Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

There's gonna be a lot that's different in this. I'd rather not have to add a ton of long notes to fill in the details, though I will for important things in case people skip this. But this part will just be explaining some of the differences in story.

First off, this is generally more plot oriented. I'll mostly only show akuma battles if it's related to plot development, and though there will be fluffy chapters this is going to be continuous and I'll avoid adding too many. 

My friend helped me brainstorm ideas for this, we both love the concept of miraculous but have a love hate relationship with the actual show due to how... All over the place it is. So I also wanna thank him! We're doing a rewrite together too, but I'm just doing this myself and incorporating some ideas from the rewrite they're doing/what we might do together. 

Me and my friend both projected onto the characters so uh, Marinette is a lesbian, and that works out with the main love square because Adrien is gender fluid (and their name is Arrow instead!) (Also a note that lesbian means non-men loving non-men, so it does work.)

We did the designs (which I eventually will probably share, they aren't fully finished tho) and um, made Arrow a ginger because my friend doesn't like blonds and I thing gingers are pretty lol. That's not really important. But we also made the masks cover their face a bit more and as heroes they have different hairstyles and slightly different colors, (Arrows turns to a more dark brown color, Marinette's gets a streak of red, Marinette's hair is in a high bun and Arrow has a small ponytail cause their hair is just long enough for that-) and Mari also has wings, they more so flutter and glide so they're better for falling than actual flying. Course, the space bug allows her to fully fly. 

They have some additions to their powers as well! I'll list them here.

Ladybug

-has wings, so can glide/hover, increases lengths of jumps and helps for falling situations

-has antennae. Can feel vibrations through them. This also, like ladybug's, has an affect on her sense of smell. And of course touch. They're very sensitive. 

-While in the suit she generally has increased luck!

Chat Noir

-Can feel in ears and tail, and control them. They're still an extension of their suit so they aren't fluffy or anything, unfortunately. 

-Tail allows better balance, and being an extension of Chat allows them to use it to touch things.

-Increased sense of smell and hearing, also increased agility

-Sharper teeth(especially useful breaking out of ropes and such~)

-Of course, like in the show, they have claws and night vision!

-Because they have so many more abilities than Ladybug they do get a weakness, which is the bad luck!

Another part that is changed is why they were given the Miraculous. They were kinda just being decent people. The reasoning they got it will be revealed later on. 

There will be less of the other heroes, and Arrow is actually going to be a main character and not just pushed to the side. 

Their crushes will develop slower, I kinda hate the love at first sight crap. They will feel drawn to one another though, and I'll keep the love square thing going cause I find it funny. My favorite love square ship is Marichat so, just saying there'll be a lot of that. Arrow is more themself as Chat and Mari is more herself as Marinette. They're their imperfect selves and I think that's cute. I also adore their dynamic. 

Chapter Text

Marinette was not a lucky girl. 

Firstly, she woke up late. 

Secondly, she forgot to even grab breakfast. 

Third, she dropped the snacks she bought for her class,

And fourth, here she was, finally there on her first day of school, and Chloe cut her off just as she was about to sit in her preferred spot. 

She never had the best of luck—she was clumsy, awkward, and didn’t seem to have the best type when it came to friends. Which could be seen here, with her ex-friend—now person-who-hated-her-guts—staring down at her with an annoyed look. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” 

“…sitting…down?”

Chloe scoffed. “Not here you’re not. This is my spot.”

“Chloe, I always sit in this spot.”

“ And? ” She rolled her eyes. “New year, new seats. Anyways, my friend is starting school here today and I want to sit next to them. He’s going to be sitting there,” Chloe said and pointed to the seat in-front of the seat they were at.

Marinette let out a quiet growl, “well I’m sure I wouldn’t want to sit next to them, they’re probably just as bad as you…”

“You mean as cool as me?” Chloe glared. “Almost. Arri is way too cute to be anywhere near you,” she sneered. Marinette shrank a bit, she hated confrontation, but with Chloe around it was hard to avoid it. 

“Is there a problem here?” Someone spoke up, setting a hand on Marinette’s shoulder. She turned her head to see a pretty girl, a little taller than her, glaring coldly at Chloe. 

“Oh, look, the new girl is coming to the rescue.” Chloe smirked. “Hm, you two look perfect for eachother! Go make out in the trash or something, I don’t want to see it.”

