marinette cheers, a sincere smile spreading across her face.

Tom stiffens, and Sabine gently squeezes Marinette’s hand. “You see darling, King Gabriel had a.. Term that he refused to budge on. Without this term, he wouldn’t sign the peace treaty and we risked all out war with him.”

“Maman, I’m not sure I understand.”

“You see, in order for peace to be established, he wanted a marriage between the two kingdoms. His son, Adrien is 21, just about your age.”

Her world instantly shatters.

Marriage?

She didn’t even realize King Gabriel had a son.

And she’ll be stuck with him forever, just to settle some old feud. She didn’t get a choice in her own life.

“Marinette, we hope you know how sorry we are, we never wanted you to be forced into this position, I hope you know your maman and I had no other choice.” Tom pleads, but Marinette doesn’t respond. She can only think of how much she has lost in an instant, and the tears overtake her like a tsunami, ugly sobs shaking her body.

She needs Kagami. Kagami would know what to do. Her calm, strong Kagami who always knew how to deal with a bad situation.

“I-I’m g-going to s-s-see Ka-ka-kagami.” She stammers through her tears. No, Marinette. Be assertive. She takes a deep breath, in through the nose, holds it for three seconds, out through the nose. Something Kagami taught her. She stands up, and faces her parents. “Now.”

“Darling, it’s far too late to leave now,” Tom starts, but Sabine places a hand on his shoulder.

“You may go.”

Marinette nods at her mother, rushing off to get the servants to get her carriage. Tom stands to chase after her, but Sabine grabs his arm, shaking her arm.

Marinette doesn’t see her parents quietly crying into each other's arms, regretting the pain they caused their daughter.

Kagami had turned into a dragon.

Thinking about it, delicately clutched in her claws, Marinette isn’t scared. She knows she should be terrified, dangling in mid-air, but she isn’t. She knows Kagami would never hurt her. But the awful look in Kagami’s eyes when she transformed looked like Kagami was in such terrible pain.

Kagami’s beautiful rich brown eyes, as warm as the chocolate muffins she stole from the palace kitchens, were unrecognizable. When Kagami seized, her fingernails sharpening into claws, scales replacing her skin, wings and a tail bursting out of her back, Marinette was most unnerved by the fact that she couldn’t see her friend in her eyes. When Kagami’s pupils sharpened and the brown bled away into a sickly yellow, Marinette feared that she had lost Kagami.

But the yellow eyes turned to her, and with the gentle firmness that Kagami always had, picked her up.

She hoped her friend was still in there.

Kagami had turned into a dragon.

Thinking about it, delicately clutched in her claws, Marinette isn’t scared. She knows she should be terrified, dangling in mid-air, but she isn’t. She knows Kagami would never hurt her. But the awful look in Kagami’s eyes when she transformed looked like Kagami was in such terrible pain.

Kagami’s beautiful rich brown eyes, as warm as the chocolate muffins she stole from the palace kitchens, were unrecognizable. When Kagami seized, her fingernails sharpening into claws, scales replacing her skin, wings and a tail bursting out of her back, Marinette was most unnerved by the fact that she couldn’t see her friend in her eyes. When Kagami’s pupils sharpened and the brown bled away into a sickly yellow, Marinette feared that she had lost Kagami.

But the yellow eyes turned to her, and with the gentle firmness that Kagami always had, picked her up.

She hoped her friend was still in there.

“So. First step of reinventing ourselves- we’ll need new names. Or at least code names. It’s less likely for someone to draw a connection between the name Marinette and me, you most definitely will be recognized in your own country.” Marinette decrees, pacing around the tower. After some exploration, they found a trapdoor leading down into a cozy room, fitted with a bed, a kitchen, some assorted chairs and tables and a staircase that led to the ground. When they wondered why this tower was there, Kagami teasingly suggested it was for a princess held captive, earning an amused glare from Marinette.

“What if we just switch names?” Kagami suggests, earning herself another glare.

“Seriously, ‘Gami?”

“Why not? Our parents could just have named us after princesses. Happens all the time.”

Marinette just shakes her head. “‘Gami, even if I had an entire week I could not name all the problems with that idea.”

Kagami groans, slumping in her chair. “Do you have a better plan?” she asks.

Marinette opens her mouth, but closes it.

“Mm, that’s what I thought.” Kagami stands up and stretches. “Until we can come up with codenames, we should attempt to get money to buy supplies. And clothes. Unless you want to make us new clothes?”

Marinette’s eyes widen and she shoots Kagami a surprised look. “I don’t think I’m that good yet…” she says, but Kagami just shakes her head.

“Marinette, you’re too humble. I’ve seen you make beautiful dresses, I’m confident you can whip something up.”

Marinette begins to mutter to herself about tunics and cloaks and leggings, and stops, realizing something. “Hey, ‘Gami?”

“Yes?”

“Where are we going to get money?”

Marinette can see the worry contort Kagami’s face, so she goes to her side, and squeezes her hands in her own. “We’re going to figure it out, okay? We’re in this together.”

Kagami forcefully blinks away some stray tears, and whispers, “What did I do to deserve you, Marinette?”

“Oh, Kagami,” Marinette whispers back, pressing her forehead to Kagami’s, “You exist.”

And they stay like that for a while.

The two stumble into a town, careful to keep their heads down, fiercely clutching to one another’s hands. And although it cost them more hours of daylight, Kagami insisted on picking a town further from their tower. And although Marinette agreed with the notion of safety, walking the many miles in heels was very painful. She put on her mental list to get herself and Kagami some sensible boots.

Kagami gently tugs Marinette into a jewelry and fine goods shop, dumping all of their royal jewels in front of the eldery shopkeeper, opening the beginnings of haggling their price. Marinette felt slightly guilty, selling off the beautiful and very expensive pieces, but she hadn’t worn any important ones when she left, so she supposed it was okay. As Kagami calmly and politely asks the shopkeeper to up his price, Marinette’s eyes are caught by a glint of red.

Gently releasing Kagami’s hand, she goes to investigate. She finds two red masquerade masks, and reaches out to one. The rich red velvet is spotted with black dots, a simple black lace trim and seems to fasten with a darker red ribbon. She idly remembers the one masquerade ball she attended in the Bourgeois kingdom many years ago, and how the masks were much more flamboyant and jarring. She scrunches her nose remembering how she was constantly sneezing because of the feathery mask her parents picked out for her.

“Ma- maid!” A call comes from behind her. Marinette whips around to see Kagami. Marinette merely raises an eyebrow, and goes back to examining the mask.

“So that’s the story we’re going with?” Marinette asks, gently teasing her friend.

“I- I forgot, okay?”

Marinette snorts, and shows Kagami the mask. “I think it’s exactly what I need.” She turns it over, and then turns back to Kagami. “‘Gami, where’s the money?”

Kagami blinks at Marinette a few times, before glancing down at her own chest. “Our money is...secure.”

