#miraculous lb x dc

[thelandswemadeofpaper]

Respectfully, I am just freak out about the 'death grip' the batfam fandom has on Danny Phantom and Miraculous LadyBug

I just don't like how most authors just forgot the characters themselves, their entire personality and personal plot when they turn them into a 'batkid'

Also, the sheer number of fics, like...at least 50% of the Miraculous x Batman/Young Justice/ Justice League are like that

Most genuine ignore Marinette's wonderful parents or bashing them, went to the typical Fenton-Hunting-Phantom-After-Secret-Reveal or Friends-and-Family-All-Dead

Or Long Lost Twins? Bio Dad Au? Kinda Weird

Or forgot Billy Batson's found family and his distrustfull street kid nature and independent life, not just the 'Yes, Mr Batman Sir' thats his alter ego. Pretty sure Billy, as feral 10-14 year old foster kid, would fucking bite them

[fandomsanddeath]

As someone in multiple fandoms it’s so interesting to me how people interact with posts.

In one fandom someone posts a headcanon or ficlet and there’s a bunch of reblogs and comments adding and building on the original idea and in another there’s maybe a few additions in tags but mostly it’s just “wow I love this so much 🤩” with no real content.

[anarchomando]

Adrien agreste son of Catwoman

Now I want you to look at these two images closely and tell me they don't resemble each other

Aside from the 3D and 2D animation there is a striking similarity

They both have adorable sidekicks and can actively be really adorable

Both definitely are major flirts

Like mother like son.

[hellishere7980]

Uploading every Sunday

[patroclus-my-beloved]

Ooohhh... what’s this?

A wild Timari doodle

Welp here you go

Id even want to know wut happened here

[peskygirl13]

Bruce “I’m Never Going To Have A Normal Family” Wayne

@ozmav Because they made the Maribat Au

@thebookwormfairy Because their account is where I found the post

Inspired by this post

~~~

Bruce was never going to have a normal family, was he? 

When Damian, the last person Bruce ever expected this from, got a girlfriend, Bruce was hopeful that maybe, maybe, this girl would bring a slight sense of normality into his family.

Yeah, those dreams were shattered pretty quickly.

When Bruce first met Marinette Dupin-Cheng, his first thought was; ‘new child.’

Black hair, blue eyes, has been mistreated; Hell yeah! New daughter!

But he resisted the urge. He could wait for Damian to propose. 

Anyways, he adored the petite french girl. Smart, kind, talented, and all without having an ego or being a push over. 

When the boys met her, they fell in love with her just as quickly. (Tim and Jason are still trying to figure out how the Demon Spawn got a literal Sunshine embodiment to date him.)

However, they unfortunately didn’t see her in person often as she still lived in France. But now, three months later, Mari was coming to visit Gotham.

To celebrate, Bruce decided to take the family out to dinner to a super fancy rich person restaurant. 

(Marinette looked like she was about to pass out just by looking at the size of the doors and immediately felt self conscious of what she was wearing because Bruce didn’t tell them where they were eating or to dress nice so she was wearing her normal pink pants, white floral shirt, black jacket, and ballerina flats.)

Despite that, dinner went off wonderfully. Marinette told them about her newest fashion projects and how her parents were doing (Bruce and the boys noticed she purposefully avoided talking about school and all made a mental agreement to look into it later.) and the boys did the same. (They did avoid talking about their ‘nightly activities’ that the girl didn’t know about.)

However, as usual, trouble follows them. They were just finishing their meals when Killer Croc made his appearance. 

He had been caught by someone while he was steeling drugs from a warehouse not that far from the restaurant. So, Croc decided to go the the restaurant and hold the people there ransom, knowing that Batman would come after him.

What he didn’t know was that Batman was already in the same room as him. 

And in quite the pickle. 

Bruce looked around the restaurant at the terrified patrons and then at Marinette. He and the boys where stuck between a rock and a hard place. There was no way for them to slip out and change, and even if there was, there was no way Marinette wouldn’t notice their disappearance. 

What where they going to do?

Screams tore Bruce out of his thoughts. 

He looked around and quickly learned that they weren’t screams of terror, but screams of shock.

Marinette, sweet, kind, SMALL Marinette had grabbed Killer Croc by his tail and pulled him out of the restaurant. 

Everyone in the restaurant stared, dumbfounded, as the petite french girl with pigtails dragged one of Gotham’s deadliest villains out by the tail, which was bigger than her whole body, mind you.

The moment Marinette stepped out of the restaurant with Killer Croc, the patrons immediately called the police. 

The Batfam ran out after Mari, praying that the girl was ok. What they didn’t expect was Killer Croc on his knees in front of the girl, looking like a child who’s parent caught their hand in the cookie jar, while Marinette scolded him.

For once, the boys had no idea what to do, so they just watched her with wide eyes.

By the time Gordon and the Police Force arrived, Killer Croc was crying and apologizing. 

(Gordon had seen a lot of shit in Gotham, but this takes the cake. (Mmm, cake. Maybe he could request Marinette to make him some once she was done lecturing the mutated villain.))

After Croc had been arrested, Mari looked over at the boys with a smile before it dropped when she saw their stunned faces.

“What?” She questioned, genuinely confused.

Bruce groaned and held his head in his hands.

He’s never going to have a normal family.

~~~

Sorry if I screwed up Killer Croc. I don’t know as much about him as I do the other villains.

(I also know that Killer Croc doesn’t have a tail, but in ‘Son of Batman’ he was upgraded with one, so I just used that.)

[ggomos-maribat]

[26/?]

BDBWM Day 6 | The JL Babysitting

original prompt | complete masterlist

Set Post-Hawkmoth defeat, before Marinette moves in with the Waynes

Marinette’s sanity is hanging on fraying ends. The Justice League have all arrived in Paris (in civilian form) to discreetly take a look at the situation post-Hawkmoth’s defeat. Her father had to attend to urgent business and just left her with his colleagues so she can ‘tour’ them around the city (read: so they can watch over her). 

She has one problem: Ladybug is supposed to attend the celebration parade and give a speech. 

And she knows the JL will burn the world before they let her out of their sight.

Marinette guides the adults near an empty street and faces them, taking a deep breath. “I can’t take this anymore,” she says. “I’m late to the parade. Aunties, Uncles, I know your secret identities.” 

They all stare at her dumbfoundedly. 

Barry opens his mouth to speak but she puts her hand up. “I know that because I’m Ladybug, and I have to be in the parade across the city to deliver my speech!” 

Clark’s eyes widen behind his glasses. “Your father doesn’t know about this?” 

She shakes her head. “None from my family know. That’s why I want you guys to promise not to tell Dad or any of my siblings.” Marinette heaves a big breath, hearing her phone incessantly vibrate from Chat’s texts. “Imagine how paranoid Dad will be if he finds out.” 

The group nods in sync. 

“Okay, good. Now, I have to go to that parade . . .” 

“I can take you!” Barry volunteers. 

“We can fly,” Clark offers. 

“Or swim,” Arthur says. 

Marinette groans. It’s going to be a long day.

Taglist:

@maribat-bdbwm@tinybrie @sinoffalsejudgement @its-maemain @kamarallil @toughluna @golden-promises @whatamoodhoney @trippingovermyfeet @m4ster0fnone @alexizlazy @plz-excuse-my-inner-gay @maybeanalien0-0 @imchaotic-dontmindme @ev-cupcake @flowers-n-fandoms @crusherccme @ji-nk-ies @depressed-bitchy-demon @duskyashe @multplelifes @authorpendragging@iloontjeboontje@thatonecroc@user00000003@paradoxaloccurance@kking13@laydeekrayzee@chaos-inperson@astol07@the-coffee-fandom@nerd-nowandforever@nightmarewasteland@certainmuffinbagelcalzone@the-hospitality-of-knives@stainedglassm@talia-scar123@trying414@starling218

*if you want to be tagged, feel free to ask in the comments and I'll add you to the taglist :)

[pearlzee801]

IN FOUR YEARS

Four years ago, it was like a fresh new start was around the corner. The Dupain Chengs are happier than ever. The business is blooming and growing from each corner; after opening three more bakeries and two more restaurants that as a matter of fact we’re a hit, even with hawkmoth still sending alum as there was still happiness in the air.

