#although. if tikki DOES find him he might have very little choice in the matter at all

[arty-shadow-morningstar]

A Failed Betrothal (4)

Am I doing this right? I mostly do write this when I am between the state of sleep and awareness. Hope you enjoy this.

[Masterlist]

(Part 1) (Part 3)

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PART 4

Marinette came to a dungeon cell with two other prisoners. One of them was awake and he looked vaguely familiar. The other had an ugly red helmet that didn’t help with the headache she had.

“Do you know where we are?” She asked the handsome stranger with beautiful green eyes, her throat a little dry.

Wait. Handsome?

No bad Marinette. Don’t fall for fellow prisoners, no matter how cute he looks. Oh Kwamis, she was already screwed.

He still hadn’t replied. Maybe he didn’t understand French. She tried to ask again in another language before her enhanced hearing picked up the sound of footsteps. She faked unconsciousness. Later, she heard the iron door open. She looked through the tiniest slits of her eyes she could muster while the two held a staring/glaring match. Oh shit, that’s the fame Talia Al Ghul, daughter of Ra’s, head of the League of Shadows, and the boy she was glaring at had some resemblance to her, so he must be her son, Dennis? Daniel? Damon?

"Damian, I hope you know what you should do."

Ohh..Damian. Where had she heard that name before?

"To be forcefully married to that little girl. She is no one special. Why am I getting married to her?"

Ouch, that hurts. Well, Damian, just because I forgot your name does not mean you can call me a little girl. I can also kill you very easily and painfully.

“Well, Jason, you are awake. You can be the best man for the wedding.”

“No. I don’t know what game you are playing but you better release us. B is gonna find us and you will pay. Let the girl go. She is innocent in all of this.” Red Helmet, Jason, is officially not going on her hit list for his atrocious fashion choices. But that red monstrosity still needs to go.

"Ladybug may not seem like it but she possesses great power that my father converted for centuries. Speaking of, she should be awake by now."

Marinette felt her hair being yanked. A little pain was expected but the really sharp claws digging into her scalp was not. Making her cry and tear up.

”I am so sorry, kit.” Plagg whispered in the kwami language, loosening his claws.

"Tch, See, she is more pathetic than I thought. She is not powerful." Damian growled out.

Geez, thanks for the compliment, it’s not like you ever had a tiny cat dig its claws into your scalp out of surprise. (Damian once had a kitten thrown at his head and if he knew about Plagg, he would have been sympathetic.) Marinette started begging for mercy, hoping they would buy the helpless girl out of the suit that is ill-suited for the job she had been chosen for and had no idea on how to escape.

“Like I thought, weak. She is not deserving of the title of my wife.”

Oh kwamis, what did she ever do to have such a picky groom? The more he insults her, the less she wants to be married to him.

"Appearance can be deceiving. Despite her demeanor, she is the current wielder of the Ladybug Miraculous and the Current Guardian. The old Guardian, the old fool had promised her in exchange for his protection."

Great, another reason to stop her mother from killing a senile old man.

"That doesn't mean I want to marry her. She is not worthy of an Al Ghul or a Wayne. Look at her, crying at the slightest feeling of pain."

So that’s where she heard it from. The boy was the son of the daughter of a guy who leads a secret order of assassins and a man that owns a multi-million business. How even did a billionaire meet an assassin, ends up in bed with her and lives? Something to think about for later. She quieted down her sobs, (beat that acting, Rossi) kept her voice low to hatch out a plan with Plagg in the kwami language while the mother-son duo bickered.

“Hey, Plagg before you go, you think I can do that thing, the one which your one of your past holders from Japan can do.”

“You have a lot of potential for destruction but you have not used the ring for a long time yet so I am not sure.”

“I will give it a go anyways. Nothing to lose after all. See you later, Plagg.” Marinette smiled, one that drove fear into the hearts of even the bravest of people. Plagg returned it, already loving the new Guardian before zipping out of the cell to do some scouting. Using the enhanced strength the French superheroine got from prolonged use of the Miraculous, she yanked the chains of the walls and wrapped them around Talia’s neck, cutting off her air supply.

The League of Assassins thought that they could kidnap her and get away with it. But they were no match for the daughter of Sabine Cheng, the deadly Blue Reaper. A high ranking member from the group of assassins and mercenaries called the Guild of Night, who had semi-retired. Kidnapping her was a bad move to make as it meant they had declared war on the Guild, despite the reason behind her abduction having a completely different intention.

She whispered as such to the older woman in her tight grip, making sure the League would know how much they had fucked up. After dropping the limp body, she took a deep breath and tried channeling some of her energy for what she was about to do.

Well, here goes nothing.

She breathed out on the shackles, turning it to rust.

Success!

She introduced herself as Lady and concentrated the energy from before into her hand, forming inky black orbs of destruction in order to free her fellow captives. She felt a little drained from doing magic out of the suit and tried not to show it. Plagg returned, informing her of where the Ra’s and the Pits were. She grinned at the thought of showing old Ra’s who the boss is and made sure he regretted ever messing with her. She explained about Plagg as vaguely as she can, no need to let anyone know about the miraculous than necessary. Sure her plan sounds insane but the boys don’t know who they were with.

She would worry about that curse after she got out of Nanda Parbat. Although she could probably find something in the grimoire to reverse it, she was still an amateur at magic so it was best to have a professional to take care of it. Marinette didn’t want to be with such an asshole, no matter how striking he looks in those regal robes.

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Picking off the League assassins, one by one was easy especially in her transformed state. She hadn’t appraised her suit properly but from what she had seen, it wasn’t like Chat Noir’s leather get-up. She was armoured in vital areas and her colour scheme was mainly black with green accents. There were vials that were probably poisons and pouches which she decided to look at later. She still had a long braid as a tail from her brief stint as Lady Noire and she wondered why her suit was different. While hiding in a niche she found, she called the bakery via the comm in one of her various pouches.

“Hello?”

“Papa, it’s me, Marinette. Do you know where Maman is?”

“She went out of Paris, talking about how this League must pay. I think she is meeting up with several of her old friends. Are you alright, my little blossom? I know you can take care of yourself but I worry.” The relief in Tom’s voice was palpable. However, she was right and the Guild was going to war against the League. Marinette was adored by nearly everyone in the Guild due to her strangely bubbly and cheery personality in the harsh and brutal lifestyle.

“I am fine, Papa. Did Maman use the Horse to leave? And how are my friends?” She knew they might be in a panic after her disappearance.

“I think she did. I didn’t see Kalki when I went to feed the kwamis. Your friends panicked when they found out you were kidnapped. But they are fine now, mostly worried about you. Took care of some akumas and senti monsters by themselves. I think your fencer friend, Kagami, knows more about the League than she lets on.” Of course, she does. Her mother was a member of the Guild before being blinded due to a mission. Kagami and her actually first met during a reunion party of sorts.

“Thank you, Papa. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

She hung up and dialed the personal phone number her mother uses that only Marinette and her father knows about. She waited for the call to connect, trying to think of ways to stop her mother from storming into the League’s base of operation.

“Maman, it’s me. I know you want to attack the League right this minute. But I have a better plan. Can you get Tikki’s earrings from Alix? We can use them and the ring to destroy the Lazarus Pits. Make them really angry.” She peeked out of the niche she was hiding in. She had been there for a while and needed to move to gain some grounds.

“Where are you? And are you okay?” Panic and worry filled her usually composed mother’s voice.

“I am somewhere in Nanda Parbat and I am fine. I was nearly married off to Talia’s son but I am not now. I think.” Marinette replied. Better to rip that band-aid off before she showed up with her would-have-been-husband. She jumped out of the niche and looked

“Kalki, Full Gallop. Okay, we will talk about the ‘nearly married’ part later. What was this plan to destroy the Lazarus Pits?” Sabine thought she was already used to Marinette’s brand of craziness that was her normal but apparently, not.

“I am currently on my way there. Plagg said we need Tikki to get rid of them. Since the League pissed me off and by extension you and the rest of the Guild, I thought our first move against them is to destroy the Pits and a trail of bodies. By the way, can you get some cheese for Plagg?” Marinette ran through the halls, knocking out some poor sod with a whack on the head.

Silence. She thought Sabine had hung up when-

“Voyage. Alix, where are you? We need Tikki for one of Marinette’s insane plans. And Marinette, stay safe, sweety, I’ll be there in 15 minutes.”

“Bye, Maman. See you there.”

Marinette turned another corner, the last one before the path that leads to the entrance where the Lazarus Pits were. She only managed to find it with Plagg’s voice in her head, whispering directions and Tikki’s luck. Unfortunately, the luck ran out because the entrance had a lot of guards who had spotted her.

Crap.

She hoped her mother would get here soon. Thankfully, being transformed gave her a boost and would help her to hold her ground for a while.

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Damian and Red Hood followed the trail of unconscious bodies and sounds of fights, trying to find Lady. Damian was impressed at the level of her skills to defeat many of the League’s assassins although he could probably do better. They relied on his memory to find the Lazarus Pits which was their best bet to finding her as she claimed to be able to destroy them. If Lady possessed such powers, they must find out whether she is a threat to the world or not. And also break the infernal curse they have.

Red Hood was silent mostly. He made a few jabs about how kick ass his ‘bride’ was and how the current Robin should not let her get away. Damian tried really hard not to just maim his adopted brother and also ignore that little fluttering in his chest that happened every time they saw an unconscious assassin left behind by Lady. The sounds of fighting got louder as they got nearer to the entrance. They turned the final corner to see Lady fighting against the guards who outnumbered her. But she seemed to be doing fine against them. Mostly.

One had slipped through her defenses and nearly stabbed her in the back if it weren’t for Damian grabbing one of Red Hood’s guns and shooting a rubber bullet to the neck. He jumped into the fight, grabbing the fallen assassin’s sword and taking out the knife he got from his mother. Jason joined in too, not going to let the two teens have all the fun.

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“Thanks for the save, Al Ghul but I don’t know why you bothered when me being dead would solve your curse problem.” Lady said as the guards laid around them and they tried to catch their breath.

“It’s Wayne. I go by Wayne these days. Being an Al Ghul is not something I learned to be proud of. And as much as I don’t want this curse, your death is not worth that price.” he replied, “Although, I have to wonder why you would choose to die rather than live.”

She chuckled, “Okay, Wayne, to answer your question. Petty teenage drama makes death much more preferable. On top of that, I have responsibilities that I was practically forced into for doing one little act of kindness.” Her tone was joking but there was a touch of bitterness in it. It made Damian want to find out what caused it. Red Hood looked at her in concern. Lady went down the stairs, ignoring their reactions to her words. They followed her, not wanting to lose sight of her again.

The Lazarus Pits emitted a green glow that lit up the cave and cast strange shadows on the walls. At the edge of the glowing toxic green waters was a woman in dark blue clothing and strangely enough wearing sunglasses. Strapped to her sides were two Dao, ancient Chinese swords. She wore a vindictive expression on her face as she stood staring at the green lake, likely to kill anyone who gets in her way. Damian didn’t recognize the woman as part of the League but taking no chances, he got into a fighting stance and Hood did the same. Lady calmly approached the woman. He reached out to grab her to stop her suicidal nature when she shocked him by speaking to the blue-clad assassin in French,

“Hey, Maman, sorry I am late. I had a little trouble with the guards upstairs. You have Tikki?”

Lady’s mother rushed to hug her, “灵儿 (líng er), I am just glad you are alright. I knew you could handle yourself.”

How the hell did Lady’s mother get to the Lazarus Pits faster than them and snuck past several vigilant guards? Before Damian could question further, a red blur appeared and went to Lady’s face, hugging her cheek. It appeared to be the same size as Plagg but was red, looked like a bug and had a black dot on its forehead.