Marinette discreetly glances down at Kagami’s bodice, which is considerably more lumpy than it was before. Kagami shifts uncomfortably, and jingles softly.

Marinette sighs. “I’ll find us a bag.”

When she comes back with a dark red pouch, she spots Kagami inspecting a rich red mask, patterned with scales, an overlapping yellow and black lace trim, also having a red ribbon dangling off it to hold onto the face. Marinette can’t quite tell the material, but she can tell instantly how much Kagami loves it.

“Let’s get it,” Marinette says, sliding up next to Kagami. “We need disguises, and the masks are perfect to do the job.”

Kagami looks like she wants to object, but Marinette presses a finger to Kagami’s lips. “No buts. You know I’m right.”

Marinette places the items in front of the shopkeeper, only now realizing his incredibly short height. “How much?”

The man just shakes his head. “No price. I will not miss the pouch. Besides, I have had the masks for far too long, I will be happy to see them be used.”

Marinette furrows her bow. “Monsieur, are you sure? The mask's craftsmanship is very nice, I would hate to take them off your hands for no money.” The shopkeeper makes eye contact with Marinette, and his eyes twinkle with countless mysteries and stories. “If you insist, I will trade you my wares to know your names.”

Marinette sucks in a breath. This was a problem. They really needed the masks, and the gold couldn’t stay in Kagami’s bodice forever, but they didn’t have names yet-

“Ryuko.”

Marinette whips around to look at Kagami, calm and collected as always. “My name is Ryuko.”

The elderly man nods. “A powerful name indeed. And you, my dear?” he asks Marinette.

Her eyes flicker to the mask she picked out for herself. “Ladybug. I am Ladybug.”

The shopkeeper smiles. “A warrior’s name. My wares are yours. May you both bring good into this world.”

A warrior? Maybe strong Kagami, trained in the art of fencing, but Marinette? Was she really a warrior?

Kaga-, no Ryuko, bows in thanks to the shopkeeper. “We will.” She fastsens her own mask on, grabs the pouch, and turns to Marinette. “M- Ladybug?”

Maybe Marinette is not a warrior, but Ladybug could be. She picks up her mask, and deftly ties it around her face, tying a messy bow at the back of her head. “Merci, monsieur. I hope we can.”

Ladybug extends a hand to Ryuko. “Are you ready to go?”

Ryuko laces her fingers through Ladybug’s, squeezing her hand tight. “I am.”

“Then there is nothing holding us back.”

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

[akimmito]

Heroes are made by the path they choose

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Master List

Chapter 18

Marinette was waiting for the moment when the Gotham vigilantes would show up, they ended up making the decision after she and Felix had a little chat with Silent Hill, she even spoke to John to ask what he knew about the two of them (of course, they had already met Robin, but their meeting was under other circumstances). John was very clear about his opinions, so she was able to have a better point of view when deciding.

They, sadly, would be the first to be recruited knowing the entire team. Unlike other members, they were recruited by two or three incumbents of the miraculous. The Aurore case, which was recommended by Chloe, Marc and Nathaniel; Silent Hill was recruited by her, Felix, and Max; Not in Hell was brought into the organization by Marc and Nathaniel (with approval from Alix and Luka). The others were led by other circumstances, such as John (who was led by her alone), Adrien (who only retired from the team due to circumstances that were out of his control), Jean (Chloe's butler ended up involved after it was done difficult to explain strange behaviors, becoming a great ally), Kim (he was initially recruited to be part of the team, but ended up only an affiliate) and Gina (how could she not realize that her granddaughter was the one who made contact with her? Maybe he couldn't discover her as Ladybug by magic, but there was nothing of the kind involved here anymore. It was easy).

So yes, Nightwing and Robin will be their first victims. The only one who completely opposed the idea was Damian, but she couldn't get any information out of him. Until minutes before meeting them.

"My father is Batman."

Marinette stayed still in those moments, but her son kept moving forward. She saw him draw one of his swords, but she was still processing his words. However, she slides it down and makes sure she doesn't forget to talk to him later. She can't go crazy in those moments.

Damian doesn't know who possessed him to say it in those moments, his mother had been asking the night before when they were alone, but he refused to say a word. And minutes, seconds, before meeting his brothers, it was not the right time. Well, the damage is done.

"You're not welcome." He's not feeling satisfaction in threatening his brothers, not at all, it's simply to maintain an image and let them know that they will not accept his games. It's just that.

Afterward, he just kept watching, watching the interaction, focusing his attention on Nightwing, who keeps his gaze fixed on his mother. He frowns, it doesn't matter if it's inside or outside the mask, Richard Grayson keeps looking at his mother; doesn't like. But his mother wouldn't notice him, would she?

No she wouldn't. She doesn't even give him a glance, she's more focused on Robin, so no, and his mother wouldn't notice Grayson. Even so, he must mark territory, he doesn't want one of his brothers as a father, although them is better than his father. No, he cannot submit to such thoughts, the man who marries his mother must be worthy of it.

When they go through the portal, the little glamor placed on him fades and he heads to the common room, where the others must be.

Marinette watches him leave, curious about her son's visible bad mood.

"Make yourself comfortable." She smiles kindly, in stark contrast to the intimidating image she was giving earlier.

"Suzaku…" She directs her gaze towards Robin, she finds it amusing that the youngest is the one who takes the reins because the responsible adult seems too lost watching her. Oh yeah, she realized, it's not subtle at all.

"Yes?"

"You mentioned that they already knew about us, how did they find out?"

"We have a contact." She doesn't remove her smile and proceeds to settle in front of Nightwing, her place would normally be at the head of the table, but she finds the attention he's giving her endearing. Oh well, what will their expression be when they see who is under the mask? It's not that she knows who they are, but she could guess, however, she will not be wandering in those directions.

“So you have a network of contacts?” Robin seems very excited by the information and seems to want to know more, much more. His curiosity is well received, especially since there is no malice, at least she cannot perceive it. "How do you open those portals? Is it related to heroes?"

"Quiet. All those questions will be clear at the meeting… so Nightwing, you didn't say anything, did a bird tear your tongue out?" This time, her smile changes to a cheekier one. John taught her to smile like that, it's a fun flirting game they have.

"I'm giving myself time to process everything, you really caught us off guard. We wanted to talk to one or two of you, I wasn't expecting us to have a meeting scheduled. ”He smiles humorously, he doesn't lie, sure, but it's not the whole reason.

"Oh, understandable. Although I could swear that the cause of your distraction was me. "Marinette is having fun, the years when she could barely talk to someone she liked, even a little, are long gone and buried, now it's much easier.

He doesn't respond to what was said because they see the others enter, being surprised to see several of them without a mask. Tim quickly recognizes Chloe Bourgeois, how not to do it, she is a MP and they have seen her several times in the news, she has very good press on her part. They also see Felix Graham of Vanily, Dick remembers him from that red carpet that Stephanie insisted on seeing months ago, in addition to the photos that Tim showed her from the newspapers of when Gabriel Agreste was arrested. The others, they don't recognize at all, although there are a couple of faces that they are sure they should recognize.

