#ml x batman

[miraculus-dragon]

Thoughts on Mlbat

In a couple, or maybe more, of the ml x batman fanfic, there's a common theme of batfam being suspicious of civilian Marinette with too many secrets. Or Adrien being bad simply for having a villain father. Often time following that theme is them thinking the worst, and usually have demands for secrets to be shared.

I just, I get it, paranoid detectives with large amounts of trauma, standing on the side of "good".

In their view, and in many's view, these are heroes yes, but, moral and ethic, good vs bad is too complex and nuance than simply black or white.

Not the point.

Many times fanfic write out their near-invasive ways of getting these answers while maintaining a level of suspicion and assumption of the absolute worst. And I find that dynamic really, really unfair, hypocritical, and potentially toxic. It's making me grow salty toward the bats just a little bit more each time, and I don't think that's fair or healthy either.

I don't know I just want to rant a bit because I'm about to explode into sodium chloride.

[san-fics]

Marinette: 7 years ago when I first came to Gotham, I sent out an email one Friday to the entire Bat-team inviting them to go on a weekend excursion.

Marinette: Only Damian showed up, so it was like a date, and we started dating from that day and got married.

Marinette: Our 6th wedding anniversary is coming up, and we want to go on that same excursion again.

Tim Drake: Oh, I remember it!

Tim Drake: It was that time when Damian asked me to delete your email from everyone else's inboxes!

Marinette: …

[wheredostarsgowhenyoudie]

Mari: IT'S NOT LIKE I HATE YOU!

Damian: IT'S NOT LIKE I HATE YOU EITHER!

Mari: Oh.

Damian: Oh.

Mari (frowns): Then why-

She watches Damian's face contort in restraint and confusion. He's never been good with feelings, never been good at holding back when he wanted to lash out. But she knew Dick had been teaching him control, and contrary to what most of his family believe, her new friend really has been trying his best at being normal.

Damian: I- I don't know, Marinette. I didn't grow up in a normal family or home for that matter. I was raised an heir to someone who calls himself the demon lord. But you already know my past, and you still accepted me. That means a lot to me. So surely, it should make sense to you that I am extremely protective of the few people in my life who for some unfathomable reason are able to accept me for who I am? Lila Rossi was a dead girl walking the moment she decided she hated you and lied about you. I do not care for her simpering flock that are your classmates and ex-bestfriend. But any threat to you, any attack on you, intentional or not, is an item added to my target list. You are not someone whose pain I can ignore. Not from the moment you pretended to be on a diet, broke your macaroon and shared half with me. And yes, Jon told me you asked him what flavor I liked because you just had to add your lucky guardian power to it so that it alleviates my agony from being dumped in the Lazarus Pit. I was horrible to you. You didn't have to show me compassion, and to help me, you went out of your way. So you can't blame me, Angel. Total evisceration is the kindness I could offer your enemies.

[roses-and-revolutions]

DC x DP Prompt

In the Danny Phantom Universe, the DCU is an MMORPG referred to as the DCGU and Miraculous Ladybug is a drama series for kids.

In the DCU, Miraculous Ladybug and Danny Phantom are beloved animated TV series.

In the MLBU, The DCU are comics, Danny Phantom is a console game, etc...

Basically what I'm trying to say is that all of these universes exist in the same universal bubble but can/do not directly interact with each other. But they are aware of each other on some level thus the games and TV shows.

But imagine if someone (or everyone) did something a bit ( really fucking) stupid and all of these universes combine into one.

I'm imaging that things would get chaotic very quickly.

[allusivex5]

Rebirth of the Waynes

It’s was fun but difficult not used to a lot of figures in my drawings. Also this is my first time drawing Batman and it was so cool! I felt like on top of the world! Ps please be nice I’m not great at backgrounds.