The new girl scoffed, grabbing Marinette’s wrist and pulling her to sit in another seat with her. Marinette took the chance to examine the girl fully. She had curly brown hair with orange-ish ombré starting in the middle and going to the ends. She had strongly defining features, wearing a simple flannel and jeans. She had glasses too, just normal round-ish black ones. 

As they sat down, the girl turned to look back at her. She gave a small smile, which Marinette returned. She couldn’t help but blush a bit, feeling nervous and unsure. She wasn’t great at talking to new people, as much as she tried. 

“Um, thank you…” Marinette spoke quietly, avoiding eye contact. 

“No problem girl, people like her aren’t worth your time. I like your outfit by the way, ‘s cute!”

Marinette blushed harder at the compliment, shooting her a smile. “I actually made the sweater dress myself. I’m really into fashion, so…” She drifted off, looking up to see the girl staring at her with wide eyes.

“Wait, for real? You have to make me something someday. It looks so good!”

Marinette let out a small giggle, “I’d be happy to make something for you, umm..?”

“Alya,” She smiled. “And you?”

“Marinette,” she dipped her head a bit, jolting up when she heard a cackle coming from somewhere

behind them. 

“Pah-lease,” Chloe laughed, overhearing their conversation. “It’s not even that cute. Looks like something she dug out of the trash.”

“Ye-yeah! I bet it actually was, I can smell it from here!” Chloe’s ‘minion’— Sabrina— piped up. 

“You’re really not one to talk,” Alya snapped back. “Your clothes are so brightly colored they hurt my eyes, the colors don’t even go together very well. For someone who seems like she has a lot of money, you’d think you’d actually buy nice clothes.”

Marinette stared at Alya in awe, nobody ever spoke up against Chloe like that. She envied her courage. Chloe didn’t even try to retort, just turned back forward and glared at the whiteboard as they waited for their teacher. Guess it’s okay that I was running late, then. The teacher isn’t even here yet. 

Alya gave Marinette a pat on the back, bringing her attention back to her. “Marinette, hun-” she bagan, “-you have to stand up for yourself. She only treats you like that because you let her.”

Marinette shook her head. “I can’t. It’s been like this for years, she hates my guts. At this point, nothing’ll stop her.”

Alya shook her head, “‘all that’s necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing.’”

Marinette stared at her, confused. “What?”

“ We’re the good people, and she’s the evil. It’s simple- in order for her to stop, you have to do something about it. She’ll make the rest of your school life miserable if you don’t.”

“I’m not good with confrontation,” Marinette sighed. 

“There’ll be more people like her out there. Worse people. Build those confrontational skills up, don’t be a pushover. It’s not good for your mental health.”

“I know, but…”

“No buts! You're my friend now, I’m not gonna let you let her treat you like that.”

“…Friend?” 

“Well, yeah! You’re cute, and you seem nice enough,” Alya gave her a sideways grin.

Marinette smiled. Maybe she wasn’t so unlucky after all. First day of school and she already befriended someone new. With Alya by her side, maybe this year wouldn’t be so bad. Even if she was stuck with Chloe and whatever bratty friend would start coming to school with her. 

Chapter Text

Arrow ran one hand through his hair, looking in the mirror and sighing. Today was the day they’d start school— as long as their father allowed it, that was— and they were ecstatic. It’d been homeschooled its whole life. Fencing, modeling, piano—none of it was them. Sure, the fencing and piano could be used as an escape sometimes—and he did enjoy them most of the time—but he hadn’t chosen to do any of it. He wasn’t the one in control. And most days, the idea of doing any of it filled them with dread. 

At school, away from her fathers cold glare or Nathalie’s prying eyes, out of her body guard’s protection, she was free to be herself. Or, that’s what she hoped would happen. She wanted to make more friends than just Chloe. It wasn’t that Chloe wasn’t enough, but their friendship was also their parents decision. Not Chloe’s, and definitely not Arrow’s. Although, it was nice to have someone who somewhat understood her situation. Even if it wasn’t completely the same, Chloe’s father was also pretty overprotective, her mother was equally as cold as Arrow’s father, and absent like her own mother. 