And it was good especially when Tom and Sabine found out about half of Marinettes (their daughter) class had been bullying her while the other half just kept standing with the bullying class with Lila as the ring leader, they decided to move to the the other side of Paris 🇫🇷. With all the money (profit) her papa owned and worked hard for he opened a chain of stores, bakeries and restaurants all over Europe. The most special bakeries are the heroes based ones, not to mention the fact that all the bakeries and restaurants all have five star ratings. Then there is Marinette’s new school, she made new friends and even joined the cheer squad at the new school.

As for the akuma class when Marinette left it was like a fog was lifted, at first Lila thought she had won, Adrian figured out that Marinette wasn't just a friend to him, Ladybug took his miraculous after defeating Hawkmoth. Though Gabriel actually retired himself he figured that even if he manages to bring Emilie back, she would not like the fact he terrorized a whole city just to bring her back and besides he may or may not have a thing for his assistant Natalie. As for the akuma class, there was no marinette to bake treats for their picnics, no marinette to make free clothes, no marinette to cheer them up when their sad or having a bad day.

A few months later, Lila Rossi was exposed, she had to restart the class at the end of the year, and was suspended for the rest of the school term. Nobody really knew how she got exposed just that she is practically buried in law suits along with Alya Cesaire Marinette’s ex-best friend and Lila Rossi’s no1 loyal dog who foolishly believed Rossi as for the rest the also suffered a loss. It practically took them 3weeks before they remembered marinette and immediately tried reaching out to her.

Later, the Adrian went with his father for a Wayne Gala and caught a glimpse of marinette, when he finally managed to see her fully he was speechless “she is gorgeous”(that was what went through his mind) with his jaw wide open but before he could say anything or call out to her she was swept off by Damian Wayne which he later found out was her boyfriend, he spent the whole Gala trying to talk to her but he couldn't even get a chance. And that was the last time he heard about her…….. Weeell until the wedding.

[atalante241]

My favorite headcanon that I have is that Bruce Wayne’s teenage years and the time he was traveling were the craziest shit

And by that I mean action cartoon/anime with teenagers level shit

This man was a magical girl, stoped the end of the world by going to summer camp once, was the final girl in a killer in the woods scenario, almost got sacrificed to a cult (multiple times), put a stop to the beginning of a zombie apocalypse, uncovered an evil government plot, was a fucking Boy Scout selling cookies in Gotham, uncovered something criminal about his school, was the sidekick to his friend who was half ghost, got transported to another reality and saved it w/ the power of friendship and he probably got invited to Hogwarts at some point

All and more with a different group of friends or strangers every time

And he just, never talks about it

Some magical girl villain: *evil speech abt magical girl politics*

Superheroes, who aren’t magical girls: *visible confusion*

Batman, cutting the villain off: —Wrong. The ✨Pure Pure Heart Sparkle Law of 1972✨ forbids the use of magic to iron socks!

Superman: Why do you know that? No, how do you know that??

Batman: *punches the villain*

-

Damian: I have reason to believe that my school’s head teacher is pushing drugs onto the 12th graders.

Tim: clad u let us know, but why at the dinner table

Bruce: who’s your head teacher again?

Damian: Evil McEvilFace

Bruce: ahhh

Bruce:

Bruce: didn’t we throw him in jail in the early ‘90s?

Alfred: I belive so, sir.

Dick: in the— wouldn’t you have been like, a teenager??

Bruce: Alfred, this salad tastes great

Alfred: I would hope so.

Dick: and wait, why is your head teacher named Evil McEvilFace

[san-fics]

Behind enemy lines

Maribat: Robibug, Daminette, Robinette, Damibug

Ao3

Part 1

Marinette had a strange feeling of being watched. It had been following her for over a week.

In fact, almost from the day that Ladybug began to come to the patrols alone, it seemed to her that someone was following her. But every time she looked around, she never found anyone.

It was only two weeks since the day they found out that Parisian villain was non else then world famous fashion designer Gabriel Agreste. And perhaps it would be a good thing to know your enemy by sight, if only this knowledge didn’t bring some consequences Marinette never expected.

The fight was hard, but they were winning. Ladybug and Chat Noir not only defeated that akuma, but — thanks to the help of Rena Furtive — were able to follow Shadow Math to his lair, that turned out to be Agreste mention.

What they didn’t expect at all — was to find Adrien’s mother in the basement.

Chat Noir was shocked more then she was, and the next moment Marinette understood why.

“Mother.” Chat said, eyes wide open.

Both Ladybug and Shadow Math were stunned by the revelation, that in fact one of the most famous Parisian super hero was Adrien Agreste, not less famous Parisian photo-model.

“Son!” Shadow Math exclaimed solemnly. “Join me! We can save your mother together!”

“How could you?!” Chat Noir’s rage was almost perceptible. “How could you hold her here all those years?! Letting me think she could leave me!” Chat took a fighting stand. “I will never join you!”

“Then I’ll make you join me.” Shadow Math smiled, and let a dark butterfly out of his staff. “You feel the bitterness of betrayal and injustice...” He started, while the butterfly was making its way towards masked Adrien.

“Oh, no, you don’t!” Ladybug yelled, catching it with her yoyo, and letting out the purified one.

This woke Chat Noir up from his anger. He blinked and nodded to his partner.

“Thank you, m’lady.” He turned back to his evil father. “Now let’s take him down.”

“Ha-ha-ha!” Gabriel’s laugh was loud and sounded insane. “Do you think two teenagers can ‘take me down’ that easily?” He asked, grabbing another white butterfly, that immediately became dark in his palm.

“You won’t be able to akumatize us!” Ladybug said, making a step towards him.

“I don’t need to akumatize you to win this battle, fools!” He yelled and let the akuma go, distracting the heroes with an attack.

Ladybug repulsed the attack and left the fight to Chat, while she turned around to catch the akuma. But it was too late, as she saw Natalie standing behind her, already enveloped in a dark mass.

A moment later at Natalie’s place was a dark figure with some sort of white cloak.

“I am Shield.” She said. “And I will protect the once I care about.”

She lifted her shoulders along with the cloak and, turning around herself, disappeared into a white wall of light. The next moment she appeared beside Shadow Math, wrapped a cloak around him and they both disappeared from sight.

The last time Shield reappeared next to the capsule containing Emilie, surrounded the capsule with a wall of light and vanished in the air.

“No!” Chat Noir yelled, rushing towards the capsule, but it was too late.

The silence around them was hard to listen.

*

Ladybug shivered at the memory, sighed, and continued her patrol.

Almost two weeks since Adrien gave up his miraculous to her.

All three — Ladybug, Adrien and Plagg were silent for a moment. The decision was obvious, but it didn’t make it easier.

The ring couldn’t stay with Adrien, as his identity was known by the worst enemy. Just like he couldn’t use any other miraculous, because his close connection to Gabriel was making him one of his most likely future victims.

Just changing the costume or hiding like Alya did wouldn’t work this time. And Adrien himself wasn’t sure he could keep cold and resist the akuma in case of butterfly coming for him with everything that fell on him that day.

And it was where their next unpleasant, but important decision was made: Adrien had to leave Paris.

Shadow Math was likely to use him somehow, and though Adrien didn’t know Ladybug’s identity, he new some other heroes by name, as well as their strategies, superpower-upgrades, and Ladybug’s weaknesses, that he used to help her to overcome, supporting in her moments of self-doubt.

Plus, staying in the city where people just got to know that your father was a villain — wasn’t the best idea, when you couldn’t really defend your family name.

Maybe Ladybug would keep things about Gabriel being Shadow Math on a low profile if she could, at least for now. But the journalists followed them fighting that day’s first akuma to the Agreste mention, so their conclusions were on the news before Ladybug and Chat noir left the place.

Adrien wanted only one thing — to take his father down. And he wanted it strong enough to understand that the best way for him to help — was to stay as far as possible.

That day, holding crying Adrien in her arms, Marinette understood how much care she had for the boy. She could only see his true self now, the one he used to show as Chat Noir — her funny and brave, cheerful and sensitive friend. And she wanted to take care of him.

As Marinette she promised to Adrien to call him every day, saying that Ladybug gave her this task in case it wouldn’t be safe for her to contact him. She called him ‘Kitty’ by accident, still processing his two guises in her life.