[justheretodump]

pt 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

disclaimer again that this is dc x dp x miraculous ladybug x spiderman

for those who aren't familiar with every show, here's a lore explanation

---

martian manhunter and zatara zatanna were both currently in a small arabian town.

the plan was quite simple. after scouting the town for any sign of the league of assasins, and asking the locals about recent affairs, they'd both quickly realized the town was fairly peaceful. no weird or suspicious activity to uncover, they moved on to inflitrating the pit's location.

martian manhunter, with his intangibility, could easily scout the league of assasins' base without rousing suspicion.

this plan was, of course, foiled when the league of assasins was nowhere to be found.

martian manhunter had brought back the information with the most disbelief his monotone voice could carry. as he explained, the whole underground base surrounding the natural pit was empty, most supplies left behind in exchange for a rapid disappearance. he had not gone to see the pit, too surprised to continue exploring without her.

zatanna had thought it weird that she found no trace of the league of assasins in the town. now she knew why.

infiltrating the remote shelter, they found themselves walking through a cold, stale hallway made of old limestone bricks. to add to the creepy atmosphere, the lightbulbs strung along the ceiling corners, hastily connected by exposed wires, flickered as they went.

they spoke as they paced forward.

"it's unlike the league of assasins to abandon one of their bases so casually," said zatanna, eyeing all intersections warily.

"yes. whatever happened, let us hope we do not encounter it," intoned j'onn. his eyes flickered as he gazed at something beyond, "my vision continues to find no enemies waiting for us."

"yeah, right," grumbled zatanna, "we can't rule out a trap. best stay alert. you told batman we're down here, right?"

a nod.

"at least that still works." her eyes zeroed in on an intersection ahead, "the pit's essence is emitting from the left corridor, but it's... weak."

on high alert, both inched forward. turning the corner, they stumbled upon a sturdy vault door, thrown open and leading down a staircase.

deeper underground they went, footsteps slow and hesitant. reaching the last step, they stepped into a round cave. at its center, a crater the size of a pool was dug into the earth.

zatanna's expression furrowed in confusion, "there's nothing. i'd wager he moved the whole thing but..." she crouched, eyeing the terrain, "that's a pretty big decision to make. why would ra's move a whole section of his operations?" her fingers brushed the dirt, "no remnants..."

both figures stood at the edge and peered in.

"perhaps batman should be informed."

nodding at j'onn's words, she pulled out her justice league comm. a quick dial and oracle's voice patched through, "hey z! status report?"

"we're okay, no danger so far. but the pit's not here, and neither is the league of assasins."

a second of silence from the other end. "explain."

"martian manhunter located the base and the league was gone. we accessed the place and followed the pit traces to an empty room. the essence is here, but there's no water. if it's a trap, they're taking a while."

zatanna shuffled on her feet as she heard oracle's voice move farther away from the receiver. a tap on her shoulder accompanied j'onn's soft call of her name, but she waved it away as batman's demanding tone through the comm kept her attention.

while zatanna argued with the caped crusader, j'onn j'onzz stared in alarm at the shimmering, kneeling figure taking form in the middle of the crater.

translucent as she was, the red of her figure was hard to miss. a cropped long-sleeve shirt with black dots, midriff giving way to biker shorts in the same color and pattern. her waist had a utility belt, her hands were covered by black gloves, and her combat boots laced up to the knee.

as whatever strengthened her existence fortified itself, her face became clearer. a black metal mask covered her lower features, stopping at the bridge of her nose. here, her eyes were clear to see, two black orbs that blinked rapidly. her short, black hair exhibited two long antenna-like objects that stood upright.

j'onn steeled his voice. "zatanna, would you please help me attend to our guest?"

zatanna whipped her head around, gaping at the girl. she whispered a small "shit", pocketed her comm, and came to stand by j'onn. "another ghost? but there's no water!"

they braced themselves for a fight. the figure peered at them, head tilting to the side.

"deux âmes vivantes? et pas d'ectoplasme… étrange, je jure qu'il y avait un portail ici." the voice was human, high-pitched but a bit electronic.

"french?..." zatanna whispered, confusion in her tone.

it unclasped a pouch at its hip. the two heroes shifted even lower, eyes tracking every movement. its hand dipped and pulled out a pocket watch, and from where he stood, j'onn could make out a green clock face.

it reached a finger up and circled it anticlockwise over the dial.

its form began to waver, shape becoming more and more elusive.

the events that next transpired happened in quick succession. firstly, j'onn slowly understood that the figure infront of them was about to disappear. secondly, the figure glanced at them and seemed to soften its eyes. it spoke, "ne vous inquiétez pas, nous allons résoudre ce problème." and thirdly, as a flash of green overtook the room, all j'onn could glimpse before closing his eyes was the flowing visage of zatanna's coattails as she rushed forward.

in the transpiring quiet, j'onn could only gaze at the air in front of him - void of both the figure and zatanna.