Though, it’s not like Arrow’s mother was absent by choice. She disappeared one day, long ago. Arrow often missed her, her soft voice and caring eyes. She understood their need for friends. She even tried to convince Gabriel—Arrow’s father—to let them go to school. “We can’t raise them in isolation, Gabriel. They need to be around other children. We can’t shelter them forever, if we wait too long they won’t do well in the outside world…” She’d nearly gotten him to let their child go.

That was before she disappeared, though. 

And now they had nobody to advocate for them. 

Certainly not themself, their father never listened. Sometimes Arrow resented him for it, but they understood—he didn’t want to face another loss. 

But now, that didn’t matter so much to them. After all, today was the day. 

Arrow already took a shower and got dressed, now just messing with their hair. They didn’t want to appear too intimidating, or to just be recognized as the model they were. Or as Gabriel Agreste’s child. They wanted people to see them as them. As Arrow. So, no fancy styled hair. They’d leave it a little messy. 

I hope this goes okay. I should be fine academically, but… They took in a deep inhale and ran their hand through their hair once more to sooth themself before turning to leave their room, grabbing their bag and rushing down to get out of the house. They didn’t even bother to grab breakfast, too excited to bother. Nathalie and their bodyguard were waiting outside by the car for them. Nathalie gave them an unsure look, but said nothing as they both entered the car. 

They were halfway there when Gabriel called. 

“ Nathalie?? Where are you and Arrow!? He has a modeling appointment, he needs to be getting ready.”

“But-but sir, you promised to let them go to school—he was really excited, it would be cruel to-“

“ I didn’t say they would be going today. Bring them back home. Now.”

“Sir, can’t we reschedule? Arrow is already dressed for school, and we’re pulling up to the building now…”

“Bring. Him. Home.”

“I…” Nathalie took a deep breath and sighed. “Okay. Yes sir,” gave in, shooting Arrow an apologetic look. 

“No- we’re already here. I-I can’t- I’ve been waiting for so long already, can’t I miss one photo shoot?” Arrow stared desperately. 

“I know you want to go, Arrow, but your father said-“

“No.” They spoke sternly, opening the door and running to the entrance of the school building. 

“Arrow—wait!” Nathalie hurried out after him, his bodyguard following. “It’ll just be today, you can go tomorrow I promise. You-“

“You can’t promise that, he doesn’t want me to go. He’ll do anything in his power to keep me from the outside world. 

“I’ll talk to him for you, make sure he lets you go. But you have to come home now, Arrow. Or he’ll be angry enough not to ever let you go.” Arrow stared at her, their fiery gaze softening.

 “You’re right…” She spoke defeatedly. “Okay, I’ll go home…” Nathalie gave her a soft smile, putting a hand on their back and guiding them back to the car. 

The ride back was quiet, and Arrow could feel Nathalie’s concerned stare burning at the back of their neck. They ignored it, though, not feeling like talking. When they arrived they went straight to their room to sulk for whatever time they had before they had to prepare for the photo shoot. They didn’t bother with their father, knowing he wouldn’t listen anyways. 

They closed their door behind them and flopped onto their bed, but they shot back up and winced in pain as it felt like they fell onto something.  They turned to look at what it was, and stared at it in confusion. “Is this… From Father?”

It was a small jewelry box with strange markings on it. They examined it closely as they picked it up and raided it to their face, trying to recognize what was on it, but finding nothing they knew. “Weird…” They muttered, carefully opening the box. 

Inside, there was a weird looking black ring with a green paw print. He carefully put it onto his finger, and…

“Ak-!” They jumped back as a flash of blinding light engulfed him, the ring seemed to change to a plain silver one and a tiny creature appeared in the air. Arrow could do nothing but stare in awe.

“Hi there kid! I’m Plagg, nice to meetcha!”

“It… Talks?”

The creature glared, huffing. “I’m not an it , I’m a kwami! I’m here to grant you magical powers and blah blah blah, anyways, do you have anything I could eat? I’m starving.” 

Chapter Text

Marinette let out a sigh of exhaustion, plopping herself down on her chaise. Her first day didn't go great, considering she had Chloe in her class, and on top of that ran late--but for the most part, it went well. Nothing too big happened after the confrontation with Chloe. 

Marinette's eyes drifted across the room to her desk, where something seemed… Off. 