Adrien looked at her with a long studying gaze, and she felt he probably had his suspicions about her identity that moment. But he knew better then to ask her directly, or even think about it for too long. If Shadow Math was to reach him somehow, it was better for Adrien not to know for sure, and they both knew it.

But something changed between them, when they held each other at the airport.

That day Marinette’s feelings for Adrien as a close friend overcame her crush. She could finally see him as a real person, and not as a picture from the magazine. And she treasured it.

Adrien flew to London the next morning. And though they were so far from each other now, Marinette felt like they never were closer, as never their friendship was so strong, not disturbed with her bubbly fangirl adoration anymore.

He was her partner, and it wouldn’t change. Ladybug would return the ring together with Plagg to him once.

Once their enemy was defeated.

*

Ladybug had another weird feeling of being followed and turned around sharply. She thought she saw a shadow moving behind a chimney, but when she reached it, no one was there.

It was becoming her paranoia.

Ladybug had her own spy — Alya with the fox miraculous in camouflage costume, who was following the fights, but not interrupting, in order to be able to find Shadow Math. It was her that saw him hiding not far from their fight with his akuma that day.

She send this information to Ladybug and the moment she and Chat Noir won over the akuma, they followed the main villain to his headquarters.

It was a good thing Alya haven’t revealed herself that time. They could repeat this trick again and find Gabriel’s new hiding place...

The thought of the spies made Ladybug shiver though. She had the feeling of being followed ever since she came on patrol alone two days after Adrien left. And it never fainted since.

To be honest, she had her suspicions, that now not only Shadow Math could be after the miraculous. If before they could keep some resources, including Ladyblog, on local level, in order not to invite unnecessary attention to the magical jewelry from around the world, now that Gabriel Agreste’s name was involved, the situation was totally different.

Alya analyzed the information, spreading on the global net just a day after the first news report mentioned his name, and concluded, that the news were already all over the world.

So the possibility to fight more power-hungry maniacs on Parisian streets was high, and the shadows, following her patrols, could easily be real, and not commung from Marinette’s tired imagination.

And as far as Ladybug knew from the mayor, Gabriel himself was smart enough to transfer most of his funds to international banks in advance, and perhaps not only under his own name. And until his guilt wasn’t proven and the authorities couldn’t influence it in any way, he had enough financial support to acquire a new den and build new plans for attacks.

For a moment Marinette felt so small and lonely in the world...

No. She shook her head and pursed her lips together stubbornly. She was the guardian. And she wasn’t alone. She had Tikki, and Adrien, and Alya, and Plagg, and all the rest of the qwamies. She had her temporary heroes, ready to help too.

And maybe if the news about the miraculous spread around the villains, they could spread around the heroes as well?

Ladybug turned again, and this time she definitely saw a figure, flashed into hiding behind the wall, and a cape that followed.

“Who are you? And why do you follow me?” Ladybug asked loudly.

[about this au]

[part 2]

[more MLB fanfic]

[December 2021 posting schedule]

Tag list (ask me to join)

@mochegato

@thepapillonnoir

@snow-leopard-777

@loves-books

@turiankitty

@toodaloo-kangaroo

@readingismyoxygen

@aespades

@starlightshield

@apasponsor

[mgi-events]

Hi everyone!

MGI is proud to announce that, in order to determine the BEST trope in fanfiction, we will be hosting a Trope Madness! Open to everyone who wishes to vote.

There will be 10 rounds to determine the best trope, with three days of voting (via the google form linked below) to make sure people have a chance to see it and participate. Round one begins today! All you have to do is pick your favorite tropes.

https://forms.gle/Rd9R27HCpXCaJrr46

Updates will be posted here on Tumblr and our server, Maribat? Get In!

Love yall!

[comicdisneyanimelovercutie]

Help me find a maribat fic on tumblr.

HI guys I've being looking for a fic in maribat fandom I think.

I know the plot but I forgot the title' summary of the this fic is Gabriel, Audrey, Jagged ,Amelie and Tomeo are fight out get to get Marinette by pimping their kids. The kids also fight over her and Marinette is totally clueless about everyone fighting for her.

I think Bruce Wayne or Oliver Queen or Tony Stark might be in it

[amberwild420]

OSB, TSF (pt. 56)

masterlist

The reality

(I apologize for ghosting out for a while. I was nearing the end of my internship and I had to work the whole shift constantly, so I‘m sorry for the delayed update. Here are the promised updates. After today the updates had been shifted to daily)

The class was quick to gang up on the new pair.

 What is wrong with you?

Lila is so nice to you but you are so mean.

He’s just as mean as the bullies we deal with.

He is just as sick as Mari-trash.

He’s simply colder than Fox.

  The two looked at each other as if asking what the hell that was. Kaylan who silently looked at the commotion made by the everyday liar, met the steel blue eyes, who happened to question her about what they had gotten themselves into.

 Taking a deep breath, Kaylan looked at the crowd.

 Shut the hell up!

 All noises ceased and the akuma class looked at Kaylan who glared at them coldly.

 If you’re done. Leave. Make so much of a squeak and I’ll cut your tongues out.

 Some covered their mouths and other paled and shivered before scattering. Marinette and Chloe took the pair away from the class and Kaylan followed them.

 Jon looked at the girl before smiling awkwardly.

 Thank you for saving us. That was …… nuts? I’m Jon.

 Kaylan.

 With a brief introduction, they took the pair to bakery.

 I don’t know when we started the role of caretaker.

 We don’t need caretakers.

 Damian hissed at the black haired girl who simply shrugged. Marinette awkwardly introduced everyone. Just when they reached the bakery, Kaylan squealed and launched at the nearby person, who happened to be Luka.

 With the speed of flash, she started telling him how excited she was and how she had some good news to share. Luka only chuckled and answered some of the rapid fire questions. Kagami got hugged as well.

 The American pair looked baffled at the mood swing and discreetly asked the duo beside them if it was a daily occurrence.

 She excited for some reason. Why don’t we all sit inside and see what’s happening?

 Marinette suggested and despite the refusal of the two boys she pushed them towards the bakery. Kaylan was barely keeping herself. She even went to hug Sabine and Tom who were happy to hug her back and thus everyone sat down with the treats in the middle.

 So yesterday I got a call……..and ………

  *cue dramatic music*

 They scouted me! I’m going to voice act in the miraculous animated series!

 (Just pretend there is such series. The animated series is based on the real life akuma attack and thus Luna is also a character.)

 The group of French friends was quick to let out a cheer and hug her. Many congratulations passed around. Damian and Jon just awkwardly looked at the group. Just as they separated Marinette ran towards the counter and brought a batch of cupcakes and macaroons.

 Now……..      Kaylan sat and looked at the new pair with them.    …..I believe a welcome and a few instructions are in order.

 The rest of the people sat and looked at them. Marinette shook their hand before introducing all of them to each other. The instructions surprisingly turned towards the akuma attacks and how to avoid being in danger while the heroes fight with their undivided attention.

 Damian hated to admit that this group of people was more tolerable compared to the lower IQ creatures that he is forced to call his classmates.

 Jon was quick to strike a conversation with the group. He and the blue eyed baker’s daughter were like two suns shining brightly enough to blind them.

 I should keep in mind to bring my sunglasses from now on.    Kaylan squirted her eyes as if it is physically paining her to look at the pair of suns.

  Chloe snorted before closing her eyes and looking away. It was clear she agreed with that statement.

   Luka strung his guitar and smiled while Kagami nibbled on the macaroons, listening and sometimes answering to some questions.

  previous

next

[hellishere7980]

IMW Chapter 2

23-2-XXX3

Isa clung tightly to Dick and Jason, her heart overflowing with joy. The rush of adrenaline still coursed through her veins, fueling her rambling about all the incredible things she had witnessed.

Her father, now out of the batsuit, watched the scene unfold with a gentle smile playing on his lips. He approached the pair, his presence a comforting anchor amidst their exuberance. Placing a hand on each of their heads, he gave them an affectionate pat.

"Good job today," he commended them, his voice brimming with pride.

Jason grinning at Bruce, shared a glance with Dick, their elation mirrored in their eyes. The young heroes then launched themselves at her father, their excitement barely contained. He caught them with a grunt, a testament to his enduring strength.

Dick's laughter bubbled up as he teasingly remarked, "You're growing old, B."

