#inside of sages brain there is a door. and 5 idiots. and very little else.

[cfrog]

Grey isn't included because she does live here

quote from a Friends episode, but specifically pulled from an incorrect quotes blog :]

real art progression win. i can actually draw these incorrect quotes i used to reblog.

[let-me-be-soft]

Trying- Chapter 14

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Pairing: Alya/Nino

Summary:

After 5 years of a never ending battle with Hawk Moth, the Akumas suddenly come to a stop. For 4 months Paris seems like it’s finally at peace, but it may turn out to be only the calm before the storm. When Alya starts to hear a familiar voice, she realizes very quickly that Hawk Moth is far from gone. Alya must resist the temptation to discover the truth behind Ladybug, but as her life slowly falls apart around her Hawk Moth’s grip only becomes stronger.

AO3                    Fanfiction.net

The drive back to Paris was different then the drive to Elle’s house. For one thing Alya wasn’t laughing the whole time, and none of them were in their suits. It was still tense, but it was a different kind of tense. All of them knew what they were going to do now. They knew what needed to happen.

They arrived in front of the old burnt down massage parlor, and the group all stared. Elle placed her hand on her heart.

“Are you ok?” Alya asked softly. 

Elle nodded, “It’s just a bit of a shock that’s all…”

They all crawled out of the car and stood slightly away from the crumbled building. Elle dragged her eyes off of the soot covered rubble and looked over at the Boulangerie Patisserie. A short woman exited the bakery and walked towards their group before she suddenly broke out into a run and smile spreading over her face.

“Everyone this is-” Before Elle could finish her introduction the woman knocked the wind out of her with a hug. Other then the shock and the lack of air to her lungs, Elle seemed grateful, and after a second to regain her breath she hugged the shorter woman back.

“Everyone. This is your current guardian.” Elle smiled stepping back to introduce the woman.

“Mom?” Marinette’s eyes went wide as she stared at her mother.

Sabine smiled at her daughter, “Hello honey. I see you’ve met Elle, I’m so glad. It really was a shame you two never got to properly meet before.”

Marinette’s brain stopped producing words as it tried to process this new information. “When- You- since-”

“What?” Alya finished for her. “You’re the new guardian?”

Sabine nodded, “I came to Paris to study with Fu, and I did for a while, but life had other plans for me.” Sabine looked to the bakery and gave Tom a wave.

The four heroes were still standing there in shock as Sabine talked to Elle excitedly.

“I can’t believe you’re finally home.” Sabine was chirping wrapping Elle up in another hug. “We missed you so much, Gabriel missed you so much. Does he know yet? I didn’t tell him, I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to.” Sabine rambled slightly.

Elle stepped back awkwardly and tried to respond, “He… Doesn’t know yet.” Elle said turning back towards the others, who were still reeling from the shock.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were the guardian?” Marinette asked exasperated as her mother merely smiled.

“Don’t worry sweetie, your father didn’t know either.”

“What?”

“So,” Alya placed a calming hand on Marinette’s shoulder, “You knew all along who Ladybug and Chat Noir were?”

Sabine laughed a little, “Well, Chat Noir took longer to figure out, but really, once you kids all started spending more time together it wasn’t hard to add two and two...”

Marinette felt like she was going to pass out. “How long have you known about the miraculous Mom?”

“Oh long before you were born.” Sabine said with a gentle wave of her hand before turning back to Elle, “The last place I sent Rekko was Belgium and that was about 2 days ago. When should we let the news you’re back in Paris leak?”

“I think we’re almost ready, there’s a few old friends we still need to talk to. Do you still have Roger’s number?” Elle asked

Sabine nodded, “Come inside.”

Marinette knew her parents shop and house like the back of her hand, but stepping into it now she wondered if there was anything else her mother had been hiding. She felt Adrien bump her shoulder gently with his own and she turned to look at his worried face.

“I’m fine.” She said before he could even ask, “Just a little shocked.”

And Adrien could understand that better than anyone so he smiled and reached down to grab her hand. She turned to see Alya and Nino eyeing the display cabinet as Sabine turned the open sign to closed. 

“I’ll just go warn Tom.” Sabine said with a smile disappearing behind the counter.

Marinette watched as Elle stood awkwardly in the middle of the shop taking in the shelves and the display unit. 