“Oh, Marinette, you are alright. I was so worried when your mother showed up, saying you were kidnapped and needed my earrings to escape.” Unlike Plagg’s nasally voice, her voice was sweet and shrill.

So, my bride’s name is Marinette. Such a unique name for an intriguing girl.

Wait what?

Wayne, stop thinking such ridiculous notions. That is probably the curse working. Resist against it. He will not be ensnared in the traps of such magic. He hoped that the curse will be reversed before he turns and act like those fools in Grayson’s idiotic shows or Todd’s ‘secret’ romance novels.

“I am fine now. See,” reassured Lady, “We actually need you and Plagg to reverse the Lazarus Pits to what it was before someone made the wish that resulted in them in the first place. Oh, I almost forgot. Plagg, claws in.”

Green light flashed, leaving Lady in her wedding robes (which actually flatter her body. Shit. Think of something else. Drake with a smug superior smile that needs to be wiped off his face. Grayson and his plans for ‘family bonding’) and Plagg to reappear.

“Cheese.” whined the cat-like kwami(?) to which the older woman held out a brown bag that smelled and made Plagg perk up in delight. He proceeded to open the bag, taking out a slice of stinky cheese, muttering about the greatness of camembert.

Todd cleared his throat and asked in English, “Umm...Pixie as much as your reunion is touching. Who’s the new lady?”

“Oh Right, sorry. Well, Red Hood, this is my mother, the Blue Reaper of the Guild of Night. Maman, this is Red Hood and the one next to him is my husband-to-be and Talia’s Spawn, Damian Wayne.”

Lady introduced them, also in English. Damian stilled in fear, recognizing the name. The Blue Reaper nearly became his mother-in-law. She was famous for her efficiency and ruthlessness. And gained her nickname from the blue clothing she often wore as she killed her targets. His eyes also widened at how his grandfather had gone a little too far now by kidnapping the Reaper’s daughter. There were other organizations that could possibly take down the League if it weren’t for the somewhat truce between Ra’s and the other leaders. The Guild was one of them and having the Lazarus Pits to revive their soldiers made the League a little more powerful. But if what the mother-daughter duo were planning succeeded, then the League was going to have one of its most deadly wars in its history and would probably never recover from.

“Tikki, Plagg, you guys ready?” asked Lady.

“Yes, Guardian.” They both replied and emitted a blinding red and green light which Damian shielded his eyes from. When it died down, the Lazarus Pits no longer glowed a toxic green and looked… like normal hot spring water.

“Oh. I wished I could see Ra’s face when he finds out.” Lady laughed. Plagg and Todd joined in.

“Pixie, I am beginning to like you.”

“Voyage. That being said, it’s time to go home, Marinette. Your father must be worried sick about us by now. I hope you boys can find your own way back.” A portal opened up, showing a cozy living room. Damian grabbed Lady’s wrist as she moved towards it.

“Wait, let us come with you. We need to contact someone to get rid of the curse on both of us. And we can also call our father to send us tickets for a ride home wherever you live.”

“Curse? Marinette, you never mentioned a curse in your call.” Blue Reaper said, raising her eyebrow.

“I will explain later. They can come with us and I am pretty sure Ra’s knows that we have escaped by now.” Lady grabbed the two brothers and dragged them through the portal.

She then threw herself onto the couch after releasing her hold on them and the two pocket gods went to comfort her after her ordeal. The Blue Reaper stood where the other portal was and fed a floating tiny gray horse, that must be the same species as Tikki or Plagg, some sugarcubes.

“You boys must be tired but the showers are upstairs and we might have some clothes your size. Dinner will be ready in an hour. You can stay the night if you want. Welcome to Paris.”

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Tag list: @alysrose-starchild, @buginetye, @lookatthestars1, @blackroserelina, @macncheesemonster, @mochinek0, @myazael, @tonicxworld, @thewitchwhowaited, @t1dwarrior-of-earth, @kissa-chan, @iwantasecretidentity, @theymakeupfairies, @user00000003, @woe-is-me0, @kashlyn, @mochegato,@moonlightstar64 , @greatcatblaze, @moongoddesskiana, @tazanna-blythe. @tonicxworld, @toodaloo-kangaroo, @frieddonutsweets, @local-witch-of-mn, @lady-bee-fechin, @iglowinggemma28, @indecisive-mess-named-me, @k-tea-and-coffee, @jayjayspixiepop, @all-mights-asscheeks, @idk-j-go-with-it , @loysydark, @thenillabean, @lolieg, @zalladane, @silvergold-swirl

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(Part 5)

[lnc2]

rattle my cage

Summary: In which history, despite Alya’s best efforts, does not repeat itself.

A commission from @booyahfuruya who requested Adrienette in the panther cage.

AO3

It was all Alya’s fault.

Not that she would ever admit to it.  If pressed she would adamantly insist it was all Nora’s doing.

Never mind that the tenacious blogger should have been babysitting and not chasing superheroes across the arrondissements– no, it was her sister’s overprotectiveness that landed Marinette in this mess in the first place.

This mess being a locked panther cage, a debilitating crush, and a literal pile of animal shit.

She cast a too-wide, uneasy smile towards her stupidly attractive, blessedly naive co-captive and waved.

Adrien, confused, waved back.

Ugh.

She really needed to have a talk with Tikki one of these days about what it meant to be Lady Luck. 

Because, honestly, she was starting to have doubts.

What was lucky about having a best friend who considered unmasking her superhero alter-ego her life’s purpose?  A best friend who pawned her actual responsibilities onto her too-accommodating boyfriend.

A boyfriend, who, by all accounts, was (justifiably) terrified of said best friend’s older sister.

An older sister who would and did not take kindly to the discovery that her baby sister’s boyfriend let her run off after a magical terrorist. An older sister who, after putting the fear of god into the boy, sent him after her, neglecting to put away her other sisters’ football in the process.  

A devastating oversight that sent said best friend’s father tripping and spraining his ankle.

All of which now culminated in being dragged out of her bed by an indignant, grounded Alya, coerced into helping out at the zoo while Monsieur Cesaire was recovering.

“Please, M.” She’d said, with the biggest, brownest puppy dog eyes Marinette had ever seen.  “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

So, like a sap, she’d agreed.

Something Marinette was now deeply regretting.

Apparently, making it up to her meant pulling a Ladybug and “accidentally” locking her in the panther cage with Adrien before disappearing with her equally traitorous boyfriend.

E tu Nino?

In another life maybe, maybe Marinette could forgive Alya this so-called favor.  Another life where Adrien hadn’t just days before confessed to liking another girl.

She’s special. Very pretty. She’s got dark silky hair, deep and mysterious eyes.

Kagami Tsurugi was ladybug lucky and Marinette was the very good friend who’d volunteered to keep them company on their first date this afternoon.

She’d never dreaded ice skating more.

Even the solace of Luka’s company couldn’t stem the tide of that impending heartbreak.

And Alya, bless her, couldn’t seem to let it go.

“That could be you,” She’d said.  “You can’t give up now!”

It’d been a loud and frequent argument these last few days.  One Marinette apparently needed to revisit. Again.

“I’m really sorry about this,” She said, wiping her sweating palms against her jeans.

Akumas she could take down no problem.

Adorably earnest boys?  Not so much.

“No worries,” Adrien said, looking unfairly attractive for someone who was currently shoveling animal excrement.  “It’s not your fault Alya ran off with the keys.”

She smiled, nervous.  “Yeah. I guess not.”

“Besides,” Adrien said.  “I’ll just text Kagami and let her know.  We can always hang out another time, right?”

“Sure.”

She changed the subject then.  There was only so much a girl could take and Marinette felt stretched to the limits on her best days.  They moved on from fencing to school to his audition for the new Ladybug and Chat Noir movie when the screaming started.

Marinette froze as a woman’s terrified cry echoed through the park.  Adrien met her eyes across the cage, grimacing.

“What are the odds it’s just an escaped gorilla or something?”

She stared. He sighed.

“Right.” And then, more quietly, “Fuck.”

Marinette barely registered the epithet and his rushing towards the locked cage entrance as she whipped out her phone to call Alya.

The phone rang once, twice, three times.

“Don’t you dare leave us here while you play Lois Lane-” She growled, angrily hanging up when she was sent to voicemail.  She tried Nino next with the same result.

Fuck, shit, fuck.

“Aaaand the Ladyblog is live. Fuck.” Adrien said, echoing her thoughts.

He tossed her a worried look which she ignored.

She didn’t have time to reassure him.  She was already dialing the zoo’s front desk only to be met with the akuma emergency notification recording.

No phones, then.

Another scream followed by an earth-shaking explosion that nearly sent them both to their knees.  Adrien helped her to her feet and patted her sides. She waved off his fussing with a flustered, nervous laugh.

Now really wasn’t the time.

Reluctant but assured, Adrien tried the back entrance again, muttering a low string of curses with every useless yank of the door.

Marinette’s eyes scanned the cage for something, anything.

Maybe, if they worked together and had the proper leverage –  one of the heavier logs scattered throughout the habitat? – they might be able to fashion some sort of battering ram.  Although as the door opened inwards she doubted they’d be strong enough to do any good. And even if that managed to work the possibility of one or both of them getting hurt in the process was too risky. 

Marinette couldn’t even begin to think about what Gabriel would do if she injured Adrien by being so careless.  Her designing dreams dashed before they ever truly had a chance to take form. Adrien crippled, spending months in physical therapy, only to fall in love with his nurse.  Marinette growing old, unsuccessful, and dying alone.

Ouch!

Tikki pinched her side, sending her a look she knew all too well.

You’re catastrophizing again.

Right. Right.

So the battering ram was out.

There was some sheet metal near the exit - if she managed to unravel it they could try to catch the light and attention of any passersby.  Assuming of course there was anyone left nearby and that said people would be able to do anything in the first place.

She quickly dismissed any success there as unlikely.

She tugged at her pigtails, regretting her choice in hairstyle and its woeful lack of bobby pins even as she doubted something like that would work on the cage’s lock.

Or at least, she hoped it wouldn’t, no matter how convenient it may be in the current circumstances.

Although … Marinette met Tikki’s anxious gaze. I have something better than a bobby pin.

Tikki could get them out of here.  Preferably in a way that wouldn’t involve revealing her identity.

God, she could only imagine.

Hey hot stuff.  Real sorry to drop this extremely dangerous secret on your lap but Paris needs me. 

Yeah, no.

Marinette could do this without going that far.  All she needed to do was find a way to get Adrien away from the doors… and come up with some sort of explanation for how she managed to get them open in the first place.

Something that, upon consideration, shouldn’t be too difficult.  As ridiculous and incomprehensible as her stammering and excuses have been over the past year he always seemed to believe her.  A heart of gold and oblivious – Adrien Agreste really was the whole package.

Decision made, she nodded to her kwami who returned it with an adorable determination.

Excuse on her lips, she pointed towards the opposite side of the cage.

“Adrien I think we can use that log–”

“I’m sorry, Marinette.”

She whirled around to find Adrien much closer than before, mouth set in a firm line.  He was staring beyond the bars of the cage towards downtown and the likely akuma.

The what for was on the tip of her tongue when she caught sight of a pair of familiar, electric eyes blinking out at her from his open shirt pocket.

Wait…

“Plagg – claws out!”

Marinette reflexively shielded her eyes against the blinding flash of green light.  It was useless though– the stomach sinking feeling of shock and dread was already setting in.  She knew exactly who she would find when she dropped her hands.

Chat Noir gave a sheepish wave.

Son of a bitch.

“Um, hi."

Marinette blinked once, twice,

and then screamed.

