Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Plagg? Plagg? Where are you? You’re going to make me late.”
Adrien searched the house for Plagg. He had the news on in the background while he looked. He paused every so often to listen to the reports but resumed his search. He wandered into the kitchen and opened the fridge. A black cat was curled up inside next to an empty container of camembert.
“Plagg!”
Plagg shot up. He meowed and darted out of the fridge. Adrien pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Come on. We have to get going.”
Plagg meowed. He jumped onto Adrien’s shoulders. Adrien returned to the living room. Adrien took a moment to listen to the broadcast.
The reporter interviewed random people on the streets about the state of the city. On the Miraculous team, Chat Noir, and their enemy, Papillon. Most were discontent with the state of things. They made demands for the heroes to show some results that isn’t just stopping monsters. Others demanded the heroes leave and take the villain with them.
Adrien snorted. He grabbed the remote but paused. The reporter approached a young woman with long black hair that shone blue in the light. Her attention on a statue of Scarlet Knight, a former hero. She startled and her bluebell eyes widened when approached by the news crew.
“Young lady, would you give us your thoughts on the Miraculous team and the villain they claim to fight?”
“Oh. Um, I don’t have much to say.”
“Nothing?”
“Well, it’s scary what we’re going through. I mean, two years feels like a long time to face this threat. But we can’t do anything except leave our faith in the heroes. Just like my dad says. We need to trust and believe in those who fight for us.”
“And do you believe that?”
“It wavers at times when things get really bad, but I try. It’s all I can do. It’s all we can do.”
The reporter thanked the woman for her time and moved on. Adrien turned off the TV and stared at it.
Plagg meowed. He flicked Adrien’s cheek with his tail.
“Sorry. Just got… distracted. Let’s go.”

~~

Marinette walked through the city. She headed for home after her time in the park. She paused near city hall as a riot brewed. The crowd earned the attention of other onlookers as they screamed and shouted. They all demanded answers to the threat, salvation from the evil butterfly, and for the Ladybug.
Marinette tilted her head. She had heard the people cry for this Ladybug for a few months now. The people cried for it, posters were plastered over the city, and a resistance against the Miraculous team had brewed. She wasn’t sure what this Ladybug was, but she assumed it was like the Miraculous heroes. Each of them was an animal themed hero. The stalwart turtle, Carapace, charming bee, Queen Bee, and their leader, the black cat, Chat Noir. Even if this Ladybug was like them, it made her wonder why it was so important.
The question had been asked many times over the months. Many didn’t have the answer, just theories. The Ladybug was the answer to salvation. The Ladybug would be the force that liberated them. The black cat was inferior to the Ladybug as the black cat only destroys. Then there was the older crowd who said the Scarlet Knight was a ladybug. Although, no one knows for sure if Scarlet Knight was or wasn’t. The only people that ever saw the Scarlet Knight were the criminals she fought. Their accounts weren’t as reliable as the story changed every time.
Even when Marinette’s mother, Sabine, spoke of the Scarlet Knight, it was never the same tale twice. Every version was different just like all the other heroes Sabine told her about. However, there were things that never changed from those stories. The Scarlet Knight was always courageous, selfless, and loving. The Scarlet Knight fought not because she had to, but because she wanted to protect those who couldn’t. Because of that, it made the Scarlet Knight incredible.
Marinette smiled when she remembered the stories. She remembered when she was younger, she wanted to be like the Scarlet Knight. She wanted to be a hero for the people. To always be there when they needed her. It was a fantasy she lived in over and over again, like her friend, Rose, who lived in fairytales. Unlike Rose, she had to wake up and attend reality. She wouldn’t be a hero like Chat Noir and his team. And she wouldn’t be like the Scarlet Knight.
Even though Marinette had to wake up, to live in the real world, that didn’t stop her from dreaming. To be a strong, dependable hero that the people looked up to. To keep them safe so they didn’t have to live in fear. To keep the peace so everyone could live in relative, ignorant bliss. She may be able to achieve some of that, but not in the ways she truly wanted.
Marinette’s Alliance ring buzzed. She looked away from the crowd at it. A screen popped up with her messages. Rose had messaged the group chat with her, Juleka, Alya, and Alix. Rose told them to keep their schedules open tonight. Alya and Alix asked why, but Rose didn’t share, insisting it was a surprise for later. She hummed and sent a thumbs up emoji. She looked at the time and saw it was just past two. She dismissed the screen and hurried back home.

~~

Adrien stepped into work. The staff greeted him as he made his way to the elevator. He paused when he saw Nathalie with a new, familiar face. He called out “Nathalie” and approached.
“Adrien, good to see you. And Plagg.”
Plagg meowed.
“Always happy to see you, Nathalie. Who’s this young lady? I haven’t seen your face before.”
“This is Miss Couffaine. She was just signed on as the newest model for the agency. I took the liberty of volunteering to give her a tour of the building.”
“Please, call me Juleka.”
“Pleased to meet you, Juleka.”
“Likewise, Mister Agreste.”
“Please, Mister Agreste is my father. You may call me Adrien.”
Juleka bowed her head.
“Say, Nathalie, would you mind if I continue the tour? Take the time to get to know our newest addition?”
“You are needed soon for a photo shoot.”
“I don’t see any harm in her shadowing me for that, no?”
“Very well. I’ll see you in ten minutes, Adrien. Don’t be late.”
Adrien and Juleka watched Nathalie leave. Adrien motioned for Juleka to follow as they stepped into an elevator.
“So, I’ll be working with you more it seems.”
“Nervous?”
“Very much so. I’m taking major steps in all aspects of my life. I mean, weren’t you nervous?”
“A long time ago. Although, two years is a long time to work through those nerves.”
“Do they ever get to you now?”
“They do, but I just dust it off. I know what I’m doing and what needs to be done. No matter what the people say.”
“I’m glad we have a leader like you. I don’t think I’d be able to handle the criticism that you get.”
“Well, I’ve heard things like this all my life. I know there’s no real weight to their words. They’re just said to make you feel bad for what you’ve done, or what they believe you failed to do. But if it brings any comfort, with you, we should be able to finally catch Papillon.”
“I hope so. I’m still adjusting to the powers.”
“I know. It’s a major shift. Just take your time. Once you’re ready, we’ll begin the hunt.”
The elevator dinged and doors slid open. People poured into it while Adrien and Juleka stepped out. She followed him down an empty hall to a pair of doors. Nathalie waited outside for them.
“You’re early for once.”
“Nathalie, you wound me. I’ve been early before.”
“In more ways than you might think.”
Adrien snorted while Juleka giggled.
“Get ready you two. We have the photo shoot to do and then someone needs to make an appearance on the news today.”
“I hear you, Nathalie. You ready, Juleka?”
Juleka reached into her vest pocket. She pulled out a small creature with a big head. The creature resembled a mouse. Plagg eyed the mouse and transformed into the same creature. Adrien raised his right hand that had a large silver ring on his ring finger. Juleka pulled out a coin pendent necklace from in her shirt.
“Plagg, claws out.”
“Mullo, get squeaky.”

~~

Marinette sat at the countertop in her parent’s kitchen. She listened to Sabine preparing dinner while she finished her classwork. She closed her laptop once she was done. She stretched as Sabine started setting up for dinner. She gave Sabine a kiss on the cheek, then flipped on the TV.
The news came on. Marinette moved to change the channel but paused when Chat Noir came onto the screen. The reporter interviewed him on the current state of the city. She listened as he reassured the reporter that he and his team were doing everything they could to stop Papillon. He went on to say they had a new member to assist with the task. The crowd behind him erupted into a frenzy and cut off the interview. The people rioted as they cried out for the Ladybug, their savior. The footage cut as Queen Bee’s power was used to pacify the crowd.
“It’s crazy out there, isn’t it, Mom?”
“It is. Hopefully we’ll see an end soon with this new hero.”
“What about this ‘Ladybug?’ I’ve heard people whispering it for a few months now.”
“I have too. Everyone seems to think it’s the answer to salvation, but she’s long gone.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, there was a ladybug hero before Chat Noir and his team. She was the Scarlet Knight.”
“So, she was a ladybug? Like people are saying?”
“She was. A marvel that one. You were lucky if you saw her and weren’t her target.”
“Does that mean you saw the real her?”
“I did once. I was attacked by some muggers. She swooped in a blaze of red and black glory. She was magnificent.”
“No way! What was she like? Did she look anything like her statue?”
“I don’t remember all that well, Mari. It was dark and the only pieces of her that stuck out was the red and silver.”
“Well, what do you remember aside from that?”
Sabine turned off the burners. She moved the food, then sat beside Marinette.
“Let me think. There was the whirl of her yo-yo as she swooped in from above. The whoosh of her cape in the wind. The bright red ladybug emblem on her cape. Her gentle face and bright, purple eyes.”
“Wow. What do you think happened to the Scarlet Knight?”
“I’m not sure. I like to think she grew up. Realized there was more to life than just fighting villains.”
“Do you think she’d ever come back?”
“I don’t think so. Her time has long since passed. There are new heroes to carry the torch.”
“Do you think a new Scarlet Knight will rise?”
“Maybe. It’s hard to say. But that’s not something for us peasants to worry about. You got your classwork done, right?”
“Mom, I’m not in high school anymore. I don’t need to be reminded to do my work.”
“Oh, honey, I know. But that first year you did.”
“It was an adjustment, but I’ve gotten better. I’ve really gotten used to this system. I’m even a few weeks ahead of the lessons. The headaches are even getting better as I understand the material more.”
Sabine hugged Marinette. “I’m glad you’re doing well. We’re so proud of you, dear.”
“Thanks, Mom. Is dinner almost done?”
“It is. Will you get your dad and let him know?”
“Will do.”
Marinette kissed Sabine’s cheek. She turned off the news and headed downstairs. She stepped into the bakery. Tom looked over from the register.
“Hey, kiddo. Dinner almost ready?”
“It is. Do you need any help with closing?”
“I could. Would you watch the register while I clean the back?”
“Sure thing.”
Tom headed to the back. Marinette watched the store as closing drew near. She moved from the register once it was time to lock up. She locked the door as Alya slammed into it. She gasped, then snickered as Alya fell back. Rose and Juleka rushed to help Alya while Alix laughed. She unlocked the door and let them in.
“You know it’s closing time, right, girls?”
“We know. We came for you, girl,” Alya said.
“What? Why?”
“Have you checked your Alliance?” Rose asked.
“No. What’s up?”
“We’re going to go celebrate! Juleka just signed a contract deal to be a model,” Rose announced.
Marinette squealed. They all jumped around Juleka and hugged her.
“Juleka, that’s amazing! What are we doing? Dinner?”
“Yup. My mom has offered to make us something special over at Le Grand Paris. We were also hoping we could get some of the best pastries in all of Paris,” Alya said.
“Well, Dad’s in the back. Could you girls watch the door while I get ready?”
“We got it, girl.”
Marinette headed upstairs. She started towards her room, then headed to the kitchen.
“Hey, Mom, I’m going to head out with the girls.”
“You are? What about dinner?”
“We’re going to celebrate. Juleka just got a modeling deal!”
“That’s amazing, but it is late. Will you girls be safe?”
“We have our Alliances. They’ll inform us if there is a monster attack.”
Sabine frowned. She looked at the silver gadget ring on Marinette’s index finger. She knew they were reliable in delivering that information, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that crawled up her. She took a deep breath.
“Ok. And forgive me, Mari. I know you’re an adult, but please come home immediately after the dinner. I don’t want you out at night.”
Marinette hugged Sabine. “I will. And thank you. I love you.”
“I love you too, Mari. Now, hurry along. Don’t keep your friends waiting.”
Marinette kissed Sabine’s cheek, then hurried to her room. Sabine stood for a moment longer. Dread rose within her that threatened to consume her. She stepped from the kitchen and looked at the door. She ran a thumb over the key she kept under her shirt. Marinette’s door closing broke her thoughts as she turned back to Marinette.
“I’ll see you out, Mari.”
Marinette nodded. They headed downstairs. Marinette joined the girls as they buzzed. Sabine stood beside Tom. She took his hand as she watched the girls. They filed out of the door except for Marinette.
Marinette ran back to her parents and hugged them. “See you after dinner. Love you guys.”
Tom and Sabine hugged Marinette and kissed her cheek. Marinette returned the gesture, then hurried after the girls. Sabine’s smile faded when Marinette was gone. The dread gnawed at her and made her sick.
“Honey? What’s wrong?”
“Tom, I’m scared.”
Tom pulled Sabine into a hug. “They’ll be fine. Marinette’s been safe and those Alliances keep them safer. Besides, the heroes will be out at this hour, right? If one of those vile creatures shows up, they’ll be around to keep her safe.”
Sabine forced a smile. “You’re right. She’s been safe all this time. What would make tonight any different?”
“It’ll be alright. We just need to have faith in our protectors. They haven’t failed us yet after all.”
“Right, faith. That’s all we need. Um, I’m going to finish dinner. See you upstairs soon?”
“Wouldn’t miss it, dear.”
Sabine and Tom shared a kiss before Sabine headed upstairs. She looked to her bedroom door down the hall. The dread chewed at her. She took a deep breath and reassured herself. Marinette would be fine. They would all be fine. Nothing bad would happen.

~~

Papillon sat in a dimly lit room. Her butterfly lights flickered as they moved their wings. She had her hands folded atop her cane with a butterfly light outline around her face. Her creations fluttered about the city in search of a new victim. She tsked at the crop for the night. Nothing felt right to draw out the Ladybug. Maybe something to damage the heroes’ reputation further, but not bring out the Ladybug.
Papillon sighed and switched between her creations. She paused when one landed on the window of an apartment bedroom. She watched the little Chinese woman do a couple double takes to ensure she was alone. She watched as the woman moved to her nightstand and pulled out a jewelry box.
“Alter,” Papillon commanded.
Papillon’s creation twisted and turned invisible. It passed through the window and approached the woman. She opened the jewelry box to reveal a pair of ladybug earrings. Papillon gasped and grinned. There they were, the ladybug earrings. Papillon was close to drawing out the ladybug. Even if it was a fluke, another to the tally.
Papillon searched the woman’s room. She eyed a family portrait of the woman with her husband and only daughter. She recognized the man as Tom Dupain, one of Paris’s top bakers.
“Little Akuma, hear me well. Find one of Tom Dupain’s rivals. Seek their loathed rival and twist their heart. Bring an end to Tom and his wife’s life. However, should the daughter appear, leave her alive. Now, go.”
The Akuma retreated from the room and searched for Tom’s rival.
Papillon grinned. It wouldn’t be long now. Soon, she’d have her wish.