"Nice to meet you" Luka takes the initiative to say hello, sitting next to Marinette and taking his partner by the hand to take a seat next to him, Damian immediately claims the seat on the other side of his mother, refusing to take off his mask, even though everyone has put it aside.

"The pleasure is ours." Dick is the one who responds, more alert for the presence of everyone else.

"Do you have any specific questions or do you prefer to wait for us to finish explaining?" Felix asks, settling in next to Damian, the center of the table will always be where Marinette is sitting, so he will always be close to her. The Great Guardian is the main focus in any gathering, even if others don't know her importance.

"Just one." Tim responds, driven by his curiosity because he suddenly has these people who take care of his identity coming to use magic for that purpose, showing his face to them too easily. "Why are you showing us your identities?"

"We'll get to that, Robin. We'll start by introducing ourselves. ”Marinette smiles more kindly, taking a more professional approach now that everyone is settled in and the meeting has begun. Only Max is missing, but they know that he is busier with something more important. "It's hard not to recognize myself, people pay more attention to me than I'm comfortable receiving. Everyone knows me as Marie Lenoir, but my friends know my name is Marinette. ”She takes off her mask and Dick chokes on his own breath. Tim is very surprised, but doesn't show it. "He's my son, Damian.”The boy just frowns in his direction and thinks long and hard before lowering his mask.

Dick doesn't know how to feel about the Damian thing, he's a boy, a boy who surely has a lot of training or she wouldn't let him run around, right? In addition, he carries two swords with him, these being his main weapons, from what he could see of his suit, in addition to some other tools that he surely keeps in the thick belt that looks like cloth, the boy is covered in green, black and gray tones; He has even pulled his hood down revealing his tousled dark hair, very different from when he was seen at country house.

"Felix Graham of Vanily, although if you did a little research on the situation from seven years ago, you know who I am."

"Chloe Bourgeois, impossible not to know about me. I go out unnecessarily on television..."

"And I thought you loved the attention, Chloe." Nathaniel scoffs and she in response shakes her head the other way, hitting him lightly with her hair, drawing a little laugh from Alix at their childish fights that never change. "Nathaniel Kurtzberg, I'm not well known.”He shrugs, but smiles at the two guards. "And he's Marc Anciel.”

Marc just greets them with a little shyness, althoug he keeps moving forward and has made great progress by himself, plus he got his own confidence gain in his work and that's something about it that he will always be safe, no matter how uncomfortable he's in social situations.

"Alix Kudbel." She's simple with her presentation, doesn't see the need to focus too much on assuming something they might or might not know about them.

"Kagami Tsurugi, he's my boyfriend, Luka Couffaine." Simple and clear, Kagami wants to move fast to make the rules of the game clear. Having more allies was always a plan that was discussed when the MT started, but it's still a matter that puts everyone on edge. "Ideally, you should show your identities, the information that we will share with you is not something that is said to any random stranger. Mari-hime doesn't trust just anyone and her instincts are rarely wrong, but we need a guarantee."

Can the people they choose be trusted?

------

It's a Nara: We already made contact with Nightwing and Robin

Silent Hill: Oh perfect

Kiss my ass: So everything ready for the reunion on the weekend?

It’s aNara: Yes, hopefully, they will join too

Not in Hell: It will be entertaining

Kiss my ass: Of course it will! It will be so chaotic

It’s a Nara: I hope not, we will deal with serious matters

Oscar de la Rosa: I already booked the tickets for my trip to London

Divine gift: Everything perfectly calculated, excellent, Jean

Oscar de la Rosa: We must ensure that nothing gets out of control

Silent Hill: You guys are very efficient, they remind me of Alfred

Divine gift: No one can beat Alfred

Oscar de la Rosa: But it is an honor that you mention it

It’s a Nara: Who is Alfred?

Divine gift: A butler

Oscar de la Rosa: A Butler

[ryukyuan-sunflower]

Mugen: The Embodiment of Shintoism’s Redemptive Delinquent, Susanoo-no-Mikoto

Before I get into this Samurai Champloo analysis, I first want to make this clear that this is all interpretations I have made. There’s no actual direct information about the Shinto stuff (that I’ve seen), but I found a lot of parallels. There’s also a lot of variations in Shinto myth! So you may find some different but similar details.

To begin, one would at first think Mugen would be a representation of Amaterasu, Kami of the Sun, because of his association with red, fire, the sun, and the rooster in his title image. (Rooster’s represent the dawn and they were used to lure out Amaterasu from a cave). And in contrast, Jin would be associated with Susanoo, God of the Ocean and Storms, because of his association with water, and the aquatic fish in his title image. However, based on everything I am about to list, it is the exact opposite. Mugen and Jin are supposed to be like Yin and Yang, their elements canceling each other out. However, the two do possess traits of one another. For Mugen, it’s Jin’s samurai honor and morality. For Jin, he has Mugen’s stubbornness to not follow those he considers unworthy.

Mugen and Susanoo’s Personalities

Susanoo in his earliest myths, is seen in an extremely negative light. He is violent, rude, wild, arrogant, and loathed by the other Kami for his impulsive actions. In particular, his older sibling Amaterasu despises him. She by comparison, is benevolent and calm. He is the embodiment of chaos in stark contrast to his sister who represents “the balance of the universe”. Susanoo’s appearance is also supposed to be disheveled.

Susanoo, along with his two siblings, were born after his father Izanagi cleansed his face, after visiting the polluted underworld known as Yomi.

But...while Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi were born from Izanagi’s eyes, Susanoo was born from Izanagi’s nose last. The Kami believe that Susanoo had already absorbed some of the impurities of the underworld, and was tainted at birth.

This idea of being “lesser” fits very much in how Mugen is treated by society. The Ryukyuan people were heavily subjugated and experienced severe discrimination by the Japanese.

Ocean And Storms Symbolism

Susanoo is most notably the Kami of the Ocean, Storms (particularly rainfall) and Harvest (also because of rainfall). Later though, he ends up becoming the Kami associated with Love and Marriage. This will be explained further later.

Mugen has a heavy affiliation with the ocean, because of his previous occupation as a pirate and being born and raised in the penal colony island known as Taramashima which is near Miyakoshima in the Ryukyus. It’s the circular island on the bottom left, below.

We know Mugen is from here because the black figures that try to send him to the afterlife are known as Paantu. Paantu are deities from a Miyako Island festival that cast out evil spirits by throwing sacred mud on houses and people. In addition, Taramashima was used as a penal colony for Ryukyuan criminals during this time period, and is affiliated with Miyakoshima since it is so close by.

Also, in one of his most defining moments, he swims and emerges from the ocean in episode 25 to save Fuu.

More interestingly, Mugen is definitely associated with storms and typhoons (heavy tropic storm).