“Wait– shh, no!” Chat (Adrien) said, ears flat, hands outstretched placatingly.  “Don’t scream. Please don’t scream, Marinette.  It’s me. I’ll explain everything I swe–”

“You...” She said, holding up a shaky finger.  “You...”

“Me.” He said, his lips quirking up into the smallest smile in spite of everything.

Oooh.  She could just kill him.

“You- You’re so stupid!” She cried and his smirk fell from his lips.

“Excuse me? ”

“We– we could have called someone!  Or jerry-rigged a battering ram! Or… or… you– we could have–” Marinette pulled at her pigtails and let out another muffled scream.  “I can’t believe you.”

“Me? ” He said, angry now.  “ You can’t believe me?”

“No,” She snapped.  “I can’t. If you had just given me a second I could have gotten us out of here!”

“With what?” He said, gesturing wildly.  “Your magic lockpicking kit?”

She stomped her foot, furious.  “I was working on it!”

“Well that’s great, Marinette.  Real great.” He crossed his arms and she wanted to smack that patronizing look right off his stupid face.  “But I don’t have time to wait around when there’s an akuma on the loose and Ladybug needs me.”

“What Ladybug needs,” She said, reaching up to poke at his temple.  “Is for you to fucking think.”

“I was thinking!”

“There are cameras, Chat.” She hissed, waving hysterically towards the blinking object in the corner of the cage.  “Oh my god.  Cataclysm that and recharge Plagg. We could have gotten out of here without the dramatics.”

Chat rolled his eyes.

“Oh I’m dramatic, she says.”

“Who’s wearing leather spandex?” She snapped before opening her purse.  “Tikki? Can you open that door?”

Chat Noir gawked as the little red and black sprite floated out of Marinette’s bag.  Tikki gave him the stink eye before phasing through to the other side of the cage. A few seconds later there was a distinct click and the door swung inwards.

Ladybug.

“We’ll talk about this later,” She said, cutting off his rising tide of gibbering, flailing, and panic.

Chat nodded, dumbstruck.  Unfortunately, his brain hadn’t caught up to his mouth and he said

“Where was that idea ten minutes ago?”

Marinette scowled.  “It was one of the first things I thought of, dumbass.  I just thought, you know, it would be best not to out myself.”

The reality of the situation had yet to set in but hearing Ladybug’s frustration come out of Marinette’s mouth was grounding.  Sort of. Maybe.

His mind flashed to their original plans for the day and he let out a mortified squeak.

Oh my god.

“How are you not freaking out about this?”

“Who said I wasn’t freaking out?” Marinette said, deadpan.  She pointed towards the security station. “First the cameras, then the akuma.  I’ll go find a place to transform.”

She shot him a familiar, scolding look that sent his heart stumbling over itself.

Oh my god.

He’d found her. He’d found her.

“Wipe that dumb smile off your dumb face.” Marinette said. “I’m still mad at you.”

Chat saluted, still smiling.  “Yes ma’am.”

“Ugh.” She grabbed him by the shoulders and pushed him towards security.  “Go.”

“Okay, okay.  Just…” He looked down at her over his shoulder, eyes soft.  “We’ll talk later yeah?”

“Sure,” Marinette said, traitorous cheeks turning pink even as she pushed him away.  “We’ll talk later.”

Much, much later. 

Like, after she’d had time to scream later.

With her promise of a future discussion secure, Chat bounded off towards the security station, the very picture of caught canary. 

Marinette met Tikki’s exasperated gaze with her own.

Her kwami shrugged.

“Well… at least he’s pretty.”

[vgckwb]

ML: Are They Worthy? Chapter 40: Stressed to the Nines!/Seamstress

Courtney had woken up Thursday morning. She took a shower, brushed her teeth, did her make-up, and got dressed. Her usual outfit was a green dress, black leggings, white chunky heels, and her brown headband that sit across her light brown hair. She looked in the mirror and saw a picture of her and her friends from college, smiled, and sighed.

She went to the kitchen and grabbed some pancakes that her step-dad had made. “And how’s my favorite designer today?” her step-dad said.

“Well, tomorrow’s the big exhibition” Courtney said. “I’m a little nervous.” She had recently taken an internship at Gabriel. It was a paid internship, but it wasn’t enough to live on her own just yet. Her mother and step-father allowed her to live with them until the internship was over. And she had hoped tomorrow would be that day.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll do just fine” her step-dad said.

“I don’t know… only a select few interns get a full-time position at Gabriel each year. I don’t want to screw it up” Courtney said.

Her mom and half-sister, Rose, entered the kitchen and got some pancakes of their own. “Morning Courtney!” Rose said in her usual cheery way.

“Morning Rose” Courtney said.

“Is something the matter, pumpkin?” her mom asked.

“She’s just worried about the exhibition tomorrow” her step-dad said.

“Courtney, you’re an excellent designer. I’m sure you’ll get the job” her mom said.

“Yeah Courtney. You’re very talented and very smart” Rose chimed in.

Courtney smiled. “Yeah. I guess I’m just overthinking things.” She continued to eat her breakfast.

“Hey mom. Dad. Could I get my hair done for my school’s exhibition tomorrow?” Rose asked. “I told Juleka I could already, but I forgot to ask…”

“Sure” her mom said.

“I don’t see why not?” Rose’s dad/Courthey’s step-dad said.

“Thank You!” Rose chimed, giving her mom a hug. Soon after, the four of them left for their day’s activities.

Courtney was at Gabriel HQ working on her design. “Nervous?” a voice asked. Courtney turned around and saw her mentor Julian. Julian had short, black, curly hair, light purple eyes, a maroon jacket and pants combo, a black shirt, and black shoes. He was just a regular employee at Gabriel, but he showed her the ropes when she first began here.

“Is it that obvious?” Courtney asked.

“Well, tomorrow is the big day. I’d be surprised if you WEREN’T nervous” Julian said.

Courtney sighed. “I just hope I do well.”

“You’re going to do great,” Julian said, putting his hands on her shoulders. Courtney blushed. “When I was in your position two years ago, I had half of the raw talent you’ve shown. You’ll get the job just fine.”

“Thanks…” Courtney said. She had promised herself that if she did manage to get a position she would ask Julian out. She needed to be confident. For herself AND Julian.

That afternoon, Gabriel himself showed up. He inspected the floor where the designs would be shown. One of the managers went up and talked to him. “Are you ready sir?”

“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t” Gabriel said

“Alright. OK! Everyone listen up!” the manager said. “Mr. Agreste is here to give some words of encouragement to our interns and make sure everything runs smoothly! Remember, he is not to see the designs until they are ready, so I hope every intern has their workstation covered!” Courtney did. She couldn’t wait until tomorrow to show Gabriel what she had.

“Thank you” Gabriel said, dryly. All eyes turned to him. “As you know, it is time of our yearly assessment of our interns! We will see if their time spent here at Gabriel has improved their skill! This year’s batch of interns has been exceptional! I am expecting great things!” Courtney figured that he said that same thing every year, but part of her still loved hearing it. What came next, however, was something she didn’t want to hear.

“Unfortunately, I might not be there tomorrow!” Gabriel continued.

What?

“My son is participating in an exhibition his school is hosting! I recently have been trying to be more active in my son’s life! There is a chance I might skip out on this event for that!”

This isn’t boding well.

“However, I will be sending someone over to get their thoughts and taking pictures! I will look over them and make my decisions then!”

No no no NO!

“I haven’t made up my mind yet! So keep on your toes! If I’m not here that doesn’t mean you can slack off either! Dismissed!” Gabriel left.

Courtney was on the verge of tears. Everyone else was confused, but clapped anyway. After Gabriel left, everyone went back to work. Julian walked up to Courtney and asked “Are you OK?” Before Courtney could answer, she ran to the bathroom, tears streaming down her face.

She locked herself in one of the stalls. Why? She thought. Why me? Why this year? Why can’t Gabriel see my designs as soon as possible? Does he hate us? Did I do this all for nothing?

Meanwhile, in Hawk Moth’s lair, Hawk Moth felt her woes. “Ah. Someone nervous trying to win over her boss. But now, he won’t even show up! What a pity. And what perfect prey for my Akumas. Fly away, my little Akuma, and evilize her!”

The Akuma flew into the bathroom and fused to Courtney’s hairband. “Hello Seamstress. I am Hawk Moth. Your boss doesn’t want to see your creation that you’ve spent weeks on? Well, I’m giving you the power to give someone their perfect outfit in a matter of seconds, so that no matter where he goes, he can’t HELP but see your designs! All I want in return is Ladybug and Cat Noir’s miraculous!”

“They’ll be the perfect accessories for you, Hawk Moth!” Courtney said. The purple-black aura swallowed her and she turned into Seamstress.

Seamstress left the women’s bathroom and found Julian waiting outside. “Courtney?” he asked.

“Nope!” she said. She threw her needle and tied Julian up. “Seamstress.” She pulled the thread back and turned Julian into a mannequin sporting a green suit with yellow tails. “I always thought green was a better color for you.” She gave the Julian mannequin a kiss and then flew around the office changing some other people, and then decided to attack Paris at large.

Her first stop was at the school. She went through each room, turning others into mannequins with an outfit of her choosing. Once she was done, she decided to leave. She changed her mind when she saw Adrien. “Let’s see how Gabriel likes his son in one of my designs!”

She threw her needle, but Kagami saw it and pushed Adrien out of the way. “Adrien, look out!” The thread tied around Kagami. It wasn’t what she was expecting, but she made the most of it. She pulled the thread back and gave Kagami a red shirt with a blue coat, black pants, and black boots.

Seamstress kept looking around to find anyone else.  “They aren’t here. Don’t waste your time here. Remember, the more victims you make, the more he’ll pay attention to you” Hawk Moth told her.

“Yes Hawk Moth” Seamstress said. She flew off.

Adrien, having watched what happened, decided it was time to spring into action. “What do you suppose that was about?” Plagg asked.

“It doesn’t matter right now!” Adrien said. “Plagg! Claws out!” He transformed into Cat Noir. “It’s time to hightail it!” Cat Noir followed Seamstress.

Vlad saw Seamstress fly through the city. He transformed as well. “Beyyo! Fangs Sharpen!” He chased Seamstress.

Eventually, he and Cat Noir were side by side. “Hey Judgement Wolf” Cat Noir said.

“Cat Noir” Judgement Wolf replied. “So, do you know this Akuma’s deal?”

“She can turn people into mannequins and change what they’re wearing” Cat Noir said.

“Noted” Judgement Wolf said.

Seamstress reached the Liberty. She saw the perfect opportunity to strike. She threw her needle and got Mylene. “MYLENE! What did you do to her?!” Ivan said.

Seamstress smiled. “I just designed her perfect outfit for running,” she said.

She looked over the scared crowd, designing possible outfits for each other them. That’s when she saw her half-sister. And she noticed as well “Courtney?” she said.

“I’m Seamstress now!” she said. “And there isn’t a person I can’t design for!”

“Everyone, RUN!” Luka called. Everyone left the ship and split up.

Ivan decided to carry Mylene’s mannequin. “Ever the gentleman” Seamstress said. She tied Ivan up and pulled the string. Ivan was now a mannequin with a black tank top, orange shorts, and running shoes. His platform was joined with Mylene’s, and the two were holding hands. “Perfect!”

“Now only if they were able to enjoy those clothes” Judgement Wolf said.

“Although, I do have to say, your stylistic choice is impeccable” Cat Noir said.

“Thanks kitty” Seamstress said. “I’ve got just the design for you. Although it requires you to ditch the ring. It just clashes with what I have in mind.”

“That’s OK. I think my outfit is puuur-fect just the way it is. Especially my ring” Cat Noir said.