“Have you been here before?” Marinette asked.

Elle seemed a little startled, like she had been pulled out of some deep thoughts, but offered Marinette a weak smile, “I’ve been here before once, maybe twice. A long time ago and it’s changed a lot since then.”

Marinette nodded, “Business has done well.”

“Yeah.” Elle glanced towards Adrien who was occupied with his staring at his shoes. Elle looked a little sad before turning away again.

Marinette looked between the two of them not really sure what to do or say. Helplessly she glanced over to Alya who had also noticed the tense silence.

“I bet the pastries still taste just as good.” Alya supplied.

“Delicious.” Elle said with a smile at Marinette. “When you aren’t Ladybugging what do you do Marinette? Do you work here as well?”

“Oh- Uh, well sometimes. If it’s really busy I’ll come and help, but I’m actually a fashion student.”

“Fashion?” Elle glanced towards Adrien again. “Is that how?”

“Mari and I met in high school.” Adrien said still looking at a wall awkwardly.

Marinette raised an eyebrow at him, he couldn’t pick something at least convincing to be distracted by? Adrien felt her eyes on him but wasn’t willing to admit that he should have chosen one of the deserts to stare at.

“Oh… Good.” Elle said, trying to cut her way through the tension.

“Good?” Adrien finally glanced over.

“I just meant… I’m glad your father sent you to school. He always wanted you tutored when I was…” Elle trailed off awkwardly.

“Oh.” Was all Adrien could manage. 

Marinette and Alya exchanged some cringes and pointed looks, before Alya nudged Nino’s arm and nodded her head to the two silent party members. Nino looked at her wide eyed and shook his head. Alya nodded back and gave him a push towards Adrien.

“H-hey, dude-”

“I found the book.” Sabine walked in carrying a black notebook before looking between the group, “Did I interrupt something?”

“You did not!” Nino said a little too relieved, “What’s in the book?”

“My contacts.” said Elle, who seemed a little less awkward now that Sabine was back. She took the book from the shorter woman and started flipping through the pages. “There he is. Mind if I use your phone Sabine?”

“Go ahead.” Sabine gestured to the one hanging on the wall. She moved back to the shop door and started to pull the blinds down, “Tom’s not coming downstairs for a bit, it’s safe to come out.”

Wayzz was the first to fly out and say hello, but eventually all of the Kwami were out from jacket pockets and such. Fanna immediately fell back into her fox form weaving her way through the racks and legs.

Marinette glanced over at Elle who was smiling while she spoke quietly on the phone. “Who is she talking to mom?”

Sabine glanced over at Elle, “Oh, you remember Sabrina’s dad right?”

“The cop?” Nino asked.

Sabine nodded, “Well he and Elle go a far ways back, I suppose she’s calling in a favor.”

“Thank you!” Elle said a little louder smiling wider, “I can’t thank you enough really. Thank you Roger.”

Elle joined the rest of them again, “He’ll be starting an evacuation of the upper east side. We won’t have to worry about civilians getting injured.”

“How do you know Sabrina’s dad?” Alya asked.

Elle looked confused for a moment, “You all know Sabrina?”

They all nodded.

“Well, when Roger was a young cop starting his career, Sage was his senior officer.”

“What? Did he know that she was Volpina?” Alya asked.

“Well not at first, but they did get quite close.”

Marinette turned to Alya in alarm, “Is everyone we know connected to the miraculous?”

Alya grinned, “I told you all along. Ladybug had our grades history textbook, and Adrien looked a lot like Chat.”

Nino had a private moment of awe, “Holy crap she did have our textbook.”

Marinette rolled her eyes, “Nino of course she did. She’s me.”

Elle watched the young heroes talk and couldn’t help but smile.

“Elle,” Sabine placed a hand on her shoulder, “I think you should see Gabriel, before anything happens.”

Elle nodded and tried to ignore the pit of dread building in her.

The drive to Adrien’s childhood home was not a pleasant one for Adrien or Elle. Adrien hadn’t been there for a month, since his father and his regular family dinner. Elle hadn’t been there in 12 years, since she abandoned him.

Turns out your mother didn’t love you, and the woman who did didn’t care enough to stay.

He ignored that thought.