B playfully retorted, "Both of you are growing heavy."

Their playful banter continued, a testament to the deep bond they shared as a makeshift family. Isa giggled, her heart swelling with affection for the men.

"It's the muscles!" Isa chimed in, eager to defend their weight with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

"And cookies!!" she added, her voice filled with infectious enthusiasm.

However, their joyful reunion was momentarily interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Alfred, the ever-watchful butler of Wayne Manor. His disapproving gaze fell upon Isa, his voice laced with gentle reproach.

"Miss Bella, what have I told you about having too many cookies?" Alfred inquired, his tone tinged with a mix of concern and exasperation.

Isa's eyes widened in surprise, a sheepish smile crossing her face. She swiftly disengaged from her father's embrace.

"Um... nothing?" she called back, her voice tinged with innocence as she darted out of earshot.

19-9-XXX4

In their free time, the brothers would playfully engage in a game of dress-up, allowing Isabella to don their iconic cowls and capes. She would imitate their deep, gravelly voices, exclaiming, "I am Batman!" The sight of their little sister taking on their personas brought laughter and warmth to their hearts.

Marinette and Jason used to spend every free afternoon they had in the kitchen. With Alfred's supervision, of course. They took up their own corner of the large kitchen and experimented with their cooking. Sure, they were occasionally banned but unlike Bruce, who was banned for the rest of his life, it was only for a month at most.

A fact which they teased him mercilessly about. Babs joined too when Marinette told her, and once Babs knew so did Dick. Their accomplishments in the kitchen were thus immortalised, along with Bruce's failure, but that's less important.

29-4-XXX7

Isa listened as her father drifted to his memories of when he ventured the world. Of how he met her mother. (That was the first time he actually talked about her to Isa.) Of how he met Isa...as an infant.

How Bruce kept making mistake after mistake, wanting to give up various times as he found himself lost. How he thought he wasn't enough to help raise Isa, that he wasn't fit for the job.

How he found his efforts finally being rewarded in the shape of Isa growing into the girl she was now. For Dick finally being able to flourish despite his parents' death. How Jason was able to have a better life once Bruce took him in.

"Where did I go wrong?" Bruce asked, looking out the window. "What did I do that caused-"

"You did nothing wrong." Isa reassured. "You did nothing wrong Dad. If anything, you always did your best to make sure we were fed, clothed...safe. We couldn't have asked for a better father."

Isa sat there in silence for what seemed like minutes before Bruce looked at her.

"But clearly, that wasn't enough." Bruce said, getting up from his seat. "I'm sending you to Paris."

"Wha-what?" Isa sputtered out, rising from her seat, cushions tumbled to the floor.

"I'll have all the necessary arrangements done by the end of this month, no, week." Bruce said, searching his desk for some papers.

"Dad, what are-"

"You'll be living with Tom and Sabine Dupain-Cheng-"

"What do you-"

"I'll also have to do the necessary paperwork for you to attend a school in Paris-"

"But I don't need to move to be safe. I'm perfectly-" Isa argued, standing in front of his desk, the Batman plushie in her hand.

"If I thought you were safe here, I wouldn't have you-"

"I don't want to-" Isa cut off again, trying to get her feelings across to her father.

"You're going to go to Paris where it's safe. Where no villain nor enemy will find you." Bruce stated, almost glaring at Isa.

"I. Don't. Want. To." Isa gritted, feeling her hand tightly squeeze the plushie in her hand. She just started to do well again. She finally had someone to talk to at school, even if Babs was years older than her.

"This isn't up for discussion, Isa." Bruce glared, his eyes narrowed. "You're going to Paris where it's safe, whether you like it or not. Am I clear?"

Isa felt herself shake, hating that she held no power to go against her own father. Isa looked at the Batman in her hand, scowling as she looked at it. Without a second thought, Isa ripped it in half and threw it to the floor. "Why the hell did I ever idolise you?" Isa growled, marching out of the study, ignoring her father's yells for her to come back.

She almost slammed the doors into Dick's face, but even when he asked her what happened, she simply glared at him with unshed tears before picking up her pace.

She shut her room door closed as she walked to her bed, or at least attempted to. Just two steps away from it, she collapsed to the floor, grasping the rug underneath her as she let her tears escape.

She let herself scream into the void that was her room.

Isa looked at the boxes surrounding her and then at the empty room before her, feeling her panic rising as she started at the brightly lit attic.

She couldn't say goodbye to Dick...nor Wally...or Barbara.

Even as she kept locked within her room that week, her mode of communicating with Dick was also cut off.

She was made to leave the manor without a word that Friday morning, to board the jet without a word and be sent off without anything more than a hug from Alfred.

Her father had told her that she would keep doing her class work remotely, seeing as it was the last semester of the school year and there was no point in making her completely withdraw.

But come the next school year, she would be a student at College Francoise Dupont, the school across the street from where she and the Dupain-Chengs would reside.

She knew her father was hurting, but this? This was too much.

She headed up the skylight, thinking fresh air would help to calm her down, but was proved wrong when she saw the blue sky.

How the hell was this supposed to feel like home when it felt nothing like Gotham?

Where were the gray skies? The arcs and cobblestone that hid malicious secrets? Where were the gargoyles that followed her every move? Her home?

Isa went back down, looking at the place she had to call her room. The tall ceiling loomed over her, as if laughing at her.

"How are you doing, Isabella?" Tom asked her in French, Isa turning ever so slightly to look at the baker. Right, how did she forget?

"Doing alright?" Sabine asked, holding their daughter in her arms. She really forgot about her too, didn't she?

Isa looked at the couple, letting a smile form on her lips.

"I'm doing alright, Papa, Maman. If anything, just taking in the view." Isa lied through her teeth.

That's right. She couldn't make any trouble for her host parents.

"Well, if you need anything," Tom started.

"We will be right downstairs." Sabine finished.

With that, the two went down the stairs, leaving Isa to unpack her things.

So this was her new life.

As she unpacked her things, she found Jason's old journal with a worn out bookmark in her hands. She watched as her tears hit the surface of the journal.

"Jason...just what am I supposed to do?"

Dick couldn't take it anymore, hell, he wanted to do this when he first heard about Isa leaving the country against her will. Of course, he couldn't do anything when Alfred practically threatened him if Dick ever did what he was currently doing.

Barging into Bruce's study, Dick didn't care if Bruce was in the middle of a phone call. Ending the call, Dick made Bruce look at him.

"What the hell made you think sending Isa by herself to Paris was a good idea?" Dick growled, hating that Bruce remained indifferent.

With a sigh, Bruce set down the phone.

"She's not alone. She's with Tom and Sabine Dupain-Cheng. They'll take good care of her."

"That isn't the point here Bruce! You've literally sent Isa across the Atlantic, away from all the people she knew as family, just because it would give you a peace of mind?"

"It was necessary."

"It was extreme, even for you!" Dick gritted. "Isa needs us to be by her side, not across an ocean, all by herself!"

"If that's what you came here to talk about, I suggest you leave. I have an important call to-"

"Fine! Be that way! Dick yelled, slamming the door behind as he left the study.

He couldn't believe it. He really couldn't.

Sending Isa to a place she didn't know, a place where she would have trouble with adjusting to all on her own?

How could Bruce do this to her?

[maanae]

The Court: Origins

Guess who wrote that instead of searching for an appart ? .-.

But kinda like it and I mean there's Hawkgirl so it can't be that bad (yes it's from the animated JL. I mean it's the best girl from that carton. Best. Girl.)

-

Ladybug and Chat Noir meet heros : Wonder Woman is the First (working in Paris ?) and she introduces them to the rest. Because they need help and decent backing. (shinanigans and awkwardiness are totally here, they're fans ok?) But it's a firm 'no' to any direct intervention from foreign heroes who doesn't manage his emotions (akumatized Superman... brr). But they need help. They send Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl. (Wonder Woman would have come, with her own ties with the Miraculous and all, but she's already the ambassador of her people so can't.) Immediately, there are results. Crazy the efficacity of training right? (Master Fu gets an earful along the way, heroes don't like this Gardian way of his)

Ladybug is still his apprentice but she has back-up so she doesn't drown and she trains Chat Noir in secret from Fu. Because y'know, they're p a r t n e r s! (Hawkgirl called bullshit on the inequality between the two and Martian Manhunter said it was a good idea so). Ladybug and Chat Noir totally plan to rope Nino in it too. The Turtle always have more Gardian-vibe than the rest because Protection and Nino is Nino so he's trustworthy. (He could be Grand Gardian in the future but Ladybug is a martyr if anything else and she doesn't want to overburden him. She works on that. (And Chat Noir works on the "self-sacrificing" bit of his personality. Hawkgirl called bullshit on that too)).