The Ryukyuan Islands have a long association with typhoons, because they were so common there throughout history, causing much damage and famine. In World War II, the Battle of Okinawa, known as the bloodiest Pacific battle, was called “The Typhoon of Steel”. In 1972, Okinawa made the flower of the coral tree or the “deigo”, their prefectural flower. 

These flowers can be seen in episode 14, during Mugen’s flashback.

What is interesting...is deigo flowers are a symbol of disaster or catastrophe, namely typhoons. There is an Okinawan belief that the more deigo flowers bloom, the more typhoons there will be. In this episode, which is all about Mugen’s past, we are given double symbolism of the ocean and storms, when he nearly drowns during a severe rainstorm.

In addition, while Mugen’s sword is never named in the anime or manga, his blade is called “Typhoon Swell” in the Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked PS2 video game.

Fall From Grace and Rivalry with Amaterasu

Because of Susanoo’s bad attitude, chaotic personality, and destructive nature, Izanagi, chief of the Gods deemed Susanoo unworthy to live in the Heavens. So he was banished.

Accepting his fate, Susanoo decided to visit his sister Amaterasu before his departure, who had long been his rival that he fought with often.This is largely because Amaterasu as Izanagi’s first child, had divine right to rule, while Susanoo was the youngest and was believed to have impurities. Their rivalry is a symbolism of sunshine versus rain. Both are needed for the harvest, but too much of either causes famine. 

This sounds a lot like Mugen and Jin, who cancel each other out.

When Susanoo went to see Amaterasu, the lands shook, and Amaterasu grew suspicious he was causing trouble, so she met him dressed in men’s clothing and in armor. To prove he had good intentions in saying farewell, Susanoo challenged her to a contest of who could create the most gods, in order to prove his sincerity.

Amaterasu took his sword, and broke it, forming three male kami. Susano took her necklace and broke it, forming 5 female kami from the magatama beads. There’s some variations to who exactly won. One says that Susano raged happily since he made more. Another says Amaterasu used trickery, and told him that the 5 female goddesses belonged to her, since they were made from her necklace and the 3 male gods were his since they came from his broken sword. This then infuriated him.

This is similar to how Mugen and Jin broke each other’s swords in episode 26, and neither really won.

Either way, Susanoo went wild, either from rage or pride and committed several heinous deeds, namely destroying Amaterasu’s rice fields and defecating in her palace. He also flayed and killed a holy horse and threw it at Amaterasu’s holy loom, which killed one of her servants.

The holy horse seems to be important to me.

Mugen’s last antagonist of the series are the three Satsuma brothers. In particular, Umanousuke is his biggest enemy who had kidnapped Fuu, tied her to a cross, and brutally tortured Mugen after he gave up his sword to free her. I am no expert, but from what I can gather, “nousuke” in a name, means second in command beneath a lord. And “Uma” means “horse”.

After his belligerent acts, Susanoo was then thrown from the Heavens to inhabit the earthly plane, which is considered to be Japan. Similarly, after Mugen’s pirating in Satsuma, that negatively impacted Umanousuke and his brothers, Mugen finally made it to Japan.

Susanoo and Mugen’s Redemption: Saving a Woman

Despite having been seen as a wild and evil God, there is one story that redeems him, showing him as heroic, and also allows him to reconcile with his sibling.

After Susanoo was cast out of the Heavens, he walked the lands of Japan. This is similar to Mugen being shunned by society for his astigmatism of his prison tattoos, as well as being an illegal alien in Japan, since he hails from the Ryukyuan Kingdom, which at this time period, is in a very complicated relationship between China and Japan.

It is while Susanoo is in the land of man, that he for the first time, is shown actually caring for another person: a young girl.

In his travels, he meets a sorrowful, elderly man and woman who are weeping over their daughter. Susanoo curiously asks why they are crying. 

They tell him that they have lost seven of their daughters to a sea serpent named Yamata-no-Orochi (8 forked serpent) who has devoured them year after year. Now, it is time for the sea serpent to devour their last and youngest daughter: Kushinadahime.

In an uncharacteristic act of sympathy, Susanoo offers to help them. He tells the old couple to give him their daughter so he can protect her. 

Upon entering the teahouse of episode 1, which was owned by an elderly couple...Mugen meets Fuu for the first time and saves her.

Susanoo transforms Kushinadahime into a small comb and hides her in his hair so that the serpent can not find her. Then, he goes off to kill the giant snake. He gets the serpent drunk off of very strong sake, and slays it.

From the serpent’s tail, Susanoo acquires the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi (the sword of gathering clouds). This sword has come to represent virtue.

After saving the girl, Susanoo asks her father for the girl’s hand in marriage. And then, after this, it would seem his new wife had tamed his tumultuous heart. She becomes venerated as the Kami of Rice and bears his 5 children. Many temples and festivals honor them together to this very day!

It is after this point, that Susanoo is no longer seen merely as the violent, antagonistic god of storms. He also becomes venerated as the God of Love and Marriage because of his heroism and love for the girl he saved.

A violent, belligerent sinful killer who falls from grace...who is redeemed by protecting a woman and becoming a hero...

You probably see where I’m going with this. Mugen and Fuu are heavily implied to have a subtle romance in the series. But if you’re confused by this and need sufficient evidence, please let me know and I’ll provide my many posts that explain it in detail. I will merely bring up one scene here, in order to tie Mugen’s connection with Susanoo, who has become the God of Love.

In episode 21, Sara tells Mugen “Powerful hatred and rage swirl within you. I cannot tell if it is sadness. It is as if you have never once been loved.”

When Mugen falls to the ground, and Sara readies her blade to kill him, Fuu jumps across his body to shield him from Sara, and begs her not to kill him. In this moment, Sara gasps, and spares Mugen’s life. In this moment, she realizes she was wrong. There is one person who does love him, enough to put her own life at risk.

This is very similar to Susanoo. Up until the point of saving Kushinadahime, he was hated by all the Gods, including his own family. But when he saved her life, she married him, implying her appreciation and love for him.

“In Search of New Lands, I Build a New House”

Immediately after marrying Kushidahime, the lovers travel around Izumi before they can find a suitable place to live. Upon arriving in Suga, Susanoo happily states "Coming to this place, my heart is refreshed.” and then built a lovely palace for him and his wife. Upon its completion, Susanoo composed a song.

The many-fenced palace of IDUMO:

“Of the many clouds rising— To dwell there with my spouse Do I build a many-fenced palace

Ah, that many-fenced palace!”

In Episode 14, during Mugen’s flashbacks, a folk song called “Obokeuri Eeumi” plays. Because it is possibly Ryukyuan (or from Kyushu) , and also deals heavily with poverty, and being unable to sustain one’s family, it is safe to say the perspective could be Mugen’s. It is especially important that the very last image he sees when the last lyric of the song plays is Fuu’s face. This last lyric is about the narrator’s lover.