No really. No wonder you always were so desperate for Ladybug to validate you, the previous Ladybug deserted you.

Marinette and Alya had been talking about something during his depressing inner monologue but now they were quiet. Adrien wished they would keep talking. He wanted someone to say something so his mind wouldn’t be forced to think about Elle, or his father, or his mother or-

Marinette glanced over at him with concern, and wrapped her arm around his, her fingers intertwining with his own. His brain stopped spiraling enough to give her a weak smile. Everything was going to be alright. This ladybug was here for him. This Ladybug wasn’t going to leave and erase his memories. This ladybug was Marinette.

It wasn’t hard to wrap his head around, they were both the same height, both had the same smile, the same eyes. As he got to know Marinette better he saw Ladybug’s strength and sass in her. She was just as kind and good hearted as Ladybug. It made sense that they were the same person, the same wonderful person that Adrien had fallen in love with twice over.

Part of him felt like an idiot. She had told him she fell in love with him in highschool and he had thrown a fit, if only he had realized he had fallen in love with only half of her.

Then again, they might not be here now, arm in arm, surrounded by friends.

And Elle.

And the spiral continued.

Adrien looked out the car window and saw the all too familiar gates that led to his family’s driveway.

“See you when we fight Hawkmoth.” Alya said stepping out of the car so Marinette and Adrien could get out.

Elle was standing on the sidewalk looking up at the big mansion, looking much like Adrien felt.

Alya hopped into the front seat and her and Nino drove away to look for supplies.

Adrien kept looking up at the mansion and back at Elle.

Despite all his questions, and all of his jumbled memories, even though he had spent the last few months, even the last 12 years wondering what happened, wishing for a whole family again, Adrien couldn’t bring himself to take the first step.

It was a stalemate, neither of them wanting to confront the past, but both knowing they had to.

So Marinette took the first step, striding up to the gate in a very Ladybug like manner. She hit the buzzer and introduced their group, grabbing his hand and leading him through the gates as they opened. He stared in awe at her, which wasn’t the first time.

“We’re a team Kitty cat.” She smiled at him, “It’s my turn to be here for you.”

Adrien wanted to tell her she had always been there for him, or wrap her up in a tight hug, or kiss her passionately, but instead he returned her smile, and he knew that she understood. 

“I love you too.” She said giving his hand a squeeze.

Nathalie came down the stairs to meet them at the front door. She glanced over their group without a trace of surprise, her eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of Elle. If Adrien wasn’t so caught up in his own mind he might have noticed how quiet and pale Elle looked, how afraid and small she seemed compared to the grand white entrance of his youth. The two of them walked in and were lead to the sitting room to wait for his father. Elle walked a little slower behind the two of them, taking in the picture of Adrien and his father that hung above the staircase. They both looked so lonely. So sad.

It was her fault. She knew it was. She was the one who had left them both, she had abandoned him. She knew his father, she knew he was not a cruel man… but she also knew he was not a good one. She knew that he didn’t know what he was doing, he didn’t know how to raise a child. He never knew. Celine didn’t know. She herself only faked it. 

Adrien sat on the sofa in the unhomely room. There was a fireplace, and the windows let light into the space, but it still felt dark, and empty. Or maybe that’s how he felt. Marinette seemed affected by it to and still held on to his hand as she sat beside him.

“Where did Elle go?” She asked Nathalie taking in her surroundings.

“Ms. Perron is in the hall. She seemed like she needed a moment.”

“Adrien.” Gabriel entered the room and Adrien immediately stood up. Marinette followed his lead and stayed by his side. “And Ms. Dupain-Cheng?”

“Hello again Mr. Agreste.”

Gabriel walked in and took a seat next to the couch. Adrien relaxed slightly and sat back down with Marinette. “I see you both are still close?”

Adrien looked to Marinette and nodded, “Yeah… We’re actually-uh- dating.”

Gabriel raised his eyebrows. “Oh?”

Marinette braced herself for impact.

“That’s wonderful.” Gabriel’s tone didn’t really convey wonderful but Adrien smiled and seemed relieved so Marinette took the comment as genuine.

As silence fell among them Marinette noticed Gabriel fidgeting with his sleeve, he looked just as uncomfortable as his son. Both of them kept their gazes down, flickering to the door, waiting for Elle to enter.