They don't know each other's identity but when Chat Noir flirts and Ladybug complains they know it's more for fun than anything else. Sure, they have a tiny tiny crush on each other but they're heroes (teenage heroes) after all, they need the comic relief please.

Marinette and Adrian are more busy than ever and it's hard sometimes but they're not drowning and it's better than what could have been without the Justice League so they manage. Sure, Marinette doesn't design as much as before and Adrian runs on three hours of sleep tops but they manage! Sure they're in high school now but they're in seconde and it can be a lot of work but it's also the year the most laid back of high school so. They can do it.

With help, comes suspects. Did you think Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl were here only as supports? They're might be not as detective-oriented as Batman but they have their own way to have answers. They're still heroes, even if they're not detectives. Chat Noir isn't happy when his father made it on the List and is a serious suspect. And he's not happy when Ladybug supports this theory with her own evidence either. And sure his suspects are believable too but he overlooks Gabriel completely and Ladybug is not impressed with him (Lila comes back at the same time and Marinette is not impressed with Adrien either.) Maybe their argument and all the yelling gave away their identities a little too quickly. Oups.

They ignore each other for two good weeks, in class like in battle, before Hawkgirl forces them to talk. (Communication is important kids). It's not a fun conversation. They somewhat forgive each other even if it's strain in the first weeks. But they work on it (because frienships too need work) and they come to it at least! And sure Hawkmoth landed some good hits during that time but they always win, good relationship or not. They're professionnals guys.

And maybe they become so close they're often taken for a couple. Except she gives him advices about Kagami and he's pushing her in Luka's arms. They're often saying they're more like siblings if ask. At some point Adrien is all but officially adopted by the Dupain-Cheng. (The Lahiffe tried but hey, a whole bakery. They can't hold a candle to that.) It was a happy few months despite the stress and the akumas and amoks. Even with Lila. (because the class isn't full of idiots, yes they find Lila great and yes her war with Marinette and Adrien is weird but they're friends either way. They just... don't go out at the same time with them. They take turns. They think of something to make it work. Because being friends with a whole class is cute but not realistic.)

And then there is a conversation who strucks odd to Adrien. Not even a conversation, just an off-hand comment. Barely a "make sure Duusu obey correctly next time". Just a few seconds. Adrien wouldn't have think of anything if he didn't exactly knew who was Duusu. Oups x2. He took it pretty bad. Poor Chat.

Their plan is simple - in theory (well, more or less, it's still Ladybug we speak of). A sort of "breaking & entering" with thief!Marinette and complice!Adrian. Martian Manhunter in invisibility mode scoots the hallways before the two and Hawkgirl is at the end of the formation, ready for all he can throw at them. Of course it comes crashing down. La faute à pas de chance like we say in French - they come during the Night of Hawkmoth (the one random night in the week where Hawkmoth akumatises someone from a nightmare - look, he needs to sleep to). So when Adrian lets Ladyfox enter, the illusions doesn't fool the high-security systems and he prepares. Time for Scarlet Moth to shine!

He doesn't go to the confrontation this coward - he knows they will kick his ass with their training and help of the Justice League. Nah, he creates several really destructive akumas. Y'know. Criminals and the such he carefully avoided before. Trumps cards! Mayura joins not long after. It's a massacre. They need help. Big help. Big like all the box. (And Not the Justice League because maybe Scarlet Moth isn't at his limit and they can't risk it.)

So they recruit. Rena Rouge, Carapace, Hornet (Queen Bee 2.0), Ryuko, Viperion, Bunnyx, and sometimes random people whom the kwamis sense they have a greater affinity than the other persons in their class. It's still bad. They die - a lot. All of them, except Bunnyx. The number of times she jumped from her Burrow to protect a fellow hero is... frightening. Sometimes she made them exchange their miraculous, to better suit their affinities and needs. It lasts three days.

They win! Somewhat. They're... not broken, almost, mourning their innocence and deeply hurt. But they're alive and Paris is standing and Hawkmoth and Mayura are not - yet - winners so. They take what they can.

Ladybug and Chat Noir don't take back the Miraculous from those who want to fight with them. Some people can't be heroes, can't have the mental for it. Others are desesperate to stop this. And others still are born for it - like them. Hawkgirl and Martian Manhunter agreed to train them - they're not in their best mindset either (they didn't see so much destruction since their last world-ending event, it's not an everyday occurrence even for them) but they're adults, professionals. The kids need them so they help, of course. The Court is born, with new heroes and new names. Too many has been compromised during the battle to keep their old, and... they are not the same as before either. Dame Chance (Ladybug - Marinette), Cat Sìth (Cat - Adrian), Alya (Tiger - Tigris), Nino (Turtle - Shield), Chloé (Bee - Hornet), Kagami (Dragon - Kinryu), Luka (Snake - Ouroboros), Alix (Bunny - Bunnyx), Nathaniel (Fox - Renart), Allegra (Rooster - Mélodie), Bridgette (Ox - Niú), Claude (Horse - Kid Mime) and Alan (Dog - Gavroche).

From here, it's hell. Hawkmoth and Mayura send akumas and sentimonsters at a frenetic pace, sometimes switching with a Scarlet Moth Situation (not too otfen because it costs a great deal of energy but at least one on three days). Life in Paris is impossible, the city is lock down, the civilians need to stay home for their security and the heroes all but stop to live. They move in the QG Hawkgirl and Martian Manhunter set up at the beginning and scheme. Identities don't matter (and that's an interesting conversation), sleeping, eating, all of that is pushed aside. They can't deal with distractions. That's also a interesting conversation. (Look, some of them don't lose their priorities. Sleep and food are not distractions. But go say that to Marinette, hah.) But nevertheless, their lifes are put on hold for their hunt (and training. the new heroes need it.) No need to say, they're on a fine line from madness.

It lasts two weeks (an eternity) before they attack. The battle is horrible - like all battles - and the Court is spread across all Paris to protect it from the akumas and sentimonsters. Against Hawkmoth and Mayura, it's only Dame Chance, Cat Sìth, Ouroboros, Kinryu and Martian Manhunter.

They win. Finally. And they sleep the month after that, because trauma (very much so), adrenaline and - just - their bodies shut down. Especially Marinette and Adrian.

-

Now, the Box is used as almost full capacity. Nino has the Turtle. So Fu is like 'cool, Marinette is ready!' Hence Marinette is Grand Guardian at 16 (joy. so much.) and as first decision names Adrian and Nino Guardians with her. Fu isn't too please. She doesn't give a flying fuck.

After Hawkmoth Alya, Nathaniel, Bridgette and Claude gave back their miraculous (they were heroes when needed but it isn't a life they want).

The next two years are a lot of juggling between training, learning, apprenticeship and heroing but nowhere near the intensity of their first two years.

Because the Court is still active. Even without Hawkmoth and Mayura (by the way Nooroo and Duusu are absolutely being pampered in the box), they remained active, help the police and all. Especially with the new risk of attacks from terrorists (they couldn't prevent the bombs, only help afterwards and that was... hard. Definitely more so than Hawkmoth because the Cure can't revive these victims. There wasn't any Miraculous involved - only plain, old, ugly humanity).

Btw the Justice League is on speed dial in case they need help for a magical/miraculous/world-ending event and because they're allies now but they're not part of it.

So yes they're heroes but they're teenagers too. Marinette and Luka date one year before they break up and remain friends (and maybe she has a little something with Kagami at one point. maybe), Adrien discovers preferring guys, Nino and Alya are still as in love as ever. They grow up, they graduate high school. Some stay in Paris, others go discover the world.