Chapter Text

Sabine finished setting out dinner. She headed for the hallway when she heard a loud thud. She froze. Sounds of a struggle came from the below in the bakery. She stood and listened until the struggle ended. She reached a shaky hand for the door and opened it. She shuffled into the hallway. She opened her mouth, but no words left her. She took small steps downstairs when she heard maniacal laughter.
“What shall we make with the dough? Let’s see, let’s see. What would the people love to taste of their favorite baker?”
Sabine covered her mouth. She recognized the voice of one of Tom’s rivals. She backed up. Her foot hit a bad spot in the stairs, and it squeaked. A black mass barreled through the doorway. She gawked at the butterfly emblem on its chest with a dark purple crystal in the center. She cursed and ran. It grinned and pursued her.
“Where are you going, Sabine? Don’t you want to join your beloved? You would make a delicious treat for all of Paris. Isn’t that what you want?”
Sabine shook her head and fled to her room. She scrambled over the bed to her locked nightstand. She fumbled the key she kept around her neck and unlocked the drawer. She pulled out a small, black jewelry box with her family crest on it. Inside were a pair of ladybug stud earrings. She put them on. A small ladybug creature with a big head materialized.
“Pudding! You look different. How’s-.”
“No time! Tikki, spots-.”
A large fist crashed through the room. The monster charged in and punched Sabine into the wall. She gasped as pain wrecked her body. She cried as she attempted to peel herself from the wall. Tikki gawked at her, then the monster. It paused when a butterfly light appeared around its face. She gritted her teeth and looked to Tikki.
“Tikki, spots on!”
Tikki disappeared into the earrings and transformed Sabine. Her clothes became an elegant red hanfu with black spots with a yo-yo at her side.
Sabine freed herself from the wall. She collapsed as her legs failed to work. She took a painful breath and coughed up blood. The light vanished from the creature, and it laughed. It grabbed her and lifted her up. It reached for her earrings but were repelled by magic.
“Hand them over.”
“So what? You can hand them to Papillon? Never!”
Sabine took her yo-yo. She threw it at the crystal and cracked it. Black smoke seeped from it. The monster snarled and grabbed her head. She flicked her yo-yo at the crystal as it squeezed her skull. The yo-yo missed and smacked its face. She winced at the pressure when it released her. She fell to the ground and looked up. A white kitsune snarled and attacked the monster.
Sabine grabbed her yo-yo and threw it at the monster. It smacked the crystal, shattering it. A butterfly flew from it, and it froze. She watched the butterfly fly around the monster. She took her yo-yo and ran a finger along the center. The yo-yo opened and emitted a white light. She swung it at the butterfly. It caught the butterfly and closed around it.
“Creation.”
Sabine pushed the center of the yo-yo. The butterfly was released, purged of negative energy. The monster reverted to their rival and collapsed. She sighed and rolled onto her stomach.
“Are you alright?” the fox asked.
Sabine blinked. “You… you’re a holder, aren’t you? Will you help me?”
“What do you need? A doctor? The police?”
“My daughter. My little Mari. Please, bring her to me. I don’t have much time left.”
“What does she look like?”
Sabine placed the yo-yo on the floor. She swiped up on it as she spoke the phrase “Creation.” Pink light poured out and surrounded Sabine and the fox.
Memories formed from the light of her time with her family. When she met Tom and falling in love with him. The journey they shared raising their baby girl. Joy and pride swelled in her as she saw her Marinette grow up all over again. All the good and bad, the happy and sad, everything. She smiled and closed her eyes. The fox observed the girl and vanished.
The fox reappeared in the dining hall in Le Grand Paris. It ducked behind some tables as it looked around. It eyed Marinette and her friends celebrating. It ran up and jumped onto Marinette’s lap. She swore and stared at it. Juleka, Rose, and Alix stared at the fox while Alya’s jaw dropped.
“Oh no,” Alya whispered.
“Oh no?” Alix echoed.
“Do you have any idea what that is?” Alya asked.
“Does it have to do with the ‘resistance?’” Rose asked.
“Yes! That’s Volpina!”
“Volpina? The leader?” Alix asked.
Alya nodded. She pulled out her phone and showed the others clips and photos of the white kitsune amongst other types and colors of foxes.
“The white nine-tailed fox is the guardian,”
“And a messenger. And that’s what I bring to this young lady,” Volpina said.
“Me? What’s up?” Marinette asked.
“Hurry home. Your mother has precious moments left.”
Marinette’s face fell. Tears welled in her eyes as she tore from her seat and ran. The girls followed her outside. Marinette and Alix hopped onto their bikes. Alya jumped onto Marinette’s and Juleka and Rose on Alix’s. They tore through the city back to the bakery. They rushed in and stopped dead as they faced the gruesome scene.
The girls stared in horror at the scene in the bakery kitchen. Tom’s corpse was chopped up and thrown around the table. His organs and blood in the giant mixer and his head on display on the register. Marinette shook her head and stepped back. She tripped on a stray body part and fell into a puddle of blood. Bile rose and she threw up her dinner.
Alya knelt and embraced Marinette while she screamed and cried. Rose hid herself in Juleka’s shoulder while Alix seethed.
“What the hell? Why Tom? Where’s Sabine? Where are the fucking heroes?” Alix roared.
Marinette’s head shot up. Sabine. She didn’t see Sabine. She rushed upstairs and saw the destruction. She hurried into Sabine and Tom’s room and stopped. Sabine’s broken body lay in the middle of the ruined room. Pink light swirled with memories around Sabine. She stepped closer and saw Sabine was dressed in a ladybug-themed hanfu. She shook her head and ran to Sabine. She took Sabine into her arms and cradled her.
“Mom? Mom! Please, please, don’t be dead. Please.”
Sabine craned her head and looked at Marinette. “There you are.”
“Mom!”
Marinette clung to Sabine. She wailed and sobbed with relief.
“Mari, listen, please. I don’t have much time.”
Marinette sat up. “What do you mean? Please, no. Don’t leave me!”
“I’m afraid I’ll have too. My injuries are too much. I can’t-.”
Sabine coughed up blood. Marinette screeched and held Sabine tighter.
“I’ll call the emergency services! They’ll get here. They’ll save you!”
Marinette raised her hand to the Alliance. Sabine weakly cupped Marinette’s cheek.
“Please, listen. It’s important, Mari.”
Marinette clutched her fist. She nodded and looked at Sabine.
“The earrings I wear, take them. They are your birthright. As they have been for generations in my family. Please, keep them safe as I and our ancestors have. The great ladybug spirit has entrusted our family and now it falls to you to safeguard her.”
“Is that why-?”
“No. A rival held resentment in his heart. Such bitterness that twisted him into a monster.”
Tears gushed from Marinette’s eyes. Papillon turned a rival into a monster? Allowed him to tear Tom to pieces and injure Sabine? Bile rose as her heart flared with rage. She choked out a scream. Grief twisted her heart with anger.
Alya and Alix joined Marinette. Alya’s heart broke as tears gushed from her eyes. Alix cupped Sabine’s cheek while she held onto Marinette.
Sabine smiled seeing them. “Thank you for being here, girls. Please, take care of her. She’ll need you.”
“No, Mom, please. Stay. Fight. Please!”
“I’m sorry, Mari. I can’t… hold on… any longer.”
“What? No. No! Mom!”
“Tikki… take care of her.”
Marinette cried out as Sabine’s eyes rolled back and body went limp. The dress flew off Sabine’s corpse in specks of white light. It formed together into Tikki. They stared at each other with tear filled eyes.
“Tikki?”
“I am. Marinette?”
“I am. What… what are you?”
“I am a kwami.”
“Kwami?”
“Yes. I grant powers to mortals like your kind.”
“Powers like the heroes? Like Chat Noir, Carapace, and Queen Bee?”
“I don’t know who they are, but I know I did for your mother and every other first daughter of your family.”
“How come I never knew?”
“It’s… complicated. I’ll explain later, I promise.”
“I see. So, what now?”
“Now the earrings and I fall to you. What you do with it is your choice.”
Marinette ran a thumb over the earrings Sabine wore. She bowed her head, then put Sabine on the ground. She removed the earrings and put them on. She placed a kiss on Sabine’s forehead, then dialed the police.
“Hello, state your emergency.”
Marinette opened her mouth, but no words came out. Alya and Alix exchanged glances, then nodded.
“There’s been an attack at the Dupain-Cheng bakery. The attacker has been neutralized, but there have been casualties,” Alya said.
“Understood. We’ll be paging one of the Miraculous members to-.”
Marinette gritted her teeth. “What good will that do? They’ve already been killed by whatever came through here. They failed!” Marinette roared.
There was a long silence.
“Understood. Can you give me your location? I’ll have the emergency services dispatched in place of the heroes.”
“12 Rue Gotlib, 21st arrondissement,” Alya answered.
“Thank you. Sit tight. We will be there soon to assess the damages and collect the remains.”
The operator ended the call. Marinette stared into the darkness. Minutes passed before Alya and Alix guided her out of the bakery. They shielded her eyes from Tom’s corpse and got her outside. They placed her down outside the door while they grouped up with Juleka and Rose. She glanced over at them and stared at them while they discussed the next steps.
Tikki phased through the walls and joined Marinette. She sat on Marinette’s shoulder and looked at the sky.
“I’m sorry about tonight, Marinette.”
“You didn’t do anything.”
“I know, but I wanted to say something. This is never easy. No matter how many times you see it.”
“Have you seen it a lot?”
“I have. I am as old as existence itself. The very first of my kind. I’ve seen such atrocities throughout the eons. So, I have to ask, what will you do?”
“What could I even do?”
“Anything. I blessed your family with me. The greatest of my kind, rivaled only by the black cat. It just falls to you what you want to do.”
“I don’t know even know right now, Tikki. I just lost my parents. My father is torn apart like he was being prepared to be cooked. My mother barely spared that fate because of you, but still died. What am I even supposed to want? For everything to go back to normal? To pretend this all a bad dream? Is that even possible?”
“It isn’t it. Not without a miracle.”
“That’s what I thought. So, what now? Just pick up the shattered remains of my life? Carry on and mark this as a casualty of war?”
“You can, unless you want to be like your ancestors.”
“And what were they like?”
“Bold, fierce, unyielding. They were the first and last defense for your people. The Cheng’s safeguarded those who couldn’t and brought blessings of good luck. They created something new from the destruction to give others hope. The greatest were my holders, the first daughters.”
“Did they ever face threats like Papillon?”
“Yes. Some of your ancestors had to face other holders. They always rose and defeated them. Except the black cat, of course. There is never a winner between creation and destruction.”
“How? Wouldn’t destruction win every time?”
“You’d think, but not always. Just be lucky the black cat isn’t your enemy in this.”
“I wouldn’t say that, Tikki.”
“What do you mean?”
“He failed. They all failed. The heroes that were supposed to protect the people failed. They allowed a monster to slip into my home, kill my parents, and they didn’t even show up at all. They would need to be paged to come here. What fucking good are they if they can’t keep the people safe?”
Fresh tears fell from Marinette’s eyes. Contempt and bitterness clawed at her. They tore her apart as a ravenous thirst rose from the void. It had a vile, bittersweet taste but it felt comforting. Tikki reached up and wiped away Marinette’s tears.
“Why don’t we show them what being a hero really means?”
“What?”
“Take up your birthright, Marinette. You are a Cheng. You come from a long line of women who fought for those who couldn’t. You can be a hero to these people. Bring an end to Papillon and liberate the city. You can be their hope, their savior.”
“I want to, but I have no knowledge of how to use the powers you offer.”
“I will teach you. Just as I taught the first of your ancestors.”
“Are there any conditions?”
Sirens cut Tikki off. Marinette glanced over as emergency vehicles rolled up to the bakery. Tikki transformed into a ladybug and hid behind Marinette. Paramedics rushed her to an ambulance. The police and firefighters rushed into the building and questioned the girls. She was assessed for injuries and checked off when they didn’t find any. As the paramedics ran to join the others inside, Chat Noir landed in the area. She snarled and glared at him as he sauntered through the area.
“Evening, chief. What’s the situation?” Chat Noir asked.
“Monster attack. Earlier than usual. Usually Papillon likes to respect meal times,” the chief remarked.
“Damages?”
“The complex is a little battered, but two lives were lost. Tom and Sabine Dupain-Cheng. They’ll be missed. They were good people,” the chief lamented.
Chat Noir grunted. “What of the monster?”
“Neutralized.”
“How?”
“Not your doing? Well, looks like you’ve got some competition, Noir. About time too.”
Chat Noir snorted. “Whatever. If the monster is handled, I’ll be leaving.”
Chat Noir turned to leave, but paused. He stared at Marinette, who glared at him with eyes full of hatred and loss. She was the same girl from the news report earlier. The one that had faith in them. Guilt tugged at him at her turn of fortune. He turned away to leave, but paused as he felt her eyes burn into him. He sighed and approached her.
“How are you holding up, ma’am?”
Marinette remained silent.
“I’m sorry for your loss. If there’s anything I could do to-.”
Marinette snarled. She jumped to her feet and punched Chat Noir’s gut. She winced and swore. It felt like she was punching a brick wall.
“I hate you. You were supposed to protect us. That’s your job.”
Chat Noir sighed. “Miss, please understand. It’s unfortunate what happened to your parents, but we can’t save everyone. I am truly sorry.”
“Save your hollow words for the next fool in line. They won’t change the fact that this is all your fault. You and your worthless team!”
“Please, understand the monster was Papillon’s-.”
“No fucking shit. Who else has been creating monsters from our darkest emotions? Unless you heroes have been created Papillon as a desperate claim to fame.”
“We haven’t. We plan on capturing him soon.”
“You’ve been saying that for two years now and nothing has changed! All you and your kind do is soak up the adoration and parade yourselves around like fucking show ponies.”
“Young lady, what we do is for the city. I’m-.”
“What you do is for yourselves! But what else do we expect from the cat of destruction. Maybe if we had the Ladybug, we wouldn’t be living in such fear. Maybe we wouldn’t lose loved ones because of your carelessness!”
Chat Noir glared down at Marinette. His ears pinned back, and tail lashed about. Marinette snarled and glared back at him. Juleka stared towards Marinette but was cut off as Alya and Alix rushed forward.
“Piss off, alley cat! This is all your fault! You want to be heroes? Then perhaps you should fucking act like it instead of selling your souls and bodies to companies for pointless fame and prestige!” Alix roared.
“What makes you think-?”
“Fuck off, bitch boy! Take your hollow sympathies and toss them in the dumpster around back. Feel free to throw yourself out while you’re at it, mangy stray,” Alix snarled.
“Enough! We’ve all had a long night. Everyone. Take a breath, now,” Alya commanded.
Alix snorted but backed off. Chat Noir stared at Alya, then sighed.
“Forgive me. I believe we got off on the wrong foot.”
“Stuff your apologies. I don’t want to hear it,” Marinette sneered.
“Mari, enough,” Alya warned.
“Not before this mangy beast runs off to rummage through the garbage.”
“Mari!”
“You don’t need to worry, young lady. Her words don’t bother me. She’s only saying them out of hurt. Little ankle-biter is all bark and no bite,” Chat Noir remarked.
“Not when the Ladybug was mentioned,” Marinette pointed out.
Chat Noir growled. His ears pinned back, tail lashed, and he growled. Alya grimaced as she shook her head. Marinette met his glare with a sneer.
“Face it, beast, you failed. The people that depended on you are fed up with your bullshit. They demand freedom. They demand the Ladybug. She will be our savior. Not you, hairball of devastation.”
Chat Noir closed his eyes. Marinette glared at him. Despite his mask, she could sense his anger. Fear crept through her, but it was drowned away by her anger and grief.
“Did I strike a nerve, cat? Maybe you should do us all a favor and step down. Let the ladybug take over before you cause more harm.”
“Yeah. Stick at what you’re good at, a pretty boy model for the people to drool over,” Alix added.
Chat Noir’s eyes shot open. His pupils were narrowed into slits. “Even if this fabled Ladybug shows up, I won’t. I’ve served this city for two years, leading the heroes that safeguard it. I’m not about to give that up for some girl just because her parents died. I’ve heard stories like yours a thousand times over. Get over it.”
Marinette’s eyes widened. Alya’s jaw dropped, and Alix sneered. Chat Noir glared at Marinette.
“I’ll ruin you.”
“What?”
“I’ll topple the team you’ve built. Show how utterly insignificant you were from the start. I’ll give the people something to hope for instead of a glorified sex icon. I’ll even bring down Papillon in half the time you haven’t.”
Chat Noir laughed. Marinette glared at him while he guffawed. She clenched her fists as she seethed. He took a breath and looked at her.
“Oh, Kitten, I wish you all the luck in your endeavors. Perhaps I’ll soon read your obituary in the paper with your parents.”
Marinette and Alix flipped off Chat Noir and left. They each headed to their bikes with Alya behind them. She would keep to her word. She would be the hero the people desired. The hero that she always dreamed she’d be. For her ancestors, her parents, and herself.

Chapter Text

Marinette and Alya arrived at Nino’s apartment. Marinette parked her bike and headed up. They stepped inside and found Nino chilling on the couch. He pulled his headphones off and smiled.
“Evening, ladies. How was dinner?”
“Cut short,” Alya answered.
Nino’s smile fell. “What happened?”
Marinette grunted and headed out to the balcony. Nino scratched his cheek as he joined Alya in the kitchen.
“So, what happened?”
“Tom and Sabine are dead.”
Nino froze. Tears fell freely from his eyes. Alya paused. She put the ice cream down and hugged him. They both mourned Tom and Sabine.
“What happened?”
“A monster attacked. Killed them both. Well, killed Tom. Sabine died from her injuries.”
“What about the monster? Was it taken care of?”
“It was, by Sabine.”
“What?”
“This stays between us, ok? No telling your boy toy.”
Nino laughed through the tears. “You know you always come first, babe. You wish it, I grant it.”
Alya raised a brow. “Sabine had the ladybug earrings and now Marinette does.”
“Oh? Oh. Well, that is… something.”
“No telling.”
“I won’t. Uh, but how is he?”
“Angry. He faced off against Alix and Mari.”
Nino grimaced. “You won’t mind if I check on him?”
“You probably should. Well, you or Chloe. Or both.”
“Good idea. I’m going to message her. You got Mari?”
Alya lifted the ice cream and pair of spoons. Nino gave a thumbs up and ran out. Alya sighed and headed out onto the balcony.
Marinette sat on the balcony. She stared at her Alliance’s screen. A flurry of messages flooded it. Her extended family had already been informed of the incident by City Hall. She ignored most of her family’s half-hearted words, except for Sabine’s brothers. They didn’t show as much concern for Sabine as they did over Tikki. They peppered her with questions about the earrings. This sparked fighting between them. She rolled her eyes and put the Alliance down.
“Hey,” Alya said.
“Hey,” Marinette said weakly.
“How’s it going?”
“The families know.”
“And?”
“Everyone’s fighting. Well, Mom’s family is.”
Alya grimaced. She took a seat and gave Marinette a spoon. “Why are they fighting?”
“Me,” Tikki answered.
“Oh. They know?”
Tikki nodded. She tilted her head and eyed the ice cream. “May I have some?”
Alya smiled. Alya opened the carton and offered a spoonful to Tikki. Tikki grinned and happily ate it. Marinette took some but ate a small portion while she gave the rest to Tikki. They sat in silence until Marinette’s Alliance rang. She raised her hand and saw it was Luka calling. She immediately accepted the call. Relief warmed her heart seeing his face.
“Luka?”
“Nette? Are you ok? Juleka told me what happened.”
Fresh tears fell from Marinette’s eyes. “No, I’m not. I just lost my parents all because of those stupid heroes. They have one job that they couldn’t even be bothered to do.”
Luka grimaced. “Hold on. Let me get somewhere a little more private.”
Marinette watched as Luka made his way through a room of crowded people. A small box popped up in the corner. She glanced at it, seeing the messages from Sabine’s family. She was about to dismiss it when a new number appeared. Everyone else in the group stopped and allowed the new person to talk.
Marinette opened the messages and saw the newcomer was her grandmother, Xiu. She watched Xiu’s slow responses. Xiu sent her sympathies and invited Marinette to their home to put Sabine to rest. Marinette considered what to do. Sabine and Tom never shared what they wanted done with their bodies with her. She wasn’t sure what could be done with Tom’s given the state she found him in. She believed it was better to have what remains of him cremated. For Sabine, perhaps it was better to have her returned to her homeland. To be put to rest with all their ancestors.
“Nette? Are you there?”
Marinette returned to the call. “I’m here.”
“Sorry about that. So, what are you going to do now, Nette?”
“I don’t know. My grandmother just offered to fly me out to the ancestral home to put Mom to rest.”
Tikki squeaked and appeared in the call. Luka swore while Tikki beamed.
“Grandmother? As in Xiu? Scarlet? She’s alive?” Tikki asked.
“Yes. Wait, Scarlet?”
“Uh huh. I give all my holders cute little names. Scarlet is Xiu while Pudding was Sabine. I haven’t come up one for you just yet, but I will.”
“What is that?” Luka asked.
“Huh? Oh. This is Tikki, a kwami,” Marinette said.
“Pleased to meet you, Luka, was it?” Tikki asked.
“Yeah. Pleasure to meet you, Tikki,” Luka said.
“And I you. So, Marinette, when are we heading home?”
“Do you mean Xiu’s invitation? I don’t know,” Marinette said.
“But this will be good. You told that mean cat holder that you’d show him what a real hero was. Xiu can show you that.”
“Wait, what happened?”
Marinette shared the details of what happened.
“I think you should do it,” Alya remarked.
“Alya?”
“Look, not that I’m trying to support what you and Alix were doing or feed into your grudges, but maybe there’s a point to what the resistance has been saying. For two years, we’ve all suffered. The black cat was thought to be our savior, but he’s done nothing. Maybe with the ladybug, we can finally have peace. With you we can have peace. And maybe, just maybe, we can finally stop living each moment in fear. Maybe we could-.”
Alya trailed off and broke down. She dropped the ice cream as she sobbed. Marinette embraced Alya as they cried. Tikki watched the pair as she ate the dropped ice cream.
“I’m just so tired of this. I’m tired of the fear and death. Of all the needless losses. And now we lost Tom and Sabine. I just want this all to end.”
Marinette hummed. She looked to Tikki, then nodded. She switched her screen over to her messages and accepted Xiu’s invitation but expressed the lack of funds for a trip. Xiu reassured Marinette that she’d pay for the trip, she’d just need Marinette’s information. Marinette gave everything Xiu needed for the purchase of the ticket. Xiu thanked Marinette and expressed her interest in seeing her soon.
“And it’ll end. I’m going to meet with Xiu. Tikki, will she train me?”
“She surely will. Oh! What if I got you a team? The cat has a team. You could have a team.”
“A team? But I don’t-,” Marinette started.
“I’ll help,” Alya declared.
“Me too,” Luka added.
“What? No, I can’t ask you guys that.”
“And you weren’t asking,” Alya said.
“We’re offering,” Luka continued.
“And we’re here for you. Alix as well. We’ll be your team. And you know Rose and Juleka will help too. We’ll be in this together. What do you say?”
Marinette considered and nodded. “Let’s do it. Let’s put an end to this nightmare.”
“Yay! When do we leave?” Tikki asked.
“Soon, I hope. Perhaps I should-,” Marinette started.
Marinette’s Alliance buzzed. She had received a confirmation of a plane ticket purchase. She read the information and the plane would be leaving in a few hours.
“Actually, we leave now,” Marinette stated.
“Now?” Alya asked.
“Xiu wastes no time. Just as I remember her,” Tikki reminisced.
“Right. Alya, could you take me?” Marinette asked.
Alya nodded.
Marinette turned to Luka. “I have to go. See you soon, I hope?”
“Count on it, Nette.”
Marinette blew a kiss and Luka caught it. She giggled, then hung up the call. She smiled softly at the warmth in her chest. It was pleasant, but fleeting as the sorrow and anger took over.
“Ready?” Alya asked.
“Yes. Let’s go.”

~~

Volpina sat in a dark room. No light was allowed in save for the purple pulsing of her suit. She stared out through her illusions as she looked for any sign of Papillon. She had found a few butterflies, but nothing unusual. She cursed as she switched between her illusions. She paused when she saw a curious sight.
A woman walked through the night wrapped in a dark cloak. The woman headed for the Dupain-Cheng bakery. She tailed the woman, keeping her illusion out of sight. She slipped it into the bakery where a group of cops finished collecting the evidence and the bodies. The woman stepped into the bakery and was confronted by the cops.
The cops attempted to escort the woman out, but she refused to budge. The others joined and grabbed her. She refused to move as they tore off her cloak. Dark, sinister fairy wings appeared from her back as the cops stared in horror.
The woman wore a purple-black leotard, gloves, bracers, stockings, and high-heeled boots. Magenta lines ran along the clothes that pulsed like Volpina’s own decals. Silver butterfly guards protected her knees, ankles, and elbows. A ballgown sheer skirt swayed around her that scarcely touched the ground. Her skin was an alien lilac that had Akumas crawling all over. The Akumas bunched around her face, concealing the right side and mouth. She glowered at the cops with her single dead purple eyes with black sclera.
The cops armed themselves and aimed at the woman. She raised her hand as a silver cane appeared. She twisted it and it transformed into a stiletto dagger. Volpina gasped and sent her illusion in. The fox charged for her, but she flew out of the way. She slashed each of the cops’ chests at their hearts. The fox reared its head as Akumas flew from her body and squirmed into the gashes.
Volpina screamed out. The cops’ bodies spasmed and shook. Their veins bulged and turned purple. Their bones cracked and snapped. Limbs contorted and knotted. A few of the bodies bubbled and boiled, then burst into a shower of black blood. The remaining few let out an inhuman screech before they dropped down dead.
Volpina took several deep breaths. A small whine escaped her as bile rose to her throat. She got to her feet and stumbled for the door.
“Trixx, reveal.”
Lila tripped and fell. She crawled to the wall and used it to help herself up.
“Kit? Are you ok?” Trixx asked.
“What the hell was all that?” Lila hissed.
“Looked like Papillon is experimenting again.”
“Fuck that was vile though. What goes on in that bitch’s head?”
Trixx shrugged.
Lila got to her feet as another wave of nausea hit her. She made it to the restroom as she threw up. She groaned and fell to the floor. She curled up as the imagery ran through her head. She fought a losing fight when she heard a familiar, shrill voice.
“Lila? Sweetie, are you here?” Chloe called.
“Hide!” Lila hissed.
Trixx flew to Lila’s shoulder and transformed into a fox tattoo on her back.
Lila sighed. The imagery dulled as she listened to the click of heels. A certain comfort washed over her as the clicks grew louder, then silence.
Chloe rushed in and cradled Lila. “Lila! What happened? You look pale. Are you sick? Flu season is just starting. Is it the flu?”
“Maybe,” Lila fibbed.
“I’m taking you to the hotel. Pollen, buzz on.”
A bee kwami appeared and disappeared into Chloe’s hair comb. Chloe’s turquoise tank top, skinny jeans, and strappy heels transformed into a black-striped yellow skintight suit with a skirt cape. Fur cuffed the top of her gloves and boots, belt, skirt, and created a big, floofy collar. Her long blonde hair curled at the end into big curls like a round honeycomb. Her face completely covered with a yellow and black mask with dark gray over the eyes.
“My Queen, please, I’ll be fine,” Lila insisted.
Queen Bee shook her head and picked up Lila. “There’s been one attack already tonight. Earlier than usual. There could very well be another.”
Lila feigned surprise. “Ma dai! Where?”
“The Dupain-Cheng bakery. The owners were killed.”
“Mamma mia.”
“Exactly. And that’s why I’m taking you to the hotel. You’ll be safer there.”
Lila sighed in defeat. “As you wish, my Queen.”
Queen Bee nuzzled Lila’s cheek and headed for the hotel. Lila sighed as she watched the city below fly by. They passed by the Dupain-Cheng bakery and Lila eyed the cop cars sitting outside.
“Why are the cops still there? Shouldn’t they have left by now?” Lila asked.
Queen Bee did a double take. “That’s odd. I’ll check it out after I drop you off. I need to see Chat Noir tonight.”
Lila scoffed. “What tantrum did he have now?”
“Not a tantrum.”
“Then what is his problem this time?”
“He had all his buttons pushed because he can’t keep his mouth shut.”
Lila laughed. “Stupid cat.”
“Hey! He’s doing his best. He’s led us well for these past two years. He may not be perfect, but at least he’s doing something. Can the rest of the city say the same? Would you all rather he just not be around so the monsters can level the city and kill everyone?”
Lila crossed her arms. “It would be better if we had the Ladybug.”
Queen Bee sighed. “I’m not getting into this argument again. I’m dropping you off at the hotel, then heading back out. Understood?”
“Fine, just don’t keep me waiting too long,” Lila purred.
Queen Bee rolled her eyes and continued to the hotel.