“Excuse me for one moment.” Marinette stood up and let go of Adrien’s hand. Adrien immediately stood up with her but she shot him a look that said stay put. 

She walked back to the entrance alone and spotted Elle sitting on the staircase with her head in her hands. With a sympathetic smile Marinette made her way to the marble stairs and sat beside the woman.

“You have to go in there.”

“I know.” Elle said, muffled through her arms.

Tikki floated out beside Marinette perching on her chosen’s arm watching as Marinette gently rubbed circles across Elle’s back.

“Tikki is right about me. I don’t know how to fix my problems. I just run away from them. I could have stayed and fought Rekko… But I left. I left Adrien in this cold house alone, and I left Gabriel to grieve by himself, with no one to help him.” Elle shook slightly underneath Marinette’s arm. “My whole life I’ve been running away. How can I face them? It’s my fault Fu-”

“It’s not.”Marinette spoke holding Elle a little closer, “It’s no one’s fault but Rekko’s. You can’t blame yourself. Trust me. I know.” 

Elle looked up at the young woman before her, watching the water build in her eyes. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.” Elle said placing her hand on Marinette’s. “I should have been there.”

“I should have told you.” Tikki murmured quietly looking up at Marinette. “I kept her from you. You had every right to know and I let… I let my feelings control my actions.” She turned to face Elle, “I’m sorry for everything I said. I was a fool, Rekko-”

“Tricked both of us.” Elle said extending her finger to her kwami who held it in her tiny paws. “He knew from the beginning what he was doing.”

Tikki met Elle’s gaze and held it, “You’re sure this is his doing? You’re certain he’s trying to hurt others?”

“I know… I’m sorry Tikki. I wanted to believe in him too. But from the beginning… He…” Elle trailed off quietly as more thoughts coursed through her head. “I’m ashamed to tell Adrien that I trusted Rekko…” She said finally.

“He already knows you did. You all did.” Marinette said.

Elle shook her head, “No… I was fooled most of all. I should have…”

Tikki shook her head, “He will understand. Gabriel does.”

When Marinette walked back into the room the overwhelming sense of relief she received from not only her partner, but also his father was astounding. No actual words were spoken, but she was sure both the Agreste’s had the thought, “thank god it’s not just the two of us.”

The momentary comfort, if you could call it that, was quickly replaced when Elle appeared in the doorway. Marinette waited for the woman to enter before taking her seat next to Adrien.

Elle opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. Gabriel was staring at her so intently, but the emotion on his face was impossible to read. Elle seemed to tremble but didn’t look away. She opened her mouth and managed a very quiet “Hello.”

Gabriel couldn’t do much better than a soft greeting. 

Marinette could feel Adrien starting to simmer beside her, she could feel his distorted love for his father trying to leap out and protect the man. She placed her hand gently on top of his arm, and although he didn’t relax, she could feel him settle slightly.

“I’m sorry.” Elle said, “I didn’t mean… I wanted to-”

Gabriel stood up and Elle stopped short. The two of them fell silent and still for a moment before she slowly moved into the room. Gabriel closed the distance and wrapped his arms around her, holding on to her as if maybe she weren’t real, and if he didn’t keep a tight grasp, she could slip away. Elle rested her head on his shoulder and wept, her arms cradling him. Marinette smiled.

“I thought… I was worried you were… That he’d-”

“I’m sorry.” Elle wept in response.

“I was scared that he had already killed you.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“You’re alive.” Gabriel had an arm around her and the other supporting her head. “I didn’t think I would ever see you again.”

“I’m sorry- I didn’t want to leave, I couldn’t-”

“I remember.” Gabriel said calmly, “I’m not angry, it’s ok.”

“I missed you.” Elle said through tears, and Marinette saw her smile a little as she held Gabriel close. 

Marinette held Adrien’s hand as the young man stirred uncomfortable and agitated. He calmed under her touch and she kept her hand there even as Gabriel pulled away from Elle and the woman looked meekly over to them.

“Did you tell Adrien everything?” Gabriel asked looking at his son.

“She has.” Adrien said coldly and Marinette gave his hand a squeeze.

Gabriel sat down awkwardly, “I’m sorry Adrien.”

“I can’t believe you lied to me my entire life. I can’t believe either of you.” Adrien growled under his breath.