---

danny fenton had been prince of the infinite realms for two months. 10th grade had ended only a week ago, and already it proved to be a busy summer, his time divided between taking care of rogue ghosts in amity park and learning the way's of the ghost court underneath the tutelage of princess dorathea.

who knew being next in line to rule was so much work?

presently, both were in the throne room with a table placed in the center. on it was spread a copy of the infinity map. it, and the other copies now stored in the castle's archive, were made after jazz had made a pointed comment about having only one record of his realm's geography. clockwork had chimed in that knowing one's kingdom was the duty of a ruler, and perhaps he should focus on gaining familiarity with his domain.

the conversation had culminated with a pending lesson on map markings alongside the princess.

as dorathea, for the hundreth time, groaned "no, danny, that's not arthur's lake, this is arthur's lake" as she fixed his plotting rod, the throne room doors lashed open with a great boom.

fright knight stood there, tall and proud, and with a deep voice, called in alarm, "your highness! grave danger approaches!"

dorathea eeked in surprise, rod bumping some of the table figures onto the ground. danny lifted an eyebrow at her rather judgingly, before fixing fright knight with a deadpan expression. "yeah, like last wednesday when cujo stole your sword and you thought it was a thief? or the friday before that, when you said the castle was crumbling to dust but it was actually a broken shingle from a kid's snowball?"

fright knight spluttered, hands waving around, before he resumed, "no, your highness! you must believe me! a message from the observants has come through and it speaks of great trouble ahead."

danny pursed his lips, and sat back in his seat, southern drawl disinterested, "didn't we already establish those guys aren't the most trusthworthy folk? better to get the details from clockwork, ya know?"

fright knight stalked forward, standing at the end of the table. dorathea slowly stepped away and out of sight, hurrying down a side corridor.

"your highness, i implore you to reconsider. the observants send word of a group, highly trained and dangerous. they've managed to sneak into the tribunal, and steal an object under their protection."

danny frowned, "i thought they were all-seeing, why didn't they stop it?"

"therein lies the crux of the matter, your highness," fright knight's voice grew troubled, "they could not see it. they had no knowledge that such a thing would happen. they fear that whatever these individuals can do, it is unknowable to them."

here, danny's thoughts jumbled up. he had no idea was to say to his friend - the idea of a power hidden from even the observant's eyes had never ocurred to him. did clockwork know? would he also be kept unaware by this weird group?

danny tried to speak but choked. what would a prince do? what would a prince say?

fright knight's upright position sagged. slowly, he put a hand on danny's shoulder, warm and sturdy. "come, your highness. let us exchange thoughts with our allies."

---

spiderkid was confused and delirious.

one second, he was standing on the queensboro bridge with ironman, having decided to go sightseeing after felinity had talked them into it, and the next a heavy weight had crashed into his back.

ghosts couldn't really fall, they could float, but his stomach dropped as he felt the familiar rush of air. how had he tumbled over the ledge of the bridge? he didn't know, but his last glimpse was the underside of the bridge, and the brief thought that his spider sense hadn't flared.

in one blink, his vision had gone green, and in the next blink, he'd choked on water.

swimming upward, he broke free, mouth gasping as his head reached the surface. his lungs weren't working, painful coughs tearing his throat apart. his arms flailed, struggling to keep him afloat.

in the middle of a trash, a foreign hand gripped the back of his shirt. a sharp tug backward, and he was lifted out of the liquid.

calloused fingers wiped the water out of his eyes, smoothed his eyebrows, pushed away his bangs. a gruff voice shushed him smoothly and gently. thick arms gathered him into a sturdy chest and he laid his head in exhaustion.

a young man's face stared into spiderkid's eyes. they were brown but with tinges of green. he had scars all over his features, a crooked nose telling of broken bone. he sported a buzzcut with a streak of white.

"peter?" his voice wavered, an accent warping his r, "pete? oh my god, peter... my peter... my son..."

as spiderkid sat in this stranger's embrace, he had the faint thought that peter was a pretty dumb name.