“It wasn’t a question” Seamstress said. She threw her needle. Cat Noir dodged the thread, but Seamstress maneuvered the needle to scratch Cat Noir.

“OW! That stung!” Cat Noir said. How can father or Marinette deal with that when making clothes? Seamstress continued to strike, but Judgement Wolf blocked the needle with his sword.

When Marinette was alone, she found a place to hide. “Tikki! Sports on!” she transformed into Ladybug. She raced back to the Liberty and knocked the needle out of the way of Seamstress’s latest attack. “Sorry, but I won’t allow you to change anyone else’s clothes.”

“Ladybug! How ‘bout I give you a new outfit? Red is so last year!” Seamstress said.

“You’re one to talk!” Ladybug said. “White after Labor Day? Please.”

“Hey, you made a joke” Cat Noir said.

“I’ll admit, it is fun” Ladybug said. “But we have to focus. Lucky Charm! A record?” She recognized it as one Master Fu had. “I’ll be right back! Keep them busy!” Ladybug left.

Seamstress tried following Ladybug, but Cat Noir jumped on top of her and grounded her. “Sorry. No one gets in my lady’s way!”

Seamstress threw her needle and it hit a building. “How about a little cat walk?” she asked. She pulled the thread and jettisoned her and Cat Noir at the building. She managed to stop herself and throw Cat Noir against the building. Once Seamstress was flying again, she took off.

“Hey!” Judgement Wolf said, chasing after her. Cat Noir got up and followed soon after.

Marinette arrived at Master Fu’s. “Master! We need help!”

“Very well, Marinette!” Master Fu said. He opened the Miracle Box. “Marinette Dupain-Cheng, pick an ally you can trust to fight alongside you on this mission. Choose wisely; such powers are meant to serve the greater good. Once the mission is over you will retrieve the Miraculous from them.”

Marinette looked into the box. She grabbed the tiger miraculous, but she felt like she needed something else. “Ah. I know just the thing.” She grabbed the pig miraculous as well. “Thanks Master” Marinette said, running out.

Ladybug met up with Juleka. “Ladybug” Juleka said. She handed her the tiger miraculous. “Thanks!”

“You go on ahead. I need to find a new recruit” Ladybug said. Juleka nodded and went somewhere to transform. Ladybug went off in a different direction.

Seamstress was turning more people into mannequins. When she was about to hit someone else, Judgement Wolf knocked it out of the way. “You ruined my latest creation!” Seamstress said.

“Sew what?” Cat Noir said, jumping in.

“Really?” Judgement Wolf said. “That’s low hanging fruit, even for you.”

“Eh. Work with what you got” Cat Noir said. Seamstress kept flinging her needle at the two of them, and they kept blocking it.

Tigress jumped off the top of the building behind Cat Noir and Judgement Wolf and slammed Seamstress with her escrima sticks. “Tigress!” Cat Noir and Judgement Wolf said.

“Hope she didn’t wear you two down too much,” she said.

“Aw man. Why didn’t I think of that?” Cat Noir said. Seamstress got back up. “Heads up!” Seamstress attacked again and the three defended it.

Ladybug caught up with Rose. “Ladybug! You have to help. My sister has been Akumatized!”

“Your sister?” Ladybug said.

“Yes, and I don’t know what to do,” Rose said.

“I have an idea.” Rose looked intently at Ladybug. “Rose Lavillant. Here is the miraculous of the pig, which grants you the power of disruption. You will use it for the greater good. Once the job is over, you will return the miraculous to me. Can I trust you?”

Rose gain a look of confidence and nodded. She took the box and opened it and Daizzi appeared. He yawned and stretched. “It’s been a while since I’ve gone out. Young lady, do you think you can give me a good work out?”

“Of course I can” Rose said, excitedly, putting the miraculous on.

Daizzi smiled. “Then all you have to say is ‘Daizzi! Let’s Roll!’” he said.

“Daizzi! Let’s Roll!” Rose called. She transformed into a hero with a pink latex suit with black feet, pink domino mask with a black nose, brown shoulder pads, brown torso armor, a red band around the waist, a pair of tonfa, and a respirator that went across the bottom half of her face. The nose and mouth section looked like a pig’s snout, while the jawline looked like a pair of tusks. “Wow! This is AMAZING!”

“It never stops being amazing” Ladybug said. “Now let’s move!” The two heroes lept into action.

At the fight, Seamstress kept flinging her needle, and the heroes kept blocking it. It looked like Seamstress was going to get Tigress, but Rose’s hero form came in and knocked the needle out of the way with one of her tonfa, and jabbed Seamstress with the other, knocking her back.

“Wow!” Cat Noir said.

“A new hero?” Judgement Wolf said.

“Yup” Ladybug said.

Tigress was shocked. “Thanks” she said.

“It’s what heroes do” Rose’s hero form said.

Seamstress got up and asked “And just who are you?”

The hero looked directly at her and declared “My name is Hog Wild!”

“Cool” said Tigress.

“Thanks” Hog Wild said.

“Well Hog Wild, you look so Pretty in Pink! Let’s see what we can do!” Seamstress said. She threw her needle, but Hog Wild kept defending herself.

“Now that we’re all hear, let’s see what the plan is” Ladybug said. “Lucky Charm! A skateboard?” Ladybug looked around. She saw Seamstress’s headband, the path she was on, Hog Wild, Tigress, and the skateboard. “Got it! Tigress! Charge an anger-filled attack sound! Cat Noir! Judgement Wolf! Defend Tigress while she’s charging her attack! Hog Wild! Over Here!” Hog Wild came to Ladybug while the other heroes took their positions.

Ladybug whispered her plan into Hog Wild’s ear and Hog Wild said, “That’s a great idea!”

“Ready?!” Ladybug asked.

“You know it!” Hog Wild said. She jumped between the heroes defending Tigress and Seamstress. She lifted one of her tonfa in the air. An energy gathered around it. “Pig Sty!” she called. She twirled her tonfa and struck the ground with the charged part of it. The move caused the ground around Seamstress to curl up into a tunnel.

“You think this can stop me? I’ve made pantsuits in the dark!” Seamstress said. “You can’t stop me!” Ladybug threw the skateboard forward, ran up, and jumped on it. She skated her way into the tunnel as Seamstress threw her needle.

Ladybug dodged it by circling up the wall of the pipe-like structure. Once she was above Seamstress, she grabbed her hairband. She skated back down to the ground. She stopped and kicked the board up. “Tigress! Now!”

Seamstress threw her needle at Ladybug, but Tigress unleashed her attack. “Reverb!” The attack, combined with the echo chamber-like quality of the distorted walkway knocked Seamstress out of the tunnel and on to her face.

Ladybug broke the hairband in front of her, releasing the Akuma. “No more evildoing for you, little Akuma. Time to de-evilize! Gotcha! Bye Bye, little butterfly. Miraculous Ladybug!” The Ladybug turned everyone back into humans and gave them their original clothes back.

“My plans may have come undone tonight, but one day I will have you on pins and needles, Ladybug!” Hawk Moth cursed.

Courtney sat up. “What happened?”

The five heroes joined fists and said “Pound it!”

Ladybug, Tigress, and Hog Wild’s miraculous started to beep. “We should get going. Ladies.”

“Wait!” judgement Wolf interjected. “I’ll take Hog Wild, you take Tigress. If it’s all the same to you.”

Ladybug looked at Judgement Wolf and said “Sure.” Ladybug left with Tigress and Judgement Wolf left with Hog Wild.

“I should get back before Kagami gets worried about me” Cat Noir said. He left.

Ladybug and Tigress found someplace private. “Roaar! Hide Stripes!” She turned back into Juleka. “Thanks again, Ladybug.”

“Thank you” Ladybug said. Juleka ran back home.

Judgement Wolf and Hog Wild found a different hiding place. “You know why I’m doing this, right?”

“Of course” Hog Wild said. “I saw the interview. And I’m OK with it. Daizzi! Let’s Stop!” She turned back into Rose.

“Woah! I haven’t felt like that in a LOOOOOONG time!” Daizzi said. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it” Rose said.

“And by the way, don’t worry about this little test” Daizzi said. “He might not seem like it, but Beyyo’s a big ol’ softie. I’m sure that if you carry the same spirit into the test, you’ll be fine.”

“That’s for me to decide!” Judgement Wolf said.

“Oh yeah. How is Beyyo?” Daizzi asked.

“...Beyyo’s doing well” Judgement Wolf said.

“That’s good. I hope he’s getting enough sleep. You know, when he doesn’t have a holder, he waders around sleeplessly trying to find someone” Daizzi said.

“He’s sleeping well” Judgement Wolf said. “Thanks for your concern.”

“No problem” Daizzi said.

Rose gave back the miraculous. “Thanks” Judgement Wolf said.

“You’re welcome” Rose said. She grabbed her sister and headed back to the Liberty.

Kagami was looking for Adrien at the school. “Hey Kagami” he said, approaching her.

Kagami was shocked, turned around, and smiled. “I’m glad you’re alright.”

“I’m glad you’re alright too” he said. “Oops. I did it again.”

Kagami shook her head. “You’re just a concerned friend who saw your friend get turned into a statue. No need to apologize for it.” Adrien got a text. “What’s that?”

“Oh. That was Marinette. She’s wondering where I am and if I’m alright” Adrien said. He texted her back.

“OK” Kagami said. She smiled. The two walked out of the school.

Rose and Courtney met up with everyone else at the Liberty. “Hey…” Courtney said.

“Hey Courtney” Juleka said.

“Are you feeling alright?” Mylene asked.

“Yeah…” Courtney said.

“What happened, big sis?” Rose asked.

“...Well, I learned that my boss wasn’t coming in tomorrow,” Courtney said.

“Wait, isn’t that usually cause for celebration?” Ivan asked.

Courtney stood there silently. “You should tell them,” Rose said. “I know you told me not to because you didn’t want to be jinxed, but I’d say being Akumatized is worse than any jinx you can get.”

“...” Courtney sighed. “Fine. The truth is I’m an intern at Gabriel.” Everyone was shocked. “Tomorrow’s this big intern exhibition...to see if we can get full-time positions at the company. However, Gabriel said he might show up at your thing instead. I panicked. I thought that all of the work I had done, all of my struggles was for nothing…”

Marinette put her hand on Courtney’s “Don’t worry. I can talk to Gabriel” she said. She got her phone out.

“Wait, you KNOW Gabriel?” Courtney said.

“Yeah” Luka said. “She’s going out with his son.” Juleka smiled.

“I see…” Courtney said.

“I just got a text back!” Marinette said. “He says he’s found time to attend both!”

“Really?” Courtney said.

“That’s Great!” Rose said.

“Courtney!” Julian called out.

She turned around. “Julian?”

Julian caught up with her, and then caught his breath. “I’ve been looking for you all over.”

“You...have?” Courtney said.

“Yeah. You seemed so upset earlier. Then you turned into a super villain” Julian said. “But I’m glad you’re OK now.” Courtney averted her gaze. “So, mind if I take you home?”

“Uh, sure” Courtney said. “We should take my sister as well.”

“I thought she was your half-sister” Julian said.

“Yeah, well, we’re close like full sisters” Courtney said.

“I see” Julian said. “How ‘bout it Rose?”

“I’d like that,” Rose said. “Seeya everyone!” The three walked off.

“We should get going as well” Mylene said.

“Yeah” Ivan said. “See you tomorrow!” The couple left.

“I should go too. I wanna be well-rested for tomorrow” Marinette said. She left.

Luka smiled as he saw Marinette walk away. “You seem better” Juleka said.

“I’m not there yet, but I feel better after talking to Marinette” Luka said.

“Well, we should sleep. We have a big day ahead of us” Juleka said.