Elle looked at her hands but Gabriel frowned. “What were we supposed to do? He was threatening your life.”

“You could have fought him.” Adrien’s torso leaned forward, aggressively challenging his father. “You could have left me with my memories instead of erasing her.”

“You expect me to believe you wouldn’t have chased after her if you knew she existed?”

“I could have helped!”

“This is not a fencing match Adrien, this is a powerful, angry god.”

“And I’m Chat Noir! Angry god’s are my specialty! Have you ever met Plagg?”

Gabriel frowned a little deeper. “Yes, I’ve met Plagg before.” The atmosphere in the room was heavy, and although their voices had dropped down to a softer volume, every word still felt as harsh. “I knew the past Chat Noir Adrien. I watched him die. I knew the last ladybug, and the last Volpina and the last Jade Turtle and madame Peacock. They’re all dead. You’re mother was dead, and then an evil almighty creature wanted you dead too. We were grieving and weakened, and all I wanted was for you to be safe.”

“You knew I was Chat Noir.” Adrien said looking down at his silver ring.

“I tried not to know. If I knew then Rekko would find out, and he would kill you.” Gabriel looked away, “I kept my distance, I had Nathalie take care of you. I came up with excuses in my mind every time I came close to suspecting.”

Adrien shook his head, “Don’t pretend that was to protect me. You didn’t know how to deal with me. You didn’t know how to take care of a child.”

Gabriel met his son’s gaze, “You’re right. I didn’t. I didn’t know how to… Elle was the one who knew-”

“And you lied about her. You told me she was my mother, you made me think that at some point there was a mother who loved me. Did mom ever play with me? Did she ever babysit Chloe? What’s the truth? Were either of you good parents at anytime?”

“Stop it.” Adrien’s head whipped up to look at Elle who was standing beside him with fire in her eyes, “Your parents loved you more than anything in the world, and your father would give up anything for you.”

“If you both loved me you wouldn’t have left.”

“You’re wrong Adrien.” Marinette said lifting her hand to gently turn his cheek towards her. “She loves you more than life itself. She gave you up in order for you to be safe. She couldn’t stay with you, and she gave you wonderful memories of a happy life, even if it meant you would never remember her again.”

“But none of you wanted me did you.” Adrien said and the anger had left his voice. “I always thought mom had been… That she must have been the reason you had kids, because mom wanted them, because mom was gentle and warm… But she didn’t. She didn’t want to be my mother.”

Elle looked at him and she saw the same scared nine year old who had asked where his mother had gone. “Sometimes we get things in life we didn’t ask for. Sometimes it’s something we wouldn’t have thought we would get. I didn’t want to be Ladybug. I didn’t want to be a bodyguard, or a babysitter. But I have never wanted anything more in my life then to be your mother. I’ve never wanted anything more then for you to be happy, and safe. That is my greatest wish in life. You weren’t something I thought would ever happen to me, I didn’t think I would ever be here today, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you with my entire heart. All of those memories aren’t lies Adrien, they just have a different face then you remember.” Elle stood a little taller then she had before, “And I promise. This is where it all ends. I won’t let Rekko hurt you or anyone else anymore.”

Just as Sabrina’s dad had promised the area was abandoned. The bustle had died down to nothing and the anticipation was driving Nino up the wall. He fidgeted nervously in his costume wishing that there was a loose thread of baggy sleeve to distract him, but instead the thing fit perfectly like it always did and he had to twiddle his thumbs. He wasn’t exactly sure how Eleanor was doing it. She stood in the middle of the road tall and proud, no fidgeting no nervous whispers just strong and true, waiting for Rekko to show up and kill them all.

It wasn’t that he didn’t have faith in his teammates, he really did. And he had been game for the plan they had come up with together, but now that he was here he couldn’t help but feel that they were all just a little crazy. It was like when he became Jade turtle for the first time and fought with LB and Chat Noir. He had thought they were reckless with how fast they were diving off of buildings and jumping into the fray. But they had trained for longer then he had. Maybe it gets less scary the more you do it. He had trained for this plan too. He had been practicing his mother’s magic, and although he felt confident in creating light and heating water, he had to admit they really hadn’t been able to practice the spell as much as he’d have liked. He understood the mechanics of it, and he ran through the sensations in his mind as they waited, but he hadn’t opened the portal to the kwami world, it had been too reckless to just open it without sending Rekko back, they didn’t need another vengeful god running around the world. Not before they dealt with this one at least.