Alya made a name for herself with the Ladyblog and has a brilliant carrier ahead of her, already thinking of doing something similar to Lois Lane : war reporter, then specialising herself in heroics. She wants to be the best and knows damn well what she needs to do for that (Lila be damned). Chloé flourishes in New York, attempting business and politics degrees (nobody else see Chloe as Mayor of Gotham? I think it would suit her - a broken city needing her help and power. pretty much her). Luka makes soundtracks for movies and makes a name for himself ; in the same sector, Allegra joins the National Orchestra of France. Nino chooses a degree in the cinema, DJing in the weekend. Adrian works with Sabine and Tom, training to inherit, one day, the bakery - Gabriel crumbled with his father and he has no intention to ever build it back. Kagami trains for the Olympics. Alix goes for a degree in archeology - following her family and her miraculous. The comic series relating the aventures of the Court by Nathaniel and Mark is a huge success, assuring their own place in the world. Allan go to Japan for a degree in languages. Bridgette and Marinette goes to China to visit their family (they're totally cousins) and for their respective studies in communication and fashion.

Paris is heartbroken and very concerned when Dame Chance and Cat Sìth disapear but the Ladyblog remains active so they can explain that they're young, they want to learn to live in this world and they need to attends some Miraculous matters - but of course if Paris or the France or even the world need their help one day, they'd come back.

At 23, Marinette, Adrian, Nino and Alix take a gap year and go to Tibet. Because they're not civilians despite their somewhat inactivity and their Court is cool but they very much need to think about the future, the after them. So they need to rebuild the Order.

Oh. The League/The Untitled/a great bad. Coucou. (book 2?)

[pl-panda]

The vines that bind us - Chapter 6

Chapter 1 || Previous || NEXT

Elevator took her all the way to the highest floor. When she exited, the floor was back to perfect condition and several more plants were awaiting her. She promised them silently to check on them soon and went to the main office. She knocked several times on the doors, but nobody answered. Hesitantly, she pushed the doors open, but no one was in the office. After double-checking with security, it turned out that Tim Drake did not show to work. She sighed. Looks like more work for her… Just like Nathalie said.

“Didn’t you cause enough drama…” Lila never got a chance to end that sentence, because Mari delivered a straight one strong enough to send her flying several feet back before she came crashing down. Blood pouring from her nose.

The girl was about to launch herself at the liar and pound her into the ground when two strong arms grabbed her. She noticed the characteristic spikes on the sides of black gloves and stated to trash around. “Let me go you overgrown furry!” She screamed. “I will mix her face with the concrete until it’s nice and even!”

She tried to wiggle herself out of his grip. Most of the class surrounded Lila and were trying to help her. It only served to irate Mari more. She kicked her leg back, hitting Batman’s shin. It was finally enough to let her go. The girl fell down... right into the embrace of Chloe and Adrien who managed to get to her on time. The two blondes hugged her tightly. 

“There. It’s alright Goldie. You got her good. Rest.” The girl cooed and pressed her best friend to her chest, muffling the sobbing. Adrien was just silently there and hugged them both. When Batman tried to approach again, the boy sent him an angry glare. The warning was clear and the vigilante didn’t really need anything from the girl right now. 

After a bit, Mari fell asleep in their embrace. The stress finally caught up to her and she couldn’t hold exhaustion at bay any longer. Chloe easily picked her up and started to walk toward a taxi that was conveniently parked nearby, waiting for them. 

“What!?” Angry Alya looked from Lila who was now being cared for by a pair of paramedics. She turned to Commissioner Gordon who was discussing something with Batman. “You!” 

The policeman looked at her curiously. Alya continued her shouting. “You’re letting her go just like that? She just assaulted Lila! She might’ve ruined her modeling career! Arrest her!”

“Miss.” Gordon shook his head. “These are some of the braves men and women in Gotham, but I doubt any of them would dare to try and arrest her right now. They don’t get paid enough.”

“What?!” Several kids started to protest, but Gordon just ignored them and directed Harvey to start taking statements. He wasn’t paid enough to deal with these brats. 

--------

Bruce sighed as he exited the Batmobile. Almost immediately, he was swarmed by the rest of his family. Jason and Dick practically carried him, still in the suit, to the movie room. 

“Now, Ladies and Gents, we have some of the greatest shows for you. We call it… The Demon Trashing!”

What followed was a clip taken from monitoring in the anteroom of the CEO office in Wayne Tower. He watched as Damian, dressed in civilian clothing, and carrying a simple ninjato on his back entered the room. He walked around for a moment before knocking on the main office doors, but whatever answer he got seemed to have irritated him given the scowl that formed on his face. He walked over to the PA’s desk that stood there, but no one was here. After a short moment, one could see the elevator doors open again and a small girl in a smart outfit walked in. Damian dashed to the shadows before she had a chance to notice him. 

Bruce resisted the urge to facepalm. He could already see where this was going. 

When the girl started to walk to the desk, his son suddenly reappeared with the sword drawn. He pressed the blade to her neck. From the angle, it was impossible to see either of them expressions. The man did not expect his son to kill a civilian for trespassing, but the amount of glee on Jason’s and Dick’s faces was suggesting that his headache hadn’t really started.

The girl suddenly grabbed the blade and pushed it away. Damian, probably acting on instinct, tried to cut her, but she just walked out of the way and disarmed his son before knocking him out. There was a short skip to when Jason and Dick entered the room. The small girl was clearly very much irritated with them from the start and when she reached her limits, she used a pencil as a projectile to open the elevator doors. 

A small smirk made its way to Bruce’s face when he saw her storm past his three sons, carrying the ninjato through a tissue. The video ended with Damian waking up.

“And that’s how Drake’s new PA trashed a certain Demon Spawn. I swear, she could probably give Luthor’s bodyguard a run for her money when it comes to being a badass” Jason commented on the silent video in his typical fashion. 

“Tt. She stole my sword.” Damian huffed.

“You mean the sword she later used to stab Riddler’s man before disarming him?”

“I still consider the best part of today when she called B. an overgrown furry,” Dick said trying to hold back on laugher.

“Wait. I have a new personal assistant?” Tim asked half-awake. 

“Yeah. She was supposed to be an intern, but apparently, Sarah hired her on the spot and quit.”

“Oh… Cool.” Tim said and took a swing from his gargantuan cup. 

“Did you manage to pull the video of her taking down Riddler?” Bruce asked.

“The cameras malfunctioned before she even entered.”

“It was me,” Tim confessed. “I was still in my office when the alarm sounded. I keep a separate copy of my suit in a hidden compartment. To save time I dressed there, but I had to disable the CCTV…”

“Yeah yeah. Whatever.” Jason shut him up. “I also got the part when Damian’s eyes roll back as my new screensaver.”

“Tt. You’re lucky I don’t have my sword.”

“Don’t think you’re getting it back any time soon,” Bruce said in a stern tone and sighed. “What exactly do we know about her?”

“She is from Gotham, but she lives in Paris for some years. She said she was practicing martial arts since she was five.” Dick started

“She is also one bada…”

Jason was interrupted by Alfred, who entered the room with a plate full of cookies and tea. “A young woman just called. She asked me to forward a message to young master Damian.”

“Tt. What is it?”

“I quote. ‘Good luck getting your sword back now. Police took it as evidence. Suck it, Wayne.’ I believe the woman was young miss Chloe Bourgeoise.”

Dick, Jason, and Tim were literally rolling on the floor laughing. Bruce just facepalmed.

“No, you can’t break into the evidence room. You might jeopardize the whole investigation if you taint the evidence.” Bruce said in an exasperated tone. 

----------

It was late after midnight (or even early morning, depends on your definition) when the vigilantes returned from the patrol, only to meet Tim and Barbara working on something on Batcomputer in tandem. Whatever it was, they were completely devoted to it since neither realized they had company until Bruce made a coughing sound.

“Not now.” 

“What exactly are you doing?” The father inside Bruce resisted the urge to force-feed Tim some sleeping meds. 

“We’re doing the background check,” Barbara said while typing frantically.

“On my new personal assistant.” The boy supplied.

“oh?” Bruce raised an eyebrow.

“Like… from what we found she is either the worst bitch on the block or strongest badass around.”

“Langauge master Tim.” Alfred scolded him. 

“Sorry. But like seriously! There are so many contradictions.”

“Check this out.” She pulled out a scan of a letter. It was largely creased, but still perfectly readable. “Her adopted parents one day disappeared, leaving her everything they owed sans some of their clothes. It was like they packed and left.”