[daisybell-on-a-carousel]

Honestly haven't actually watched Miraculous Ladybug since like season 2-3, but ah, I still do really adore the design potential! And it's always so much fun to suit up characters

So here's Jason Todd from DC with some of the miraculous! I think both the cats suit him, though personally I imagine the tiger fits him a bit better, both in colors and powers! Not sure what personality the tiger looks for though

Man, wild to realize I make colors more saturated than a kids cartoon somehow, color theory was fighting me here and I didn't fight back. His skin feels so bright against everything here-

Edit: More Tiger Todd :]

Heres,, alot of extras of the black cat! I put him in layers and I wanted to see them all

My design inspo was a vague mishmash of his various Red Hood suits, stuff I think he'd wear, the Arkham Knight helmet, and pre-crisis Jason's first suit + Flying Todd clothes

Man, I wish there were more crossover fics for DC/Batman where a batman character left the universe instead, or more crossover fusions, yknow?

[kermdoeswriting]

Everyone talks about how much Marinette is Wayne adoption bait in the Mirabat/Maribat au but nobody ever mentions how much Kagami is also Wayne adoption bait but on a more sensible scale.

Her mom is literally a villian (she is aware of it as of cannon but she obviously doesnt approve) and she's like an OLYMPIC LEVEL FENCER alongside Kendo and ARCHERY. She fits the Wayne bait with blueish blackish hair and obvious trauma. She absolutely has a fair amount of trauma and probably isn't dealing with her mom being Hawkmoths AND POSSIBLY CHRYSLLIS'S funder and helper.

She is literally a super-hero in her spare time and is aware of Ladybugs identity. Shes got a super intuition and honestly pays WAY more attention to you then you'd think, she also learns things ridiculous fast (in terms of skill). I think beyond Damian, Kagami would relate to Cassandra the most.

Cassandra and Kagami would absolutely just be able to understand each other without words, like telepathic twins. They both grew up with expectations from their parents to be something they ultimately dont believe in and would just understand each other from that.

She'd also probably get along with Tim and Duke because they both remind her of Marinette, someone she deems to be her CLOSEST and most trusting friend due to how kind and genuine Marinette is. She sees Mari in Tim from the need to overplan everything down to the T, and it amuses her to be the voice of reason to another person again.

She sees Mari in Duke in the never ending hope he has for his family and Gotham to get better and be better, something Marinette acts as a symbol of both in and out of costume for Ladybug.

Kagami would adore them. She'd have to get used to the idea of siblings but trust me guys she would probably love them so much.

Like just imagine Kagami would read for Cass in the library or Kagami doing acrobats with Steph and Dick because she used to practice acrobatics while under her mothers care for her olympic training and she misses it or even just her and Jason being able to be in the same room for 5 minutes in comfy silence because they just are each others silent comfort people

LIKE GUYS???

hEAR ME OUT PLS

Have Kagami be adopted into the Wayne Fam in ur fics guys trust me she belongs with them too I swear wait where are you going-

[astriddestelle]

Ok so who else has fandoms where like something randomly becomes the de facto headcanon and like no everyone uses it and you’re just like when did this get popular???

Like who TF is Matheo Riddle??? Did I miss something, cause I am confusion

Like in HP James/Regulus is like blowing up and I just wanna know how and why?? I have no feelings about it one way or the other cause I’m not a marauders gen girlie but like where did this come from cause it has been blowing up.

And from that same vein Evan is shipped with Barty. And Marlene is shipped with Dorcas (who’s a Slytherin) and she’s also black now (which yay more representation) but who is in charge of this?? What fanfic influenced everyone lol I need to be in the loop. Oh and Pandora Lovegood is also a Slytherin and gay now too like when??

Or in DP all the ghosts have obsessions and cores, who created this theory, cause now like every fanfic has this theory in it which again I don’t care one way or the other but like how did it become a thing???

Same with Danny being trans that’s another super popular headcanon and I’m like cool but did I miss a meeting or something cause one day it wasn’t a thing next it is.

Add on to that HP being Indian, doesn’t effect me whatsoever like the black Hermione headcanon I get came from the play but where did desi Harry come from??

Ohhh and who decided that half of the Miraculous Ladybug fanfics will be crossovers with DC. Same goes for Danny Phantom. Why are they’re always DC crossovers and why is it always Batman like please at least give me something else I beg.