Chapter Text

Adrien sat on his couch and stared angrily at the TV. He had on a news report, but he didn’t listen to it. His mind was stuck on the encounter with the girl, Mari. He stewed on her words lashed out in anger and sorrow. A new wound cut him deep as the conversation played on repeat. He hated this. It had been two years and no one had gotten under his skin like this. Sure the very mention of the Ladybug pissed him off, but not like when she brought it up.
Adrien huffed as he sunk down and crossed his arms. What was so special about the Ladybug anyway? What made the people think it could be their savior? How could it have anymore luck dealing with Papillon that he hadn’t already? As far as he was concerned, the Ladybug wasn’t anymore special than the rest of them. Sooner or later the people would recognize this and see their error. He just had to bide his time.
“Yo! How’s it going, my dude?” Nino exclaimed.
Adrien jumped off the couch onto the floor. “Nino? What the hell? Can’t you see a bro is deep in thought?”
Nino chuckled. “Why else do you think I did it?”
Adrien muttered under his breath and sat back on the couch. “What brings you here?”
Nino took a seat adjacent to Adrien. “Oh, nothing special. I only just heard of you facing off against a savage redhead and a feisty heartbroken girl.”
“Who told you?”
“Alya. Who else? She was there after all.”
Adrien wracked his brain. “Was she the one with the ombre mane of hair? Dark-skinned with glasses.”
“That’s the one. That’s my Alya.”
“Right. Well, I don’t want to talk about it.”
“C’mon, dude. You can’t stay holed up in your head. Especially now that Dr. Nino is in. Come, step into my office, tell me about it. How are you feeling?”
“Nino, I’m not-.”
Nino shot Adrien a look.
Adrien groaned and laid out on the couch. “I’m angry about the whole thing. I can’t stop thinking about what she said. How I should just leave and let the Ladybug take over. Then had the gall to say I failed, that we’re nothing but show ponies, and that I should ‘stick to what I’m good at.’ Can you believe that?”
“I can. I mean, Mari is hurt. She literally lost her parents. Tom, the most kind-hearted, warm, welcoming man that knew how to bake a mean croissant. And… and Sabine….”
Adrien furrowed his brow. He sat up and saw Nino crying.
“It’s not fair. They didn’t deserve this, and we could have done something. I should have been out there. I should have been on patrol sooner than normal. Maybe I could have saved them. Maybe they’d still be alive.”
Adrien stood and moved beside Nino. “What’s wrong?”
“I just… I’m going to miss them. They were the best people in this entire city. They welcomed everyone with a smile and open arms. They were more than Mari’s parents, they were all our parents. There to listen to us, to always guide us. Always there to held show the way or be a shoulder to cry on.”
“You loved them, didn’t you?” Adrien asked.
“I did. I loved walking into the bakery to the smell of fresh pastries. Seeing Tom’s jolly, big grin as he commanded the area, offering his heart to everyone. And there was Sabine who you could never hide anything from. She’d always see through you like glass and have a heart-to-heart. She actually is why I turned around so much as a hero.”
“What do you mean?”
“I… I had told her everything when she saw I was troubled a year ago.”
“Nino! What the hell?”
Nino chuckled softly. “There was no point in hiding it from her of all people. And I’ll never forget the look in her face when I did. There was such a painful understanding that I hadn’t expected. It was like she knew the burden I carried or had some idea of it. She actually helped me out by training me. You wouldn’t think it looking at her, but woman could pack a punch. Even after a year of training, I still couldn’t hold a candle to her. She really was something.”
Nino stared at the wall. More tears fell from his eyes as there was a certain fondness in his eyes.
Adrien frowned as irritation flared. “So, what? You think this excuses that girl’s outburst? That it justifies her acting so rudely?”
Nino blinked and looked at Adrien. “Of course, not, but it helps to understand.”
“Understand what? That she’s no different than the others before her that have lost loved ones? That it doesn’t matter what she said, that’s the matter of the fact.”
Nino furrowed his brow. “Mari’s words really got under your skin, didn’t they?”
“What? No! C’mon, man. I’ve been doing this for two years. If no one has bothered me before, then what makes you think this girl changes anything?”
“He’s lying,” Plagg’s voice echoed.
Adrien stiffened, then heel turned. “Quiet, Plagg! No one asked you.”
“If that were the case, then I’d never speak at all,” Plagg remarked.
“Care to fill in then, Plagg?” Nino asked.
“I told you he was lying. What more do you want?”
Nino rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Anyway, dude, it’s ok. We all have days like that. We’ve all learned to stand tall, but even we get knocked down. You may be our leader, but you’re not invincible. It’s ok.”
Adrien slowly shook his head. “What? No, it’s not. I can’t falter. I can’t be weak. I can’t let the world see my heart bleed. I have to be strong, always. I always have to be perfect.”
“I know, but I wish you didn’t have to be. I wish you could allow yourself those vulnerabilities, dude. To see that you’re not a machine, but a human being like the rest of us.”
Adrien looked away and remained silent. The silence hovered between them was broken when Queen Bee rushed in.
“Guys, we have a problem.”
Adrien scoffed. “Great. What now?”
“The Dupain-Cheng bakery was attacked again.”
Adrien and Nino exchanged glances. They transformed and followed Queen Bee to the bakery. A new swarm of cop cars surrounded the place. They landed by the front door as Chat Noir approached the chief.
“What happened?” Chat Noir demanded.
“We’d like to know the same thing. We left the boys here to finish gathering the evidence and the bodies, only to get a call from Queen Bee about all this. Now I’ve got more dead bodies, and it appears that the victims’ bodies are completely missing!” the chief yelled.
Carapace stepped forward. “Wait, Tom and Sabine’s bodies are gone? How? Where could they have gone?”
“Your enemy stole them,” Volpina’s distorted voice answered.
Chat Noir snarled. “Show yourself, coward!”
Purple light hovered over the register counter that formed into Volpina. She wore a black bodysuit. Her suit was highlighted with bright purple lights that ran up and down her body and cloth fox tail. Her torso and inner thighs were a gray as was the tip of her tail with a hint of white. She wore a Japanese fox mask that was decorated with the same lights on her suit.
“Evening, stupid cat,” Volpina purred.
“What do you know about what happened here?” Chat Noir demanded.
“Why should I tell any of you? You haven’t done anything useful with the information I’ve provided in the past. So, why should I?”
“We’re on the same side,” Carapace pointed out.
Volpina laughed. “That doesn’t mean I’ll be working with you. Not when you are all utterly incompetent.”
Queen Bee moved between the boys and Volpina. “Enough! This isn’t the time for bickering. Volpina, please, I know we aren’t on good terms, but any information can be helpful. I mean, I’ve never seen anything like this and would like to know what happened. Please.”
Volpina considered and sighed. “He was here. Your enemy.”
The heroes exchanged glances.
“Wait. You don’t mean, Papillon himself, do you?” the chief asked.
Volpina nodded.
“Did he kill my men?”
“He did. A slice to the chest allowed Akumas to fly straight to the heart.”
The chief cursed. “And Papillon?”
“Who knows,” Volpina whispered.
“I’m going to patrol the city. Maybe he’s still out there,” Queen Bee announced. She ran out before anyone could breathe a word.
“I’m going to join her,” Chat Noir said and left.
Carapace let out a sigh and looked around.
“Everything ok, son?” the chief asked.
“Uh, chief? I knew the family and their daughter. Am really good friends with her. Would you mind if I gathered her things? She’s staying with me and my girl.”
The chief patted Carapace on the back. “I didn’t see you.”
Carapace bowed his head and ran up into the apartment above. He came to a dead stop seeing the destruction down the hall. He crept closer and peered inside. His heart dropped into his stomach seeing the Sabine-sized indent in the wall. He covered his mouth as he felt bile rise up. He stepped closer and inspected the indent. He pressed his hand in it as fresh tears fell behind his mask.
“I couldn’t protect you. I’m sorry,” Carapace whispered.
Carapace knelt and offered a prayer. He took a shaky breath and stood. He moved to leave when he kicked the jewelry box across the floor. He rushed to scoop it up as a necklace with a tiny red pendant fell out from it. He picked up the necklace and inspected it. The pendant was half of the yin yang symbol with the string looped through the hole in the symbol. He wasn’t sure what it was supposed to be, but he put it back into the box.
Carapace left the room and headed into the living area. He staggered as a new pain hit him. He looked around as memories played out before him. All the years he sent with the girls and the Dupain-Chengs. The blissful days of laughter and mirth to the worst days imaginable. There was always somewhere for him to retreat to. To feel safe and welcome no matter what came. Now it was all gone. Stolen away from him. From all of them.
Carapace took a breath and headed up into Marinette’s room. He grabbed a couple backpacks from her closet and gathered important items. Her art supplies, sketchbooks, laptop, and chargers. He readied to head back downstairs when his eye caught something. He climbed up onto her bed and saw a homemade plushie of a woman in a ladybug style knight outfit that reminded him of the statue of Scarlet Knight. He smiled and held onto the doll, not wanting to squish it.
Carapace headed back into the hall. He turned to leave but paused. He looked back at Tom and Sabine’s room and considered. He reentered it and searched the rubble. He discovered old photo albums and Marinette’s baby book within the wreckage. He placed them all in the remaining backpack and looked around. He didn’t find anything else until he checked the other nightstand. There was a false panel and underneath was the collection of Tom’s recipes. He scooped it up and held it with the doll. He did a double take, found nothing more, then headed home.
Carapace stood near his apartment. He disappeared into an alley, de-transformed, and headed inside. He headed up into his apartment. He smiled, expecting to see the girls, but it was empty. He pulled out his phone and saw a message from Alya explaining that Marinette would be leaving to visit family.
Nino frowned, a touch disappointed. He shook it off and headed into the spare bedroom. He carefully placed Marinette’s things on the bed. He took one last look at them before he shut the door.

~~

Chloe returned to her room in the hotel after a long patrol. Neither she nor Chat Noir found any trace of Papillon. Disappointment tore through her that mingled with rage. She was so close to finding Papillon. They could have put an end to everything. They would have saved the city, but he was just gone.
Chloe stepped into her dark room. She moved for the lights but stopped. She eyed Lila passed out on her bed. She smiled and approached Lila as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. She sat on the bed and watched Lila for a moment before her eyes were drawn to the fox tattoo on Lila’s back.
Chloe sighed and curled up beside Lila. It was no secret to her who Lila really was. She had known for a while, even if Lila believed she was in the dark. Long had she considered taking up arms with Volpina. To work beside her heart and do something, but she always stopped herself. As dear as Lila was, she couldn’t turn her back on Adrien, who was always there for her. When the world turned against her, he was all she had. They were there for each other and she couldn’t abandon him. Even so, her faith wavered.
Chloe was done. She wanted this endless war to finally end. She was tired of seeing the people suffer. She was sick of the numerous casualties lost to Papillon. She didn’t want to fight anymore. She just wanted to live a peaceful life with her Lila. For them to not be on opposing sides of this war. For them, and everyone, to finally be free.
Chloe clung to Lila. How many more days would she have to face the enraged public? How many more months would she witness utter destruction? How many years before there was nothing left of her home? How many more times would she have to convince herself that an end was near? How many times will she have to stomp out her disappointment as the war raged on?
Chloe sobbed quietly, not wanting to wake Lila. She clung to Lila as she lamented everything. She was startled slightly as Lila shifted. She grimaced, fearing she had woken Lila up, but Lila rolled over on top of her. She puffed out her cheeks in annoyance as Lila’s heavy body weighed on her. She shook the annoyance and urge to push Lila off, instead cuddling Lila. A few more tears fell before she fell asleep listening to the steady beat of Lila’s heart.

~~

Papillon worked away in her dimly lit workshop. She sewed Tom’s body back together as Akumas slipped in under his skin. A sadistic grin spread as she watched the butterflies’ wings flutter under the skin as they spread throughout the body. Once she finished sewing it back up, shadow enveloped his body that wrapped him in a chrysalis. She proudly placed it on the ceiling opposite another cocoon.
Papillon moved onto Sabine’s corpse. She twirled her cane and transformed it into a carving knife. She carefully cut along the major blood vessels to the heart. She created a large kaleidoscope of butterflies that swarmed around her and Sabine. She took a sharp breath as they infested Sabine’s corpse, forcing the cuts closed. Shadows enveloped the body in another chrysalis. She placed Sabine’s cocoon next to the one opposite Tom’s.
Papillon looked at the first cocoon as it pulsed. She smiled softly and ran a hand along it. “I know, I know. You’ve been ready for a long time. You’re ready to emerge and show your new wings to the world. But just a little more time yet. When the time is right, you will be able to show the world what your love did to cause all this. Just a little more time.”
The pulsing of the cocoon faded. Papillon snickered and headed to leave. She paused to gaze upon her creations. Smug, sick satisfaction filled her as she smirked and left.

Chapter Text

Marinette arrived at the Cheng family estate. She was greeted by her uncles in the reception room. They showed her to her quarters in a separate wing of the compound from the main house. She settled in before she met Xiu in the garden. She found Xiu in a small pavilion near a fishpond. She greeted Xiu, shaking her hand, then took a seat. Tikki sat on her head as Xiu addressed them.
“A pleasure to see you, Marinette. A shame we must meet under these circumstances.”
“It is.”
“How’ve you been in light of these dark circumstances?”
“I am struggling. The departure of my parents has been difficult to cope with.”
“I know all too well. I did not witness my parent’s deaths in such a way, but no matter how they go, it is never an easy thing to process. Please, do tell what happened to them. I want the truth from you, Mar-Mar.”
“They were murdered by a monster created by a rogue holder that goes by Papillon. The monster was my father’s business rival. He met a worser fate than Mom, who spared herself the worse of it thanks to Tikki.”
“It eases me a little to hear Sabine accept Tikki, even if in her final moments.”
“I was wondering, why exactly? Mom never mentioned anything about her family. Just a little in passing.”
“I can’t imagine she would have. Sabine wasn’t the strongest of daughters. She had failed to be what she needed to be. To represent the family as she was meant to. Because of her weakness, she ran away with the assistance of Tikki, bringing shame to the family face.”
“Tikki? What did you do?” Marinette asked.
“I gave her my blessing for her to go wherever she pleased. And the means to do so.”
“But not you?”
“Correct. I remained with Scarlet as I was still hers. I remained with her a little while longer before she decided to hand me over to Pudding.”
“It is as Tikki says. I decided it was time to pass Tikki along. Despite Sabine’s own views on her heritage and our traditions, I would not see Tikki remain with me longer than she was supposed to. We had tracked her to Paris. There I took the mantle of Scarlet Knight until I found her.”
“Wait, you were the Scarlet Knight?”
“I was once, but not anymore. Not once I gave the earrings to Sabine.”
“I see. So, why give Tikki to Mom?”
“Because of tradition, Mar-Mar. When the first daughter is of age, she is given the ladybug earrings. She is the protector of the family and face of all of us. That would have been Sabine, but then she left as per Tikki’s wishes. Despite this, I wanted to keep with tradition and pass along the earrings. Even if Sabine didn’t want them.”
“Because she didn’t feel worthy?”
“That’s what I had believed. Tikki, is this true?”
“I do believe so. Pudding renounced me many times as she attempted to be the holder she believed she was supposed to be. The final renouncement came with her death when she succumbed to her injuries. However, now I belong to Marinette, who wishes to bind with me. Together, we will return to Paris when the period of mourning is over. As is her duty as a ladybug.”
“Of course. We will see her trained to the best of our abilities. Though, if the threat is as I fear, we may not have long to train you. How long before you will want to return to Paris?”
“How long would be acceptable?”
“We will ask that you stay with us for the mourning period. For Sabine, it will be two months. However, there has been a slight snag in those plans,” Xiu admitted.
“What happened?”
“Sabine’s body has vanished. A holder by the name, Volpina, claims the enemy stole Sabine’s body.”
Marinette’s jaw dropped. “I can’t-! Did they say anything about Dad’s body?”
“Stolen as well.”
Marinette covered her mouth. “What could the enemy want with them?”
“Well, from what I’ve learned, you face the butterfly of transformation. That one is, uh, unique. See, its power allows it to transform any sort of matter into different objects entirely. Say a ball to a cone… or capable of rearranging DNA to turn people into monsters,” Tikki added nervously.
“Is that what he does when he makes those monsters?”
“To a degree. It looks temporary, but I wager that is on purpose.”
“Why? What’s the point?”
“Hope,” Xiu said.
“Hope?” Marinette asked.
“Yes. Tell me, are there heroes handling the monsters?”
“Yes,” Marinette admitted begrudgingly.
“There’s your answer. Give the people hope while subjecting them to fear. Show that there is a way to be saved, then use that against them.”
Marinette hummed. “That… makes sense. Recently, the people have started turning against the heroes and demanding the ladybug. But would that mean that Papillon was actively searching for the ladybug?”
“We may not know. However, knowing this, what will you do?”
“I will be a hero. I will save the city from Papillon and show that stupid cat what a real hero is.”
“What happened, Mar-Mar?”
Marinette hesitated. She looked at her lap and balled fists. She pursed her lips as tears fell. Tikki patted her reassuringly.
“It’s ok, Marinette. You’re with family and a former holder. Scarlet will understand.”
Marinette took a breath and shared the interaction she had with Chat Noir. She fought to control her rage and bitterness, but it seeped through. She hated the venomous words she spat, but she hated him. She would tear down his team and him from their pedestal and show them what a real hero is.
“Shame to hear of such a black cat. We’ve known many black cat holders through our history. They always brought us good luck. We typically aimed to marry off our ladybugs to the black cats when we could. The union always brought a period of prosperity. Would you consider the black cat despite this?”
“Never. I will never love that beast.”
“This isn’t about love, Mar-Mar. The black cat is a very auspicious match and good for the face of the family, which you will become. You would both bring a period of good fortune to the family. Even if you hate him now, I ask you consider a union with him for the family.”
“No way. Besides, I have a boyfriend.”
“Do you? Let me judge him,” Xiu said.
Marinette pulled out her phone and found a recent photo Luka sent her. She proudly showed it to Xiu.
Xiu grimaced. “What is that? His body is covered in ridiculous art unbefitting a man. And what are those piercings on his lips?”
“Snake bites. Isn’t he cute? He’s my Luka.”
“Mar-Mar, this won’t do. What does this boy have to offer to the family?”
“Offer? Does he have to offer anything?”
“He’ll be a hero that will assist Marinette in defeating Papillon,” Tikki interrupted.
Xiu grunted. “I see. Which kwami will he possess?”
“I, uh, haven’t gotten that far. I have a few ideas. I just need to see who I can find. It’s why I ask for a month to track down my sibling kwamis and direct them to their new holders,” Tikki explained.
Xiu bowed her head. “Very well, Tikki. Take the time you need. We’ll begin the training that doesn’t require you. Speaking of which, how long will you want to stay, Mar-Mar?”
“Well, I’ll just be training at this point, yes? Seeing as Mom’s body is gone.”
“Correct.”
“And, Tikki, you’ll be getting my team their kwamis within the month, right?”
“Sure will. You just tell me who you want on your team and I’ll see to it,” Tikki exclaimed.
“Alya and Luka for sure. Perhaps Alix and Ondine too.”
“Alix was the red head that stood with you against Chat Noir, right? So, who is Ondine?”
“That was Alix, and Ondine is Alix’s, uh, friend for a lack of better terms. Maybe partner is better, but not even quite that. I just know that if Alix is going to be risking her life, Ondine will want to be by her side. Those two are ride or die.”
“Absolutely.”
“Then with them getting their kwamis soon, could you tell them to keep the people safe until I arrive? I’ll let them know too, but could you as well?”
“Of course, but how long are you thinking of training?” Tikki asked.
“I’m thinking six months. I’ll need time to grow strong and master your power, but moreover, I need to conquer my grief. If I run back into the field with this weight on my heart, I’ll fall to my enemy since he targets those with dark emotions and desires.”
“I see. Very well. I’ll inform them as I direct the kwamis. Which, no time like the present!”
“Hold a moment. We have one other thing to discuss,” Xiu interjected.
“Did I forget something?” Tikki asked.
“You haven’t bound with Marinette yet, correct?”
“Correct.”
“Then there will be no time to lose. We’ll have the ceremony tomorrow. That must happen before all else.”
“Ceremony?” Marinette asked.
“That’s right. It’ll be where you properly activate me before the family,” Tikki explained.
“Oh. Will there be any conditions?”
“None at all, Mar-Mar. This is your birthright. Tomorrow, you will follow in tradition and claim what has always been yours. As every other Cheng first daughter. Come, we must get the preparations ready.”