“You suspect a foul play?”

“I’m not sure. The investigation was a joke and so was the follow-up proceeding. The interesting part is the custody battle that followed.” 

“Jagged freaking Stone and Parisian Mayor.” Tim interrupted Babs. “It ended with a compromise that Jagged was lawfully named her uncle and Mayor became her guardian. She was the one who suggested it.”

“How can one be lawfully named someone’s uncle?”

“Apparently one can in France. Or they just made some concessions to a celebrity. Seen weirder things.” He shrugged. “She was also his designer for years now. You remember that mysterious MDC?”

“The one you used to fawn over?” Bruce asked.

“She is brilliant so sue me.” The boy huffed. “Also, it stands for Marigold Désign et Création. She runs an internet boutique where she takes commissions from both commoners and celebrities.”

“What does it have to do with anything?” 

“I’m getting to that. Gee.” 

“Maybe I will get there?” Babs tried to take over. “She’s been working part-time as a babysitter to get funds to buy materials for new clothes and received nothing but praise. She also became a class representative. A successful one at that. She also holds the national championship in U-17 Mechastrike.”

“How is that important exactly?” 

“You wanted to know everything about her B., so we are giving you everything.” Tim sassed

“Just… get to the important parts.” He shook his head. What did he do to deserve this?

“Fine. Her school records are a mess. Skipping that they wouldn’t hold to any official inspection, they straight-up contradict each other.” Tim waved his hand in some undefined gesture. “On one hand, she receives nothing but praise from the teachers, but at the same time, there are multiple bullying reports and even several assaults in here. Most of them were met with harsh punishments.” Tim opened a separate file. “Too harsh according to the school charter.”

“It didn’t help that the letter from her parents also mentioned these kinds of things.” Babs chimed in, trying to regain control of the tale. Bruce just gave an exasperated sigh. He just gave up and allowed them to solve it, mentally already cataloging the information. 

“Except! There were statements from several people that contradicted this. Especially Chloe Bourgeois. She said, ‘Puh-lease! Mari is the kindest doormat in the world. I was mean to her for years and she still welcomed me back with open arms.’ Given her track record, I’m inclined to believe it.” 

“There was also this Drama, capital ‘D’, with MDC stealing designs. Several tabloids caught the wind of it and it even led to the police investigation. Only after Jagged Stone intervened, the thing quickly shut up.”

“Now onto the juicy parts!” Babs smiled. 

“And that was what? An introduction?”

“Yup. She has a certified black belt in two different martial arts, is a master gymnast, has an IQ of over 130 and owns two separate businesses in Paris.” She quickly read. “As we mentioned, she is the honorary lawful niece of Jagged Stone, but also designed for Clara Nightingale, Nadia Chamack, worked with Gabriel Agreste, was offered an internship from Audrey Bourgeois before she became her ward. She was seen hanging out with Kagami Tsurugi, world-renowned fencer, and Luka Couffaine, the rising star under Jagged Stone’s tutelage.”

“That was fast.” Tim summarised. 

“Yeah. Also, she was adopted some nine years ago. She originally comes from Gotham.”

“Do we know her biological parents?” Bruce asked, getting serious.

“That’s where it gets juicy. When I tried to pull out her adoption files, the computer shut down to avoid detection. There is some serious encryption on it. Probably due to who her father is. We got some of it. She described her mother as ‘wearing an outfit that showed more skin than her beachwear’, so we suspect she was a prostitute.”

“Hm… It’s not unheard of. You say she was with her mother until she was eight?”

“Between seven and nine the file said.”

“Hm… Do you think she is a threat?”

“No. But I have a different question. Why didn’t the league investigate Paris’ supervillain?”

“We were made aware of him only recently, after what our satellites mistook for Poison Ivy attack,” Batman said in an irritated tone. The fact that there was a supervillain running around for close to four years completely undetected grated on his nerves. “Diana Prince has been investigating for some time now. She has it under control.”

“The only problem I see is that she is only sixteen,” Barbara pointed.

“I mean I’m barely seventeen and I ran this company for two years now. And don’t act high and mighty. You started playing Batgirl at fifteen.”

“Played?!” She screamed. 

“You wore a hoodie and carnival mask at first.”

This quickly developed into an insults contest until Bruce finally had enough. He just shook his head and left. Alfred silently followed him, carrying a plate of sandwiches. 

-----

The next morning, Mari woke up in her bed, with Chloe and her curled together in a mess of limbs and clothes. Of course, she panicked and jumped up, waking the blonde.

“Honestly, Goldie, five more minutes. I need my beauty sleep!” She murmured.

“Um… Why are we in one bed?”

“Because you fell asleep hugging me yesterday and refused to let go at any point. I swear I wanted to get a crowbar. Ridiculous!”

“Sorry…” Mari gave her a sheepish smile.

“None of that! You ruined Lila’s face in one punch. Adrien texted me that in the end she lost seven teeth and will require plastic surgery for her nose not to look like a mashed potato.”

“No…!” Her eyes widened. 

“Yup.” Chloe grinned, popping the ‘p’. 

“That’s awful! I can already imagine how much the class will hate me now! And the employees that saw this! There were cameras there!”

“Some people actually applauded you. It could be also because you called Batman an overgrown Furry though…” Chloe’s voice wandered off. Mari collapsed onto the bed, head buried in the pillows.

“Kill me…”

“Can I kill you with hugs?”

“Fine…”

When the panicking bluenette finally calmed down, Chloe got her to sit down and showed her the headlines.

Brave WE employee saves dozens of lives!

A hero without a suit!

Civilian stopped Riddler!

Personal Assistant takes down a dangerous criminal!

They were all overly positive and showed much support. Only one tried to vilify her based on Lila’s comment and her being punched, but it quoted Ladyblog as a reliable source, so it was dismissed. The majority of the comments were also positive. The ‘overgrown Furry’ was already trending too. 

Only one of the articles contained the list of names of people killed in the attack.

Ted Black - a security guard, put himself between the bullet and another employee Sigfried Osborne - a security guard, died when he tried to stop them from entering Molly Bishop - a PR specialist, called the police when she thought the guards were busy Heidi Dickson - a security guard, killed in crossfire Craig Lloyd - an HR employee, wrestled the gun from one of the henchmen before he was shot in the back. Ethel Arson - A lawyer, killed in crossfire Christian Thorn - a security guard, shot two of the riddler’s henchmen in defense of a group of hostages.

Their room had several live plants on the rail. Mari walked to them and allowed her powers to flow. Slowly, the flowers bloomed. She picked seven beautiful flowers and put them on the table.

“Mari… I’m sure they will understand if you don’t come to work today…” Chloe placed a hand on her best friend’s shoulder.

“No… No. I won’t be scared into hiding by Riddler of all people.” She said with determination and some coldness in her voice. She stood up and walked to her suitcase. From there, she gathered a different outfit. Now she would wear a red shirt, a black blazer with the Ladybug logo on her right breast, a black pencil skirt, and black leather ballet shoes (she still hated heels). But the greatest change was her hair and eyes. She let go of her twin pigtails and allowed her wavy hair to run free. It was no longer black, instead turning dark blue with purple highlights. Her eyes also changed. Her bluebell eyes also changed. The iridescent green she used to suppress was now mixed with the normal eye color, giving an entrancing effect that was hard to stop looking at.

“It’s time to rock this place.” She smiled at her best friend.

------- (Play ‘Confident’ by Demi Lovato) --------

Marigold and Chloe entered the Wayne Enterprises in full stride. Flashing her pass, she got them through control without the queue or checking, much to the shock of the class (who still had no idea Mari was now technically their boss). Adrien showed the girls thumbs up. Lila was seething, but neither Chloe nor Marigold paid her any mind and guards didn’t let her follow them and straight-up kicked her to the back of the queue. 

Mari gave a nod to the receptionist, but they didn’t slow down. Elevator was about to close, but one of the employees held it for her. Once they entered, she quickly checked her tablet and the to-do list she had for that day. First stop: PR. Chloe was going to HR to receive a new mentor after… the previous day.

When she entered the Public Relations department, Mari didn’t stop to chat with the employee that looked at her in awe. Her goal was the department’s head office and that’s where she would go. Gently knocking on the doors before entering, she pushed the doors. While she was smiling kindly, her whole posture screamed professional. 