Something sent a shiver down his spine. He looked over at Elle who had begun to scowl at the rooftops.

“It’s been a long time.” Elle called out, eyes still scanning the buildings for the sight of him.

“I heard you were looking for me.”

Silence followed and Nino felt his ears jumping on every rustle, trying to locate every tiny insignificant noise.

“You’re being rude Rekko. If you want to see me, come out where I can see you.” There was still no response. “Fine. I guess I’ll be leaving.”

From the shadow of one of the buildings a figure emerged into the sunlight. The figure was tall and lean, disproportionate to a normal human body. The shadows that fell from the figure split off from its feet in different directions, crawling out across the ground. Nino couldn’t make out much of the figure, other then it’s unnerving shape and size. It got closer to Elle, looming over her. 

“Just give me the Bee and the Butterfly and we can end this.” Elle held out her hand.

The figure seemed to grow taller, rearing up like a cobra about to strike. “Why would ever do that? We’ve just started.”

“Rekko. I am warning you. Don’t make me hurt you, just give me the miraculous and leave this world alone.”

“Since when do you play by the rules?” The shadow began to circle around Elle, twisting and weaving like a scarf caught in the wind. “Remember all the fun you and I had? We had so much fun before Fu trapped you, before Philipp stole you.”

Elle didn’t say anything back.

“Well Fu is gone now, and Philipp is gone now. There’s no one stopping you, there’s no one here for you, only me. Even that boy doesn't remember you, and do you really think Gabriel will ever forgive you? No. You should come with me. I’ll protect you. I love you.”

“Don’t you ever say their names again. This is your last chance Rekko, give me the miraculous.”

The shadow suddenly jumped and wrapped a hand around Elle’s throat. Her legs kicked as she was lifted off the ground and Nino could have sworn he heard a dark chuckle from the creature.

“Or what? You have no one here to help you.”

Nino saw a flash of red and watched as Chat Noir stood over top of Rekko his batton already out and at the ready. Ladybug was behind him having caught Elle. 

“You two.” Rekko slinked back up to his full height.and glared at the heroes, “Finally after 5 years we meet face to face.”

“Glad to make your acquaintance.” Chat said bringing his staff down against Rekko’s side. The man jumped out of the way.

Ladybug had Elle in her arms and quickly darted out of the way, placing Elle down carefully.

“Everything’s going to plan.” Elle said reassuringly.

“You getting choked was not part of the plan.”

“He’s desperate, which means he’ll slip up easily.” Elle had a hand on her chest as she peeked out from the alley they had hid behind. “Keep going with the plan. We need to save those kwami first.”

Chat hit the ground hard and Rekko gave a dark laugh. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with kitty cat.”

“I know who you are.” Chat jumped back to his feet and charged at the kwami, his staff raised.

Rekko caught the weapon easily before it could come down on his head. “I killed the last of your pitiful chosens Plagg. It was easy. Simple even.”

Chat went flying again. He landed with a groan, listening to the distant sound of a flute. Soon after the noise a flash of orange helped him to his feet.

“Took you long enough.” He muttered as he split his staff in two.

“You weren’t supposed to attack him.” She spat back.

“Two of my favourite kwami all in one place. It’s like a trip down memory lane.” Rekko approached. Suddenly the creature raised his arm and Chat barely managed to deflect the tiny darts that shot out at them. The shadows crawled towards them and Volpina and Chat had to leap out of their way.

“We need to get those miraculous off of him.” Chat growled as the two of them leapt away from shadows, steadily and rapidly chasing them.

“We know where they are, we just need to wait a little longer-”

A flash of red joined them, “We’re ready.”

The three of them quickly jumped over the shadows and charged back at Rekko. More darts went flying, and ladybug spun her yoyo to deflect them. The kwami batted away chat’s staff, but wasn’t fast enough to dodge Volpina’s flute that hit him hard in the ribs. The kwami collapsed slightly before the shadows roared up around him and threw the heroes back.

Rekko’s shadows drew close to him again and the outline of a mask covered his face.

“No! He’s making an akuma!” Volpina yelled.