~~

Chat Noir stood at the edge of a roof. He took a break from his patrol while Carapace and Queen Bee took over. He huffed and sat down. His mind wandered back to Mari and her words. He pulled down his hood and ruffled his hair. There had been no end to the endless assault as she always returned to his waking thoughts. Her words, her anger, everything. He shouldn’t care. He’d been doing this for two years and seen many like her a thousand times over. She should be no different. That didn’t change the fact that she was, and he couldn’t figure out why.
“Troubled?” a voice whispered.
Chat Noir looked up as a woman appeared from thin air. She had on a white and pink crop halter, white shorts, and white and pink platform boots. She wore white knee-stockings with mouse embroidered fishnets covering her thighs and pink garter belts over the fishnets. She had a single long white glove on her left arm with a short glove on the right with more mouse fishnets. Her long hair pink with white dyed ends accented with white, pierced mouse ears. She smiled at him with her pink eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Chat Noir crossed his arms. “What did I tell you about your outfit?”
“Oh, come on. I serve a different function than the rest of you. Me and my fiancée alike.”
“Whisper,” Chat Noir scolded.
“You know I’m right. Besides, you know that Gerrad likes this. Said it would be amazing press. Y’know, one of the few things your team is good for these days,” Whisper pointed out.
Chat Noir growled. “You got over your nerves fast.”
“What can I say? I’m my mother’s daughter through and through.”
“Right. Why are you here?”
“Well, I saw you were upset and Bunelle was getting tired, so she went to bed. So, I came out to see you myself.”
“You should be looking for Papillon.”
“And I am. I just haven’t seen him yet.”
“And what about a couple days ago when we had the perfect opportunity to catch him?”
Whisper crossed her arms. “Mourning the loss of two amazing people that didn’t deserve to die. Paying our respects and offering prayers to our other parents. Lamenting that they wouldn’t see our wedding like we always dreamed.”
Chat Noir looked away. He opened his mouth to speak but froze. The shocking sensation of a kwami’s activation held him fast. Images flashed before his eyes. A young woman had her back to him. She was dressed in an elaborate red hanfu dress with gold spots. Golden ladybugs were embroidered into the long sleeves and trail of the dress. Her blue hair was pinned up in a low bun with a pair of ladybug hair sticks. She turned to him in flashes until he saw her eyes, but not her face. Her bluebell eyes were clouded with rage and contempt.
Chat Noir fell to his knees as the sensation and images left. Fear, anger, and repulsion tore through him. It was her. It was the Ladybug.
Whisper squeaked and scurried about as she muttered in Irish. Chat Noir raised a brow seeing the excitement and hope in her eyes. He opened his mouth but was interrupted when Carapace and Queen Bee joined them.
“There you are,” Queen Bee said.
“Evening, Whisper,” Carapace said.
Whisper paused. She grinned, bowed, then returned to her scurrying.
“What’s up? Is there trouble?” Chat Noir asked.
“If you count the activation of the ladybug trouble, then yes,” Queen Bee said.
“What did you guys see?”
“An admittedly beautiful woman in a rather expensive looking Chinese dress. When she turned to me, there was no face to her. Just a silhouette,” Queen Bee said.
“Same thing, but I saw her eyes. In them was warmth and familiarity,” Carapace remarked.
“Same for me. Warmth and a lot of affection. Lots and lots of affection,” Whisper added.
Chat Noir hummed. The ladybug holder had to be someone he, Whisper, and Carapace all knew, but Queen Bee didn’t. He wasn’t sure who that could be, but there was an itch in the back of his mind. He tried to ignore it despite it screaming out that it could be Mari.
“Now, this is quite the development,” Volpina’s distorted voice remarked.
The group turned as Volpina materialized.
“Volpina!” Chat Noir hissed.
“Now, now, is that any way to greet me, stupid cat?” Volpina asked.
“Get out of here. We have enough trouble without you adding to it.”
“Don’t worry, stupid cat, I’m only here to share my thoughts and my sympathies.”
“We don’t need or want your sympathies.”
“But don’t you realize your lives are numbered. The Ladybug heard our cries and has finally answered them. The people will have what they’ve always wanted: liberation. She will free us from the tyranny of Papillon, and you.”
“Everything I’ve done is for this damn city and its people. If they think they can do a better job, let them fucking try,” Chat Noir roared.
“One of them is,” Whisper muttered.
“Oh? Is someone you failed taking action? Is that who our ladybug is? One of the many that you failed throughout the years?” Volpina purred.
Chat Noir growled.
“Hey, why don’t we stop before we do something regret, right, dudes?” Carapace interjected.
“Regret is for those with weak hearts and wills, to which I have neither,” Volpina remarked.
“Maybe just don’t egg him on further? It’s been a long month, dude. Just leave my bro alone, please.”
“Very well. I shall leave you alone for this night, but know, your days are numbered. Oh! And I look forward to your downfall. It’s been a long time coming, stupid cat.”
Chat Noir snarled and lunged for Volpina. She vanished into a puff of smoke as his claws made contact with her. He stood there a moment longer as he seethed. He shook himself and headed up to the edge of the roof.
“I’m heading home. Can I trust you guys to contact me if a monster shows up?”
“Always, dude. Take it easy.”
Chat Noir nodded. He hurried home where he de-transformed. He headed for his room when an intense pain spread through his chest. He grunted and clutched his heart. He leaned on the wall for support. Each new breath was shorter and harder as he struggled. A soft whimper escaped him as his head felt light and the room spun. He slid to the floor as he broke into a sweat and his body shook. The pain in his chest worsened as memories assaulted him.
Adrien heard every foul remark his father, Gabriel, threw at him. The endless need to give two hundred percent of yourself no matter what. To always keep a smile for the cameras or he’d suffer the consequences. That he had to ensure the world never saw him bleed.
Adrien shut his eyes. Tears fell from his eyes. He was failing. He had tried for so long to keep the people safe. He worked endlessly to keep them happy while hunting Papillon. For two years, he’s done nothing but fail. He couldn’t stop Papillon. He couldn’t save everyone. The people were tired of him and cried for a real savior, for the Ladybug. Now, she’s active. The Ladybug will grace the city and prove herself far more capable than him. Once she did, what use was there for him?
Adrien gritted his teeth. Gabriel’s words were drowned out by the people. He covered his ears as he heard everything under the sun. Mangy beast, charlatan, alley cat, sex symbol, destroyer, weapon of mass destruction, and more. The insults and cries of them filled his head until they were all he heard.
“Stop it. Please. I’m doing the best I can. Please. Stop.”
Through the people, Adrien heard Gabriel’s voice as if he were there.
“Your ‘best’ isn’t ever good enough. Honestly, you will need to reconsider what your ‘best’ really is before you start your bitch crying.”
Adrien snarled. He pushed himself up and roared into the darkness. “I’m giving my everything. What more do you want?!”
Silence. The memories and criticisms faded out. Adrien took deep breaths as he listened to the pounding of his heart. More tears fell from his eyes as he curled back up on the floor.
Plagg trotted over to Adrien. He weaseled in against Adrien and purred. Adrien cradled him and listened to only the purring. Adrien’s eyes grew heavy as he was lulled to sleep.

Chapter Text

Adrien stood on a platform as cameramen snapped photos. The constant flashes and clicks of the camera blended into the background. He looked past them into the darkness. His mind wandered again to Mari and her words. He fought to keep an appealing face, but he slipped. He flinched at the click of heels as he looked up and saw Nathalie push past the cameras.
“Take five,” Nathalie instructed the cameramen.
They all exchanged glances but didn’t argue.
Adrien ducked his head as Nathalie approached.
“What’s your problem?” Nathalie demanded.
Adrien glanced up at Nathalie but remained silent.
Nathalie crossed her arms. “I’m waiting.”
Silence.
Nathalie glowered. “Fine. If you’re going to be in a mood, at least do it as Chat Noir. Where’s Plagg?”
“I’m fine, Nathalie. I don’t need to be Chat Noir to finish this nonsense,” Adrien muttered.
Nathalie froze. “Odd words for you. You haven’t been speaking to Gabriel, have you?”
“Of course, not! I wouldn’t want anything to do with him.”
“If not Gabriel, then who got under your armor?”
“No one special.”
Nathalie was about to follow up, but was cut off when Gerrad, the big boss, burst into the room. Juleka bounced into the entryway and bounded towards Nathalie.
“Nathalie! I just got some big, big news! My brother is returning to Paris!” Juleka exclaimed.
“Brother? You have a brother?”
“She does, and a famous one at that,” Gerrad added.
“Oh no,” Nathalie groaned.
“Come now, he’s not that famous,” Juleka remarked.
“‘Not that famous?’ Are you kidding? I’ve heard nothing but good things from Bob about Luka Stone.”
Juleka winced. “Please don’t call him that. He doesn’t like it.”
Gerrad ignored Juleka and turned to Nathalie. “Now, imagine this, the great Whisper displayed with her musician brother, the Luka Stone. The people would love it! Even more when our issue with Whisper goes live and people fall before the radiant beauty she is.”
“Isn’t that compromising to her identity?” Nathalie pointed out.
“Ye… oh. Well, we’ll just display it differently. Maybe, uh, good friends?” Gerrad suggested.
Nathalie rolled her eyes. “Good friends doesn’t sell. What the people want is romance and drama.”
“I’m all for it, but they’re siblings. That’s stepping the line a bit much, even for you.”
Nathalie rubbed the side of her head. “Imagine this, if you will. A broody, angst riddled cat fawning over a free spirit.”
Gerrad scrunched up his face. He raised a brow as he looked over at Adrien. His eyes lit up seeing Adrien pouting and lost in thought.
“This is why I like you, Nathalie. You have the best ideas. Now, get as many photos of Chat Noir brooding as possible. Juleka, when is your brother arriving?”
“It’ll be a few months still. He’s finishing a tour with Jagged first. Plus, his-.”
“Perfect! We can squeeze some articles and photos in the magazines coming up,” Gerrad interrupted.
“What? They’re already done and ready to be published,” Nathalie protested.
“Nathalie, I’m disappointed. Think of the profits! Go through and move some frivolous stories and get images of the brooding cat. Spin whatever tale you want, but make sure it’ll leave our readers wanting more.”
Nathalie sighed. “Yes, sir.”
“Excellent. See to it at once.”
Gerrad hummed as he left the room. Nathalie shook her head and rubbed her forehead.
“Uh, Nathalie?” Juleka whispered.
“Yes?”
“We aren’t really doing this, are we?”
“I suppose we are. Make sure to have your brother visit once he’s back. Now, where’s Plagg?”
Juleka watched as Nathalie barked orders at the crew, then left. She frowned and looked at Adrien, who still ignored everyone. She sighed, sent a warning message to Luka, then headed back to her place for lunch.

~~

“Son, please, reconsider. Paris is extremely dangerous right now. Why don’t you wait to return?” Jagged Stone pressured.
“Jagged, I told you-,” Luka started.
“Dad,” Jagged Stone corrected.
“Right. Dad, I told you. Nette lost her parents and had her entire life flipped upside down. She’ll need me and I want to be there for her.”
“Well, why don’t you bring her on the road with us. Yeah, that’ll be perfect! I get to meet her finally and we can all be far away from that awful city. What do you say?”
“No. That’s my final answer.”
“Fine. Then, go to, uh, the bus and think about what you’re doing!”
Luka sighed as he watched Jagged Stone storm off. He shook his head and returned to the tour bus. He flopped onto his bed and took out his phone. He missed a text from Marinette that she heard from Tikki and that they’d be getting kwamis soon. He smiled and started to text her back as a message from Juleka popped up.
Luka furrowed his brow as he read it over. Juleka warned him that her boss was making plans to market him with Chat Noir for clout and profit. His stomach knotted at the idea. He didn’t like it. All this time on the road with the fans and music was nice, but he didn’t care for the underbelly of it all. The stalkers, paparazzi, no privacy, none of it. He saw now why Anarka never wanted this life for him and Juleka.
Luka considered the warning and called Juleka. It rang once before Juleka answered.
“So, what do you think?”
“I don’t like it,” Luka admitted.
“I knew you wouldn’t. Gerrad even referred to you as Luka Stone.”
Luka shuddered at the name. “What made him want to do something with me anyway?”
“Well, I was excited because, I mean, you’re coming home. How could I not? Gerrad inquired and I told him. That’s when you could see the money signs in his eyes, but I just ignored it as we went to our manager, agent, person thing, Nathalie. I told her and she was the one that suggested selling you with the brooding cat.”
“What did he say about it?”
“Nothing because he was busy sulking. Mari’s words clearly got to him as he’s been stewing on them ever since.”
Luka hummed. “What exactly did she say to him?”
“The basic stuff about his failing the city, calling him names, and that he’s only good at modeling. It wasn’t until Mari hit him with the Ladybug being the real savior and that he failed did he really start losing it. Alix was the final nail saying he should stick to being a pretty boy model for the people to drool over.”
“Something seems off. Are you sure that is everything?”
“Everything said, yes. What led to it, well that’s anyone’s guess. I had considered sitting him down with Rose, see if she could be his therapist. Maybe get him to open up and share some of his burden.”
“Do you think he needs one?”
“Oh, yes. He hides it very well, but a trained eye can see the storm beneath the calm. Rose and I both see it, and I wager you would see it too if you met him.”
Luka fell silent. Context was certainly missing. For someone like Chat Noir, he’d expect a person like that to be used to these comments. One person shouldn’t make that much of a difference unless something happened. He’d need to find out from the source, but that wouldn’t be an easy feat. From what he understood, Chat Noir didn’t let anyone in. The very fact Chat Noir is sulking and not sharing with anyone is evidence. A direct approach like what Juleka suggested wouldn’t help, so what would?
“Penny for your thoughts?” Juleka asked.
“Did you tell them when I’d be returning?”
“Yes.”
“Then I have an idea.”
“Oh! I’m all ears, Brother.”
“I don’t think direct therapy is going to get Chat Noir to open up. I think we need to take an indirect approach. Let him decide on his own, y’know, like a cat.”
“Ok, but what are you suggesting? That you want to go through with this?”
“To a degree. I don’t like the very idea of it, but it’ll allow me to get close to Chat Noir in a controlled environment. Otherwise, the only place I’d see him is battling monsters and that’s not going to be ideal with us on opposite sides.”
“You don’t think we’ll be fighting each other, do you?”
“I think Nette will fight Chat Noir and vice versus. However, I can’t speak for any others Nette picks and whoever are behind the masks of Chat Noir’s team.”
A long pause before Juleka spoke. “I don’t want to fight my friends. I don’t want to see my friends fight. I just want this all to end.”
“And it will. Did Nette tell you how long she’ll be gone?”
“Not yet.”
“Well, she’ll be gone six months. Though I suppose five months now. In that time, she’ll have the others assist in safeguarding the people, but also serve as a countdown for when she returns.”
“Oh! So, we’ll see someone new every month until she returns? That’s kinda clever. Did she say who’d be first?”
“No, but she did say that people would start getting their kwamis.”
“Sooner than you may think,” a male voice said with a slight hiss.
Luka knotted his brow and looked around. He was startled as he saw a snake kwami materialize beside him. The kwami grinned at him.
“Hey, Jule? I’m gonna need to call you back later.”
“Ok. I’ll be at home with Rose for my lunch. If you don’t reach back in that time, then I’ll talk to you after work if you’re not talking to Mari.”
“Sounds like a plan. Later.”
Luka hung up the call and turned back to the kwami.
“May I speak?” the kwami asked.
“You may.”
“Excellent. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sass, kwami of life. You are Luka, correct?”
“Right. Did you say kwami of life?” Luka asked.
“Did I stutter?”
“Not at all. So, how does this work?”
“It’s quite simple, really. I give you my jewel, a bracelet, you activate it with a phrase, and you’re a hero. Or villain. Pick your poison.”
“What kind of powers do you offer?”
“Why, I’m a healer.”
“Wait, like a healer in those fantasy games Nette plays? The ones that use magic to close wounds in mere seconds or cleanse diseases?”
“Basically. Not the most glamourous of jobs, but-.”
Luka’s eyes lit up. “So cool! When do we start? Can we start now?”
Sass tilted his head, then smiled. “Well, you should get familiar with your powers, no? Why not?”
Sass held out his hands as a silver band bracelet materialized. He tossed it over to Luka, who put it on immediately.
“What do I say?”
“To transform, ‘Sass, scales slither.’ To de-transform, ‘Sass, scales rest.’”
Luka grinned and struck a pose. “Sass, scales slither!”

~~

Whisper sat in her apartment as she listened to the sounds of the city. She worked to focus on a single point: Rose. She sorted through the assault of noise until she heard the gleeful humming of Rose. Her eyes fluttered as her vision transcended physical boundaries. She followed Rose’s humming until she found Rose on her way back to the apartment with carryout. She watched Rose sing and dance down the street with the earrings activated. Pain struck her heart as tears fell.
Rose had lost so much because of these monster attacks. She had a promising career as a ballerina with a backup plan to be a therapist. They were set to be married soon after high school with all their friends and family there to see, but everything changed with that first attack. They started losing their friends and family through the months. They had to push back their wedding. Then the stress, anxiety, and strain triggered a heart condition that took away her dream career.
Whisper swore as she returned to the apartment. She wiped her tears away, hating the situation they were in. Everything should have been perfect. They should be married. They shouldn’t have lost any of their friends or family. Rose should have her dream career she worked her entire life for. All the years training, the excessive strain on the body, and all for nothing now.
Whisper sighed and fell back onto the couch. She stared at the ceiling when her body froze. A shock washed over her that held her fast. Her eyes widened as her vision faded to black. She caught glimpses of a man dressed in green hooded crop top, pants, knee-high combat boots, and bracers with a snake underbelly and tail. Snake tattoos spiraled up both his arms with a red flower tattoo along his jawline. He looked at her with yellow and green snake-like eyes. They were full of warmth, love, and admiration.
Whisper gasped as she sat up. Warmth bloomed in her chest. It wasn’t the feeling like with Rose, but with Luka. This meant Luka had taken a kwami and was the snake. But what was the snake? What could it do?
“Mullo, quiet down.”
Mullo appeared from the coin pendant as Juleka de-transformed.
“Mullo, that was the snake, right? What can the snake do?”
“Well, the snake is a healer. They can mend any wound, cleanse any disease, and rejuvenate the soul.”
Hope flared in Juleka’s eyes. “Could he heal Rose? Give her back her life? Her dream?”
“I would think so, but I’m not about to speak for the snake. You’ll have to ask him when he arrives.”
“I absolutely will. Oh, this is perfect! Should I tell Rose? Maybe. Or should it be a surprise?”
“Maybe best you don’t. Unless you want to get her hopes up.”
Juleka considered. “You have a point.”
“I hear footsteps,” Mullo whispered.
Juleka watched the door. A few minutes passed before Rose burst in with a big grin.
“Jule! I saw a kwami activation! Did you see it too?”
“I sure did.”
Rose gasped. “Who was it? Do you know?”
“I think it’s Luka.”
Rose squealed and hopped around. “This is exciting. We’re so close to seeing the end in sight, aren’t we?”
Juleka nodded.
Rose clapped and twirled before she headed to the kitchen. She prattled on about her day while Juleka lingered behind.
Juleka sighed. She certainly hoped the end was coming soon. Two years was long enough.

Chapter Text

Alix stood behind the cashier counter at her job. She flipped through the latest hero tabloid as she waited for her shift to finish. She snorted at the nonsense of Chat Noir being a troubled kitten and the story it spun of having his pride wounded. She didn’t think he had any left at this point. She kept turning the pages past Carapace and Queen Bee, but stopped at Whisper, at Juleka.
Alix sighed as she stared at Whisper. Juleka was quick to reveal herself to the rest of them after Marinette left. Alix wasn’t sure if Marinette knew. It had been a couple of months. Surely, she would have said something. Or was there nothing to say? Juleka was with them. They were all celebrating Juleka’s new job. They couldn’t hold her responsible like the other heroes, right? A part of her wanted to, but she couldn’t. It was Juleka, their friend and sister. It didn’t feel right.
Alix sighed and flipped past the section with Whisper as it came back to Chat Noir. The photos of him looking longingly with his sad eyes. These articles spun a tale of the cat’s eye being caught by a mysterious admirer. She gagged at the article and closed the magazine. She tossed it into the trash. She plopped onto the counter and looked at the time. It was only 11:00PM.
Alix groaned and banged her head on the counter. She let out a long sigh then heard a different sigh. She furrowed her brow and looked around. She figured she missed a customer but didn’t see anyone browsing the isles. She moved out from behind the counter and started towards the back. Nail clicks hit the tile that trailed after her. She turned and saw a wolf-like dog behind her.
“How did you get in here? Did someone let you in?”
The dog smiled. “I let myself in.”
Alix’s eyes widened. “This is a dream. Or is it a nightmare?”
The dog shifted and shrunk into a wolf kwami. “Neither. This is all real.”
“Woah! What are you? Are you a kwami thing that Mari told me about?”
“Correct! I’m Fang, kwami of freedom.”
Alix grinned. “Ah, yeah! Now we’re talking. So, you’re gonna make me a hero?”
Fang bowed her head. She held out her hands. A light glowed and morphed into a chain ring bracelet. She handed it to Alix, who took it and put it on.
“Now, pup, there are some things you need to know. First, your powers. You get a passive and a main power. Your passive you can use as many times as you please and that is teleportation.”
“Seriously? So, I can teleport around freely and as many times as I please? No limit whatsoever?”
“Yup! However, your main power won’t be like that. You’ll have a few uses of this per transformation, then I need to recharge. Preferably with biscuits, but I’m not too terribly picky, except for when I am. Anyway, each use will last about five minutes.”
“Ok. So, what is the power?”
“Defiance. With it, you can defy the rules of reality. It could be something as simple as defying gravity to refusing death itself.”
Alix’s eyes lit up as she looked at the jewel. Her excitement dampened as thoughts entered her mind. What if she had this a year ago? With this power, could she have saved her best friend? Could she have saved her brother? If she could defy reality, could she turn back time to those moments? Could she still save them?
“What’s wrong, pup?” Fang asked.
“With your power, could I… go back in time?”
Fang snickered. “I can. You can’t.”
“What? Why?”
“Tried that once. Nasty business. Made an agreement with Tikki to not allow my holders that freedom. Basically, you can go forward in time into the future, but you can’t return to the past. Understood?”
Alix huffed. “That’s not fair.”
Fang tsked. “Pup, pup, pup. Freedom isn’t changing what has been done but fighting for something new. We look to history, see the injustices, and fight for liberation. For freedom! And with me, we can fight for that new world. With me, you can liberate the city, the world. Be the force of change.”
Alix looked at Fang, then the jewel. The disappointment lingered that she couldn’t change the past. She’d give anything to have Kim and Jalil back. For all of them to have their lost loved ones back, but the power wasn’t meant to be theirs, was it? Instead, they had to fight for a better future. They had to liberate themselves of their villain. They had to take a proper stand and that starts today.
“What do I do?”
“Say, ‘Fang, howl,’ to transform. To de-transform, say, ‘Fang, silence.’”
Alix grinned. “Fang, howl!”
Fang vanished into the chain ring bracelet and transformed Alix. Her work uniform became a crop black leather jacket with rips in the sleeves, a gray strapless bra, gray ripped jeans with fishnets underneath, and black and two-toned gray platform wedged boots with the toes exposed. Her wild hair split at the ends and was adorned with a pair of black, pierced wolf ears. A massive wolf tail fluffed out behind her that brushed the ground. A black and red-studded collar adorned her neck while a pair of gray fingerless gloves covered her hands. She caught sight of her reflection in the windows and at her now red, glowing eyes.
Alix’s jaw dropped seeing herself. She turned a few times as she admired her wild outfit. She paused to look around the store, then outside. She grinned and focused on the empty sidewalk across the street. She took a step forward and teleported to the sidewalk. She gasped and laughed. She teleported around the street, up on buildings, and in the air. Adrenaline coursed through her that mixed with thrill and excitement. This was a freedom she could only imagine in her dreams as of recent. The pure intoxicating nature as she moved as she wished with no one to dictate how she should conduct herself.
Alix grinned as she lost herself to the feeling. She ran, leapt, and teleported through the city. She laughed as she whooped and hollered, even letting loose a few howls. This was everything she had missed from her teen years before this hell began. Now it was hers again, and it could be everyone else’s. She had that power now. She would stand by the ladybug and liberate the people. She would be their hope of salvation. She would be the promise of liberation. She was their freedom, and it started this night.