“Hello. Mr. Drake will need the Friday press conference plan adjusted in response to what happened yesterday. There needs to be a mention of the event, as we won’t want to sound too detached. The press would tear us apart. Some gesture to show the public that we care…”

“Maybe a memory board in the lobby? And perhaps schedule Mr. Drake to visit each of the families somewhere next week?”

“I think it will be okay…” For a short moment, Mari allowed her confidence to drop, but she quickly gathered herself and made a note in her calendar. 

“If that’s all…”

“I will also need a press statement no later than by lunch.” She said quickly. “Make it a priority and forward it to me to read before you post it.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” The man smiled. Mari was about to leave when he spoke again. “And thank you for yesterday. Many people owe you their lives.”

She stopped in her tracks, unable to say a word. Finally, she regained her composure. “Thank you. I… I’m coping.” 

As she left the office toward the elevator, Lila and Alya, who were interning in that department, tried to speak with her, but she didn’t even spare them a glance. Alya tried to grab her, but she was stopped by one of the older employees. As the elevator doors closed, Mari could see the girls receive a serious scolding. A grin made its way onto her face. Lila and Alya would have a really hard life for the next two months. Especially if she had anything to say about it. 

Her next stop was the security office. She entered it with a neutral expression, but it lasted only maybe five steps from the elevator. She didn’t tear up. She was a Gothamite inside. Right as one walked out of the elevator, there was a small bar, behind which a board was filled with pictures. Some looked really old, black and white or even sepia, while some others were high-quality and new. Roughly half of them were the clean pictures one would attach to a resume. The other half were profile pictures from social media. Or a photo that was taken in the forest. One was even a detailed drawing of a person. There were maybe fifty of them in total.

“It’s a reminder. Guards who lost their lives since the founding of WE” An older man said. “Silas Wayne started the tradition after he served in the Great War. You’re here for something miss?”

“Oh… Yes. The security on Friday press conference. We must increase it by about fifty percent. And make sure that only those with invites can enter.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He saluted her.

“Um…” Mari suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable. 

“Don’t worry. It wasn’t your fault.” He said in a comforting voice.

“Thank you, sir.” She allowed a weak smile to enter her face before she left. Only two more stops. 

The elevator next took her to the Legal Department. She had many things that needed to be done here. Chloe met her as soon as she exited the elevator. Mari managed to regain her professional posture and once more emanated the aura of confidence. She wasn’t sure how long she could keep it up, but she was determined to show that she was okay. 

“I already forwarded your requests. At first, Madame McKinsley was reluctant, but apparently, our entrance is already the top corporate gossip. Good job Mari-bear.”

“Good. Thanks, Chlo. Now get back to work before someone sees me get friendly with an intern. I have a plan.” Before they separated, Marigold let a smile ghost her face. “One more thing. You’re free to unleash the foxes of war.”

Chloe lit up at that. Her whole demeanor changed to almost beaming light. She immediately started planning. Mari left her to the devious scheming and instead went to McKinsley office. The head of the Legal Department was a middle-aged woman with short, slightly graying brown hair and no-nonsense composure.

“Miss Bourgeoise informed me of your visit. I already had several documents prepared, but I will need clarification on several things.” She offered the young PA a chair, but Mari refused with a shake of her head. She opened her tablet and started to go through the list.

“First of all, the video that caused the attack was leaked by an intern. What actions exactly can be undertaken in response?”

“There are several options. We could terminate their contract entirely, but as it’s their first offense, it could’ve been seen as too harsh. It would also require to terminate all internships.” The woman was clearly unamused by the situation. Mari just raised her eyebrow and gave her a quizzing look.

“I’m not sure who in their right mind wrote their contracts, but when I track them down they are gonna get their ass demoted to toilet cleaner. It’s one big mess.”

“Don’t I know it…” Mari deadpanned. “So, other options?”

“We can move them between departments, so having them demoted to Toilet cleaners could also work, but it’s not exactly a legal punishment. The fact that it was Riddler really threw a wrench in any legal proceeding as he is clinically insane and the video was not directly calling him out and only speaking about him. I could give you the legal mumbo-jumbo, but the gist is that they are somewhat protected.”

“What about revoking their privileges?”

“Take that to HR.” 

“Will do. Now, about the next matter.”

“It was much easier. She can’t do anything to you, not even forward the bill. You were in shock and there are several recordings showing her taunting you. If she pushes it, she will lose. You’re a public hero right now. Good job by the way.”

“I was only doing what had to be done.” Mari brushed it, doing her best to keep a professional face. 

“Sure…” It was clear that McKinsley did not believe her.

“Now about the last thing?”

“Ah. The slander. I already directed it to our French and Italian departments, but it’s slow-going. That witch made it an international case. It will definitely bite her, but we have to be patient.”

“Brilliant. Thank you for your time.” Mari left the room with a grin on her face. Now onto the HR.

As she strode through the floor, people turned their heads to look at her. In the killing outfit, she looked older than she was and the aura of confidence and professionalism made her seem like a powerful woman. They had no idea just how powerful she was, but the way she carried herself was enough to make them shake in their shoes. 

----

When the doors of the elevator opened, Juleka and Rose were waiting for her. Both looked furious. Before either got a chance to say anything though, Marigold silenced them with a murderous glare that took away their voice. She strode past them looking fabulous. Any other employee removed themselves from her path to avoid her ire. The rumors were already circulating and the fact that she took down Riddler before Batman even arrived did wonder to her image. 

“Hello. I had an appointment.” She said when she entered the head of the department office. 

“Yes. Miss Dupain-Cheng. I was told you forwarded a list of topics, but an intern lost it.”

“Was this intern from my class?” She asked in a cold voice.

“Um… Yes actually.” The woman said after checking a small post-it.

“Then it was probably sabotage.” Mari spat the words. “I asked to have a list of possible punishments in regards to the newest intern group prepared. Two of them were responsible for the leak. Sadly, as one of them is the class representative, she is quite popular.”

“Ah. Well…”

“First of all, both Alya Cesaire and Lila Rossi are to have all possible privileges revoked for breaking the rules. They leaked or were involved in the leak of video. Neither of them is to be handed anything more important than refilling a stapler or bringing someone coffee, to ensure they are no further threat to this company. They will also receive an official warning and an entry to their acts. They are also restricted to the lower floors. If possible, I want their access to electronic devices restricted. Maybe assign them a pager each so it doesn’t negatively impact their work.”

“Hm… I will see what can be done, Ma’am.” The woman replied, already going through her notes.

“Good. Onto the next business, while it pains me to do it so fast, we need to hire more security as soon as possible. But make sure to triple check their backgrounds.” 

“Understandable.” 

“And the last thing. Why was Damian Wayne allowed to bring a ninjato into the building?”

“There is actually no restriction on bringing swords ma’am. We’re trying to fix it, but we’ve been blocked at every turn even when Mr. Wayne was the CEO.”

“And whose permission is needed?” Mari allowed a small grin.

“Yours would do. Sarah was always too stuck up to even leave her desk unless forced so she didn’t care that much.”

“Consider my permission granted. Forward the paperwork to me.”

“And if Mr. Drake disagrees?”

“He can try.” She said coldly, remembering how close she came to being cut in half.

“Oh…”

“Last thing. When is the top floor scheduled for repairs?”

“It should be done already. It was made to withstand an assault from a much larger force, so we only had to replace the furniture. Following the instructions that were left, we repotted the plants into bigger and more decorative pots. As per your request, we added some more plants.”

“Thank you. Plants always calm me down.”

“I prefer cat pictures.” She pointed at the wall where a cheesy calendar with a cat giving her thumbs-up was hanged. It took all of Marigold’s willpower not to burst into laugher at the image of Chat Noir posing for such a calendar.

“Good. Thank you.” With that, she left. This time, Rose and Juleka did not try anything. They were too terrified of her. 

Elevator took her all the way to the highest floor. When she exited, the floor was back to perfect condition and several more plants were awaiting her. She promised them silently to check on them soon and went to the main office. She knocked several times on the doors, but nobody answered. Hesitantly, she pushed the doors open, but no one was in the office. After double-checking with security, it turned out that Tim Drake did not show to work. She sighed. Looks like more work for her… Just like Nathalie said.

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