Was that little box always there? She eyed it curiously, standing back up and approaching it. It was black with red markings, they were pretty but she didn't recognize them. "Weird…"

She carefully picked it up, opening the box to find a pair of ladybug-shaped earrings. "Hm..? Cute, but I wonder where these came from…" She said to herself, removing the pair of earrings she already had on and replacing them with the ladybugs. 

"Ak-" she jumped back as a flash of light appeared, making her squeeze her eyes shut. She opened them again to see a bug-like creature, the size of a mouse. "Wha-waAAH!" 

"Woah hey, hey! Shh! It's okay, I need you to be quiet-"

"YOU TALK?!! WHAT ARE- HUH..?"

"Calm down Marinette, I'm not here to hurt you!"

"How do you know my name?!!"

"If you'd calm down, I could explain everything."

"Buh…eh…" Marinette sighed, sitting down on her chaise and staring, her face showing a mixture of fear and confusion. I'm probably dreaming. Or hallucinating. Yup! That's it, there's not a flying bugmouse creature in my room. Definitely not. 

"Good! Now then, I'll introduce myself. I'm Tikki, the Kwami of creation, and I'm here to grant you special powers so you can fight supervillains!"

"Fight… What? But I'm just- how??"

"Me and my fellow Kwamis sensed that one of the miraculous–the piece of jewelry you put on that helps grant your powers–fell into the hands of darkness. Someone's using it for all the wrong reasons, and you need to help stop them."

"But… I… Why me?"

"Because we know you, Marinette. You'll make an excellent hero. You're the chosen one!"

"Chosen one? So I have to do it… Alone?"

"Oh, no no! There's another holder. They have the cat miraculous, the miraculous of destruction. They'll help you fight."

"But--how does all of this work? I don't know how to be a superhero. I can't even fight. I'm just…"

"Like I said, we know you already Marinette! You're smart, resourceful, perfect for the job! Just sit back and listen to me explain, I'm not sure how much time we have until the villain attacks…"

"Are you sure I'm the right person? Maybe it's a different Marinette-"

"Nope! You're exactly who we wanted. Just listen, okay?"

"Oh-okay…"

"First off, you need to know how to use your power. When you're transformed, all you have to do is say 'lucky charm' and the power will activate. It will give you whatever you need to help you out of your situation, your job is to figure out how you use it. You also have ladybug-like abilities, so you'll have wings--you won't be able to fly for long periods of time, but it'll help to catch a fall or to increase the height and length of your jumps! You'll also have small antennae that'll help you smell better, and feel vibrations. You don't need to do anything to activate that, though. Oh! And you'll get a weapon that fits you."

"A weapon? Uh…"

"It won't be anything super dangerous. Some holders get things that would normally be used as toys. Or you could get a rope or baton. It depends on you!"

"Okay… So then, how do I transform and detransform?"

"Well, you'll transform back 5 minutes after using your power automatically, since you're still young. But to detransform, just say 'Tikki, detransform me!' and to transform, 'Tikki, transform me!', got it?"

"Uhm… I think so…"

"Oh, and two more things–one, once you're done with the fight you have to throw whatever object the lucky charm gets you into the are and say the trigger words, 'Miraculous Ladybug', that will repair any damages from the fight. And second, the Miraculous the villain has is the Miraculous of the butterfly. So, they will control and grant powers to their victims based on emotion. In order to prevent the victim from transforming again and having more power, you have to purify the akuma. Whatever weapon you get will have the purifier inside it, make sure you de-evilize it! When you're transformed I go into the Miraculous, I'm able to sorta um… Telepathically talk to you through that, so I can help guide you sometimes. You need me to transform, so I have to always be close by."

"Uh… Okay, I think I get it."

"Good! Keep an eye out for anything weird, something bad will happen soon. I can feel it."

"Weird… Like you?"

"Hehe, sorta. But more of a bad kind of weird. Akumas are incredibly dangerous, they used to be used to give people the power to fight monsters and tyrants. Miraculous are meant to protect, they're dangerous in the wrong hands."

"Mm… Then why trust me with one? I'm clumsy, I'm bound to hurt someone…"

"Because, you're the chosen one! Don't question it, Marinette. Nobody else could be Ladybug, they're not like you!"