They went to their rooms and Luka hit play on his playlist. He usually listens to music to fall asleep, but his heartbreak playlist kept him up a little. He got up when “One Little Lie” by Simple Creatures started its chorus. He didn’t feel like he was lying to himself anymore about being OK, so that didn’t resonate with him.

He put on his Cheer Up Luka playlist. He felt better. He fell asleep during the chorus to “Weightless” by All Time Low. “Maybe it’s not my weekend, but it’s gonna be my year…”

Kagami got home and started playing her video game. For the first time, she didn’t imagine every enemy as all the worst parts about hrself, which usually manifested as herself trying to steal Adrien away from Marinette. She saw them as enemies. That made her smile.

Rose, Courtney, and Julian had arrived at Rose and Courtney’s house. “By the way, I saw the footage,” Julian said.

“What footage?” Courtney asked.

“I figured I need to pay you back” Julian said. He then planted a kiss on her lips. Courtney’s face was beat red. “So, date tomorrow? After the exhibition?”

Courtney was still in shock. “Uh, yes! Yes a lot!” she said. She then got embarrassed.

Julian just giggled. “See you then” he said, leaving.

“What just happened?” Courtney asked.

“Rose gave her a hug. “You just got asked out by JULIAN! I know how much you’ve been wanting to go out with him!”

Courtney looked down at Rose. She gave her a hug back and said “Yeah.”

[miraculouskpop]

MKP Series | The Beginnings

☆ Miraculous KPOP | AU Series ☆

Title: The Beginnings

Characters: Amber, Sehun, Jungkook, Jungyeon, Lisa and Jimin + Kwamis

Synopsis: Before they were ever heroes, they were simple people. A basic introduction to everyone meeting their kwami for the first time.

Words: 4941 ( yeah it’s freaking long whoops )

A/n: This will go according to the Miraculous Ladybug timeline/canon where Marionette, Adrien to Alya and eventually Chole will receive their miraculouses, and then AU listing of who receives their miraculous first.

🐞 Amber / Ladybug 🐞

Wait.... Wait.... Wait.

Something’s not processing correctly. Or is she perhaps hallucinating? Amber blinked a few times, and that thing still wouldn’t budge from its position. The moment she laid eyes on this drastically different... spotted looking creature with those freakishly huge blue eyes gazing at her, Amber had reached the deep end. She’s insane, she has finally lost her mind! She figured her intense scheduling and homesickness couldn’t be that bad, but yes, it’s severely bad. So, so bad to the point she’s literally seeing things that shouldn’t be seen.

And then, it opened its mouth.

“Hello! My name is Tikki-”

“Oh my god!” Okay, she didn’t mean to overreact like this, but it‘s rather inevitable. The thing just freaking like, opened its oddly human shaped mouth and talked to her! And she’s suppose to remain calm? The girl backed away as her mind reeled with questions, and more importantly, how to GTFO this dorm quickly and safely as possible. The thing seemed suddenly concerned by its rather worried look, “Oh, no! It’s perfectly okay! You’re safe with me.” It smiled.

Okay, what the hell is going on here? “How can you even speak? Why are you here? And what exactly are you?” Amber’s hand fell on the desk behind her, fingertips brushing against what felt like a book. She quickly grabbed the book and swung at the creature, but it missed by the margin. The thing now appeared upset with its hands- well, no, but it might as well be called hands, resting on its hips.“I would gladly answer all of your questions if you could please calm down. My name is Tikki, and I am a kwami, okay? I am a goddess the embodies the power of good luck! I am presented specifically to you because you are selected to be the next Ladybug.”

The next...”what?” How does- what, why?

“You see, remember when you helped that man from earlier today?” The question had Amber’s mind reeling back from this morning. In fact, she do recall assisting an elderly man across the street even when she was running late... “Yeah, but what does that has to do with anything?”

“You helping that person showed great consideration that most people do not have these day. He decided to select you as the next miraculous holder because of that simple act, which is why you received the earrings on your bed.” The girl glanced at the red polka dotted earrings discarded on the edge of her bed and raised an eyebrow. “Errm...great...? But I don’t even wear earrings, so...” She trailed off. C’mon, it really doesn’t fit her masculine style. She always worn majority of her clothing monotone with rusted color, and not to mention her hair doesn’t exactly compliment those earrings, anyway. 

“Amber, those earrings weren’t given to you simply for no reason. You will be gifted with supernatural abilities far greater than you can fathom!” Wait. How does this thing- okay, kwami or whatever, knows her name? “Well, I can give them to Krystal or Sulli. They’ll love it, and I’m just a simple girl who’s trying to survive life right now.” A fleeting thought made Amber pause. Abilities? This was already surreal enough as it is, but becoming a superhero? That’s one of her hidden desires she’d kill for whenever she’s reading Marvel comics. Imagine that, a rookie girl like herself trying to attain fame while adjusting to a new country and trying to maintain her own identity while fighting crime. Sounds like an interesting plotline, but still, none of this makes sense and everything’s happening all too suddenly.

“Amber...” The kwami flew towards her so abruptly that the poor girl nearly went cross-eyed. “This is serious. This is not a dream, nor a hallucination. I am a hundred percent real as any other person with the exception that I am not a human being.”

...She must’ve lost it.

“No Amber, you did not lose anything. In fact, I believe taking the role as a new Ladybug will greatly boost your confidence level as a person and find characteristics that you yourself might be surprised by!” Everything felt too unrealistic to be considered as definite truth, and yet the more Amber thought about it, the more she felt curious. However, within the midst of curiosity held deep reluctance. She wasn’t exactly popular by male standards and many people were not fond of her presence... Accepting this offer will only add more responsibilities and insanity to her already chaotic life.

Even so, the child within herself sprang free at the possibility of being more than average. Someone... important. With a sigh, Amber folded her arms and gave the ladybug a careful look, “Okay, fine.” She said, “I have no idea what’s going on and I can’t say I believe you at the moment, but uh, I’ll pretend that I do.” She’s hoping to wake up an minute now... any minute...

“Great! I’ll tell you all about it. But first, you need to wear those earrings.”

“No.”

“Amber...! You have to wear the earrings.”

“Over my dead body. Do I look like an ultra feminine Sailor Moon to you?” Amber showcased her point by flashing her rugged black hoodie, cap and shorts.

“Why would it matter when inner beauty is key?”

“...No.”

“You won’t be able to transform until you wear them.”  

“Well, I can have my roommate wear them unless really needed.” She didn’t want to deal with the hassle of wearing accessories. It’s already painful enough being coated with pounds of foundation and makeup... “Devastation is near, and if we allow him to destroy the country then it’s only a matter of time before he conquers the entirety of this world!” Tikki exclaimed. Although too many questions invaded the girl’s mind, but she didn’t allow the thoughts to fester as she slowly placed each earring into her ears with a dreaded sigh.  

“Okay, fine... what now?”

“Oh Amber, this is a wonderful progression! I am so happy you have accepted your new role as Ladybug. Let me explain that in order to activate the miraculous is to call me by my name, and say, “Spots on!” And I’ll transfer into the earrings to give you power.” Amber pursed her lips in thought.

“So, you want me to say it now?” Her roommates and managers is literally across the room, and here she is talking to a mystical ladybug? Okay. Tikki nodded eagerly, “It would be the first stepping stone to greater things. I’m sorry for rushing you, but I thought maybe this way could influence you...” 

“Sure, I guess.” She felt a little embarrassed about this, but...”Tikki, spots on...- woah!” Amber didn’t get the chance to blink before a streak of red zipped across the room and into her small pair of red earrings.

🐺 Sehun / Wolf 🐺

He’s tired. Very tired. So tired it feels like sleep is clinging onto his body similar to that of hungry leeches. All he wanted to do is plop onto the bedsheets and pass out, but he knew his manager would not approve of him sleeping without at least taking a shower. Well, it’s not like he usually sleep without showing regardless. But whatever. God, what time is it, anyways? Sehun glanced at the clock and nearly did a double take. Crap, is it eleven o’clock already? He could’ve done other things if it wasn’t for his hyungs nagging him to stay...

The boy closed the door behind him with a sigh. His baggy clothes felt suddenly sticky and wet along with his stringy bleak hair falling between his face.

Ew.

A loud growl rippled through Sehun’s stomach as he frowned. Neither did he realize how hungry he was until he walked towards the kitchen in absolute happiness, only to then find the refrigerator completely empty. “Great...” Sehun grumbled as he closed the refrigerator door, then whipped out his cell to send his hyungs a text to pick up some more food. He checked the cabinets to find a few packets of ramen noodles stashed near the corner, so it’ll have to do for now. In the meantime, he should probably prepare for bed. After quick shower, the young boy went to the kitchen to prepare some ramen. While waiting for the water to boil, Sehun gazed at his cell phone for any response from his friends. Well, guess he say former friends now. After being scouted by SM and accepting their offer, none of his friends have been supportive of the decision, and perhaps it wasn’t the best choice he made. Even so, Sehun figured that maybe it’ll all work out in the end.

Guess not.

He didn’t mean to cause a rift within the friendships, but none of his friends had responded to him lately, so... it kind of hurts. Maybe this is his entire fault. He just wanted to be something more than...- nevermind. He sat his cellphone on the countertops and snatched the black box laying idly on the table. He happened to find it on his bed this morning and never bothered to opened it. Perhaps one of his hyungs gave it to him as a gift? Curiosity peaked his interest as he opened the box.

It’s a watch. Looks pretty neat. Sehun looked at the object a little more until a flash of bright light blinded him. With a high pitched squeak the teenager dropped the box. What was that? Did a light bulb blowed? He felt a little embarrassed for responding rather... badly, but the moment he glanced at the counter something completely grasped his attention.

Wolf. Thing. Flying?

No. Nevermind.

...And yet Sehun cannot look away.

It’s staring at him with those bright yellow eyes. Nope. Not real- “are you going to continue staring at me like that or do I have to introduce myself?”

“What the absolute fuc-”

“Ah ah ah...” The thing tsked, “No swearing within the perimeter of my presence, please.” Did- did it just talk? Sehun gawked at the flying animal thing as fear suddenly gripped him tightly. He couldn’t move, and even if he wanted to speak no words seemed to utter from his mouth.

“Let’s get things settle here. My name is Apollo, and I am a kwami god gifted with tremendous power of power and protection. I shall be your new guardian since you have opened the box. And that,” it pointed at the watch, “Will be your new miraculous to wear in order to transform into the appropriate hero.”

...What?

“W-what- why are you talking?!” OhmygodIamseeingshitwhatthehellisgoingon- “This is a trick, right? Someone’s pulling my leg...”

“No legs are pulled here, child.”

“Why are you talking!”

“Am I not allowed to speak?”

“No! I mean, I don’t even know what you are-”

“I just stated that I am a kwami.”

“Like I know what the hell that is!”

“Perhaps if you opened your mind and closed your mouth, then you can finally comprehend my words.” The thing ( yes, thing. ) retorted. Sehun felt immediate irritation creeping on him the longer he stood. This is severe amount of BS someone did, and whoever the person is Sehun hopes that person’s ass gets kicked to another dimension.

“We kwamis are presented to people who carry heroic qualities about themselves. Well, unfortunately, not all of the kwamis per-say, but most of us. However, there are people who abuse kwamis for self gratification, so that is why the master guardian shields all miraculouses from the public.”

“Okay, great, nice, but can you find someone else to harass? I’m trying to eat and go to bed, so-.” A second later, the wolf thing hovered directly in front of Sehun with its topaz eyes searing into his soul, “You. Are. Appointed.” It emphasized its husky voice on each word, “Do you honestly believe I am going to waste my infinite time with an obnoxious human being like yourself? Please, if that’s the case then I would’ve been freed from this unnecessary obligation!” It barked, “But of course, I have my mandated responsibilities just like you humans do, and so, it is not an option for you to reject me.”