Obokeuri Eeumi (Obtain Our Bearings):

In search of new lands, I build a new house I thatch the house with reed stalks, gathered neatly in bundles. I thatch the house with reed stalks, gathered neatly in bundles. At the stone wall, let us celebrate the golden house, that was built by a hundred carpenters. At the stone wall, let us celebrate the golden house, that was built by a hundred carpenters. Let us celebrate the golden house, that was built by a hundred carpenters.  August is fast approaching, and yet I have nothing to wear I want to dress up, so brother, will you lend me just one sleeve? I wish to dress my children and loved ones… in the one kimono that I own. As for me, I will wear vines… that I plucked deep in the mountains. The light of the harvest moon shines down, illuminating the world with its divine light. When my lover sneaks in to visit me, I wish that the clouds would hide that light just a little.

Both songs are about building a house to live in with one’s loved ones, with a mention of encroaching clouds. Because Susanoo composed his song, and Obokeuri Eeumi specifically plays for Mugen’s near death experience, these songs are reflections of their characters.

Making Amends With the Rival

At some point, before or after building his home, he visits Amaterasu, his long time rival, and offers his sister the sword he acquired from killing the snake, so that the two may finally reconcile. This sword makes up the three Imperial Regalia, along with the Yata no Kagami mirror and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama.  After this moment, Amaterasu and Susanoo are no longer bitter enemies, and finally accept one another as siblings.

On the same journey of redemption that Mugen took, in which he saved Fuu time and time again, by the end, Mugen was able to reconcile with his longtime rival, Jin.

More Minor Amaterasu and Jin Symbolisms

It is from Amaterasu that all Japanese emperors claim descent. For that reason, she is the embodiment of the Japanese people. I think this is very similar to Jin, who is a representation of the ideal Japanese samurai with all of its virtues.

When Amaterasu fled from the heavens because of Susanoo’s many insults, the world became a dark and stormy place, because there was no longer any sun. Amaterasu did not want to leave the cave as she grieved for the servant Susanoo had killed. Though it might be reaching, I saw this very comparable to episode 11 of Samurai Champloo, where the trio were stranded in Hamamatsu with perpetual rain. Here, Jin states “I hope that the rain will never stop. Then, I can stay here forever.” when in reference to staying with Shino.

Amaterasu was also insulted by her husband Tsukuyomi for killing her friend, the Kami of Food, and thus never saw him again. This is a representation of the Day and Night cycle, since Tsukuyomi is the Kami of the Moon. I found this similar to Jin having to part from Shino for three years because of her stay at the Divorce Temple. In addition to that, he met with her at night when he purchased her at the brothel. But when the morning came, she told him it was “time for the fairytale to come to an end.” 

When Jin parts ways with Shino, the bridge they met on is shown one last time. Except this time, there is no more rain. There is only sunlight. 

This is a representation that he must continue on his own journey for the samurai who smells of SUNflowers, for it is his duty, just as Amaterasu reluctantly left her cave at the behest of the other Gods...because it was her responsibility to have the sun rise in the sky again.

In conclusion

Mugen and Susanoo were both hated and considered evil. Both were outcasts. But their chivalrous actions in saving a young girl they cared about redeemed them.

Mugen and Susanoo both had a rival that was their polar opposite, but in the end, the two were able to reconcile and value one another.

(And I found another excuse to ship Fuugen.) 

[timetravelersdoctor]

villains little bug

what do you mean you’re leaving?

‘okay this is the first stop’ ladybug thinks as she swings onto a boat. The boat is mostly empty and quiet excluding the sound of a guitar being played.Lady bug walks into the boat and goes the room were the music is originating from. she knocks on the door and waits for an answer.

“doors open you can come in!” she hears. she opens the door and Luka looks to see her immediately jumping up asking questions. “ladybug? is everything okay is there an akuma? do you need my help?” ladybug smiles and shakes her head no. “No Luka however i am here for a reason.” she shows the box to him in an offering pose “luka couffaine this is the miraculous of the snake which will grant you the powers of second chance. will you use this and become a permanent hero?”

luka slightly shocked by this nods his head “i won’t let you down” he takes the miraculous and puts it on. the kwami sass comes out and nods his head.”we will work together once again.” ladybug takes a step back and says “now that that’t over with meet me at the abandon warehouse in about two hours. if you see chat noir do not interact with him and make sure he doesn’t see you” ladybug then rushes out of the room after seeing luka nod and goes the next person on the list.

As ladybug swings around she is careful not to be seen and keeps an eye out for chat noir. she makes it to the fencing club and slips into the girls changing room. kagami is the only one besides ladybug in the room. kagami turns and is slightly startled by the hero.”is everything okay ladybug?” ladybug nods her head and says “yes everything is fine. but there’s another reason i am here” she reveals the box and states “kagami tsurugi this is the miraculous of the dragon with its power over wind, water and lightning. Will you accept this miraculous and fight for Paris as a permanent hero?”

“yes i will do my best to protect Paris.” kagami accepts the box and puts on the necklace as the kwami longg says “together we can protect many” ladybug then adds “meet me in about two hours in the abandon warehouse. if you see chat noir do not let him see or follow you. it will be a meeting between you another miraculous user and i only” kagami nods and exits the room. ladybug waits a bit before swinging out of the room herself.

after the two hours are up the three make there way to the meeting place. narrowly avoiding chat and people that would most definitely call attention to them. they all make it at the same time. ryuko and viperion look at each other then to ladybug.”i called you here today to tell you very important things. first things first however we need to detransform.” “i thought we needed to keep our identity a secret?” the other two say in unison

Ladybug explains “i already know your identities it would be unfair if you didn’t know mine. the only reason chat is not here is because i don’t know his identity and he doesn’t know mine. i will be explaining this to him later on after this meeting.” ryuko and viperion both gain a look of understanding and detransform. they look to each other and nod then they look to ladybug and she detransforms as well. the hero is replaced by marinette and the other two are surprised to see her. 