"Ah… I should probably ask my friend, Alya, for support. She knows a lot about heroes and-"

"No! Nobody can know your identity, it must remain a secret. Not even your partner should know. It's for your safety!"

"Alya wouldn't tell anyone, I'm sure of it."

"That doesn't matter, she could become an akuma victim and tell the villain your identity."

"But…"

"Listen to me, Marinette, you can't tell her. No matter how much you trust her!"

"Okay, fine. I get it… uhm, should I transform and go out for a test of everything, just so I can get the hang of it?"

"That might be a good idea, but go somewhere that there aren't a lot of people. If people saw you it might worry them, or the villain will know that we're preparing for them…"

"Okay… Uhm, but I'll do that after I take a nap. I've had a long day…"

Tikki giggled, "good idea!"

Chapter Text

 "Okay, so… You're this magical creature called a Kwami… And you give me magic powers?"

"Ohh you listened, good job kiddo! Want a gold star or somethin'?" Plagg spoke sarcastically, trying to eat a trophy from a fencing competition. 

"Should I be doing some kind of training to prepare, or..?"

"I mean, you could if you wanted to. I'm not sure how much time we have before there's some kind of attack."

"It's probably better if I'm somewhat prepared. I'll do it after this photoshoot, if I have free time…"

"That's fine with me," Plagg spoke, biting down on a book.

"Could you stop trying to eat my things?? That's not edible!"

"So? I'm hungry. Give me food if you want me to stop!"

"Fine, fine, just sit here! I'll ask for something to be made. Hide somewhere for a minute," Arrow sighed. What did they just get into?

Plagg waited impatiently for his food, hovering around and shuffling through Arrow's things. He didn't really find anything of interest. Just trophies, medals, fancy clothes. Rich people things. So, eventually he just sat himself on Arrow's bed and waited there patiently.

Arrow eventually came back with a cart of food, having insisted they'd take it to their room themself to avoid anyone finding Plagg, and began setting everything out on their table. Plagg flew over eagerly, drooling. 

"Finally! I'm starving!"

"Hopefully this will be enough, then." Arrow sighed. Did they just get stuck with a flying stomach?

"No, no! What is this stuff? You just met an ancient being that's going to grant you magic, have a little respect!" Plagg frowned, glaring at an ice cream sundae. 

Arrow frowned, "It's from some of the best chefs in all of Paris, at least try it. If my father finds out I got all of this he'll be angry, I'm supposed to be on a diet."

"A diet?" Plagg huffed, "ridiculous! Why limit yourself from eating things you enjoy?"

Arrow shrugged, "I'm a model, I'm supposed to keep in a certain shape. Anyways, what do you want if you don't like any of this?"

"Mmm…" Plagg scanned over the food, eyes settling on a sandwich. "Ohh! This'll do!" 

Arrow sighed, "good, you-"

Plagged pulled out a piece of cheese from it, eating it whole. "Ahh, this is food fit for a Kwami!"

"...Cheese..?"

"Yes! It has such a wonderful smell~!" Plagg spoke in a swoony voice. "I need more of this, you have to feed me after every transformation so I can regain my energy."

"Ugh, great. Now I'm gonna end up smelling like stinky cheese all the time."

"Stinky? It's amazing! You humans have no taste. What, do you want to smell like cupcakes or something?"

"Actually, yes. At least cupcakes don't smell like used socks."

"Oh, quit whining about it! You're about to be granted magical powers, what more could a lonely teenager want?"

"...Freedom? Friends?"

"And you'll get those! When you're a superhero you have all the freedom in the world, and you'll have your partner. You'll have all your dreams come true~!" The Kwami insisted. "Well, aside maybe a father that loves you," he yawned. 

"What–"

"I'm just kidding!..sort of. Anyways, why have a father when you can have me? I'm a great mentor. I'll teach you all about the amazingness of cheese!"

"How will that ever help me in life?"

"It's useful for a lot of situations!"

"Like?"

"Well-"

Knock, knock!

Arrow swung their head around to the door, "hide!" they muttered to Plagg, who disappeared somewhere in the seat. 

"Arrow, it's time to start getting ready for your photoshoot. And be fast, your father wants to talk to you." It was Nathalie, who eyed the food displayed on Arrow's table. "And… Finish all of that. Your father would be angry if he found all of this."