“What are you saying?” Why does it feel normal talking to this thing? The thing released a long drawn out sigh. It backed away from Sehun slowly and stood on the table, “Me Apollo. Me a kwami. I give powers. This? MIR-AC-ULOUS...” Sehun growled. This piece of crap is obviously insulting his intelligence, isn’t it? “Okay, whatever, stop it.”

“I’ll cease to belittle your minuscule intelligence once you grasp the basics of communication. Oh, and by the way... do you happen to have tea? Goodness, after decades of being trapped in that miraculous I’m rather famished!” It flew in and out of the cabinets until a box of green tea packets fell on top of Sehun’s head.

And here they are at the table with a bowl of ramen and a cup of tea. How did this even happen? Honestly, at this point Sehun cannot even remember...

“So, that watch is actually some mystically enhanced jewelry piece?”

“Ah, not quite. Most jewelry pieces are small and dainty. I take pride of this watch! An enormous progression of history if I must say so myself.”

“Right... I’m going to be a...?”

“Miraculous wielder and protector of other active miraculouses. An occurring through divine or supernatural intervention, or manifesting such power. ”

“Kind of like a shounen hero?”

“Whatever you see fit.” The kwami, Apollo, stated before lapping up the bits of hot green tea. Sehun laid back within his chair as he allowed the information to process. Hm...hero, right? It reminds him of those typical shounen- well, moreso shoujo animes where there’s tiny talking animals introducing a new power to the main characters. Perhaps it’s the same thing with these uh, kwamis, right? Actually, why is he becoming comfortable with this? He should’ve called the cops on this little freak and have him experimented on. But then again, he’s not that heartless...

“Alright, whatever, fine. I’ll accept.”

Apollo looked up in surprise, “Hm, quite an immediate response. Are you sure you don’t need anymore time?” He asked.

“Nah. Honestly, I got nothing to lose besides my already draining sanity. And besides, it’ll give me something better to do than train. Didn’t you say you weren��t going to take “no” for an answer, anyway?”

“Hm, indeed. I had expected a series of denial and rejection from you, but I was wrong.”

“Great.” Sehun removed the watch out of the box before fiddling with it. He noticed the intricate designs encased around what appears to be a figured wolf within the center. The roman numerals rotated around the wolf with little and big hand aligned at twelve. Eventually, he slipped the watch onto his wrist and relished the coolness of it.

“Are you interested in testing your abilities?”

“I don’t see why not.” If he’s going to become one, might as well get used to this. Then again, he’ll have to see once he wakes up tomorrow.

“Very well. Then call me by name, and then say, “Howl through.” I will enter into the-”

“Apollo, howl through.”

“But I’m not-finished!” The poor wolf kwami did not receive the chance to finish his sentence before he was sucked into the watch.

🐱 Jungkook / Kwan Kat 🐱

As far as Jungkook can remember it’s been exactly seven months, twenty-eight days, thirty-two hours, six minutes and forty seconds since Ladybug and Wolf appeared on the scene. The moment he knew that there’s something more than life itself. He became a huge fan of the heroes and started a Naver fansite dedicated to the two, taking up majority of his time just like rookie idol training and school. Perhaps even more than school itself.

Whenever an attack happens in the city, Jungkook quickly excuses himself and whips out his camera to take good quality photos of the duo and akuma. On most conspiracy websites, it’s been theorized that akumas originate far from the city... a possible manipulator of some sort? It’s recognized that the perpetrator feeds off toxic emotions of anger and sadness. It kind of reminds him of those villains where they attack from a distance, almost as if...

“He’s using us as pawns.” Everyone groans around him.

Jungkook frowned, “What? It’s the only way possible. After all, no one have managed to find the culprit behind these possessions?” He can’t help it! There’s so many possibilities out there, and the only resource he has is Ladybug and Wolf. Note to self: make sure to interview Ladybug and Wolf soon... “C’mon Jungkook, there’s other things to talk about besides them. Can’t you see they’re way out of our league? Let them handle it.” Jin said.

“I know, but...”

“But nothing! You’ve been talking about it nonstop since the incident happened months ago. Do yourself and everyone a favor and stop. You probably think they’ll bend their knees for someone as average as us? Yah, give me a break!” Yoongi scoffed as he scooted out of his chair. The other rookies glanced at the round table as Yoongi continued to lecture Jungkook, “I have yet to see them interview anyone, and frankly, I doubt they care about us, let alone you. They believe they are so special because they have powers? Yeah, no.”

“...They...have normal identities, too...” Jungkook shrunk in his seat slowly as Yoongi relentlessly berated him until the elder walked away in frustration, leaving the poor boy alone in silence. With a sigh, the maknae pushed away his food and left the table. He could feel the anger rising in his chest reflecting over the incident. The further he focused on it, a sense of dark energy radiated from his mind...

They’re wrong.

He cannot be moved. Or else it’ll consume him, too.

.

Is he dreaming? No, he can’t possibly...

There stood Ladybug and Wolf. His heroes. On top of the balcony asking for him, Jeon Jungkook, to help them personally? The boy wiped his eyes as he edged closer outside the window. But honestly, what can he do? He doesn’t have much to offer them, let alone anyone else, so...-

“We’re not asking if you’re physically capable. We’re interested in your willingness to help us.” The wolf boy stated.

“B-but what can I do? I wanna help... though, why are you guys asking me? There’s so many people out there that’s better than me! I’m just a freaking fanboy!” And everyone teases him about it at school. Ugh... just thinking about the humiliation yesterday still recoils deep in his stomach. He’s not good at talking, either! Won’t he just embarrass them if he decides to help? Jungkook was lost in his own thoughts he never noticed Ladybug closing in on his personal space until he looked up.

“True. We could find someone better, but a friend of mines gave me a recommendation about you. I think if you stopped doubting yourself, then you can go far. So, are you interested or not?”

Is he? This might be his one time offer, so- “yes!” Yes, YES! Jungkook nodded as Ladybug smiled, “Good. Here, you’ll need this.” The heroine pulled out a tiny black box and handed it to the teen. Without a second thought Jungkook opened the box, only for a spark of light to startle him, “Woah!”  The light disappeared, and the boy was met with a flying black kitty with protruding green eyes.

“Ah! I finally awaken...!” The little kitten yawned, “Geeze, tell that master he needs to give us play time. Being locked in that box can surely strain my body. I don’t have nine lives for no reason, you know?” Jungkook looked at the cat in confusion, “Uh...” he didn’t know what to exactly think, but before he could voice his concerns the cat looked at him nonchalantly.

“Name’s Plagg. Kwami here that gives powers of destruction and uh, I like cheese. You know? Typical hero stuff.” The cat flew around him in what seems to be skepticism, “Hm... You look pretty decent for a fifteen year old boy. I’ll give you credit. Anyways, wear that black ring and I’ll give you my powers!”

“I-”

“Hey, not trying to rush, but we actually have to deal with some batshit akumas screwing everyone over, so can you speed it up?”

“Wolf! You could at least wait another minute.” Ladybug snapped at her partner. Jungkook quickly pulled out the ring and slid it on his index finger.

“Now what?” Excitement flourished through his veins as his heart grew erratic by the second.

“Now you say my name, “Claws out!” you’ll be the next Kwan Kat.” The cat said. Jungkook glanced at Ladybug and Wolf with their expression reflected his own of eagerness and pride.

This is going to be amazing!

“Plagg, claws out!”

🦊 Jungyeon / Pako 🦊

Okay, so,

Jungyeon was suppose to be babysitting her cousins. Not fighting them. However, some shit happened while they were acting like the little shitheads they were and transformed into bigger shitheads. Of course, it’s terrifying to watch them destroy her house, and then proceed to destroy the outskirts of the city, so it’s pretty bad.

However.

Ladybug, Wolf and that new black cat dude is on the scene beating her cousins assess in ways that’s probably problematic if they weren’t demon creatures. It’s also disappointing that she’s stuck here trying to do something when in fact she’s unable to do anything. And then, she watched her cousins multiply. Two to four, four to eight and eight to sixteen. They’re like cells going through osmosis, they won’t stop! Okay, this is really bad. And it’s her fault! “Oh no... what am I suppose to do now?!” Jungyeon can’t stop panicking. How is she going to explain to her aunt about this situation? She’ll never be trusted again!

“Jungyeon!” Huh? She felt a pair of strong arms scoop underneath her legs and the poor girl found herself screaming on the top of her lungs.

“Shit! Quiet down will you?!” Wait, it’s the Wolf kid! Hop, leap, jump, Jungyeon found herself far away from the city as she saw Ladybug and that black cat. Wolf set her carefully on her feet and plopped a black box in her hand.

“Take it.”

“What the?” She was completely dumbfounded, but it didn’t take a blind man more than three seconds to piece together the information.

“You’re only borrowing it since I sense the necessity of it. After we’re finish you must return it back to us.” Ladybug stated.

“Oh, okay. This is where I become a hero, right?”

“Pretty much.”

Well, if you can’t beat them, join them. With a simple shrug, Jungyeon flipped open the box and watched a red fox appear from it.

“Hi! My name’s Trixx and-”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. Magical thing that give me powers. No time, gotta kick ass so sorry.”

The little fox folded its arms with a huff, “Well, rude much?” It muttered.

Jungyeon hooked the necklace around her neck, “I need a power up,” She beckoned.

“Ever heard so much of a ‘please’?”

“Please, and thanks.” A large explosion took everyone by surprise.

“Okay, fine. Just call my name and say, “Let’s pounce”-”

“Trixx, let’s pounce!”

🐝 Lisa / Honii Bee 🐝

“Pollen, what do you think of this dress?”

“Hm...” Lisa watched the little bee observe her carefully, “Well, I think some pink would go nicely with it.” the kwami said.

“Very much true. I wear way too much yellow for my own good...” After finding her tiny friend a month ago, things been rather exciting for Lisa to say within the least. And she started loving the color yellow. Yellow outfits, yellow bedsheets, yellow jewelry and she even dyed her hair yellow. Unfortunately, her stylists demanded she changed her hair to red...

The obsession with the color yellow is disturbing everyone around her, but Lisa doesn’t see much of a problem. After all, it only embodies her friendship with the buzzing insect. Of course, she had to keep this friendship a complete secret. Maybe it’s a good thing she accidentally found that hair pin! “Come on Lisa, you don’t want to be late. You have to meet with your managers at the photo session today!” Pollen motioned the girl out the door before zipping into her yellow purse. 

Even when she could fight along side the miraculous team, she preferred going solo. Especially at night where she can be free than any other person...

Hehe.

🌌 Jimin / Feather Juno 🌌

He noticed.

He’s not that stupid.

The frequent absences, the piling excuses, the nervous body language.

If one thing Park Jimin knew it was understanding the minuscule details. Generally speaking, he would’ve confronted Jungkook long time ago, but he decided to wait patiently.

“Jimin-”

“I’m sure it can explain itself better than you can, Jungkook.” Was he pissed? Somewhat, but not quite. However, his patience was thinning and he’s tired of the lies.

“...I’m not suppose to tell anyone.”

“So you don’t trust me, huh?”

“That’s not it-”

“Sure sounds like it!” Okay, he lashed out. He didn’t mean to, but he couldn’t help it. Jimin watch the maknae cower beneath him as frustration nearly consumed him whole. “Why don’t you trust me? Am I not your friend? Your brother? Or... you don’t want to confide in your friends anymore?” He whispered. He felt hurt.

Jungkook remained tight lipped.

Fine then.