The unseeing headcanon leader: I now declare this headcanon official

Everyone else: cheering, yes woo, about time

Me a month later: why is everyone suddenly shipping Draco/Hermione/Theo

Like whoever is in charge of fandom wide headcanons I’d like to be apart of the loop please 🥺 🤣😭

[somereaderinblue]

Talon!Adrien AU

Another common Maribat trope I see is Marinette having ties to the League of Assassins, have it be biologically or through marriage.

Thus, I raise you this Adribat prompt: AU where Emelie & Gabriel are members of the Court of Owls. Wanting to gain more influence, they offer Adrien away as a Talon.

When Nightwing ventures to Paris to ensure the last of the Court was disbanded, the last thing he expected to find was a blonde kid with black veins & glowing green eyes camping in the catacombs.

Dick, holding Adrien like a stray kitten: Can we keep im'? I promise he doesn't bite.

LB: YES HE DOES.

[jayphoenic]

Hello!

I don't know if it's still okay to ask for recommendations. I have recently been into daminette story (and I have been in love with this couple). Do you have good recommendations where Ladybug and Robin swap their body multiple times? I read one fanfic, where they have a similar theme, and I have been obsessed!

Thank you! With LOVE!

I'm sorry but I don't know any stories where they swap bodies. Here's a recommendation of Daminette anyways. Some of these are filled with fluff and some Lila salt so enjoy!

Daminette AO3 Fanfic Recommendations 2

Tolerance by @superpsychonutcase

Chapters: 2/2

Lila is up to her old tricks. Thankfully, Tim and the employees of Wayne Enterprises are not as dimwitted as Bustier and her class.

Warmth by FridayFirefly

Chapters: 2/2

When Damian wakes up with a stranger in his bed, he knows that there is only one possible explanation: that stranger is his Soulmate.

#SunshineOfGotham by sixtyeightdays

Chapters: 14/14

All of Gotham knows Marinette, the Sunshine who's made her way into everyone's hearts.

But so what if all of Gotham knows Marinette? Does her class know that they know Marinette?

Of course not, why would they! But, well, let's see how they find out.

A Welcoming Change by Brinxiethebear

Chapters: 43/43

Damian Wayne always saw himself in a certain light. He was calculating and cold and he always took his work seriously. He was what others would call the Ice Prince. He was a loner and by choice. The only people he ever really tolerated talking to was his family and his only friend, Jon. Mainly he just spent time with his pets.

So can you guess what happens when a new girl ends up coming to his school? It's certainly not what he was expecting. He finds that its a welcoming change nonetheless, no matter what surprises may come his way.

Gotham's (Fashion) Disasters by FaithWarrior

Chapters: 22/?

Marinette and her parents are dragged along to the Rock wedding of the year by none other than the groom himself Jagged Stone. To complicate matters the wedding is in Gotham city America. By the grace of her Ladybug luck Marinette has everything prepared for the trip. But her skills are needed in Gotham, and she might find something while she's there.

Part 1

Remember some chapters are longer than others (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧

[san-fics]

Chat Noir: How can you work with Robin?!

Chat Noir: He's a psychopath!

Ladybug: Oh, that's easy!

Ladybug: I just let him see that I'm an even more dangerous and unpredictable psycho than he is...

[wheredostarsgowhenyoudie]

Once upon a time in Gotham, two figures can be seen running outside of Wayne Mansion.

Jason (is running full speed in desperation to catch up with her): Come on Nette, it's me. Why do you need to run?

Mari (stops to glare back): Of course I know it's you! That's why I need to run! You're not supposed to hear Tim!

Jason (tugs at his hair in frustration): Look, so I overheard Tim ranting about pairing us two. And so he happens to blabber about you confessing you like me. Nette, it's me. What are you afraid of? Do you really believe I'll hurt you? Use it against you? Why are you so afraid that I know you have feelings for me?

Mari: BECAUSE IT'S YOU, ALRIGHT!! I know I love you but you- you shouldn't know! I like where we are and if things change then I don't...I don't know if I can handle that. I don't know if I want to handle that. But you chasing me is not helping me think at all! So you better stop right here and let me leave Jason Todd-Wayne, you hear me?!