~~

Volpina ran through the streets as she glanced through her illusions. She had witnessed the activation of a rogue holder, the wolf. She had grabbed her camera and began her hunt. She had to see this holder for herself and if they were friend or foe. She ran around the city, careful to avoid Chat Noir’s team while searching for the wolf. Fear crept up in her that grew and grew until she felt the ground violently tremble.
Volpina hid as a goliath of a flesh golem barreled through buildings. She gasped at the hundreds of people that plummeted towards their deaths. She moved to save who she could when she heard a howl. She blinked and the people were saved with the monster several blocks away, driven into the street.
Volpina rushed to the monster in hopes of catching the wolf. She paused as she eyed the wild wolf holder atop the golem. She jumped down onto it and recorded the wolf. The wolf’s ears twitched and she turned to Volpina.
“You. You’re recording this, right?”
Volpina nodded.
“Good. I have a message for all of Paris. For the charlatan, Chat Noir.”
“Who are you?” Volpina asked in her distorted voice.
“I am Fera, the wolf of freedom. On my name, I make a promise to all of Paris and a threat to Chat Noir.”
Fera growled, then howled as she slammed her foot on the crystal on the golem. It shattered and released the Akuma. She grabbed it and held it up. She took a breath, then ripped the Akuma in half. It dissolved along with the golem’s body. Volpina gawked as she kept the focus on Fera.
“The Ladybug is coming. I am her first messenger. I am the answer to your demands for liberation. I am the promise that freedom will be yours before long. The relief that you no longer need to rely on Chat Noir moving forward. Deliverance and salvation are at hand. Rejoice, as an end is finally at hand.”
Fera placed a fist over her heart, bowed, then vanished.
Volpina stared out in disbelief. The ladybug was on her way. They would finally be saved. It would finally be over. Tears fell behind her mask as she laughed. She pivoted and faced a small crowd.
“Freedom will finally be ours! Rejoice! The cat is no longer our only hope. The ladybug is coming! Salvation is at hand!” Volpina cried out.

~~

Whisper blinked back to her apartment. Bunelle sat beside her.
“Is it her?” Bunelle asked.
“It is,” Whisper said.
“What do we do? With Fera being Alix, do we continue to help Chat Noir? Or should we help our girl out?”
“Both.”
“Both?”
“Yes. We keep doing what Chat Noir wants, but feed information to Fera. That way we keep our end of the deal, but also help our friend.”
Bunelle bounced. “Oh, that’s perfect! You have the best ideas, Jule!”
“But no mentioning it to Chat Noir. At all.”
“Speaking of, did you still want to sign him up for counseling? I’ll be working independently here shortly.”
“Luka suggested we don’t. In fact, once he’s back, he wants to meet Chat Noir himself.”
Bunelle’s face lit up. “Luka’s going to be a therapist? That’s amazing! Oh, what if we start a family business when this is all done? The city sure will need all the therapists it can get after we wrap this all up.”
Whisper chuckled. “You make sure to bring that up to him. I’m sure he’d love the idea.”
Bunelle squealed and hopped up. She bounced around the apartment as she prattled on with her ideas. Whisper smiled as she listened on, hoping that the end was truly in sight now.

~~

Alix returned to her apartment late into the night. She stayed out a little longer to ensure no new monsters popped up. She had run across Chat Noir’s team, but they kept their distance. Though she hadn’t seen Chat Noir himself. Disappointment still tore through her at that. She wanted nothing more than to put that stupid cat in his place.
Alix took long strides in the dark when the hallway light came on. She froze as she stared at Ondine. She winced at the fear in Ondine’s eyes that gave way to relief. Tears poured from Ondine’s eyes as she rushed up to her.
“Oh, thank goodness! You weren’t home when you were supposed to be, and I was worried! Did you come across a monster? Are you ok?”
Alix grinned. “Oh, I’m more than ok. Take a look.”
Ondine scrunched up her face as Fang materialized. She squeaked and jumped back.
“What is that?” Ondine asked.
“I’m a kwami,” Fang answered.
“What’s kwami? What does it do?”
“It gives you powers. Check this out. Fang, howl!”
Fang disappeared into the chain ring bracelet and transformed Alix into Fera.
Ondine’s jaw dropped. “Alix, you’re like one of the heroes.”
“I’m better than them. I get the job done,” Fera remarked.
“Did you… did you run into a monster tonight?”
“I did, and you know what? I took it down! No casualties once I got involved.”
Hope flared in Ondine’s eyes. “Truly? No one died?”
“Well, I can’t say that no one died, but I know I was able to save everyone that I saw was about to die. And I was able to destroy the monster without the assistance of that stupid cat.”
“How? I thought only Chat Noir could destroy the monsters.”
“Not once I showed up. Fang gives me the power to defy reality itself. No rules apply to me. Well, mostly.”
“Mostly? What are the exceptions?”
“Well, I’m not completely sure what the full list is, but I know for sure that I can’t turn back time. Or, at least, I can’t go backwards in time.”
Ondine opened her mouth, then shut it immediately. Her eyes misted over as new tears fell. Fera took her hand.
“I wish I could. Perhaps I could have prevented all of this. Perhaps we all wouldn’t be in this situation.”
Ondine squeezed Fera’s hand. “I do too. We wouldn’t have lost all of them. We wouldn’t have lost Kim.”
“I know, but there is one thing we can do.”
“We?”
“Yes. The ladybug is coming, and I know she plans to give you a jewel and kwami too. We’ll fight together.”
Ondine’s eyes widened. “Really? We’ll fight together as heroes?”
“That’s right. And we’ll take down Papillon. Make him face justice.”
“Damn right we will. We’ll make him pay, together.”
Fera smiled and de-transformed. She clasped her right hand in Ondine’s right. They lifted up their arms with their tattoos facing up. Alix’s was a red feather while Ondine’s was an anchor. Together, their arms read: “I’ll be your wings… and I’ll be your anchor.”
“To the ends of the earth,” Alix said.
“To the very grave itself,” Ondine continued.
“To the highway to Heaven and Hell.”
“No force will keep us apart.”
“Together, forever,” Alix and Ondine said together as they embraced.
“Come along. We should get some sleep. It’ll be busy here on forward,” Alix said.
Ondine nodded. “I’m ready to bring this all to an end.”
“Me too. Me too.”

Chapter Text

Papillon sat in her lair. She watched through her butterflies as each hero retired for the night. She stood and moved over to her prep tables. The Ladybug was on her way at long last, but she wouldn’t be alone. The Ladybug has employed the assistance of other kwamis, creating her own team as Chat Noir eventually did. At least the Ladybug had better choice in kwamis. The wolf of freedom was an outstanding choice compared to that of devotion and protection. At least with freedom, there was another to take out her creations. However, that posed a problem.
Papillon recognized that her abominations would be useless against the Ladybug’s team. Fera handled her latest one with such precision and finality that she hadn’t seen in any of Chat Noir’s teammates. She would be dealing with far more capable individuals. She needed to get creative.
Papillon snapped her fingers. A row of butterflies appeared before her. Their purple wings transformed into the faces of Chat Noir and his team. They have been at this for two long years save for Whisper and Bunelle. Carapace kept high spirits on and off the battlefield, as did Bunelle. Whisper held a righteous fury within her that fueled her fighting spirit. This made them untouchable, but not Chat Noir and Queen Bee. The little Bee was reaching the end of her wit, torn apart by her devotions. Chat Noir is a mess of problems pretending to be a person, much like herself.
Papillon hummed at the thought. It was true she saw a lot of herself in Chat Noir. How they were brought up, the loveless parents that raised them, and being forced into lives they didn’t want. It would only take one good shove to send him over the edge just as it did with her. However, what could that be?
A pulsing light caught Papillon’s eye. She glanced over at the cocoon at the very end next to Sabine’s. She laughed at the realization.
“Of course! Love! That’s what will send the boy over! Over and over again! Excellent idea.”
Papillon scooped up the butterfly with Chat Noir’s face. She wracked her brain as she thought about the boy’s preferences. She couldn’t recall any women ever turning his gaze. No small feat given his line of work. Though she did recall a few instances when men caught his eye. When he’d allow himself a brief, blissful moment to ogle.
Papillon opened her mouth but paused. She needed to hold off using her power. She needed to finish her other preparations first. She placed the butterfly back with the others and snapped her fingers. A new line of butterflies appeared. Their wings transformed into the potential faces of the Ladybug’s team. Fera, Luka Couffaine, and Marinette Dupain-Cheng.
Papillon knew the Dupain-Cheng daughter had the earrings and would rise as the Ladybug, but she didn’t know when. She wagered it would be some time yet if this Fera, the wolf, was the first of the messengers. She had a hunch that there would three more messengers to match Chat Noir’s little team. Though she wasn’t sure the frequency of when the Ladybug’s teammates would pop up.
Papillon had already seen Fera. She knew that Luka Couffaine, Whisper’s brother, would be returning to Paris after the news of the Dupain-Cheng’s deaths. She assumed he was affiliated with Marinette, likely as a boyfriend or something like that. Regardless of what he was, he would certainly be on Marinette’s side. With Fera tonight and Luka returning in a couple of months, she bet on a new hero popping up every month that would lead to the Ladybug’s grand entrance. If this was true, she had about four more months to prepare.
Papillon smirked. There was no time like the present. She clapped and the butterflies on the wall lit the entire room in a purple hue. She moved to the wall near Tom’s cocoon and clapped again. The rock transformed into a sliding door. She pushed it aside and dug through a cupboard of jewelry boxes. She pulled out three and stopped beside each of the cocoons. She placed a necklace in Tom’s, an eye mask in Sabine’s, and an anklet in the final cocoon.
Papillon flew back. Tiny screams could be heard from within that made her laugh. She stopped as she looked at the cocoons. It felt like she was missing one before her collection was complete. She hummed as she looked at the Chat Noir butterfly. She grinned, knowing who to add, but it would be for another night. She looked at the Ladybug’s team and considered. Once she learned more, she’d add more to the collection just for them.
Papillon scooped up the Chat Noir butterfly again. She remembered the words of a foolish man and his frivolous thoughts wasted on mere, useless money. If he wanted to see Chat Noir fawn over Luka, she’d make it possible. Send him over the edge just as she was once long ago.
“Alter.”
The butterfly transformed into a dark rosy, red butterfly with rounded heart-shaped wings.
“Go forth, little butterfly. Twist the boy’s mind with thoughts of obsessive love. Let Whisper’s brother be all that remains in his empty head. Now, go.”
Papillon watched the red butterfly flutter away. She turned back and dismissed the other butterflies. They would all be saved for another day. She moved to a designing table with a plate of nectarines beside it.
“Nooroo, wings fall.”
Nooroo emerged from the brooch and de-transformed Nathalie. She took a seat at the table, then cut up the nectarine. She held the plate up for Nooroo, who took a slice of nectarine. She scratched his chin before she turned to her designs. He took a seat on her shoulder and watched her work.
“What are you thinking?” Nooroo asked.
“I want to take control of a holder. Is that possible?”
Nooroo nodded. “So long as their will is broken completely, otherwise your butterflies won’t be effective.”
“I see. That shouldn’t be a problem with Chat Noir. His will is strong, until a point. It won’t be difficult breaking through. Queen Bee may prove a challenge. The only thing that plagues her heart is her loyalties between Chat and her girlfriend. Which, I’ve attempted to look into her girlfriend, this Lila Rossi, but there is no information on her. It’s like she doesn’t exist.”
“So, that just leaves Chat, doesn’t it?”
“It does. Unless I can get more information on the Ladybug’s team, but I believe they’ll provide the greatest challenge.”
“I agree. With the wolf of freedom, you’ve already got your hands tied. The wolf is typically a holder with an unbreakable will. Kinda comes with the territory of mantling freedom.”
Nathalie hummed. “Then it really does just leave Chat Noir.”
“Does it bother you?”
“Not in the way you may think. There’s a risk that if I take control, he’ll level the planet.”
Nooroo chuckled. “You already did that.”
“Nooroo, that wasn’t the same. I was just teaching a lesson.”
“A lesson? That’s a funny way to describe setting every nation ablaze to get them to back off assisting Paris.”
“What? I warned them and they thought I was bluffing. That was their last mistake.”
“And what about when you kept people trapped within the city when they attempted to flee?”
“It’ll do no good if I let all escape. I need some people around to test on. And it all worked, right? The Ladybug will soon be here. Once she’s here, I can finally have my wish.”
Nooroo paused. Pain and grief twisted his heart. “What if you didn’t though?”
“Nooroo?”
“Why don’t you, I don’t know, rule over this new world you are unintentionally ushering in? You could build something up from the ashes. Create a better world where no one has to suffer like you did. That way I… I won’t….”
Nathalie smiled softly. “It’s… an idea, but I can’t.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
Nathalie chuckled. “Both. You don’t want someone like me to rule. You don’t want someone like me in general.”
“But I do. You’re the best human holder I’ve had, ever. You take my powers to the heights and limits it was supposed. No human ever has like you.”
“You know, it’s always struck me as odd that you are never bothered by these things. Most anyone with a heart and conscious would be appalled by this work.”
Nooroo shrugged. “It’s not my first rodeo, and it won’t be my last.”
“But wouldn’t you rather this be used for good? For the people? Not the needs of one?”
“We are tools, as we’ve always been once we are in the hands of mortals. However we are used is up to the whims of mortals. If I didn’t like it, I would have left long ago. I don’t care for it per say, but I like you. You’re reason enough to stay.”
“I don’t see why. I’m no one special.”
“Maybe to the world, but you’ll always be special to me. You’re my Nathalie.”
Nathalie covered her mouth as tears sprung from her eyes. She turned away from her designs as she sobbed. Nooroo’s words always found a way to get to her. The void that ensnared her lit up and filled with warmth. It was unfamiliar and terrifying at first, but she couldn’t deny she had grown to like it.
Nooroo finished his snacks, then nuzzled Nathalie. She smiled and nuzzled him against her cheek.
“You realize every time you do this, you make this decision more and more difficult, right?” Nathalie remarked.
“Good, because I’m here. This world may have long turned its back on you, but I won’t. I’ll be here until the bitter end when they rip me from your cold, dead hands.”
Nathalie laughed through the tears. “Thank you, Nooroo. It feels good to have someone in my corner. It’s odd still, but an equally odd comfort.”
Nooroo smiled. He booped his nose against Nathalie’s, then curled up in the nape of her neck. She wiped away her tears before she gave him a kiss. She sighed and returned to her designs.

Chapter Text

“Alright, we need to discuss what happened last night,” Adrien started. He glared down at his computer screen at the video call. Nino was barely awake, Chloe was on her phone with Lila lingering just on the edge of the screen, and Juleka and Rose were cuddled on their couch.
Nino yawned. “Couldn’t this have waited until later?”
“This is important. We have a rogue holder claiming to be a messenger of the ladybug,” Adrien reminded.
“I don’t get what the big deal is,” Nino remarked.
“Are you kidding? This is competition. We can’t let these upstarts take over our duties,” Adrien spat.
“She certainly did a better job than you ever could for an upstart,” Lila remarked.
“Lila, honey, I said you can stay so long as you don’t antagonize Adrien,” Chloe commented.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Did I hurt your wittle feelings?” Lila mocked.
Adrien’s eye twitched. “Chloe.”
“Lila, please, stop. It’s too early to deal with his shit,” Chloe begged.
Lila huffed but kept quiet.
“Finally. Now, we need a plan on what to do about these rogue holders that’ll be popping up,” Adrien said.
“What plan could we need? Why don’t we just work with them? Wouldn’t that be easier? Better for the people to see their ladybug working with Chat Noir?” Rose asked.
Adrien sneered. “I will never work with that creature.”
“But in fighting, we are prolonging the suffering of the people. On top of that, we are giving our enemy more fuel for the fire. If we come to blows, what of the city? What of the people? Haven’t they lived in enough fear?” Chloe pointed out.
“But-!” Adrien started.
“But nothing! Adrien, please, this has to end. We are given a chance to finally end this bullshit. Bring the world some peace. Bring the people peace. Isn’t that more important?” Chloe continued.
Adrien grumbled. “I… can’t. I won’t. Not the ladybug.”
“And why? Why not the ladybug?” Chloe demanded.
Adrien didn’t answer.
“Adrien, please, see reason. We owe it to the people to end this. Was that not the promise we made taking up arms? To do what was best for the many.”
“Your Queen Bee is right. This needs to end,” Alya said.
Everyone paused and looked at Nino’s screen. He was pushed to the side, passed out snoring in his seat. Alya had pulled up a different chair and took his place.
“Put Nino back on,” Adrien commanded.
“You hold no power over me, cat. My loyalties belong to Ladybug.”
Adrien sneered. “Are you here to spout more nonsense about the ladybug?”
Alya smirked. She brushed back her mane to reveal a gold ear cuff. A chain dangled from it with a deer print charm. Adrien stiffened as his stomach dropped.
“Now that I have your attention, know this. Ladybug fully intends to end this farce with Papillon. You all can join her, assist us in finally bringing peace to the city, or you can remain with the cat and be nothing more than pinup models.”
Anger and contempt tore through Adrien. “If you think I’m just going to concede defeat and allow the ladybug to take over this, you’re dead wrong. I will never side with that charlatan and neither will my team.”
“Is that so, Jule and Rose?” Alya asked.
Juleka pursed her lips, remained silent.
Rose grimaced. “I don’t know, Alya. We made a deal with Adrien.”
Alya bowed her head. “I understand that, however, don’t think you can buy the rest of us so easily. We will stand by Ladybug and see this all finally end. You have until I take the field to make your decision. So, roughly about, say, three months. After that, Ladybug will arrive.”
“Well thank you for the timeline. Now we have time to prepare,” Adrien hissed.
“You four do. Though you will have lost a member starting today,” Alya commented.
Adrien opened his mouth but was cut off by Lila.
“Good for Carapace. He’s better off with Ladybug than the stupid cat.”
“Chloe! Get rid of her now!” Adrien roared.
Chloe groaned. She muted her end and spoke with Lila. While her back was turned, Lila flipped off the camera and left the meeting room.
“My, what a fire. Think we should introduce her to Alix?” Rose asked.
“No,” Juleka and Alya said together.
“Enough! Listen here, Nino and I made a deal. I-!”
“I know all about your deal. You basically pay for his living expenses and everything else. However, we have family who’ll help us now. We won’t need you, cat. Nino. The city. The people. No one will need you. You failed us for the last time. Ladybug will arrive and she will succeed where you have failed. We will finally be free of this hell. And I, for one, will revel in your downfall, stupid cat.”
Alya flipped off the camera and left the call.
Adrien lowered his head as rage and fear tore through him. He flexed his fingers then balled them into fists. His body shook with anger that slipped from his control.
Rose opened her mouth, but Juleka covered it. She hurried and left the call.
Silence lingered for a brief, blissful moment. Adrien snapped his head up and screamed. He flung his laptop at the wall and broke it. He sent clutter flying everywhere, broke vases, glass, and other fragile items, and tore through his apartment, destroying it.
Plagg phased out of the fridge and sat atop the counter. He watched Adrien in his fit of despair. He calmly groomed himself until Adrien collapsed into a heap of tears.
“Are you done?” Plagg asked.
Adrien glared up with tear filled eyes. “What more could I have done? Was what I did not enough? Where did I go wrong?”
“You didn’t. You did everything in your power with the knowledge you had. That fact hasn’t changed.”
“Then why does it feel like I failed? Why does it feel like I could have done so much more? Given so much more to the people. Why?!”
Plagg sighed. He jumped down and approached Adrien. “Come on, I know this part. Just let it all out.”
Silence hung between them before Adrien spoke.
“I’ve never done anything right. I was a failure of a son. The only thing I was good for was standing still and smiling. People loved my smile. Always told Father how much it made their day seeing such a happy boy. Father never seemed to care. Was almost annoyed by it. Beat me down until I didn’t want to smile, then people didn’t seem to like me anymore. I lost everything until you found me.”
Adrien paused for a breath. He reached up, grabbed Plagg, and held him close.
“You changed everything. People liked me again because of you. They enjoyed looking at me, having me around. It was amazing, but then the attacks got worse. I did what I could, but the casualties got worse. Until that day when aid that was promised was deterred. Papillon unleashed his madness upon the world and set it ablaze. The world crumbled before him and abandoned Paris to appease Papillon. Is that what I should do, Plagg? Should I bow to Papillon’s whims?”
“Do you want to?”
“I… I don’t know anymore. I wanted to save the city. I wanted to be a hero the people loved. I just wanted to be, well, wanted. I didn’t want to feel like a burden for once in my life. I just wanted to be loved. I just don’t want people to hate me. I don’t want to be alone anymore. I… I just want to be happy for once since… since….”
Adrien broke down. He clung to Plagg and buried his face in Plagg’s side. Plagg grimaced but put up with it for Adrien.
“P-Plagg? Why… why do I bother trying? What’s even the point?” Adrien whimpered.
Plagg’s eyes widened. “Life is difficult, but full of wonder. There are bad moments, but there are also good.”
“Then why has my life been an endless nightmare? What did I do to suffer like this? Why do I even bother existing?”
Plagg opened his mouth, but Adrien shot up and glared at him.
“Look at me! What am I? Who am I really?”
“You’re Adrien Agreste and Chat Noir,” Plagg answered.
Fresh tears fell from Adrien’s eyes. “I wish I could believe that. I really could, but I can’t be Adrien. The Adrien I knew was a happy little boy. One that ran about the mansion without a care in the world with parents that loved him. This? This is just another Gabriel Agreste. His temper, his hatred, his bitterness, his everything. Even his face. And just like Father, I’m about to lose everything.”
“And when you do, will you be like him? Or will you be better?”
“What can I even do? Nino has already left me. Juleka and Rose are sure to be next. And Chloe… dammit. Why me? Why did I agree to this? Why didn’t I stick to the only thing I was good at?”
Plagg sighed. “I wish I had the answers you seek. I really do. But I want you to know something.”
“What’s that?”
“No matter who has turned against you, I will always be here. The world can turn against you, but I will always be in your corner at your side. Nothing in this world will keep me away from you as long as breath fills your lungs, and your heart carries a beat. I will be here. Whether you like it or not, not that I carried if you did, of course.”
Adrien snickered through the tears. He scooped Plagg up and cuddled him. “I can always count on you, Plagg.”
Plagg smiled. He nuzzled Adrien, then paused. An idea formed in his head. He bounced and flew up out of Adrien’s arms.
“That’s it! We will only count on each other!”
Adrien raised a brow. “What do you mean?”
“Who needs a team? They only slowed you down. I mean, they couldn’t ever do what you did, and things didn’t go wrong until they joined you. So, we can take on the world just the two of us.
“I don’t know. I don’t want to abandon them.”
Plagg scoffed. “They’re going to leave you for Ladybug anyway. Might as well toss them to the curb and go solo, right? Save them the trouble and make the decision for them, like a real leader.”
“Are you sure?”
“I always am.”
Adrien hummed. He did start alone but slowly built a team. He wouldn’t deny that when he started it was easier. However, when the others joined, there was a strange burden that came with it. Things got harder and they lost favor with the public. Perhaps he could leave the ladybug to lead a team while he went solo. He could prove on his own that he is more than a mangy, stupid cat.
Adrien stood and searched through his mess. He uncovered his damaged phone. He sent a text to the girls, informing them that the team was disbanded, and they could do whatever they wanted. A flood of messages came in, but he turned off his phone. He moved over to Plagg and offered an arm.
“Let’s go. We have a day job to get to.”
Plagg meowed and hopped onto Adrien’s shoulders. He nuzzled Adrien and purred.
Adrien smiled, nuzzled Plagg, and left.