“Marinette? you’re ladybug!” luka states. “i see, there is no better person to be ladybug. i should have seen this sooner” kagami adds. marinette laughs and says “sorry i know this is a surprise but there is another reason i needed to do that.” marinette gains a somber look “i’m leaving Paris and i couldn’t leave it to chat to protect Paris alone properly” the two before her suddenly get closer and start to raise their voice “leaving, what do you mean you’re leaving!?” marinette takes a step back and explains “ i was expelled from school because of lila who by the way is a liar and my parents thought it would be a great idea for me to leave Paris and go somewhere else”

“how will you heal Paris then?” luka asks “i have another miraculous that can bring me back to Paris after the akuma has been defeated. the guardian and i decided it was for the best that i took the ladybug miraculous with me to keep it safe” says marinette. after the initial explanations are over marinette answers any questions the other two have. when the meeting was finished luka and kagami leave and marinette transforms into ladybug once more to find chat.

ladybug swings around Paris searching for chat noir and finds him on the edge of a building sitting down watching others. “chat noir!” ladybug calls out chat jumps up “what is is mi’ lady an akuma? she gives him a no and adds “there’s something i need to tell you” she is interrupted “are you finally confessing your feeling towards me? oh maybe we can set up a date-” “no chat that’s not why i’m here I've told you again and again i do not like you that way. But moving on this is super important so please listen to me and do not interrupt me”

chat nods his head looking disappointed. “i talked with the guardian and we both decided i needed to leave Paris in order to keep the ladybug miraculous safe. i can not tell you where i am going. i can tell you that two hero’s have been chosen to help you out as i can only appear to heal the damage done to Paris.” chat’s look of disappointment is replaced by one of upset. “so that’s it huh? you leave Paris and me. ladybug don’t leave me can’t you see we’re meant to be? why do you have to leave Paris anyway it’s not like you’re in any danger you have me to protect you. we don’t need other hero’s either we can fight together just like we’ve always had”

ladybug shakes her head “no chat this is whats best for Paris, for the world if Hawkmoth gets his hands on your miraculous at least the ladybug is far from him. who knows what will happen if Hawkmoth gets both miraculous.” Before chat can get another word in ladybug adds “ i’m sorry but this is the choice I've made please respect it.” and swings away leaving a frustrated chat noir behind her

so that’s it for this chapter sorry it took a few days i was waiting on my new computer to get started.(using it right now yay!) hope you enjoyed reading this one as much as i enjoyed writing it. feel free to correct any mistakes I've made. i want to get better at writing so that would be appreciated. Now on to the tags

Tags: @sayuricorner @clumsy-owl-4178 @kuroko26 @gwennex

[rosethornewrites]

Fic: The Rebellion of Adrien Agreste, ch. 15

Relationships: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir & Gabriel Agreste | Papillon | Hawk Moth, Juleka Couffaine/Rose Lavillant, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Luka Couffaine, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug & Kagami Tsurugi, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir & Luka Couffaine, Lila Rossi/karma, Gabriel Agreste | Papillon | Hawk Moth/aneurism, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug/Kagami Tsurugi, Plagg & Tikki

Characters: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Gabriel Agreste | Papillon | Hawk Moth, Lila Rossi, Jagged Stone, Plagg, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Luka Couffaine, Penny Rolling, Anarka Couffaine, Rose Lavillant, Juleka Couffaine, Kagami Tsurugi, Alya Césaire, Chloé Bourgeois, Wayhem, Nadja Chamack, Nathalie Sancoeur, Sabine Cheng, Tom Dupain, Tikki, Fang, Principal Damocles, Caline Bustier, Ms. Mendeleiev, original minor character, Alec Cataldi, Lila Rossi’s Mother, Sabrina Raincomprix, Roger Raincomprix, Mylène Haprèle, Le Gorille | Adrien Agreste’s Bodyguard, Nino Lahiffe, Nooroo

Tags: Lila Rossi salt, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Teenage Rebellion, Swearing, Bad Parent Gabriel Agreste, Crack Treated Seriously, Lila Rossi’s Lies Are Exposed, Cuddling & Snuggling, Luka Couffaine Needs a Hug, Paparazzi, Parentification, Marinette Dupain-Cheng Needs a Hug, Gabriel Agreste Needs an Aneurism, Uncle Jagged Stone, we’re all queer here, the spirit of punk is sometimes just being allowed to be yourself, Kagami Finds Her Groove, punk rock fashion, Savage Kagami, Marinette protection squad, Good Parent Sabine Cheng, Good Parent Tom Dupain, Protective Kagami Tsurugi, Protective Luka Couffaine, Bisexual Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Pansexual Luka Couffaine, Sharing a Bed, Pet Names, LGBTQ Character, LGBTQ Themes, Instagram, Bullying, Social Media, Anxiety, Makeover, Hugs, will cure your acne, Face Punching, Bad Ass Juleka Couffaine, Rumors, Protective Juleka Couffaine, Protective Adrien Agreste, Lawyers, Hijinks & Shenanigans, Holding Hands, accountability, mental health, Jagged Stone’s well-paid pet shark, How to Make the Evening News, Sexy eyeliner for days, one fish two fish Lila is a screwed fish, How to have fun and piss Gabriel off, Fuckery, sweet litigious karma, Alya sugar, lawyer shark doo doo doo doo doo doo, Schadenfreude, Bad Ass Alya Césaire, Gaslighting, abuse denormalization, Jagged likes his lawyers like he likes his pets: toothy af, Blood in the Water, Everything you didn’t know you wanted and some things you did, Gabriel Agreste is shark bait, Denial, Consequences, Principal Damocles salt, caline bustier salt, the impotence of Gabriel Agreste, snarky Nooroo, lies and the lying liars who tell them, Lila’s brain is a narcissistic hellscape, Lila’s mind is built like an Escher piece, Alec Cataldi salt, Adrien Sugar, wholesome salt, Fu Salt, Kwami Shenanigans, Nooroo is a little shit

Summary: The Impotence of Gabriel Agreste

Notes: I’ve received some amazing fanart for Rebellion. @redcoloredpanda drew Luka and Adrien snuggling, and @momo-oh-nono drew Marinette’s rocker outfit! So now chapter 17 is writing itself in my head, yay! Thank you for inspiring me!

AO3 link

Chapters 1-2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14

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Gabriel Agreste watched, fingers steepled, as the scene outside the school unfolded. He had, of course, realized quite quickly attempting to counter Adrien’s claims would be a foolish move. True or not, he would look like the villain if he were to try, accused of homophobia and perhaps classism given the way this Luka boy dressed. He had cancelled the story that was to appear, and hopefully nothing would leak.

On the bright side, he had a patsy. Lila was a loose cannon, currently proving so to the entire world, and he could easily claim she had mischaracterized her relationship with his son. She was currently trying to do the same thing, taking advantage of the fact that Adrien had not yet arrived to the mob of reporters.

“He told me he loved me. He told me we would go public, and he used me and then dumped me,” the girl was telling a reporter tearfully.

Gabriel was rather displeased with the implications of that accusation, which could impact the brand.

Fortunately, the reporter was more interested in the limo that had pulled up and deposited… was that the young designer?

The girl nearly fell, but someone rushed forward to embrace her. When the camera focused…

Kagami Tsurugi.

Nathalie shifted beside him, and he could feel through the miraculous that she was as startled as he was.

He could only assume Adrien was also in the limousine; from the “leaked” text messages the previous night and implications on social media, Marinette Dupain-Cheng was an accomplice. But this meant the scion of his business partner, someone he thought would be a good influence on his son, was likely also involved. Her presence was unlikely a coincidence.

Perhaps this was information he could use, but he filed it away for later as none other than Jagged Stone exited the limo next.

Despite the video the night before of the “jam session,” it was unexpected to see the rock star accompanying his son to school.