Jason (hurries to hold on to her before she can use a miraculous and disappear): Don't, okay? Don't do that. Let's deal with it together. And to make it fair, I'll have you know I actually thought it's one-sided. My feelings for you, I mean. So it's really confusing me to see you want to run away when we can just confess. Tell me. If you want me to forget what I heard, I can try but damn, it's gonna be hard. But if you really suddenly changed your mind and not like me anymore then I'll deal. But I need to know. What do you want?

Mari:

Mari: I-

Jason: (looks at her, really, really, looks at her. And when he sees that she's about to cry, he lets go and steps back.)

Jason: Sorry. You deserve so much more than me. But if you want me, it'd be my honor to work every day to be good enough.

Jason (sighs and gives out a miserable chuckle): If not...then I'd let you go. Because you deserve to get what you want. And I want you to get what you want. Doesn't matter if it's me or not.

Mari: But what do you want? The Jason I know acts like a selfish jerk but in reality, you're really not. You're kind and selfless, but I don't want you to hold back. Aren't you afraid things will change?

Jason: Scared shitless, you mean? Of course, I am. It's you. I can't fuck up. Hurting you would ruin me. But I want you happy. That's all I want.

Mari:

Jason:

Mari (mumbles): I want a hug.

Jason (stares at her. And when she didn't take it back, does as she asked): This enough?

Mari (hugs back): Tigher.

Jason (holds her tighter): Like this?

Mari (leans to sink her face on his jacket, inhaling the scent of him): Don't let me go.

Jason (plants a soft kiss to her hair): Not planning on it. But thank God I heard you say that. For a small girl, you sure run like a mouse, I was afraid I won't reach you in time.

Mari (laughs): You know you love me.

Jason (laughs too): I know I do.

[ja50nt0ddwa5h3r3]

If you had to 'draft' a list of ships for the following characters without repeating any characters, what would your list be? (Also, to specify, you can't do Jasonette if you have Timari. Hopefully that helps. And you can use other characters not on the list to complete the ships)

Draft List

Marinette Adrien Dick Jason Tim Damian Steph Cass Duke Barbara

Note: you don't have to do all of the list, just curious of what ships come to mind

~ Ask a Stilly Question

EEEEEK LOVE THIS ASK AND I LOVE YOU

okayokayokay so

Mari/Duke Adrien/Jason (No surprise there) Dick/Mrs. Bustier. They just have vibes. It's hard to explain. They get off work around the same time (Dick's teaching Gymnastics), they go get ice cream and bitch about students they love so dearly but get so annoyed by. They both want to scold Hawk Moth by smothering him in "I'm not mad, just disappointed" looks, but the moment he hurts someone near to them they will go rabid. They keep each other in check and are just wholesome. (I need someone to write them so I don't break them.) Tim/Zoe (Another no surprise) Damian/Nino Steph/Cass/Juleka/Rose (Fuck you don't make me choose) Barbara/Luka

Plus extra special (Can't use anything from my list) uno-reverse list for you: Adrien Alix Barry Jason Bart Tim Marinette Kon

[rocker-socks]

Being into DC and not ML is really funny when looking at AO3, but it does force me to ask why Marinette always ends up adopted by the bat family (black hair and blue eyes, i get it) but Adrien never ends up adopted by Catwoman. His name is literally Chat Noir (Black Cat). Its Right There. He has mommy issues and everything.

[justheretodump]

pt 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

disclaimer again that this is dc x dp x miraculous ladybug x spiderman

for those who aren't familiar with every show, here's a lore explanation

---

ladybug doesn't remember a time before the observants. her earliest memory was the dark room in the tribunal, kneeling at the center of the crystal observatory, as shadows whispered across the walls and stared.

a whispy hand made of curling black had brushed aside her hair and, when ladybug glanced up, a black eyeball stared back. ladybug felt every need to flee, yet her body was so weak.

the eye blinked once. a garbled voice cooed, "what a pure soul…yes, this one'll do…our new child…our new observant."

ladybug didn't understand what that meant back then, but now, she knew too intimately.

foregoing the memories that surged in her head, she turned to witch.

with a black dress and chunky boots, and her feline features hidden behind a full techno mask - aside from the ears on her head -, witch crouched beside ladybug and offered her a look, the screen on her face changing to a purple '?'.