"Uhm, yes, Nathalie. Thank you." Arrow said, watching her leave the room. 

"Ooo, someone's in trouble!"

"It might not be that, Plagg. And why do you sound like you want me to get in trouble?" They frowned. 

“I just find human drama entertaining, there’s nothing much to it.”

Arrow rolled their eyes. “So, what, do you have to stay with me everywhere I go in case of an attack?”

“Unfortunately, yes, so you should probably carry a bag or something around for me to stay in.” 

“Fine, okay," Arrow sighed and grabbed a brown leather bag, "I usually use this anyways. You can stay in here when I go to the photoshoot–don't mess with anything in here."

"No promises!"

Chapter Text

Marinette squeaked as she collapsed onto a rooftop, struggling to figure out how to use her yo-yo. She had decided to transform for training. Which, from how it was going, she definitely needed. 

"Tikki, I don't think I can do this…"

Most miraculous holders find it difficult the first time they transform, Marinette! You'll get the hang of it eventually. You're doing great so far!

Marinette sighed. "Sure…" she muttered, picking herself back up to try again, using her yo-yo kind of like a lasso to grab on to a lamp post and swing herself to the next building nearby. 

She had chosen a mostly quiet part of Paris, several buildings there were abandoned and not many people just passed by. She thought it would be a good area to train herself, being around buildings still but not having much of a risk of being seen or hurting someone. 

Marinette wasn't the only one who had that idea, as it turned out. 

She once again landed with a crash, letting out a yell of frustration. "Tikki, this isn't working. Why was I chosen to do this? I'm just…" she tried off as her gaze fell to the pair of boots in front of her. 

"Need a little help?" The wearer of said boots questioned, smiling as they held out a hand for her. 

"Who…"

"Oh, sorry, I should introduce myself. I'm assuming you're supposed to be my partner. I'm the holder of the other Miraculous…" They paused for a moment to think. "Chat Noir! That's my name. And you?"

"I'm Ma-"

Marinette, no! You're supposed to keep your identity a secret. 

"-Ma…Madly clumsy. Uhm. I'm really clumsy, sorry."

"No problem! I'm having a hard time getting the hang of this myself. It's pretty cool, though. I feel a lot more balanced when I'm transformed."

Marinette finally grabbed their outheld hand and let them pull her up. "You do have a cat miraculous, that would make sense." she smiled. 

"And you're a ladybug. Does that mean you can fly?"

"Erhm, sort-of. It's more like… Flutter. I can't soar off the ground or anything. I don't think, at least."

"Well, clumsy bug girl, maybe I can help you find out. Train with me?"

"Oh.  Uh, sure. It's getting a little dark though, I shouldn't stay out too much longer."

"That's fine with me. Home is a little strict, so I don't want to be caught sneaking out."

"Alright, then. Uhm, I've- I've just been trying to practice jumping from building to building. I just can't land right…"

“Hmm… Maybe you could use your wings so you don't fall so hard?"

"Oh, that would probably help!" Mari smiled, slightly embarrassed she hadn’t thought of that herself. It felt like such an obvious idea. 

They’d swapped ideas and helped each other get used to their new abilities for a while until the sun began to set, completely worn out by the time they were finished.

“It’s getting kinda dark. I should probably get going… Thank you, um… Chat Noir. You’ll be a great partner.”

“No problem, bug girl! Thank you, too,” Chat grinned back. “It’ll be an honor to work with you.”

Mari gave them a half-hearted smile. “Right. If we do work together, I’m still not so sure about this.”

“I’m sure you were chosen for a reason, clumsy bug. I don’t think this power would be given to just anybody. You’ll do great. I’m sure.”

Marinette sighed, “Thanks. That’s what my kwami has been telling me too. You’re probably right,” she said quietly, “but, don’t call me clumsy bug anymore. That’s not my name.”

“Sorry,” Chat chuckled, “but you never told me what you wanted me to call you.”

“Oh. Right…” she paused, thinking. “Ladybug. Call me Ladybug.”

“Very creative,” Chat cocked a brow in amusement. 

“And ‘black cat’ is so much more creative than that?”

“Touché,” Chat smirked. “Well then, goodbye Ladybug. See you soon!”

“Well, hopefully not too soon,” Marinette had said as she turned away to leave. “Buh-bye, Chaton.”