Jimin haven’t spoken to Jungkook since. And it’s only been what? Four days? Until that happened. And by that, Jimin means another akuma attack. It’s been a freaking year and he’s still not used to this. Regardless, Jimin found himself pressed against the fence by this apparent monster with its hot breath smothering his face.

Wow, guess this is how he’s going to die, huh? He haven’t even apologized yet...

A sudden force whipped the monster away and Jimin found himself on the muddy ground, inhaling large amounts of air as his lungs burned. He looked up to find a black cat with solid grey eyes staring at him, “Are you okay?” He asked.

“Y-yeah...- wait, where’s Jungkook? Ah! He’s still in there! I-I have to do something!” Jimin suddenly remembered.

He’s scared.

The young man pushed himself to his feet and tried to run, but the cat clad in black snatched him by the wrist.

“What are you doing? Let me go!:” Jimin practically screamed, and yet the cat shook his head, “Jungkook’s fine.”

“How do you know?! You know nothing of him!”

“Have you considered looking in front of you?”

...

No. That’s... that’s not possible... is it?

“It is, actually.” The cat smirked. And now looking at it, the features and hair, earrings and outfit seems to- “J-Jungkook?” Jimin stuttered.

He’s shocked.

“Yes. I was wondering how long it took you to figure it out.” The cat boy snickered and flicked his belt-like tail in amusement, “Just address me as Kwan Kat, and everything will be okay.”

.

It wasn’t okay.

It took Jimin a complete week to process things. Sure, he speculated many things, but he never concluded his maknae was Kwan Kat. Now it brought fears Jimin never knew existed within himself until now. Nightmares of his Jungkook dying a horrible death, and he wasn’t there to save him. Worse, Kwan Kat sacrificing his life to save him, when he has nothing to contribute to society. He couldn’t bear to face Jungkook, not now, and when he did...

“Hyung, you can’t tell me to give up my alternative lifestyle because it’s unsafe!”

“How can you willing risk your life knowing it could be your last? You have so much to live for!”

“And that’s why I’m living it. To protect everyone around me and-”

“Have you considered the possibility of dying a horrible death? Abandoning your friends and family because you wanted to play hero?”

“You see? This was the reason I couldn’t tell anyone, especially you, Jimin.” The words hurt worse than a knife’s dagger, but Jimin stood his ground.

“Fine, but you gotta bring me along with you.”

“What? No way.”

“I have to make sure nothing happens to you.”

“And what if something happened to you? Then I would’ve failed my job as protector.”

“Then... we can fight together.”

.

“Here.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a miraculous box. I asked Master Fu if I could borrow a miraculous, and it took a lot out of me just to make him budge. You can help on certain occasions just like Jungyeon, but it might not be often.” Jungkook placed the box inside Jimin’s hand, “I picked out a pendant because I felt like it suits you. So, you’re going to help me today. Don’t abuse it.” The maknae warned as the elder opened the box.

“Eep!” Jimin nearly dropped the box the moment light flashed, and out came a...? “Well, aren’t you a handsome young man!” the thing squeaked.

“What are you-”

“Kwami. Mystical god that bestows supernatural abilities. I see Jungkook decided to select me today, wee! It’s been eons since I last seen the world. Okay Jimin, ya ready for playtime?”

“Uh-”

“Alright kiddos, who woken me from my nap?” Plagg maneuvered out of Jungkook’s back pocket with a firm frown, “Kook, you better buy me more cheese today.”

“Ugh, you gotta be kidding me! I don’t have any money right now.” The boy whined in annoyance.

“Your problem, not mines. Oh, sup Dusuu, I didn’t see you there. Strange way to have our reunion.”

“Plagg, it’s great to see you again, brother!”

Okay.

This is... not normal. 

“Come on Jimin, I’ll tell you more about it.” Jungkook finished with a smile.

[mintchocolateleaves]

Come as you are (2/)

Summary:  It seems that the entire world is against Hawkmoth, making it so he’s unable to steal Ladybug and Chat Noir’s miraculous. That’s fine – with his next akuma victim, he’ll create a new one. (OR – a fic in which Marinette and Adrien are transported into another world, and the only way to get home is to purify the akuma who put them there.)

Notes: I hope you enjoy the second chapter you guys! o/

[Part One]

[-2-]

A new world, or, ‘Chat, I don’t think we’re in Paris anymore.’

During her time as Ladybug, Ladybug has learned her fair share about falling. Planned falls, tumbles, falling with her yoyo in hand to offer a second swing. She’s experienced freefalling a few times, but never to this extent – the highest she’s fallen from was the Eiffel tower, and even then, she’d caught herself in the end.

Now – she’s much higher than that, and there doesn’t seem to be anywhere for her to aim her yoyo at, to control her ascent. She tries, eyes searching out for anything to keep her from falling to her death, but there’s nothing.

Lucky charm would help; Tikki’s magic has always given her what she’s needed, and if she uses it now, then there’s no doubt she’ll get something that’ll help her land in one piece.

Still, it’ll include a transformation back to herself, something Ladybug can’t really afford. Not when she’s uncertain whether this new villain, whether World-builder, will just appear beside her again.

Except, it’s not going to matter if he shows or not. If Ladybug doesn’t use lucky charm, then she’ll be dead – or at least, with enough broken bones that she’ll wish she was. Lucky charm is her only option right now, she needs to use it.

“Lucky Ch-”

She stops halfway. While it’s difficult to hear, - the wind is loud against her ears as she’s falling – she can still hear the whisperings of what is probably a yell. Her superhero name being called out, demanding her attention.

It’s a sound from beside her, and with a brief effort, she uses her arms to turn her around, so she can glance towards the sound.

Nothing.

Ladybug must be hearing things and then:

“Ladybug!” The whisper again, “look up.”

She glances up and lets out a sigh of relief. Ladybug had been worried when she’d not immediately seen Chat, when everything had been white. The idea of him fighting alone in Notre Dame while she’d been falling into the middle of nowhere was terrifying.

Instead, they’re both falling.

It’s still terrifying, but at least she’s not falling by herself. Chat is higher up than her – indicating that he’d either been transported to a higher altitude than her, or that she’d been falling longer than he has.

Ladybug pulls on her yoyo, tries to focus on the speed of the wind as it brushes against her suit. It’s slow, although that might just be because the uplift as she falls is stronger.

She hazards a guess, instead of knowing for certain, and throws the yoyo out, upwards towards her partner.

With the speed of her fall, she overestimates the flick of her wrist, and the wire zips above Chat’s head, much higher than she’d hoped. No amount of clawing at the air to try and rise higher can get Chat to reach the yoyo.

The yoyo returns to her hand.

Ladybug spares a glance below her, at the incoming ground. There’s still time to try this, hitting the ground isn’t an immediate concern. At least… not right now.

“Come on,” she hisses to herself, narrowing her eyes, attempting to focus. “Just a little bit lower.”

She flicks her wrist again, the yoyo slipping from her fingers and flying towards Chat. The cat stiffens, allowing the wire to wrap around his waist.

Good, Ladybug thinks, pulling on the string, that’s one step down.

She tugs, pulls the wire into a ball in her hand until Chat is near enough to reach out and grab onto. In response, he wraps his arms around her, tightly enough that even the pressure of the wind won’t be able to tear them apart.

“Oh god,” Chat says as soon as he’s holding onto her, glancing around as they fall before turning his gaze back onto her, “I was terrified when you just disappeared.”

Ladybug scrunches her nose. So she had been falling slightly longer than he had.

“Hold on to me,” Ladybug says instead, ignoring his raised eyebrows. “What? I’m going to undo my yoyo, we need to figure out how we’re going to land.”

“Why my lady,” Chat purrs, almost oblivious to the fact they’re falling to their doom, or maybe ignoring the fact altogether, “it seems like maybe we’re falling for each other.”

If this fall doesn’t kill him, Ladybug might have to.

“Quiet kitty,” she says, “and try to help me think a way out of this.”

She can see the ground now, white splayed out. No building for her to tether herself to, nothing but white. It almost looks like… snow? Although that’s impossible seeing as it’s June, and why would there be snow now?

“There’s snow…” She mutters, trying to think. Will she really need lucky charm with Chat by her side? At the speed they’re falling… with the tools they’ve both got at their disposal…

“Snow?” Chat questions, “my lady, it’s summer.”

Ladybug purses her lips and looks down. Chat’s baton is still between his belt, where he’d put it before they’d gone inside the cathedral. If she holds on to him, will he be able to get it out without the wind thrusting it out of his hands?

There’s only really one way to find out.

Interweaving her legs around Chat’s, she leans back slightly, allowing a small gap to form.

“Your baton,” she says, “I have a plan.”

Chat nods, loosens his grip, as if testing the air resistance on them. They don’t drift apart, Ladybug makes sure of it, locking her legs around his. Lowering his arms, he pulls his baton from his belt, gripping it tightly in his hands.

He wraps his arms around her again.

“What’s the plan, my lady?”

He’s ready to go along with her every plan. Lacking any hesitation, ready to perform any dangerous feat she asks of him. No matter how reckless.

And Ladybug… well, it’s about time she gets reckless.

“Your baton,” she says, “how far does it elongate?”

She’s seen it reach the second observation deck of the Eiffel tower, but never the full 324 metres.

“I…” Chat pauses, brow furrowed. “I’m not sure, I’ve never tested it before.”

Very helpful, Ladybug thinks, before chiding herself for the bitter thought. It’s not Chat’s fault he doesn’t know. They’ve never really fallen from this high up before.

“Well kitty, looks like we’re going to have to test it today.” She says, as the snow gets steadily nearer and nearer. “I need you to get this baton as long as possible, and you need to aim it straight at all of the snow.”

She’s relying on the snow being thick. If it’s not well…

Well Ladybug doesn’t want to think about how they’re going to land it isn’t. Instead, she waits as Chat lets go of her again, both hands wrapped around his baton as he wills it to grow longer, aiming it towards the ground.

It stops after a second, not far enough to hit the ground, but much lower than they are. Chat moves his hands, places his palm on top of it, and pushes. The other hand remains around it, keeping it straight up.

“You’re hoping it’ll lodge between all the snow?” Chat asks.

“If we manage to get it in the snow, then we can slow down our fall by using my yoyo.”

The idea that they swing, looping around the baton as many times as possible until reaching the ground.

Chat nods.

And together they look down, watching the snow grow nearer. Ladybug wonders if Chat’s heartbeat is pulsing as wildly as hers, pressing against her ribs, leaving them bruised.

She hopes so.

The ground is too close. Much to close for comfort.

Ladybug can feel the moment the baton hits the ground. Holding onto Chat’s waist, there’s no way she wouldn’t feel the impact. It’s jarring, sends a flash of pain down her, as the movement throws them up.

Chat lets out a hiss.

“Hold onto me tight,” she shouts, waiting until there’s a single hand around her waist to throw her yoyo out, towards the baton. The yoyo wraps around, anchors itself onto the baton with a faint clang. Wire dragging them towards it.

“Ready to swing, Chat?” She asks, although it’s not like they have much of a choice. He offers her a nod.

“Of course, my lady,” he mumbles, and then – a grin. Under his breath, she can faintly hear him singing, the words ‘you spin me right round baby, right round’ making Ladybug groan.

“Shush, kitty,” she says again. Although the sight of his grin does leave her feeling less anxious. They’re going to survive this, and Chat’s grin is an indicator of that – that’s the only reason her pulse changes to a stutter.

And if her cheeks are a little warm, it’s completely coincidental.

She’s just glad that this plan is going well, that’s all. They’re lucky, to be surviving this right now, and that they are – Ladybug is just glad.

And then, almost as quickly she’s not glad because there’s a groan and she can feel the baton move as they swing past. There’s a slant to it now; The baton not deep enough in the snow to remain upright.