The announcement came as a surprise, as he didn’t follow the music world terribly closely, and certainly not a ruffian like Stone. Gabriel had been unaware that Marinette had been so prolific, that she had designed anything beyond the bowler hat.

“Please prepare a dossier on Mlle. Dupain-Cheng,” he ordered Nathalie. She immediately began to tap away on her tablet. “And perhaps her parents as well. We should know who we are dealing with.”

Next to leave the limo was Adrien and his… boyfriend. Clearly, the Gorilla had not been able to intercept them as ordered. Though he’d seen the disaster that Adrien had made of his hair in the photos and video the previous night, it still shocked him.

He studied the body language of his son and Luka Couffaine, frowning. They appeared to be close, the other boy looking at him in such a way as to make the “boyfriend” claim believable. For the life of him, Gabriel couldn’t figure out how they could have met—though from the dossier Nathalie had prepared it seemed the boy’s younger sister was in Adrien’s class.

When Mlle. Tsurugi caught Lila’s wrist, he found himself letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. From the angle of the camera he had been uncertain who she intended to hit.

The teens played for the cameras masterfully, and Gabriel couldn’t help but be a little impressed. If this was staged, they had organized a believable PR opportunity on extremely short notice. If they weren’t working against his interests, he’d consider giving them internships at Gabriel.

Beside him, Nathalie let out an involuntary incredulous snort at Lila’s ridiculous accusation of pederasty.

Luka Couffaine gave a remarkably level response, and barely had Lila spoken again than the cameras jostled, moving around in a way that made it difficult to see what was happening, though it sounded like Lila let out a little shriek.

The camera’s focused on a young woman with purple in her dark hair as she yelled, “How dare you talk about my brother that way! You’re not worthy of the bottom of his shoes!”

Rather creative, as far as insults went.

Jagged Stone saw fit to introduce the girl as Luka Couffaine’s younger sister, who had been mentioned on the dossier Nathalie had prepared on the “boyfriend.” And identified their mother as a former bandmate of his.

Gabriel let out a disgusted sigh. Of all the riff-raff Adrien could consort with, he chose someone close to a disaster of a man like Jagged Stone. That certainly explained why the rocker was involved.

Lila’s desperate claims that Luka Couffaine was courting Marinette Dupain-Cheng, though interesting, were quickly refuted.

And then Kagami Tsurugi spoke, a complete falsehood as Gabriel had not been aware of this supposed boyfriend before Adrien took his Instagram account rogue the previous evening. He would have to find out if she was being misled or intentionally lying to damage his image.

He frowned at Mlle. Dupain-Cheng’s allegations of sexual impropriety toward Adrien by Lila, glancing toward Nathalie. “Have HR investigate that.”

The cameras jostled again as Lila childishly threw herself at the girl. When they focused, Lila was on the ground, a woman in a smart business skirt suit looking down at her with a bored look on her face.

Nathalie started typing notes on her tablet as the woman, apparently M. Stone’s lawyer, outlined a list of charges against Lila. Her fingers stopped at Lila’s accusation—which, while twisted, was technically not entirely a lie.

Gabriel narrowed his eyes. He had miscalculated, using this girl. She was far too much a loose cannon, clearly, out only for herself. He had known that, of course, but thought her controllable, someone who would not bite the hand that fed her.

“Have HR fire her immediately. Gabriel social media should put out a statement announcing that, stating an investigation will be made into the sexual assault claims.”

More drama unfolded on the TV, the situation interrupted by the inept principal of the school. Lila’s attempts at getting Mlle. Couffaine in trouble were cut off by the lawyer, who announced further charges based on the defamation and attempted assault against M. Couffaine.

He watched, stewing, as a touching goodbye took place between his son and the other boy, as they exchanged pet names, even.

Truly, if this was a performance, much had gone into it in under 24 hours. It left him uneasy.

The paparazzi continued filming as Mlle. Tsurugi left, as Jagged Stone tried to coax his ridiculous crocodile out of the limo, as Adrien and Luka flirted further, as Lila shrieked and tried to interrupt through what would have likely been violence if not for the snapping crocodile taking offense to her.

Her ire turned to Mlle. Dupain-Cheng, whose large father stepped in front of her as a shield, before she was scolded by the principal and ordered into the school.

Lila’s last attempt to turn matters in her favor, claiming Marinette was a bully, was laughed off by Jagged Stone.

The press swarmed them, calling out questions that were largely inane at best, though the one questioning the relationship between Mlle. Dupain-Cheng and Mlle. Tsurugi caught Gabriel’s attention.

“I think a call to Mme. Tsurugi shortly will be in our best interests, perhaps,” he murmured.

“I’ll add it to your schedule, sir.”

He was impressed when his son shut down the reporters, asserting his right as a minor not to be filmed. The boy had jumped to defend Mlle. Dupain-Cheng from a question regarding the “leaked” text messages, confirming he released them himself.

Ending his association with Lila Rossi was necessary, particularly if she was foolish enough to leave such damning evidence to be released.

The drama moved into the school, where the cameras would not follow, and Gabriel stood.

“You will watch through a butterfly?” Nathalie asked.

He only nodded in response as he moved past.

Gabriel didn’t transform until he was safely in his lair, ignoring the reproachful look from Nooroo. He quickly sent an Akuma out toward the school, letting it hover so he could get a better picture.

What he found was… boring. The group including Adrien and Mlle. Dupain-Cheng were seated outside the principal’s office, waiting on something. The girl herself was half-asleep against her mother.

Movement and anger caught his attention. A woman was stalking across the courtyard, then up the stairs. She marched right to Mme. Bustier’s room and started yelling… in Italian.

He guessed this was Lila Rossi’s mother.

The argument spilled into the open-air hallway, the rage from both of them potent Akuma possibilities—though he preferred not to use the younger Rossi any longer.

The Akuma was noticed, he realized, when shock and horror assailed him from all around. The Akuma dipped lower, drawn by the tumult, only to be captured.

Lila Rossi’s mind was a dungeon of grudges and entitlement, filthy and haughty. It always had been, but the sheer narcissism of her inflated self-import was cloying in a sickening way.

Before he could even begin to speak to her, though, pain assailed his senses, and he was abruptly aware that his connection had been severed. When he had his senses back, he realized his Akuma had been captured in a jar. He didn’t know what had led to that, but the emotions he felt were even more promising than the Rossis’.

The guilt and horror and anger of Alya Césaire was so potent he sent the Akuma beating against the glass to try to reach her, to no avail—it was only as strong as a simple butterfly. He couldn’t Akumatize her, no matter how powerful she would be. He couldn’t send out another Akuma, not with one already out, and Nathalie wasn’t strong enough for another try at Scarlet Hawkmoth, though this was the perfect occasion for it.

Before long, the Akuma was shut in darkness, and was thus useless.

He snarled in frustration, letting his transformation fall. Nooroo only regarded him silently.

Useless.