The shadows surrounded Rekko defensively. And through gritted teeth the creature dodged their blows.

“Get the broach!” Ladybug shouted as she dove past the shadows, at the silver and purple miraculous on his chest. Rekko caught her hand and the shadows converged on her, lifting her by her throat into the air.

“Ladybug!” Chat screamed, extending his pole so he could reach her and pry her from the shadows. Rekko lifted another arm and with great effort, caught Chat in the web of shadows as well. Volpina made a mad dash for the broach, her eyes locking with Rekko’s as she clasped her fingers around it. She felt something hit her in her neck and she collapsed. She weakly lifted her arm to feel the tiny dart caught in her skin.

“I will kill you Ladybug, and then your cat will be next.” Rekko looked down at Volpina with a laugh, “And as for this pitiful reporter-”

Rekko gave out a cry and fell to his knees. The two heros dropped from the sky and in a flash of light Fanna caught them both. Chat held Ladybug up as they turned to see Jade Turtle holding on to the comb.

“One down, one to go.” Fanna said gleefully running back to Rekko and kicking him in the gut. He fell over curled in on himself.

“That was for Alya.” Fanna said grabbing the kwami by the collar and sneering in his face. “And this is for Sage.”

She reached for the brooch when she was knocked to the ground.

A woman dressed in wedding gown, with dark purple gloves and matching mask, lifted Fanna into the air by her collar.

“Let her go!” Chat knocked the woman back with his staff.

“That’s the best thing about Paris, someone somewhere is upset.” Rekko laughed standing to his full height, “Now, bring me their miraculous.”

The woman leapt at Chat who threw her off.

“We have to figure out where the akuma is.” Ladybug said, regaining her footing and helping to block attacks.

“Now I think you have something of mine, turtle boy.” Rekko swept his arm back as he turned to face Jade Turtle. Before the shadows could reach him Jade had his shield up. Rekko roared infuriated.

“Fanna!” Jade called and Fanna dove behind the shield. Another onslaught of shadows struck and Jade pushed back with the shield. “Armour!” A dim green light was glowing around them.

“You figured out how to use your power!” Fanna grinned.

“Not very well and not for long. Take the comb, go save Alya.” Nino held it out to her and Fanna grabbed it quickly.

“I won’t let anything happen to her.”

Fanna shrunk into a fox the comb hidden in her mouth and darted off into an alley.

“This was supposed to be my special day! And then you ruined it!” The angry akuma bride took another swing at Chat.

“How did we ruin it? We’ve been here the whole time!” Chat defended bending backwards to dodge.

“Exactly! You ordered an evacuation!” The woman stomped her feet and she started to grow. “Today was going to be perfect!”

Chat looked up at the giant of a woman who was now towering over him. She lifted her foot and brought it down above him. Before Chat could be squashed, a flash of red swooped in and saved him.

“I think the akuma is in bridezilla’s bouquet. Think we can do this without a lucky charm?” She asked sitting him down carefully.

“I think we can manage, though it will be a shame to destroy those flowers instead of catching them.”

Ladybug flushed a bright red and Chat felt like melting. “Not now Chatton.”

Chat grinned as he extended his staff and got himself closer to the akuma. Unfortunately, the bridezilla spotted him, swatting him away, sending him flying across the rooftops. He regained his footing in time to see Ladybug swinging herself dangerously close to the akuma. The giant bride took the bait and desperately tried to get a hold of the hero. Chat took off across the rooftops and launched himself onto the woman’s shoulders. She gave a yell and tried to smack him off with her hand. Chat moved quickly, leaping away from the hand and running down her arm. She was about to strike again. He was almost at the bouquet.

“Cata-” All the air left Chat’s lungs as the bride squeezed him in her fist.

“Chat!”

“Don’t take another step or I’ll squish him.” The bride said. “Give me your miraculous.”

Jade fell back and went flying across the pavement.

“Give me back the miraculous.” Rekko stalked forward.

Jade held his side and gave a pained grin, “I wouldn’t if I could Hawk-man. It’s already gone though.”

Rekko roared enraged, the shadows swelling and lifting Jade high in the air as the hero gasped for breath. “You miserable human, I’ll kill you just like I killed your master.”

Before he could make good on his word the kwami had the wind knocked out him by a sharp kick to the ribs.