Ladybug swallows a curse, decides they’re just going to have to hope for the best. If she adjusts her yoyo, makes their line longer while they spin, then hopefully they should get down to the ground before the baton falls.

She can wish, anyway.

“Uh, my lady,” Chat says, the cat ears of his suit twitching as they continue their descent to the ground, “did you hear that?”

Ladybug does not offer a response, not at first. She focuses on adjusting her yoyo, taking note of the wind against them as they move. Then: “hear what?”

There is a larger groan, and the baton starts to tip.

“Oh,” she says, offering a startled gasp, “you mean that?”

“What other highly alarming sounds did you think I was talking about?”

Ladybug does not answer him. Instead, she bites into her lips. This isn’t going to be good, they’re going to have to jump at one point, throw themselves into the snow and hope to God their time fighting akumas has taught them how to properly fall.

She tells Chat just as much.

At the sight of his nod, Ladybug lets out a sigh of relief. And then, with his hands letting go of her waist, he falls from her side.

Ladybug tries not to think about the sudden cold of his absence beside her, and loosens her own grip from her yoyo. For a moment, she is falling, legs flailing alongside her arms.

Then, she realises falling like that’s only going to result in broken bones, so she stops the flailing and readies herself to land, to roll.

The snow is dust beneath her. It’s deep, although she doesn’t go any further than her knees in height as she lands. And Ladybug quickly finds that it’s extremely difficult to roll in snow properly.

She’s certain the only reason she’s not sporting broken bones is because of Tikki’s magic. Although, Ladybug’s sure she’s going to bruise, she just knows it.

Well – hopefully she won’t have to deal with the aching of bruises for too long. Between her and Chat, they should be able to catch the akuma and purify it. And then, she’ll be able to use her miraculous to heal them both.

To erase this stupid fall from their bodies, so it’ll seem like it never happened.

Ladybug lets out a groan. Places her palms against the snow beneath her, and pushes up. A shudder runs down her spine as she pushes up, her breath foggy against the freezing air.

It’s too cold.

She glances around – where’s that stupid cat? – before pulling a face. If she doesn’t want to fall into the grounds of becoming hypothermic, she’s going to have to find a way to get away from all the snow.

“Chat?” She calls, standing.

No response.

“Kitty cat?” She calls out again, worry creeping into her voice. Which direction had he fallen? Ladybug doesn’t know, doesn’t know where to search for him.

A groan from her right.

“Chat!” Ladybug shouts, racing to the left. She doesn’t see him at first, not until he sits up, black cat ears poking out from a dip in the snow. After a second, he must rise to his knees because blonde hair and his eyes start to peek out against white.

“My lady,” Chat says, and now she can see the black of his tail raised, the tip bent forwards, twitching back and forth. “I’m not sure how to deal with all this snow.”

Ladybug lets out a deep breath, it’s shuddering. And eventually, she realises that it’s a laugh, breathless – they’re both okay, and Chat is going to complain about the snow like he had in February when it had covered Paris.

“Your so dramatic,” she laughs.

Chat pouts. “Snow’s wet, I don’t like being wet.”

Ladybug pays him no mind. She continues to laugh.

His lady’s laugh is beautiful.

Chat had known from the moment he lay eyes on her that she’d stolen his heart, but hearing such light laughter catches his attention, leaves his cheeks tinged with red and reinforces the feelings he’s been harbouring for the past two years.

Even laughing at him, and his harboured dislike for all wet weather, she’s beautiful.

He shakes his head, rises from the snow as he feels her gaze leave his form. The whole situation, no matter how glad he is for surviving such a fall, is strange.

First, it’s the beginning of summer. Chat’s been enjoying naps in the sun, his blinds left open rather than shut. There shouldn’t be any snow around, not in Paris – and hell, not in most of France.

The only places he assumes there’d be any snow right now would be the mountain ranges. And even then, there wouldn’t be this much snow. From how far they’d fallen, they’re no way they’d be near the peak of the mountain… so… how?

“Where do you think we are?” Ladybug says, turning back to him. She’s shivering, not that Chat’s any different – it’s too cold, and they’re only wearing spandex. No amount of magic can make them immune to the cold in such clothing.

“I don’t know,” Chat says, padding at the snow around him, attempting to create a pathway. “But it’s definitely not Paris.”

Ladybug sends him a look.

“Are you sure?” She shakes her head for a moment, “maybe this is part of the akumas magic. Making everything seem like winter?”

“Maybe…” But something about that doesn’t seem right. He can’t see anything past this snow, it seems to go on and on further than he can see. Surely, if they were still in Paris, he’d be able to see the monuments. “But my lady, if we’re still in Paris, then where is everything?”

Ladybug glances around, her lips pursed.

“And even then,” Chat continues, “it wouldn’t make sense for World-builder to be able to transport us into the sky and cover all of Paris in snow at once. Doesn’t an akuma only ever give one power to villains?”

Now, his Lady stiffens.

“Get your baton,” she says, “and we’ll start searching for everything together.”

Chat nods, follows her lead. It’s difficult to move, the snow is too deep, and Chat finds that he needs to leap up into the snow to navigate it. Clumps of snow wisp into the air around him as lands, something that leaves him shuddering.

He really does not like the cold.

“You know what, bugaboo,” he calls as he finally wraps his hand around his baton, pulling it from the snow, “this entire experience has been extremely catastrophic for me.”

He receives a huff.

Chat expects to see pursed lips when he turns, holding out his baton for his Lady to grab her yoyo, but there’s just a smile. Not just a smile, it’s beautiful, breath-taking, and frankly, Chat can’t control the sudden flush of red that rises up his neck.

“Silly cat,” Ladybug says, shaking her head, “saying things like that’s only tempting fate.”

“You’re purrfectly right about that my lady,” Chat says, nodding his head. “Let’s avoid making this any worse than it already is.”

Now that she’s got her yoyo she surveys the area they’ve landed in. There’s a slight slant to the snow, as if they’re on a gradual slope.

“This way,” Ladybug says, pointing downwards, towards what can only be his only escape from the cold. “We should be able to figure out where we are if we go this way.”

As he always does, Chat follows his lady.

He’s right, Ladybug thinks to herself as they start to traverse the snow. They’re not in Paris.

There are no buildings in sight, just the bare outline of trees as they make their way to… the bottom of wherever they are.

So, they’re not in Paris... That leaves them with a big problem. Where are they?

And how did they even get here?

The how is easy, Ladybug supposes, as she trudges through more snow. They’ve been transported by the akuma, by World-builder. Send thousands of meters into the sky, left to fall to their deaths.

But the where… It depends on the extent to World-builders powers. They could be anywhere in the world right now. Although, no – there’s always a limit to the power each akuma displays, and even transporting them around Europe seems like a stretch.

From how far they’ve fallen, and if she’s assuming their still in France, then there are two possible outcomes. Either they’re in the alps, doubtful with the lack of mountains surrounding them, or they’re stuck in the middle of Massif Central.

Either thing suggests they’re hundreds of miles from Paris. What state will the city be in when they eventually get back?

No, she can’t think about that. Ladybug refuses to – everything will sort itself out if they get back, she’ll use lucky charm and it’ll be fine.

“It’s going to take us hours to get back to Paris,” she sighs after a while, crossing her arms around her. It’s cold – the sooner they find a way back, the sooner she’ll be able to wrap herself in blankets, sitting as close to the radiator as possible.

She wonders if Chat’s thinking the same; Not that she can ask him. She knows that the moment she mentions how cold she is, he’ll suggest snuggling to stay warm.

Which is… really not an option right now.

Or ever.

“It seems like it,” Chat says, nodding his head. They snow is getting lighter now, less difficult for them to trudge through. “The sooner we get back, the sooner we can sort this out.”

Ladybug nods.

For a while, they don’t speak. They focus instead on moving forwards, making their way towards the what can only be a hiking trail, signs posted and the layer of snow thinner than the surrounding banks.

They’re going to be walking for a while, Ladybug realises. Which is… going to be difficult – how long until their miraculous wear off? They’ve never really fought long enough without using cataclysm or lucky charm for their magic to wear off… will their transformations last long enough to get them back to Paris?

Ladybug doesn’t know. She wishes she could as Tikki.

“Over there,” Chat says, pointing towards the trail she’d just noticed. “It looks like a sign for the highway.”

Ladybug hums, picks up her speed.

“So, this villain,” Chat says now, rubbing at his neck. “World-builder, he can transport people to different areas?”

Ladybug nods. “It would seem like that’s his ability, but… why would Hawkmoth give him a name like that? Usually the names have some sort of sense behind them.”

They reach the highway, make their way down the pathway. It’s warmer here, than when they’d been traversing snowfields, and yet Ladybug still watches her breath fog in the air, the wind keeping her chilled.

“Let’s worry about that later, my lady,” Chat says, shaking his head. “We need to come up with a plan on how to get the akuma from wherever it’s hidden.”

They’d not had enough time to survey the villain, to see which element of his attire had seemed odd compared to the rest of him. One moment he’d been there, the next, they’d been falling from such a height.

“We started falling the moment he touched us,” Ladybug says, shaking her head. “That’s the way he uses his powers, I reckon. So, we’ll need to come up with a strategy to fight him without getting near him.”

She turns to look at her partner over her shoulder, watches his expression for any ideas. With the distance they’re going to be forced to travel, surely they’ll come up with a suitable plan.

“Any immediate ideas?” She asks, still glancing towards him.

“Maybe,” Chat tilts his head, “if we use our–”

He pauses, eyes widening. His movements seem to still entirely, much like a cat that’s been faced with it’s prey, slowing to a stop before getting ready to pounce. Except – no, he’s not very cat-like right now, there’s more shock on his face than anything else.

“Chat…?”

He lifts a gloved hand, sunlight glinting off his ring. Ladybug finds that her own legs feel like lead, and dread fills her stomach at the idea of turning to see what exactly has caught her partner’s attention, washing his skin out to a sickly pallor.

“I…” Chat shakes his head, “the waterfall…”

Ladybug heaves out a sigh. “It’s just a waterfall? Silly cat, just because you don’t like water doesn’t mean you have to give me a heart attack.”

Chat does not respond. He raises his hand to point.

“Listen,” Ladybug says, crossing her arms, “it’s just a waterfall, it’s nothing to worry abou–”

She turns, glances at the waterfall. For a moment, everything is as it should be – what is strange about seeing a waterfall in an area filled with snow? Even winter can’t freeze over such a surge of water, not all the way through.

But that is not the thing that throws her off. It is what the waterfall is producing.

Beneath waterfalls, Ladybug is expecting to see white water, the foam that usually forms at the bottom of the falls. She’s seen videos of waterfalls, has visited them before on school trips and never–

Waterfalls are not supposed to produce fresh snow at the bottom. But that is exactly what’s happening. The water solidifies into snowflakes as it falls from the edge of the stream, adding to the snow at the bottom of what can only be… a pool of snow?

No… This isn’t possible.

“What the…?” Ladybug turns to Chat. “What’s going on?”

Chat’s responding expression shows just how confused he is in response. How is he to know what’s going on?”

“This isn’t natural… It’s… impossible.” Chat mutters.

“I…” Ladybug shakes her head. Even with the various akumas they’ve seen up to now, they’ve never been powerful enough to change nature... “It’s not possible, he can’t change the laws of nature, not with this much of a scope.”

Chat turns – glances his hands around. He chokes out, “His… his name.”

Ladybug scrunches her nose. What does World-builder have to do with changing the laws of nature and then, like a blow to the back of the head, it hits her.

“He can’t change the way nature works in our world…” Ladybug mumbles, horror settling onto her face, stomach acid churning, “so… he built his own…”