Only the mundane was left to him—a call to Mme. Tsurugi, after he’d calmed.

It would be hours, the Akuma long since purified by Ladybug, before he’d realize he could have recalled the power and sent out another.

No amount of railing at Nooroo would give him that opportunity back—and the kwami only murmured cheekily, “You didn’t ask” when Gabriel demanded to know why he hadn’t recommended it.

--

Marinette felt her phone buzz on her lap and snuck a peek at it.

Kagami: Are we dating now, too?

She could feel the heat rush to her face. A coughing fit overtook her. She only vaguely aware of what was going on around her, until a cup of water was pushed in her hand and she found herself in the hallway with Adrien.

He looked concerned, so she silently showed him her phone.

Another text had come in, as it turned out.

Kagami: M. Agreste called my mother. She wishes to know the answer to the question from that reporter.

To her surprise, he quirked a cheeky grin, his eyes lighting up. “Oh, you should.”

He was going to be the death of her.

[kidofthekat]

Salty Outcasts Chapter 2

The plan:

Skatergal has added ‘Juleka Couffaine’ and ‘Chloé Bourgeois’ to ‘Take down the liar’

Chloé Bourgeois: Why am I in a group chat with you peasants?

Juleka Couffaine: yeah Alix if you want to ridicule me like everyone else than at least do it to my face

Skatergal: Juleka that is not what I want

Skatergal: first of all, you were just dumped, akumatised and outcasted in the space of two hours

Juleka Couffaine: no need to rub salt in the wound

Chloé Bourgeois: Why am I here?

Skatergal: shut up Chloe

Chloé Bourgeois: Where’s my accent? I deserve an accent on my ‘e’.

Skatergal: Juleka, are you okay?

Juleka Couffaine: I mean, no, but I’ve got my brother, and Marinette called me earlier, she’s claiming this is all her fault and apologised even though I told her that it really isn’t. it was a good distraction tho.

Skatergal: I hope you feel better soon

Chloé Bourgeois: Rose doesn’t deserve your tears

Juleka Couffaine: thank you Alix and that was surprisingly helpful Chloe

Chloé Bourgeois: Again, accent!

Skatergal: guys! I made this group chat for another reason

Chloé Bourgeois: To ’take down the liar’ I’m assuming.

Skatergal: yes Lie-la Rossi is going down.

Juleka Couffaine: before we start plotting I’m going to add Luka, he is ready to gut Lila

Chloé Bourgeois: And I will add Adrien, there is no way my Adrikins would fall for such obvious and ridiculous lies.

Skatergal: the more the better

Chloé Bourgeois added ‘Adrien Agreste’.

Juleka Couffaine added ‘Luka Couffaine’.

Adrien Agreste: Chlo said that this group chat is to reveal Lila for the liar she is. Can I add Kagami? I told her about the lies about Marinette and she was very angry, I have had to temporally confiscate her fencing foil.

Skatergal: wow lots of words also go for it

Adrien Agreste has added ‘Kagami Tsurugi’.

Luka Couffaine: Kagami if I get your sword off of model boy can I have at least one swipe at the liar?

Kagami Tsurugi: Yes, you may, are you the fake bluenette from the ice rink?

Luka Couffaine: ITS TEAL

Juleka Couffaine: hang on, may I?

Juleka Couffaine changed Adrien Agreste to ‘Model boy’ and Luka Couffaine to ‘Fake bluenette’.

Skatergal changed Chloé Bourgeois to ‘QueenB’, Juleka Couffaine to ‘GothicModel’ and Kagami Tsurugi to ‘Swordsrbetterthanpeople’.

Fake bluenette: just one quick alteration

Fake bluenette changed Model boy to ‘Modelboi’.

Fake bluenette: okay, now to the plotting.

Queenb: Well that’s easy, the hardest part will be to get Marinette to not notice. All we have to do is get some of the celebrities Lila lies about to file Lawsuits about her.

Skatergal: yes because that’s easy

Queenb: I’m literally the daughter of the mayor of Paris.

GothicModel: WE KNOW. ‘my daddy will get you kicked out of Paris if you don’t do as I your superior queen says.’

Skatergal: wow Jueka, didn’t know you had that in you

Fake bluenette: you should have heard her imitating Chloe as she typed

Swordsrbetterthanpeople: Adrien just flicked his hair off his shoulder and harrumphed. I can only assume he was mocking Chloé.

Queenb: Adrikins, your betrayal wounds me!

Modelboi: Talking of betrayal, no-one suspects me to be on Mari’s side so I can be the spy.

Modelboi: Call me Agent A.

Swordsrbetterthanpeople: No, to the name thing, you would make a good spy though.

Modelboi: Why thank you.

Fake bluenette: Oh kwami someone stop them before they start flirting

Queenb: I can keep Marinette occupied with fashion.

Shatergal: did you… did you just call her … by her first name?

Queenb: I can also get in contact with Prince Ali.

GothicModel: Marinette has Clara Nightingale’s number, me and Alix can get it from her phone

Fake bluenette: I can ask Jagged Stone for help

Swordsrbetterthanpeople: how?

Fake bluenette: Kitty Section, our band, or was our band.

Modelboi: you got kicked out?

GothicModel: more like I’m not comfortable working with them

Modelboi: understandable, I hope it stops hurting soon

Queenb: You sound like you have experience being rejected.

Modelboi: Doesn’t really matter now, I have Kagami and she is amazing.

Swordsrbetterthanpeople: Thank you Adrien.

Skatergal: aren’t you two next to each other?

Swordsrbetterthanpeople: Yes, I will help distract Marinette out of school. She may find it out if Chloé starts to constantly hang out with her as I understand they used to hate each other.

Queenb: Ok yes we used to dislike each other, which is why I’m asking you guys for help with something.

GothicModel: asking, as in politely, that will be a first

Skatergal: raise you hands if you love sassy Juleka!

Fake bluenette: my hand is raised

Modelboi: mine too but what is it Chloe?

Queenb: Is it normal for Marinette to call you and ask if you have any bananas then scream ‘I’m so sorry zoopoo’ and hang up when you say no.

Skatergal: um? Honestly everything Marinette does seems illogical to everyone but her.

Queenb: great

Fake bluenette: she just called me about the same thing, I’m taking her a banana now.

Modelboi: Well see you all at school, and Good luck!

GothicModel: bye!

Skatergal: why the exclamation mark? Never mind, bye you guys

Swordsrbetterthanpeople: Goodbye, though I will not see you at school.

Queenb: Goodbye Adrikins!

Skatergal: what about the rest of us?

Bonus:

Tikki: *looking at Xuppu leading a chant of ‘Luka has a banana’ and Marinette crying happy tears* I love my family.

Trixx: Marinette, we have run out of dried fruit.

Mullo: Also I ate all the cheddar.

Marinette: *tears are no longer happy*.

Thanks for reading! As usual thank you @flufflepuffle296 for proof reading. My Ao3.

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