~~

“This is bad. This is bad. This is very bad! What are we going to do?” Rose freaked.
Whisper sat on the couch as she looked out. She watched Adrien’s tantrum and breakdown. A heavy weight fell on her heart hearing his struggles.
“What are we going to do?” Rose asked Whisper.
Whisper’s eyes fluttered and she returned to the apartment. She looked into Rose’s fearful eyes and considered. She didn’t want to leave Adrien alone, not completely. She wasn’t sure how to help him and didn’t believe Rose could help him right now. He would need someone that was more stranger to him than they were.
Whisper paused and considered getting Luka. He wasn’t supposed to arrive for a couple more months, but this was an emergency. Adrien was spiraling and needed someone that wasn’t the embodiment of destruction. It was nice that Plagg was there for Adrien, but true to his nature, he was helping Adrien destroy everything.
Whisper considered again. Even if Luka did help Adrien, what of the others? What of Marinette, Alix, and Alya. They are still hurting and will take it out on Adrien. She’d wager Alix was looking for any excuse to beat his ass. She needed to get them to see reason so Luka’s work wouldn’t be for naught.
“Jule?” Rose asked.
“I’m going to see Marinette, then get Luka.”
“What? But how? She’s not coming back for a while yet and he’s not supposed to be here for another couple of months. Jagged won’t-.”
“To hell what Jagged likes. Adrien is going to destroy himself if we don’t have someone intervene. He won’t open up to us willingly, so perhaps it’ll take a stranger.”
Rose considered and nodded. “Do what you can to save Adrien. To save our livelihood.”
Whisper kissed Rose’s cheek. “I’ll see you for lunch.”
Whisper ran out and headed for Alix’s place. She knocked and waited until Ondine answered the door.
“Ju-, I mean, Whisper? What are you doing here?”
“I need to see Alix’s kwami.”
Ondine hesitated.
“Please. There is news that needs to be shared.”
Ondine considered, then sighed. “Come in.”
Whisper darted in as Ondine left. Whisper waited when Ondine returned with Fang.
“What can I do for you this fine morning?” Fang asked.
“Can you take me to see Marinette? Then my brother, Luka?” Whisper asked.
“I very much can.”
Whisper’s eyes lit up. “Oh, thank you. Please, can we go now? It’s urgent.”
Fang bowed her head. She transformed into a wolf and stood beside Whisper. The apartment faded away and they appeared in the middle of the Cheng estate.
People gasped and jumped back at their arrival. Whisper grimaced as she looked around and heard their foreign words. She took a breath and focused. She searched the estate for Marinette, finding her in a training room. Marinette’s training paused when someone new entered the room with some news. She assumed it was about her as Marinette’s eyes widened in shock and ran out of the room. She watched Marinette emerge from a far-off building in the compound into the main courtyard where she was at.
Whisper’s eyes fluttered as she returned to her surroundings. She headed towards Marinette, meeting her halfway. She let out a laugh and scooped up Marinette in a bear hug.
“It’s so good to see you!” Whisper cried.
“Juleka, please, what’s going on? Why are you here?” Marinette asked.
Whisper put Marinette down. “We have a big problem.”
“What’s the problem?” Xiu asked.
Marinette and Whisper turned as Xiu joined them.
“I… I was part of Chat Noir’s team, but he’s disbanded the team. He is going solo as suggested by his kwami,” Whisper said.
Marinette snorted. “Is that all?”
“What? No. Please, I need you to listen. I know you hate him, but please don’t attack him or anything. Just… let him be.”
“What? Why should I?”
“Because I want to help him. I bore witness to his demons and the weights he carries. I will bring Luka back early just to accomplish this. To save Chat Noir before another monster is created. Before we have to deal with another Papillon.”
Marinette opened her mouth, but all arguments died on her tongue. She growled as she paced back and forth. Xiu approached and placed a hand on Marinette’s shoulder. They exchanged words before Marinette left. Whisper started towards Marinette when she was intercepted by Xiu.
“Follow me.”
Whisper followed Xiu to Xiu’s garden into a pavilion.
“I apologize for Mar-Mar. Please understand that she is still in mourning and that the cat’s words still have power over her.”
“I… had a small feeling, but I just wanted her to understand.”
“And she will in time. For now, you will work with me in this regard.”
“Uh, why?”
“Because I see your concerns. This Papillon is indeed a threat, but you need to take measures to ensure you don’t face a threat equal to or greater than him. And you see clearly what danger the black cat possesses, don’t you?”
Whisper nodded.
“Good. Then we can work together. I can give you all the information we have learned about the black cat and the holders it chooses, but I will want something in return.”
“And what would that be?”
“Understand that Mar-Mar comes from a long and prestigious line. Because of her blessed blood, she is a very valuable and auspicious match that any man should be proud to take. And while the snake has its own benefits and what if offers, it’ll never be the black cat.”
Whisper furrowed her brows. “And you want me to, what?”
“Bring the two together, the ladybug and the black cat.”
Whisper took a sharp breath. “But… but she has a boyfriend.”
“I’m aware, but I don’t approve of the match. Not when there is a better option on the table for the family. Do you understand?”
“I understand, I just don’t approve.”
“I don’t need you to approve, just to understand, girl. Now, if you want the information you seek, you’ll ensure that Mar-Mar and the black cat are together. Otherwise, you’ll watch your friend destroy himself.”
Whisper gritted her teeth. “I will, but only if you have something else.”
“And what is that?”
“Information on the butterfly. If you can give me information on the butterfly and the black cat, then I will see Mari and Chat Noir together.”
“Hmm, I suppose it would be in your better interest. Very well. Get comfortable girl while I prepare the material.”
“How long will it take?”
“Oh, not long. I’ll be back before long.”
Whisper nodded and took a seat. Fang joined her once Xiu was long out of earshot.
“You’re not actually going along with her demands, are you?” Fang asked.
“Not exactly. She just wants Mari and Chat Noir together for appearances. There doesn’t need to be anything between them. Well, perhaps at least friendship, but that’s no easy feat. Besides, I’d never betray Luka like that. Mari is his everything, his very heart. I wouldn’t dare break him like that.”
“Others would, so guard him well,” Fang remarked.
“The only others there could be is our enemy, but I’ve never seen him pull such tricks.”
“Would you show all your cards immediately, or play smart and keep the aces until the perfect moment? And for your enemy, what would that perfect moment be?”
Whisper’s stomach dropped. “Oh no. You don’t think he knows?”
“We’ll find out. The coming months will be the most telling. Don’t you agree?”
Whisper pursed her lips. She sat in quiet contemplation when Xiu returned with a pair of grimoires.
“Here we are. A tome on the black cat of destruction and the butterfly of transformation.”
Whisper took the tomes and bowed. “Thank you. I promise to put these to good use.”
“I know you will. Just don’t forget our deal.”
“I don’t renege on a deal, ma’am. I will see your wishes carried out. Fang, let’s go.”
Fang howled and teleported her and Whisper away.
Xiu frowned and turned away. She stepped out of the pavilion as an owl perched carefully on her shoulder.
“Do inform me should she renege on our deal, will you?”
The owl hooted and vanished.

Chapter Text

Whisper appeared in Jagged Stone’s tour bus. She took a step forward when she heard a girly screech. She smirked as she knew it all too well.
“Still haven’t gotten used to being shirtless, Brother?” Whisper asked.
Luka snorted and hurried to put on his shirt. “No, please. I’m perfectly comfortable with it.”
“Good. Otherwise, it makes sex a little awkward, no?”
Luka’s face turned beet red as he looked at the ground.
Whisper snickered. “Alright, I had my fun. Get your shit together.”
“What? I’m not supposed to return for a couple more months.”
“Yeah, well, there was a change in plans.”
“What happened?”
“Chat Noir needs someone fast. He’s cutting himself off. If he keeps at this rate, he’ll destroy himself and we may face a threat worse than Papillon.”
Luka nodded. “I’ll get my stuff immediately.”
“Don’t take too long. I don’t want to see you-know-who.”
“Oh, trust me, I don’t either.”
Whisper stood watch while Luka hurried and threw his stuff in a suitcase. He lured Sass out of one of the cabinets and onto his shoulders.
“Alright, let’s get out of here.”
Whisper nodded. “Fang, my apartment, please?”
Fang howled and teleported them to Whisper’s apartment. She bowed her head and teleported away.
“Alright, you can put your stuff in the spare room and I’ll-,” Whisper started.
“Nathalie was calling for you,” Rose said.
Whisper squeaked and jumped. “Nathalie? How late am I?”
“Well, let’s just say she won’t be angry if you show up with Luka.”
Whisper groaned. “Fine. Luka, you good with that?”
“Yeah. Just let me drop off my stuff.”
Luka headed off to the spare room. Whispers sighed and de-transformed. She looked at her messages and grimaced. There was a long log of missed calls from Nathalie, but no voicemails. She looked at the time and saw she’d be at least an hour late for work.
“Alright, I’m ready,” Luka announced.
“Good, let’s go.”

~~

Adrien stretched after a long photoshoot. Nathalie paced back and forth with a terrible glower. The camera crew and other staff stayed clear of her as they prepared for the next photoshoot.
“Just let it go, Nathalie. She doesn’t need to be here. It’s like I said earlier, the team is done for,” Adrien remarked.
Nathalie snapped towards Adrien. He flinched under the full weight of her glare.
“You don’t get to make those decisions around here. As far as Gerrard is concerned, Whisper stays. Says the punk mouse girl is far more favorable in the public eye than you and all the others are right now. Oh, and let’s not forget about Gerrard wanting to sell you and the Stone boy.”
Adrien rolled his eyes. “He’ll be disappointed. I won’t have any interest in him.”
“You don’t have to. You just need to fake it for Gerrard’s wallet.”
Adrien snarled. “I won’t. I’ll give him anything else, but I won’t do that. I don’t want to be seen with anybody.”
“Who stepped on your tail this morning?”
Adrien growled. “Let’s just get this over with. I have hero stuff to get done. Plagg, claws out.”
Nathalie snorted as Adrien transformed. “Finally taking your work seriously? Wonder how long that’ll last.”
Chat Noir’s ears pinned back. He turned to face Nathalie as the door swung open. Juleka ran up to Nathalie, apologizing profusely. Luka trailed behind and kept close to Juleka.
Chat Noir’s eyes widened, and his body froze. His gaze stuck to Luka like glue. His heart beat faster than it ever had before and his stomach twisted and leapt with a maelstrom of butterflies. He was bewitched by Luka’s mere appearance from the simple, rugged clothes to the marvelous and vibrant tattoos that covered his skin. He was hypnotized by Luka’s deep, smooth, and melodic voice that was not what he expected, but spellbinding all the same. His mind raced with exotic thoughts of what he wanted to do to Luka.
Chat Noir’s ears pinned back, and took a step back, unable to take his eyes off the beguiling Luka. Thoughts raged like a torrent in his mind that made him uncomfortable, excited, and terrified. He had never felt these strong of emotions for any man, woman, or in between. He attempted to quell the feelings and thoughts, but the more he fought, the stronger they became until they threatened to completely consume him. He ripped his eyes away from Luka and curled into a ball. He couldn’t freak out here in public. He had to maintain control. He fought to remind himself that as he thought only of Luka. He struggled when his every impulse screamed to take Luka as his.
“Are you ok?” Luka asked.
Chat Noir snapped his head up and was face-to-face with Luka. His breath caught seeing Luka’s earthshaking beauty so close. Luka’s bright blue eyes clouded with concern. The striking undercut with blue-dyed tips and sides that popped from his natural black hair. The glint of Luka’s piercings that drew his eyes first to the eyebrows then Luka’s lips. He bit his lip beneath his mask and forced his eyes to meet Luka’s while his mind raced and desires screamed.
Luka reached out a hand. “Let me help.”
Chat Noir gulped as he reached a shaky hand out. He flinched seeing Luka immediately furrow his brows. He waited for Luka to speak, but nothing came. Relief swept over him as Luka pulled him to his feet.
“There you go. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Luka-.”
“Luka Stone!” Gerrard exclaimed.
Luka shuddered at the name. He took a breath and forced a smile as Gerrard approached.
“Quite the honor to meet you, Luka. I’ve heard a lot of good things about you from Bob.”
“Oh, I bet you have,” Luka said through gritted teeth.
“Yes, indeed. And I hope he ran you through my plans, yes?” Gerrard asked.
“You wanted me to pose with your heroes, right?”
“Not just any of them, but the Chat Noir himself. Just imagine, the cat going solo, playing the vigilante role in opposition of the ladybug, proving himself a true hero and protect the one he loves: you.”
“Of course, you already have a pitch,” Nathalie muttered.
“Of course! We have magazines to sell. We need to keep our readers on the edge of their seats with marvelous distractions. They may voice their displeasure, but the numbers don’t lie.”
“Right. Well, Luka, what do you say?” Nathalie asked.
“Well, I-.”
“You jackass!” Queen Bee yelled.
Everyone turned to the doorway. Queen Bee stood in the middle with Lila off to the side. Juleka grabbed Luka and pulled him to the side. Gerrard roused the camera crew to catch the excitement. Chat Noir put his hands up and took a step back.
“Bee, I can explain.”
“Bullshit! You had every opportunity to this morning, but you fucking ignored me. You probably turned off your phone just to avoid us, didn’t you?”
“Well, obviously.”
Queen Bee roared. She rushed forward and tackled Chat Noir. They tussled on the floor until Chat Noir kicked her off and pinned her down.
“Bee, relax!”
“Fuck you. I’ve been by your side damn near through all this. I took up arms when I found Pollen. I was by your side, and you thank me by tossing me aside without any explanation.”
Chat Noir grimaced. “You… I… it’s done, Bee. Let it go.”
Queen Bee snarled and got Chat Noir off her. She reared back to strike but stopped. Lila spoke in Italian, earning Queen Bee’s attention. Everyone exchanged glances while she listened.
“If you have the courage to say it in Italian, you can say it in a language we all understand,” Chat Noir hissed.
Queen Bee glared at Chat Noir. She approached him, kicked him below the belt, and tossed him into the wall. She moved back to Lila and paused.
“Do whatever you want, Chat. It’s clear what I meant to you all this time if you pull this shit.”
“What? No! Bee, wait!” Chat Noir called.
Queen Bee heel turned and raised a hand. A golden glow emitted from it.
“Kneel,” Queen Bee commanded.
Compulsion fell over Chat Noir. He fell to his knees before Queen Bee.
“Do not seek me out. Do not call upon me. Do not consider me a friend anymore.”
Chat Noir grimaced at Queen Bee’s order. He waited for the rejection, hatred, and disappointment to consume him, but there was nothing. Despite what had transpired, he felt nothing for Queen Bee. He tried to think of their long friendship now up in smoke, how he hurt his only friend, but there was nothing.
Chat Noir’s eyes were wide as he stared at the ground. Queen Bee wasn’t anywhere in his mind. It still lingered on Luka and the promise of time with him. To be seen with Luka in the public’s eye. The idea of Luka being seen as his made his heart flutter over and over. It drowned out everything else.
Queen Bee sneered and flipped off Chat Noir and everyone else. She turned and left with Lila behind her. Silence lingered until Gerrard spoke.
“Incredible! Get those images and photos passed along! We need this out immediately. Move people, move!” Gerrard yelled.
The camera crew scrambled while Juleka, Luka, and Nathalie lingered behind.
“Well, this is marvelous,” Nathalie remarked.
“What do we do?” Juleka asked.
“Continue with the day,” Nathalie answered.
“And Chat Noir?”
Nathalie glanced at Chat Noir. “Luka, would you mind keeping him company?”
“Huh? Not at all.”
“Excellent. Juleka, go get ready. Boys, go somewhere.”
“Do we need to stay here?” Luka asked.
Nathalie considered. “Not at all. Head wherever you want. I’ll have Juleka message you when we need you two.”
Luka nodded and helped Chat Noir up. “Any place you’d like to go?”
“Uh, your choice,” Chat Noir whispered.
“Cool. Want to take a walk by the Seine?”
“Sure. It sounds nice.
Luka led Chat Noir outside. Chat Noir scooped up Luka and rushed them over to the Seine. He searched for an empty area and landed there. He carefully put Luka down, who took a moment to look around. Luka took a step, then jogged ahead. He tilted his head and followed Luka.
Luka stopped near an opening in the divider. A little memorial was placed near the water’s edge. Chat Noir stepped closer as Luka knelt beside it. The woman in the picture looked old with her braided gray hair and aged face. Despite the age, her eyes gleamed with life. He glanced around at the garden of flowers left behind that looked fresh.
“Who is she?” Chat Noir asked.
“My mother. She died in an attack. I was going to return for the funeral, but her body was never found and Jagged had persuaded me to remain with him.”
Chat Noir blinked and sat beside Luka, pressing his side against Luka’s. “Do you remember which attack it was?”
Luka took a breath. “Juleka said something about a crazy weathergirl that nearly leveled the city with a cataclysmic storm. How when she came out after the storm to check on Mom, she and Liberty were just gone.”
“I remember that day. It was one of the freak days that Papillon sent a monster in the middle of the day. None of us were prepared for it as we had grown used to him attacking at night. It caught us all by surprise.”
“That’s what Jule said too. Still, it hurts. There’s so much I hoped she’d see but won’t.”
Chat Noir’s ears drooped seeing tears fall from Luka’s eyes. His heart twisted with a terrible grief. His tail wrapped around Luka as he took Luka’s hand. Luka stiffened for a moment, then forced a smile.
“It’s ok. I’m ok. Really.”
Chat Noir’s ear flicked and he squeezed Luka’s hand. “I promise, this will all end. No more will be lost like this.”
Luka’s eyes widened, then his face softened. “I hope so. Too much has been lost as is. C’mon, let’s take that stroll and relax.”
Luka freed himself from Chat Noir and started down the walkway. Chat Noir watched Luka walk away, entranced by the sight of him leaving. Luka paused and looked back.
“You coming?”
Chat Noir’s ears and tail straightened as he rushed after Luka.

~~

Luka returned to the apartment with Juleka after the long day. He sighed and fell onto the couch while Juleka and Rose stood over him.
“Are you ok, Luka?” Rose asked.
“How was your time with Chat Noir?” Juleka asked.
“Jule, is he always so, I don’t know, touchy?” Luka asked.
“In what way?” Juleka asked.
“He was always within inches of me, touching my hand, pressing his side against mine, and wrapping his tail around me.”
Juleka furrowed her brows. “Far from. He usually doesn’t like anyone touching him and vice versa. Were you uncomfortable?”
“A little. He did it first when he was comforting me as we ran into Mom’s memorial, but after that, he never left my side. Refusing to be more than an inch from me. That’s when it got a touch uncomfortable.”
Juleka frowned. “I’m calling Nathalie. I won’t have you around Chat Noir if he’s going to behave this way. We’ll find another way to help him.”
“Hold on, Juleka. Let me gauge things. There must be a reason for his actions,” Luka interjected.
“What? No! You will not put yourself in a situation where you are compromising your safety. You’ve done that plenty before, but not this time.”
“Juleka, please. I understand the risks and the danger he possesses. However, someone needs to do something. Hopefully with this he’ll be lulled into a comfortable state that he’ll open up and I can learn more from what you did. If he does, we can help him.”
“Absolutely not! Rose, back me up on this!”
Rose hesitated. “I don’t agree with the methods, but do we have many options? Ladybug returns in four months. If we know, there’s a chance our enemy does too. So, we don’t have long.”
“Exactly. And I can use my power on him. Sass said that with my main power, I can heal one’s soul. At least, tear down walls and the like. They still need to take steps to overcome their trauma, but I can set them on the right path,” Luka explained.
“Well, it’s something,” Rose admitted.
“And when are you supposed to take the field?” Juleka asked.
“I mean, not for another couple of months, but I’m sure Nette will understand if I talk to her.”
Juleka snorted. “Not likely. She still seemed all too happy to hate Chat Noir when I saw her. There’s also the matter of her grandmother.”
“What do you mean?” Luka asked.
“Her grandmother is very, very old school in terms of traditions. And she would rather see Mari with someone she hates than loves. I.e., she wants Mari with Chat Noir and you to kick it to the curb. So, there’s going to be extra resentment piled on top.”
Luka’s face fell. “Oh.”
“Well, what if they had an open relationship? A polycule,” Rose suggested.
“I couldn’t suggest that. Besides, Nette is the only one for me,” Luka stated.
“Pretty sure Chat Noir is gay too,” Juleka remarked.
“Then perhaps a beard? Give the illusion they’re together, but really aren’t?” Rose stated.
“That could work. I admittedly wanted to get them on friendly terms, but that could work too. No need for feelings, mutual arrangement, and the grandmother is happy,” Juleka pointed out.
“That’s all well, but we need to focus on two things first. I need to speak with Nette about taking the field sooner and then I need to get through to Chat Noir,” Luka said.
“Well, start with Mari. When will you talk to her?” Juleka asked.
“I was sorta hoping I could go see her,” Luka admitted.
“Well, go see Alix. She has the wolf. Just, uh, good luck.”
“Where is she at this time of day?”
Juleka checked her phone. “Well, it’ll be dinner soon, so I imagine she’s now waking up.”
“She’d only just now be waking up?” Luka asked.
“Oh, yes. She’s turned into a true night owl. She’s lucky her classes are online otherwise she’d be screwed,” Juleka remarked.
“Right. Well, I’ll head over there. I’ll see you guys later.”