ladybug nodded her head. "the doors", she whispered in accented english. despite robin's attempts at teaching her, she was still too clunky with the pronounciation.

as witch shifted on her feet to move from their hiding spot, ladybug gripped her shoulder. "remember the border."

both girls pressed a button at their shoulder, settled onto the strap of an unknown object, and small, mechanical, translucent wings sprouted from their backs. they flew in short bursts from floating island to floating island, the backdrop of the green ghost zone stark against their figures.

up above, a piece of land bigger than any nearby loomed. on it stood a white church, golden bell tolling endlessly, surrounded by a weird green bubble.

when both had flown close enough to the building, ladybug shifted her fingers, green energy like fog coming to life. it flitted between them, and once the border had been crossed, dissipated under her command.

witch landed first, wings shifting to hide under her cloak. she pressed a button at her ankle and her boots retracted, material crawling across her skin until two ankle bracelets hugged her fur fittingly. cat legs stood onto dust as she turned to watch ladybug land.

once the attention of her partner was on her, witch's screen shifted to present a pixeled, 'ok?'.

"my effect will only last 20 minutes, so we have to be quick. once we get the clock, we get out."

both figures stood to stare at the building ahead.

"let's go."

---

spiderkid had tried to struggle against the man's hold, but something had drained his energy and left him too weak. he could only watch through lidded eyes as they left the dark room, managing to catch a glimpse of the broken crystal pod at the far end. stepping through the doorway, they walked down a dark hallway and over…littered bodies, oh my god, those were bodies.

as spiderkid tried to strain his neck for a better view, the man's gruff hand cradled his head, pushing his face, very gently, into the guy's shoulder. "better ignore that, pete."

spiderkid thought it was highly presumptuous of this guy to tell him what to do.

outside, a man in red gear stood waiting for them. his face showed brief awe, hands in red gloves coming up hesitantly to pet spiderkid's hair. spiderkid, absolutely fed up with random strangers getting in his space, nudged it away with as much force possible and grunted.

the man immediately pulled away, before turning - are those tears? - teary eyes to the white-streaked man. "god, jay… it's really him."

if his eyes were that visible with that domino mask, he needed a new one stat.

coming to terms with the fact that escape was highly unlikely, spiderkid waited in silent anxiety as the situation unfolded around him.

the men spoke to someone on an earpiece, voices low and hard to make out even with peter's advanced hearing. they were near the ocean, the scent of salty air making his head dizzy, and coupled with the strong smell of oil and grease that covered the warehouses surrounding them, spiderkid opted to stuff his nose in the guy's jacket.

the guy's breath stuttered at the act, hand coming up to smooth spiderkid's hair again.

the trek was a short one, turning a couple of corners with hasty steps until a black car came into view. a sleek black outer coat and startlingly bright headlights, it looked highly expensive.

two people came out of it, doors thrown open and rushing forward in a run - towards him, spiderkid realized. the boy tried to wiggle away, but he only ended up wiggling further into the man's chest. the guy's grip tightened and he was hiked up to readjust.

first was a man in a messy tux, black hair falling into strands on his head and blue eyes crinkled with worry. "peter? oh my god, peter, kid, peter…"

his hands settled on spiderkid's cheeks, thumbs brushing his cheekbones gently. spiderkid has never met this man in his life, but he will concede, he looks…kind.

the other was a boy around his age; with black hair and blue eyes, it was obvious he was the man's son. in a thick hoodie and pajama pants, feet stuffed into cow slippers, anyone could tell he wasn't ready to leave the house.

he gripped onto spiderkid's hand, silently gnawing on his lip with a furrowed brow.

"he's okay, at least physically," the man went silent for a second before croaking, "his… there isn't anything left, from… from back then."

"how is that possible?," sniped the black-haired boy, frustration lacing his tongue.

the man in red stepped forward, "does it matter? let's ask questions tomorrow, jesus christ."

the tuxed man nodded, once, twice, before his hands, shaking, went into his pockets. he turned and made a swift walk to the awaiting vehicle, deep voice calling, "let's go, the family's waiting."

as everyone trailed after, spiderkid sat back and expected a long night.

---

i don't tend to put author's notes but sorry this is short, i have uni finals coming up. also, i opened asks, since i sometimes feel bad about how i write so out of order and nothing makes sense.