“Stay the fuck away from my boyfriend.” Volpina snarled.

“Alya, you’re ok.” Jade cried happily as she bent over to help him up.

Rekko was back on his feet when he heard Ladybug’s yell. All of them turned to see Chat gasping for air in the hand of the akuma.

The purple mask appeared over Rekko’s eyes again. “Yes Bridezilla, if all the heroes don’t stop and give in, kill the cat.” Rekko extended a hand. “That would include the one you stole from me.”

“You stole them first!” Volpina hissed.

Chat gave out a scream.

“You’re in no position to argue.” Rekko chuckled. “Nooroo is a useless kwami, but he has taught me something important. Everyone is weak to their emotions. And you seem to care for your team mate. If you don’t want him to explode, hand over your miraculous.”

Volpina and Jade met eyes and looked over to Ladybug who was staring up at chat, her hands moving slowly to her earrings.

“Rekko!” All heads turned to Elle, standing on top of one of the buildings.

“No!” Chat called out weakly, struggling against the akuma before she tightened her grip and he cried out again.

“End this Rekko.” Elle called out.

“You know I can’t darling. I’m about to get everything I’ve ever wanted.” Rekko laughed. 

“I’ll go with you. Just let him go.”

“Elle, no!” Said Jade.

Rekko looked over to the hero trapped in his akuma’s fist. “I should have known you’d have a soft spot for the cat. You always did.”

“Rekko. I will go with you. I’ll go back to your world with you. Forever, just the two of us. Please. Leave Chat alone.”

“Why do you care so much about this stupid cat? He’s not even Phillipe!” Rekko fumed.

“We need him to open the portal. Rekko, let’s go home.”

Rekko smiled and gave a wave to the akuma. She released Chat and Ladybug instantly caught him and held him close. There was a flash of green light as Ladybug shielded him from view. Rekko turned back to Elle. “You finally see how much I love you. Come-”

Rekko fell to the ground. A woman in black and yellow pinned him to the ground and punched him repeatedly in the face.

“Who’s this?” Jade watched as the woman grabbed the brooch from the kwami’s cloak. She turned and gave them a smile, “Queen Bee at your service.”

“Chloe?” Jade asked.

“No,” Volpina smiled, “Elle.”

“It was a fake. You lied to me.” Rekko was pushing himself up off the ground.

“I will never love you.” Queen Bee spat viciously, “I would rather die than be trapped with you.”

“But you’d rather he didn’t.”

Adrien looked to see a burst of dark shadows shooting towards him and ladybug. Without thinking he shoved her out of the way, lifting his arms to block his face. He felt someone holding on to him, tucking him against their chest and shielding him. Suddenly the body holding him went limp, and Chat opened his eyes in time to catch Elle before she hit the ground.

“Elle?” He looked down at her in his arms. “Elle?! Wake up! Please!”

“You.” Rekko growled pushing back the other heroes with a blast. “You ruined everything!”

“Don’t you dare hurt him.” Ladybug yelled charging at the man. He pushed her back with a wall of shadows.

“I should have killed you when I had the chance!” Rekko swung his fist across Adrien’s face and the young man fell to the ground next to Elle. “You’re the reason she left. You’re the reason she doesn’t love me now. And with you gone-”

Ladybug punched Rekko in the gut and the kwami stumbled back.

“You’re a pest.” Rekko roared.

Volpina ran to Adrien and Elle, putting her fingers on their necks to search for a pulse.

“They’re still alive.” She said to Jade as he ran up beside her.

“What are we going to do?” Jade looked over to Ladybug who was battling Rekko by herself. Wildly throwing punches and kicks.

“Stick to the plan.”

“We need Chat Noir.”

“Let me handle it. You get ready.”

Jade ran off to hide his miraculous. Volpina carefully took off her own. She placed it gently around Adrien’s neck. Fanna popped out again and gave her a worried look.

“Don’t worry about me. Take care of him.” She said, reaching down to pull Adrien’s ring off his finger.

“I’m so proud of you Alya. Please be safe.”

Plagg appeared as soon as the ring slid on her finger. Somehow it fit perfectly.

“Claws out. Ready when you are.”

Alya gave a nod to Fanna, before turning to Plagg, “Claws out.”