~~

Nathalie moved through the catacomb tunnels that were lit with her butterflies. She followed their trail until she was in her lair. Nooroo lifted his head and flew up around her.
“Welcome back! How was your day?”
“Eventful. Turns out the snake holder has arrived early.”
“Wait, the snake? Are you sure?”
“Yes. I first saw the snake bracelet on Luka, Whisper’s brother. Then, when they got back, Chat Noir had inquired about Luka’s tattoos and practically begged to see them. One such tattoo was a diamond-back teal cobra snaked around Luka’s stomach with medicinal flowers around it. Stood out a little too much from all the others we saw.”
“And has the obsession settled in?”
Nathalie smirked. “All too well. Chat Noir is completely under the effects and is already making Luka uncomfortable. The punk can try to hide it, but anyone can see it. And he’s far too nice to say a thing.”
“Well, that’s good, at least until the snake should use his powers on Chat Noir.”
“Pardon?”
“Well, the snake is a healer. They can heal earthly wounds, wounds to the spirit, but also remove effects placed by other holders.”
“So, the snake, should he use his power, will remove what I’ve done?”
“Correct.”
Nathalie swore. “That’s no good. I’ll need to take precautions. Luka is likely to use this power regardless, but I can manage one use. I’ll just need to be careful. I can’t let any harm come to Chat Noir leading up to the final battle. That should avoid in more uses until the ladybug arrives and we can bring this all to an end. Speaking of, we have an errand to run tonight.”
“Oh? I do love errands. Where are we going?”
“Why, we’re going to visit an old friend. One that’s been dying to see me again. Nooroo, wings rise.”

Chapter Text

Alix yawned and stepped out of her room. Fang stretched and followed her. Ondine finished setting up dinner when Alix joined her.
“Evening, sleeping beauty,” Ondine teased.
Alix grunted and flipped off Ondine.
Ondine snickered and took her seat. Alix moved to take her seat when there was a knock on the door.
“Huh? Were you expecting company?” Alix asked.
Ondine shook her head.
Alix hummed and answered the door. Her eyes widened seeing Luka.
“Uh, hey, Alix? Having a nice evening?” Luka asked.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Alix asked.
“Oh, right. Juleka swung by earlier and borrowed Fang to fetch Luka,” Ondine said.
“Ok, well, then why are you here? At my apartment?”
“I was hoping I could borrow Fang.”
“What? No. Papillon is about to cause trouble before long and I need to be out there. And if I’m lucky, I’ll see the cat.”
“Please. I need to talk with Nette.”
Alix pinched the bridge of her nose. “Yeah, right. Talk? At that time of night for her? Look, Luka, I know you miss Mari and you probably haven’t been touched in two years, but I’m not about to let you use Fang for damn booty calls.”
Luka’s eyes widened and his face turned beet red. Ondine roared with laughter in the other room.
“Look, I promise it isn’t like that. I just need to speak with her about something really important. Just give me thirty minutes, please.”
Alix rolled her eyes. “Fine. Thirty minutes and you don’t make a habit of this.”
“Deal!”
“Fang!”
Fang howled and teleported Luka to the Cheng estate. Luka froze in the darkness with Fang at his side.
“Do you know where she is?” Luka whispered.
“Transform and follow.”
Luka transformed and followed Fang. He glanced around and saw infrared outlines of people in buildings all asleep. He glanced down at Fang who gave had an empty outline. He worked to piece together this vision as they neared a building with one person in it. His heart leapt as they entered the building and headed down the hall to a door.
“Wait here,” Fang instructed.
Luka waited until he heard a playful bark and a loud gasp. His breath caught hearing Marinette’s voice. He knocked on the door as Fang appeared halfway through the door.
“You may come in now.”
Marinette yawned as she reached for the light. “Are we starting earlier now?”
Luka chuckled as he sat on the end of the bed. “Not exactly.”
Marinette froze. “Luka? Luka, is that you?”
Luka grinned as Marinette turned on the light. “The one and only, Nette.”
Marinette threw her arms around Luka. “Oh, it’s so good to see you! Wait! What are you doing here?”
“I might have made a little deal with Alix. Thirty minutes and not to make a habit of this.”
Marinette smirked. “Dangerous deal. You now Alix never holds her end of the bargain.”
“Well, I just need some time. I don’t want to keep you. Plus, Juleka told me about Xiu.”
Marinette’s smile faded. “What did she say?”
“Just that Xiu doesn’t approve of me and would rather you be with Chat Noir.”
Marinette huffed. “I told her I wouldn’t do it. That I would rather see him beaten into the ground and face the justice of the people for everything he’s put us through.”
Luka ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, Nette, I hate to say this, but I can’t have you doing that.”
“What? Why?”
“It’s based on what Juleka told you earlier. He needs help and I don’t mean as a hero. He needs a therapist.”
“Then sit him down with Rose.”
“I don’t think Rose would be able to help him. Rose has a more forward approach that won’t work with someone like Chat Noir. It’s why I’m here. I’m hoping to work on getting Chat Noir to open up.”
Marinette opened her mouth but was cut off by Fang’s yelp. She and Luka looked over as Fang vanished in a blip of light.
“Oh, crap! There’s no way it’s been thirty minutes. Hold on. Let me call Juleka.”
Luka de-transformed and stepped out of the room.
Marinette growled and crossed her arms. She didn’t want to help Chat Noir in any way or form. She wanted to see him pay for his failures as much as seeing Papillon strung up for his crimes. However, she recalled Juleka’s point of preventing another Papillon from being created. Was Chat Noir really that far gone to become Papillon? Surely there was no way. It had to take a special kind of monster to become Papillon and Chat Noir wasn’t anywhere near that.
Marinette considered as she listened to Luka speak with Juleka. Perhaps she could convince him to stay here for a while. He wouldn’t need to be back for another couple of months to take the field. She didn’t think she could keep him here for the entire time, but maybe a month.
“Sorry about that. Turns out Alix has already hit the field,” Luka announced as he entered the room.
“I see. Well, knowing Alix, she’ll likely be out all night. So, why don’t we pick up this conversation in the morning?”
Luka sighed and rubbed his eyes. “Might as well. I-.”
“Perhaps you could stay for, I don’t know, say about a month?”
“Nette, I don’t think I should. Chat Noir-.”
“He’ll be fine. C’mon, he’s like any mangy stray you find around Paris. Besides, it has been two years since we’ve been together like this. Perhaps we can take this time to enjoy it? We don’t know what’ll happen once I get back, so why not now?”
“I’m not sure. Juleka was worried. Plus, there is the matter of your grandmother.”
“Oh, Xiu will, well, she won’t be fine with it, but it’s not like she can just send you away. After all, I want you here and I’m the ladybug now.”
“I don’t know. Sass? What do you think? Will Chat Noir be ok?”
Sass snorted. “He’s with the black cat. No one is ever ok in the hands of Plagg.”
Tikki materialized and glared at Sass. “Excuse you, McSassy Britches. What’s wrong with my Plagg?”
“Oh! Let me get my list. I’ve been saving it for a few eons now.”
“C’mon, Plagg isn’t that bad. He’s got his good qualities.”
Sass roared with laughter.
Tikki glared at Sass.
“Oh, wait, you were serious? Let me laugh harder then.”
“Enough! Don’t make fun of my Plagg!” Tikki yelled.
Tikki and Sass continued their back-and-forth. Luka frowned and scooped up the two kwamis.
“Alright, enough yelling. Sass, please stop badmouthing this Plagg. Tikki, please let it go.”
Tikki and Sass shot each other nasty glances, then turned away from the other. Luka handed Tikki to Marinette and then turned to Sass.
“So, will Chat Noir be ok?”
Sass shrugged. “Hard to say with you mortals. Maybe, maybe not.”
Luka sighed. “Well, I’ll sleep on it. Alright, Nette?”
“Of course! And we’ll make sure to talk about it. I promise.”
“Thank you, Nette. So, when do you need to start your training for the day.”
“Not for another two hours.”
Luka smiled and snuggled Marinette. “Cuddle time?”
Marinette kissed Luka. “Cuddle time.”

~~

Lila stepped into Chloe’s room with a tray of food. “Curore mio, I brought you dinner.”
Silence.
Lila peeked over to the bed to see Chloe curled up in a tight ball. She placed the tray on the coffee table and approached the bed.
“Chloe?”
“What?” Chloe growled.
“Are you still upset over that stupid cat?”
Chloe glared at Lila. “Of course, I am! What do you think? My best friend just ditched me for no real reason. And I don’t know what I’m about to do without the team.”
“Why not go solo like the cat?”
“An idea, but what use am I on my own? My powers are only useful when I have others. I couldn’t accomplish anything on my own. I need a team to be part of.”
“Why not join the Ladybug then?”
A long silence.
“I want to join your team,” Chloe admitted.
“I don’t have a team. I’m not a hero.”
“But you are a holder, Volpina.”
Another long silence.
“How long have you known?” Lila asked.
“Over a year. A couple months after we started dating.”
Lila laughed. “Was I really that bad at hiding it?”
“Only when it came to me. I’m sure the boys were too stupid to realize why you would cave to Queen Bee.”
“A blessing in disguise, but are you sure? It’s not as glamorous as being seen with Chat Noir.”
“But the people believe in your efforts. You’ve kept them safe, at least to the best of your abilities. I bet you’ve even seen the real Papillon, haven’t you?”
A pause. “I have.”
“What’s he like?”
“She is like a twisted, dark fairy.”
“‘She’?” Chloe echoed.
Lila nodded.
Chloe’s jaw dropped as she worked through her annoyance and anger. “I wish you would have told us the truth. We’ve been chasing a man all this time. Perhaps we could have ended this sooner if we knew it was a woman.”
Lila snorted. “Not likely. She is cunning and gives me a run for my money. Not to mention horribly ruthless. She hasn’t hesitated to cut down innocents just to get me to back off.”
“You’re kidding. Please say you are.”
“I wish I was. Take the Dupain-Cheng bakery. I encountered Papillon that night. I went to save the cops there, but she dodged me and killed the cops in the way I had told you guys.”
“Shit. Well, there’s still hope. Let me help you. We can end this together.”
Lila took a deep breath. “No.”
“What? But I’m-!”
“I know what you are. You are Queen Bee, the people’s hero. You are the one with Carapace that kept the people safe while cat chased glory. I do not doubt your abilities, but I will not see you face Papillon. I cannot best her, how will you?”
“Well, what would you have me do then?”
“Help the people out of the city.”
“What?”
“Look, we’ve been working on slowly evacuating the people the past month since… well, since I saw the ladybug earrings.”
“You know who the ladybug is?”
“I have an idea, but she’s not in the city. She’s out of the country. Training I believe.”
“I see. But you’ve been able to get people out? And Papillon hasn’t noticed?”
“Not yet. It takes extra time to oversee the evacuation efforts. Perhaps you could help me with that?”
Chloe considered and nodded. “I will.”
“Thank you. Eat up. We head out soon.”
“Hey, Lila?”
“Yes, mia regina?”
Chloe kissed Lila and hugged her. “Thank you. Ti amo.”
Lila smiled and hugged Chloe. “Io ti amo di più.”
“Ti amo troppo.”

Chapter Text

Fera ran along the roofs on the lookout for monsters. Her ears twitched at the sound of footsteps along nearby rooftops. She turned and saw Chat Noir. She grinned and started towards him when she heard Rose’s voice in her head. Rose warned her of a monster sighting and gave her the address. She shifted course and headed after the monster.
Fera’s ears twitched again. She turned back and saw Chat Noir was following her. She snarled and teleported forward to outrun him. She hurried to the monster, a towering bone goliath, as it started its rampage. She leapt to pin it down when she was hit over the head and crashed into the ground. She shook herself off as Chat Noir leapt onto the monster, struck its chest, and destroyed the Akuma.
Chat Noir fell and landed on Fera, making her eat pavement. He dusted himself off and jumped off her. She pushed herself up and glared at him.
“Well, well, look what we have here. You were that red head with the baker girl, weren’t you?”
“That was my mark,” Fera roared.
“Was it? Well, perhaps you should have been faster, and you won’t lose to a little kitty, mangy mutt.”
Fera roared and teleport lunged at Chat Noir. She pinned him down, but he held her back with his staff. She snarled and summoned her weapons, a set of armored claws. He took a sharp breath and kicked her off. He got to his feet as she teleported to him. She slashed at him as he dodged and parried her attacks. He attempted to land a blow but was met with a slash to his side.
Chat Noir took a deep breath as pain shot through him. He touched his side and lifted his hand. Revulsion and fear gripped his heart seeing the fresh blood. His tail stood on end, ears pinned back, and his eyes wide as he backed away from Fera. He held out his hand to keep distance while she snarled and growled at him while on all fours. Terror consumed him seeing her feral pose, her bared sharp teeth, claws that gleamed with his blood, and her now wild, inhuman eyes.
Chat Noir and Fera circled around each other. He took a step back, then ran. He booked it through the city when Fera’s howl sounded behind and she teleported after him. He jumped between buildings, bobbed and weaved, and ducked away from her claws. He missed a step and she sent him flying across the city.

~~

Papillon moved through the shadows as she approached the Agreste manor. She bobbed in and out of the cameras’ sight as she approached the power box. She cut the lines, plunging the manor in complete darkness. She crept towards the kitchen entrance and slipped inside. She listened to the scurrying of the staff as she took a step. The click of her heel on the tile alerted everyone of her presence.
The chatter silenced as unease and fear consumed the once peaceful atmosphere. Papillon took one step, then another. She twirled her cane and transformed it into a stiletto dagger. Another step and she charged forward. She slashed at each of the staff’s chests that allowed for her Akumas to enter the body. Each of the staff distorted and twisted but fell down dead. She tsked and moved to enter the main foyer when the crying of a girl caught her attention.
Papillon turned to see a young woman near the window. The woman was curled up in the silver moonlight. Papillon approached her, grabbed her by the throat, and lifted her up. The wound on her chest had clotted and her heart gave off a purple glow.
“What… what did you do to me?” the woman cried.
Papillon grinned and dropped the woman. She transformed her dagger back into her cane and slammed it into the floor.
The woman gasped and clawed at her throat then the rest of her body. Flesh ripped and tore as her body split apart. Her arms split and morphed into winged sickle hands made of pure, stainless metal with strands of flesh hanging from the metal bone arms. Her face melted and hair fell away as her skull cracked and shifted into a silver bird skull. Her torso stretched out and her spine curved. The flesh and organs in her torso and around her pelvis melted then hardened into a goopy mess of muscle, tissue, and flesh. The bone jutted out into razor shards that exposed the black and purple beating heart. Her legs bent and broke as they reshaped into long, birdlike metallic legs.
Papillon sighed and basked in the metallic bird. “Just look at you. Absolutely beautiful. How does it feel to finally be free?”
A low, deep caw sounded.
“Excellent. Come with me.”
Papillon moved into the main foyer with her creation behind her. She headed across the room and to the office. She reached for the door when a light shone on her. She glanced up and saw Gabriel Agreste on the staircase.
“Who are you? What are you doing in my mansion?”
“Why, don’t you recognize me, Gabriel? We are dear friends after all,” Papillon said in a distorted man’s voice.
“I don’t know you. Now, get out before I call the cops.”
Papillon snickered, then broke down into fits of hysterical laughter. She leapt up and pinned Gabriel down. She transformed her cane into a stiletto and held it to his chest.
“I’m disappointed. All these years and you don’t recognize me. Why, I’m absolutely heartbroken. How about a little friendly greeting to remind you,” Papillon sneered.
Papillon cut open Gabriel’s chest along the heart. The largest butterfly that obscured part of her face fluttered off and into the wound. She gleefully watched the butterfly squirm its way into his heart. She turned her attention to his face that contorted in pain. His body spasmed and twitched as the wound clotted and his heart glowed.
“Yes! I knew it. You of all people would hold the greatest of demons in your heart. After all, how could you live your life knowing your wife didn’t love you enough to stay alive? That every step in your life was an utter mistake that ruined everything. That no matter what you did, you absolutely destroyed your son and drove him away. Isn’t that right, Gabriel?”
“Who are you?” Gabriel demanded.
Papillon leaned in close to Gabriel’s ear. “I told you. I’m an old friend,” she said in her normal voice.
Gabriel’s jaw dropped. “You… you were Papillon all along?
“Only these past few years now.”
“You… Adrien. Where is my son?”
“Why do you care? You certainly didn’t all his life. Though I do thank you. You’ve given me my magnum opus.”
Gabriel’s face fell. He opened his mouth as Papillon knocked him out.
Papillon’s dagger reverted to her cane. She slammed it on the ground and it transformed into sand beneath Gabriel. He fell and she moved to join when Chat Noir crashed through the wall and collided with her.
Papillon sneered and slammed her cane on the ground. It reverted as Fera stood in the ruined wall that Chat Noir fell through. She glanced up at Fera as Chat Noir struggled to his feet. She saw the deep gashes and bites that tore through his suit and muscle that bled freely. He took a step forward, then collapsed from his injuries.
Fera leapt down and headed for him until Papillon stood. Fera stopped and gawked at Papillon. Fear washed over Fera that she shook off and lunged for Papillon. Papillon snapped her fingers and her monster attacked. It struck Fera’s side with the bladed wing, running deep. Fera’s eyes widened, and she gasped, then coughed up blood. Papillon smirked until she heard Fera utter a single word: “Defiance.”
Fera took a breath and kicked the abomination away. She lunged at it before it could recover. She struck its heart, but it didn’t break. She roared and wailed on it until the heart burst and the metallic bird man lay lifeless. She turned back to Papillon who had slipped away. She swore and returned to her first target when an invisible hand grabbed her. She looked around as Whisper came into perspective.
“Whisper? What are you doing here?” Fera demanded.
“Saving you both. Please, we’re going to need Fang to get Luka. Your wounds are fatal.”
“Fuck. Fine.”
“Thank you. Keep your power active as long as you can. I’m taking you both back to the apartment.”
Fera nodded.
Whisper scooped up Chat Noir and headed back to her apartment. She stepped inside and moved to the living area. Bunelle had set up a pair of spots for them. She put them down as Bunelle worked on Fera, pressing mounds of gauze against the wounds.
“Now Fera,” Bunelle whispered.
“Fang, rest.”
Fang emerged from the chain ring bracelet and vanished. Fera reverted and her wounds bled. Bunelle applied pressure to attempt to stop the blood. She changed out the gauze when Fang returned with Viperion. He knelt and healed Alix’s wounds. Bunelle sighed seeing the wounds closed and Alix safe.
“Now, what all happened?” Viperion asked.
“Chat Noir played with fire and got burnt. However, they ran across Papillon,” Whisper answered.
“What?” Bunelle and Viperion yelled.
Whisper nodded. “I got only a glimpse before I ran out. A woman with purple skin, dark fairy wings, and crawling with Akumas.”
“We need to tell Nette immediately,” Viperion declared.
“Ok, but what about him?” Bunelle asked.
Viperion glanced at Chat Noir. He knelt beside Chat Noir and considered. He placed a hand over Chat Noir’s heart and used his main power, Mend. Beautiful golden light filled the room. Whisper and Bunelle shielded their eyes while he watched Chat Noir’s wounds close and the tears of his suit stitch back together. The light faded and Chat Noir’s eyes fluttered open.
Chat Noir groaned and sat up. “What happened? Where am I?”
“Whisper’s apartment,” Viperion answered.
Chat Noir startled and gazed at Viperion. “Who are you?”
“You may call me Viperion. Pleasure to meet you, Chat Noir.”
Viperion held out a hand for Chat Noir. Chat Noir eyed it with a strange suspicion. A moment passed before Chat Noir took Viperion’s hand, raised it to his mask, and pressed it against the part of his mask where his lips would be.
Whisper smirked. “Oh ho, what is this? Brother, are we playing heartbreaker already?”
Viperion rolled his eyes and shoved Whisper away. Bunelle grimaced and moved Alix as Whisper lunged for Viperion. The pair rolled around and wrestled while Chat Noir watched. Bunelle returned and restrained Whisper.
“Alright, you two. I’m glad to see you both in such high spirits, but please behave in front of company,” Bunelle scolded.
“Sorry, hun,” Whisper muttered.
Bunelle patted Whisper’s head. “Now, Viperion, you have new news to take to someone?”
Viperion nodded. He called for Fang. There was a howl and a light, then silence.
“Alright now. Why don’t you head home, Chat? I’ll keep an eye on the city,” Whisper suggested.
“You don’t have to.”
“But I will. Nothing will stop me from fighting now.”
Chat Noir opened his mouth, then shut it. “Very well. You two have a good night.”

~~

Papillon returned to her lair where Gabriel waited for her. Her patrolling horrors, skeletal grim reaper birds dressed in rags, had caught and bound him.
“Well, well. And here we are now. Pull up a chair, sit on the floor, let’s chat.”
Gabriel sneered. “Why are you doing this?”
“Why else? Liberation.”
“Liberation from what? What could possibly liberate by causing all this death and destruction?”
Papillon laughed. “Oh, that’s funny. You honestly think I’m doing this for the people? Fighting in the extreme against an unjust system, or some other drivel?”
“I… no, that’s not what I think. I honestly don’t know what to think or believe.”
“Wise words. A rarity from you.”
“However, that doesn’t answer my question. Why?”
“And I told you. Liberation.”
“Liberation from what?”
Papillon smiled, then it faded. She felt her power end on Chat Noir. She cursed before she sent another altered Akuma for him.
“Well? Are you going to answer me?”
Papillon hummed. She snapped her fingers as a kaleidoscope of butterflies swarmed them. Gabriel leaned away from them, but they collided and stuck to him. More covered his body that slowly wrapped him up in a cocoon.
Papillon moved the finished cocoon on the wall next to Tom’s cocoon. She searched through her jewelry boxes when she removed a small box from the batch. She took out a peacock brooch and placed it inside Gabriel’s cocoon. She snickered hearing the tiny screams from within. She sighed triumphantly and took a seat. She rested her hands on her cane as she began her reconnaissance.

~~

Adrien returned home as his mind wandered. Plagg flew right for the fridge while Adrien headed for his room. He shut the door and slid down it. The night had been eventful. He made a note not to antagonize Fera unless he wanted his ass kicked again. She was almost as ruthless as their enemy. He was sure she would have killed him, but something else stole her attention. He was grateful since he wouldn’t be here still.
Adrien curled up as he recalled when he woke up and saw Luka, well, Viperion. His heart ached recognizing that Viperion would be fighting beside the ladybug. He buried his head in his knees when he felt a sharp prick and the heart ache intensified. He clutched his heart as pain spread throughout him.
It wasn’t fair. Adrien knew he could handle Papillon. He knew he could show the world he was a true hero. He could show Viperion that they didn’t need the ladybug. If he could manage that, Viperion would surely be on his side. Viperion would consider him. No, it’d be more than that. Viperion would be his. He was sure of it.
Adrien stood and headed into the living area. “Plagg, let’s go. We’re heading back out.”
Plagg emerged from the fridge. “What do you mean we’re heading back out? We just got home, and you had a rough day. We relax now.”
“We can’t relax. We don’t have long before the ladybug shows herself. We need to beat Papillon before ladybug shows up. It’s the only way I can prove myself. Not just to the people, but to Luka, Viperion, whatever.”
“What’s with you and this Luka guy?”
“What? Is there something wrong with me liking a guy who’s kind and extremely hot? One whose radiance outshines the brightest of stars. Whose kindness cannot be measured by any fathomless depths. Who puts Aphrodite and Helen of Troy to shame. Who-.”
Plagg gagged. “Ugh, I can’t with the sweet words! I get it. Just stop with the sugary barf. What do I look like? Do I look like Sugarcube?”
“Sugarcube?”
“Don’t worry about it. Look, tonight only, but you will not make a habit of this. I have a very strict schedule I like to enjoy.”
“You sit in the fridge all night and gorge yourself on camembert.”
“Like I said, a very strict schedule.”
“Right. Let’s go. Plagg, claws out!”
Whisper’s eyes fluttered as she returned to her apartment. She pursed her lips as her stomach knotted and twisted.
“Is everything ok?” Rose asked.
“No. Luka is in danger.”
“Danger? From what?”
“Chat Noir. He’s obsessed with Brother.”
“What do we think we should do?”
“I… I don’t know. If Luka stays here, he’ll be put in a compromising position and he’s too nice to say no. But if he leaves, well, who the fuck knows what’ll happen. Maybe nothing and Chat Noir will chill out. It might build and build so when Luka does come back all that pent up everything is just dumped on Luka. Or, absolute worst case, he could completely snap. What option to be place money on?”
Rose considered. “Well, perhaps it’s best to allow Luka to see what he can do. To let him convince Mari to let him take the field early. He may be our only chance of getting through to Chat Noir.”
“What? But… he’s in danger. And this isn’t the first time he’s done something like this. I won’t see him hurt.”
“What choices do we have? You see it yourself, Jule. Chat Noir needs help. If he doesn’t get it, we may be facing more than just Papillon. Between us, I don’t want that. I just want peace. I just want our happily ever after.”
Whisper took a breath. “Right. Alright. But we’re going to watch Luka like a hawk.”
“That’s fine. However, you don’t harm Chat Noir. No matter what comes, trust Luka and don’t mess with this twisted process.”
“But what if Chat Noir tries anything? I’m not going to just sit back if Chat Noir should force himself on Luka.”
“Nor would I or Mari!” Alix yelled.
Rose hesitated. “Step in then, but only then and just to get Luka away. Otherwise, trust Luka. Same to you, Alix!”
“Fine! Bitch shouldn’t try anything anyway!” Alix shouted.
“Well, I’ll give her that. Just a glance at his wounds made me sick. It wasn’t like her own wounds with a clean cut. No, she had to tear through to the muscle and even bone, didn’t she?” Rose muttered.
Whisper chuckled. “You expect any less?”
“I suppose not. That’s a lot of pent-up rage that was going to be let out one way or another. Anyway, we have an agreement?”
Whisper nodded.
“Good. I’m going to rest a little. Please come get me if we’re needed.”
Whisper kissed Rose. “Rest, bunny. I can watch the city.”
Rose smiled and nuzzled Whisper before she headed to their room.
Whisper watched Rose leave before she turned and began her reconnaissance.

Chapter Text

Alix stretched and rolled over. She grabbed her Alliance and looked through her messages. She huffed seeing the string of texts between Juleka and Luka in the group chat Marinette set up for them. A month had gone by, and they were still all arguing. Luka refused to stay with Marinette despite Chat Noir’s clear obsession. Even Marinette had tried to dissuade him but had failed.

Alix sighed and took off her Alliance. She wanted to remind them of their mission and goals, of Papillon, but didn’t want to add more fuel to the fire. It was better to let them argue amongst themselves while she carried on doing her own work.

Alix got out of bed and headed for the kitchen. She didn’t see Ondine there making dinner-breakfast. She shrugged and started on dinner herself. She grabbed some simple ingredients from the fridge when she turned around and saw Fang with an ox kwami. She blinked several times before her eyes widened.

“Well, who might this be, Fang?” Alix asked.

“Alix, this is Stompp, kwami of determination. He’s here for a certain someone,” Fang said.

Alix’s eyes lit up. She put the ingredients down and ran to Ondine’s room. She flew herself onto the bed, startling Ondine from her sleep.

“Wha-? Alix? What’s going on?”

“Someone’s here for you.”

Ondine furrowed her brow when the light flipped on. Fang hovered over with Stompp. Ondine’s eyes widened as a big grin spread on her lips.

“Are you my kwami? Do I get to be a hero?” Ondine asked.

“Yup, yup! Tikki has asked me to assist in this endeavor and to find lovely Fang to find my holder. Are you ready?” Stompp asked.

“Yes! What can I do? How do I transform?” Ondine squealed.

“Your powers, like me, will be simple. You will possess such overwhelming strength that nothing can stop you. I wager even Fang’s holders would have run for their money against my holders. Same with Roarr’s holders.”

Fang snorted at the declaration.

Stompp chuckled. “Your once per transformation power is called Adamant, which grants you invulnerability.”

“That’s awesome! Can we start tonight? Please?”

Stompp beamed. He held out his hand as a nose ring appeared. He handed it to Ondine. She grinned and put it on.

“Now, all you need to say is, ‘Stompp, charge ahead.’”

“Well, Alix, you ready?” Ondine asked.

“What about dinner?”

Ondine considered. “Let’s get something out on the town. It’s been a while, no?”

Alix grinned. “It’s only fair to treat ourselves, no?”

“Exactly. And it would be wrong to not show Paris its newest defender.”

“Then let’s go. Fang, let’s hunt.

“Stompp, charge ahead.”

~~

Volpina and Bee skulked through the shadows as they helped people escape the city. Volpina kept watch while Bee guided them out and kept them safe. Volpina looked out into the city and witnessed a person infected with an Akuma. She swore and sent an illusion to warn Bee before she headed off.

Volpina kept her eyes on the Akuma victim. She watched him scream as his body twisted and grew into a skinless goliath. It roared and crushed the buildings around it. She sneered and looked around for Chat Noir. She didn’t see him, but instead Fera with a new hero clad in red torn clothes, red eyes, red undercut hair tied back into a ponytail, and with bull horns and tail.

Volpina changed course and watched the heroes and the beast. She perched as the heroes engaged the monster. They worked in tandem through sheer brute force and quick feet to tackle the monster. The pair brought the abomination down, ready to strike at the crystal on its chest when Chat Noir charged in.

Volpina swore as the bull and Fera swatted Chat Noir through a building that he destroyed with his Cataclysm before he charged at the women. Volpina dodged the debris as it blocked her path behind her. She huffed as she searched for a way around everything when she saw a figure move in the distance. She got low to the ground and watched as the figure disappeared into a catacomb entrance.

Volpina hummed and used her illusion to blend into the environment. She followed the figure into the catacombs. She followed it through the low, purple light as she glanced at the bloated sacs that lined the tunnels. She fought to control her breathing as her senses screamed at her to run. She denied the urge to retreat as she continued through the narrow passages.

The figure turned and entered a room. Volpina crept up and peeked inside. Her eyes widened at the workshop that was coated with dried blood, body parts scattered around, and four large cocoons against the wall. She watched the figure transform into Papillon and move across the room to a cabinet. Papillon pulled a pair of jewelry boxes out and placed them onto the table. Papillon smiled and turned away from them to a drafting desk on the other side of the room.

Volpina considered going after the boxes. They could contain something valuable, but she wasn’t about to be a fool. Papillon had just laid them out and left them unattended. She didn’t doubt that Papillon knew she was close. She stepped away from the room and started down the way she came when a skeletal birdman blocked her bath.

Volpina darted around the skeleton as it reached for her. She scurried down the tunnels as the flesh sacs lit up a nauseating purple that reflected light off her. Chills crept up her spine as Papillon’s maniacal laughter echoed in the tunnels. She dashed for the exit she entered when a hand caught her. She yelped as she was dragged back through the tunnels in the blink of an eye. She froze when the light of her escape was replaced with Papillion and the eerie glow of her lights.

“Well, well, what do we have here? A little vermin that grew bold. Was that boldness worth what you’ll pay?” Papillon asked.

Volpina opened her mouth as Papillon twirled her cane and turned it into a dagger. Papillon plunged in through Volpina’s suit and into her heart. Volpina gasped at the shock and pain. She felt her body shake as she looked down and saw an Akuma crawl from Papillon’s finger into the wound and her heart.

Volpina gasped as her body twitched and spasmed as she felt the Akuma crawl on her heart. She heard tearing as pain shot out from her chest throughout her body. She choked on her breath as her heartbeat slowed and quickened, then slowed again. She heard it pounding in her ears that drowned out her screams as she clawed at her heart, desperate to get the bug out of her. Her body went still as her heart beat with immense force that it hit her ribcage. She gasped and choked as her vision blurred. Her heart did it again as pain and fear screamed in every inch of her body. She held her breath in the eternity before her heart did it a third time and burst.

Papillon watched Volpina’s outfit fade away. She smiled when she saw Lila’s dead, terrified face. She reached down and took the fox necklace and trapped it in an empty jewelry box she had out on the table to keep the kwami from escaping. She created a space on the wall with the sticky cocoon webbing. She dragged Lila’s body over and pressed it against the stickiness. The cocoon closed around Lila’s corpse but left the cavity where the heart was exposed. She took the fox necklace back out and placed it in the cavity, then closed the cocoon.

Papillon smirked as the cocoon pulsed orange as tiny fox screams were heard from within. She snickered and grabbed the second empty jewelry box as she left. She exited the catacombs and headed towards Le Grand Paris. She stalked through the empty halls to Chloe’s bedroom. She transformed the doors to be transparent and walked through. She turned them back as she eyed Chloe on the bed.

Papillon stalked up behind Chloe, who was on her phone. She glanced over Chloe’s shoulder to see Chloe trying to get ahold of Lila. She changed her cane into a dagger and held it over Chloe’s heart. She moved her hand when a tiny voice called out.

“Chloe! Behind you!” Pollen shrieked.

Chloe turned and gasped when she saw Papillon. Chloe opened her mouth to transform when Papillon covered it and held Chloe against her. Chloe struggled against Papillon, but couldn’t break free. Papillon raised the dagger again, ready to plunge it into Chloe, but Pollen raised a hand. Papillon froze as she glared at Pollen.

“As the Queen, you will not harm her. You will let her go,” Pollen commanded.

Papillon released Chloe, but turned her blade on Pollen. She swiped the air near Pollen, who narrowly dodged the attack. Pollen yelped as she ran from Papillon’s attacks.

“No, Pollen! Pollen, buzz on!” Chloe yelled.

Papillon turned as she changed her dagger into a whip. She caught Chloe with it as Chloe transformed. She pulled Bee close and gripped Bee’s arm tight. Bee struggled as Papillon changed the whip back to a dagger and plunged it into Bee’s heart. Bee gasped and staggered backwards to the floor. Bee looked up as Papillon glared down at her.

“Coward,” Bee hissed.

“Better a coward than a fool. Now the Bee is caught. What shall I do? What shall I do? Oh! I know,” Papillon cooed.

Papillon took her dagger back and sliced wounds in Bee’s arms, legs, and gut. She created a kaleidoscope of Akumas that flooded into Bee’s wounds.

Bee screamed as the hundreds of butterflies crawled under her skin. Parts of her body inflated and deflated as the swarm made its way through her. She cried out Pollen’s name to utter the detransformation phrase, but choked on the words every time. Papillon smiled and knelt as Bee’s body calmed and she still drew breath. Papillon took the massive Akuma that was the size of her own head and brought it to Bee’s heart.

“Rejoice, fallen Queen. If you survive, will be an excellent addition. If not, you’ll get to see your fox in hell,” Papillon mocked.

“No. What-?” Bee started.

The massive Akuma crammed into the wound into Bee’s heart. Bee shrieked and wailed as muscle tore and her heartbeat slowed and quickened, then slowed again. The butterflies all through her body quivered and buzzed against her skin that made it vibrate. Bile rose in her throat where it remained as the movement stopped and her heart glowed a bright purple. She glanced down as the wound stitched itself back up.

“What… what did you just do to me?” Bee asked.

“You know, I’m not too sure. Let’s test things out. Say I want to make your heart stop,” Papillon said and snapped her fingers.

Bee’s body went limp and her suit vanished from her body. Papillon took the comb from Chloe’s hair and trapped it in the jewelry box before Pollen could fully materialize. She glared at Pollen as Pollen’s body vanished.

“And now I want you alive,” Papillon stated and snapped her fingers.

Chloe gasped and sat up. She looked around frantically before she looked up at Papillon.

“Did I just… did you just…?” Chloe asked.

“Now, now, don’t worry your pretty little blonde head about it. Rejoice! You get to become another of my experiments for when your savior comes. Isn’t that fantastic?”

Chloe stared up in horror at Papillon.

Papillon snapped her fingers and Chloe’s mouth fused together, then vanished. Chloe made muffled shrieks as she clawed at the lower part of her face. Papillon snapped her fingers as Chloe’s body went limp, but she remained conscious. Papillon threw Chloe over her shoulder and left.

~~

Rose paced in the living room while Juleka was in the bathroom throwing up. She knew Juleka saw and heard something horrible, but couldn’t share it. All Juleka had been able to do was cry for Fera. She called for Fera to help ease Juleka’s panic and hopefully learn what happened.

Rose turned as Fera and Ira appeared. Rose sighed and ran up to the pair.

“Alright, what’s going on?” Fera asked.

Rose motioned for Fera and Ira to follow. She led them to the bathroom where Juleka remained by the toilet. She knocked on the door, startling Juleka.

“Jewel? Fera is here,” Rose said.

Juleka gasped as she looked up. Her eyes were wide and pupils dilated. Her skin was paler than before and clammy. Her body trembled as she scrambled to Fera’s feet and clung to her.

“F-Fera, puh-please, get us out of here,” Juleka begged.

“What the fuck to you mean get us out of here?” Fera demanded.

“I… I can’t. I just can’t. It was awful. Too awful. I can’t. Please… please don’t make me stay,” Juleka cried.

“Jewel, it’s ok. Everything will-,” Rose started.

“No! No! It won’t! You didn’t see the… the nasty, nasty bugs. You didn’t hear the crawling and then skin and the hearts and… and…!”

Juleka screamed as she cried. She wailed as she covered her ears and closed her eyes tight. Rose, Fera, and Ira stared in shock and concern as Juleka spiraled.

“I don’t want to see! I don’t want to hear! Please! Please don’t make me!” Juleka wailed.

Juleka shrieked and choked on her scream. She scrambled over to the toilet, but slipped on the bath rug and hit the ground. She shakily pushed herself up as she covered her mouth. She gagged before she threw up on the rug. She cried as she covered her ears again.

“Hey, Fera, will you teleport us to Marinette and Luka, please?” Rose asked.

“Y-yeah. Uh, get some clothes and shit packed,” Fera said.

Rose scurried to her and Juleka’s room. She threw together a few things of luggage with essentials, clothes, and anything else she could think of. She hurried back and handed her bags to Ira as she entered the bathroom. She helped Juleka up with reassurances that they were both leaving. Juleka whimpered and leaned on Rose as she guided Juleka to Fera. Fera took Juleka as Rose scooped up Mullo, whose eyes were dark with fear.
Rose returned to Fera and nodded. Fera teleported the four of them to Marinette’s family estate in China. They arrived in the main courtyard where the Cheng family members came and went. Everyone stopped and stared at them as Rose sat Juleka down.

“Hey, Fluff? Can you talk to them? Explain the situation?” Rose asked.

Fluff nodded and flew up to someone. A group gathered around Fluff as she explained the situation in their language. Rose waited as Fluff was escorted away. She held Juleka’s cold, clammy hands as she stared at the mouse necklace.

“Hey, Jewel? Maybe you should renounce your miraculous?” Rose suggested.

Juleka nodded slowly. She reached up and took off the necklace and placed it on the bench.

“Mullo, I’m sorry. I renounce you,” Juleka whispered.

Mullo managed a small nod as she took back her necklace.

Rose and Juleka sat for awhile before Marinette and Luka ran to them with Xiu taking up the rear. Luka immediately sat down beside Juleka and put an arm around her.

“Jule! I’m here. What happened?” Luka asked.

Juleka blinked slowly before the tears poured from her eyes. She cried and wailed as she clung to Luka.

“What’s happened?” Marinette asked.

“Something really bad happened that Juleka saw. We don’t know what, but if Juleka is spooked, then it had to be really bad,” Rose said.

“We at least know it had to do with Papillon,” Fera commented.

“Where is her kwami?” Xiu asked.

Rose scooped up Mullo and held her up for Xiu. “She’s in shock, but maybe she could tell us later?”

Xiu nodded and took Mullo. “I’ll see to her. Mar-Mar, can you show these ladies to the guest quarters?”

“Huh? Oh, yes,” Marinette said.

“And rally the rest of your army here. Whatever your villain has done, we cannot trust she won’t do it to your people. I would also recommend getting the black cat too.”

“What? We don’t-!”

“Yes! Get… cat. Too dangerous. Adrien can’t be trusted,” Juleka blurted.

“Adrien?” Marinette, Luka, Fera, and Ira yelled.

“Y-yes. A-Adrien is… cat,” Juleka whimpered.

“Fuck, if he’s the stupid cat, Ira and I can-,” Fera started.

“Wait! Let me try to get through to him. I might be able to get through to him. I might be able to convince him to come to our side,” Luka suggested.

“What? No way! That’s a-,” Marinette started.

“A wonderful idea, Luka. Have the wolf take you to this Adrien and talk sense into him,” Xiu said.

“Take Tikki. If not Adrien, Plagg will listen to his Sugarcube,” Juleka said.

“Yeah! Tikki, are you ok with that?” Marinette asked.

“I will, but I want to learn what happened that Mullo and Juleka saw. Maybe it could help convince Plagg,” Tikki said.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m not too sure, but if there’s a chance, I’ll take it.”

“It is advisable. Plagg is a stubborn fool,” Sass remarked.

Tikki fumed, then calmed down. “We’ll just need time to calm Mullo down. Focus on getting the others here.”

“Right. Fera, can you bring Alya and Nino here? Along with Queen Bee and Volpina too?” Marinette asked.

“Gone. Bee… Fox… gone,” Juleka managed.

“Gone? As in-,” Marinette started.

“Dead.”

A heavy silence hung in the air. No one spoke for the longest time before Xiu stepped forward.

“Perhaps you should come with me, young lady. Let’s see if we can’t do something to ease your suffering,” Xiu offered.

Juleka nodded. She got up and shuffled after Xiu as Xiu led them into the main building. Juleka kept her eyes low until they entered a large room. Xiu stopped as Juleka approached and stared down at Xiu with angry, haunted eyes.

“We’re going to put a stop to this,” Juleka said.

“Excuse me?” Xiu asked.

“When Luka goes to Adrien, he must return with the cat ring. We must put an end to this, and we’ll need the black cat’s power,” Juleka pointed out.

“Oh? And if not this Adrien to wield it, then who?”

“Me.”

“You?”

“I read your grimoires. I know what to do with the black cat. I know what must be done with the butterfly. And I know it wouldn’t be the first time a black cat was a female holder. And I know the black cats then would bless the marriages of your ladybugs with one of the black cats family members. Luka is my twin. And I will bless his marriage and become part of your family. That way everyone is happy.”

Xiu hummed. “It’s not the bargain I was hoping for, but so long as you keep the black cat for the rest of your life, then I can agree to this. Will you do that?”

“So long as he stays. Cats are fickle.”

Xiu sighed. “That they are. Blasted cats. Alright. Min, to me.”

An owl hoot echoed in the room. Juleka watched as an owl appeared on Xiu’s shoulders.

“Will you offer what you know to Min so we may put an end to this?” Xiu asked.

Juleka closed her eyes, bowed her head, and knelt on the ground. Min flew down and brushed her head against Juleka. Min hooted and flew back to Xiu’s shoulder. Juleka opened her eyes and stared at Xiu.

“How long?”

“Three days we’ll send your brother. Take this time to collect yourself. Once the black cat is ours, we’ll put an end to this. You have my word.”