Chapter Text
Chat Noir Was standing at one of their usual meetups this time on top of the Louvre Waiting for ‘Ladybug’ to arrive although she was a few minutes late to the time they had established that they were going to be meeting.
“Sorry I’m late. I had to deal with some things,” ‘Ladybug’ said, finally arriving at their meetup.
‘Ladybug’ Looked mostly the same as the last time Chat had seen her, with the exception of her limbs being a little bit longer than they were last time and her skin looking just a bit too shiny.
“Alright, so a lot has happened but I’ll let you talk first about the info you know,” ‘Ladybug’ said.
“I've learned about at least two more of the entities that being, The Dark and The Beholding , who are apparently Plagg’s parents.” Chat said,
“I don’t like the implications of that. But I already know about The Beholding or The Eye it’s sometimes called. But I also found out about The Flesh, The Lonely, Eis mentis or The Spiral, The Buried and The Corruption. Three of which are active,” ‘Ladybug’ reported.
“That all sounds pretty bad. What do we know about the three that are active?” Chat questioned,
“So far, I know of The Beholding, Flesh and Lonely. There in the hands of some friends, one an ally,” ‘Ladybug’ shared.
“We know that the one who is in possession of the eye Artifact, Has local temporary omniscience, in any location Well they have spent a significant amount of time.” ‘Ladybug’ said,
“What about the one who is in possession of The Flesh artifact?” Chat asked.
“I'm not sure what theirs does but if I had to guess something to do with body modification?” ‘Ladybug’ said,
“Then what about The Lonely?” Chat asked.
“Not sure exactly what that one does either but it has something to do with fog.” ‘Ladybug’ said,
“Okay, so the only ones we know fully about their powers are The Eye and The Stranger,” Chat noted.
‘Ladybug’ hissed, clutching her head before spitting “There's nothing known about I do not know you , that goes against our very nature. And you would do well to remember it, little Blind Watcher.”
“Right, right. Stranger to all and all that. But at least we know that it exists,” Chat refuted.
“Anyway, any news on Hawkmoth?” ‘Ladybug’ said, Filing down her significantly sharper fingers,
“Sorry, nothing much. There hasn’t even been an akuma attack in a while. Also me-yowch those look sharp,” Chat noted, looking at her sharp fingers.
“Yeah we'll go back to normal when we transform back.” ‘Ladybug’ said, Fingers shifting back to relative normality.
“Okay, I just hope Hawkmoth isn’t planning on anything destructive or world ending,” Chat quietly hoped.
“Oh if Hawk moth has been causing problems I'm sure he won't be Too much of a problem, after all Duurge Is pretty chill, even though I'm not quite sure who that is?” ‘Ladybug’ said,
“Yeah, well I should continue patrol. You know in case anyone wants to steal some crepes from a cart or Mr. Pigeon comes around again,” Chat replied, rolling his eyes at the thought of Mr. Pigeon.
Chat got up and went off to go patrol. While ‘Ladybug’ still sat on the roof, until her yo-yo went off. She pulled it out to see that it was Jon’s number. Oh no, this wasn’t good. She quickly accepted it and put it to her ear.
{Where the hell are you!} Jon yelled, {Why the Bloody Hell are you on top of the Louvre!}
“How do you know that?!” ‘Ladybug’ freaked out.
{I'm The Archivist. Why the heck wouldn't I know?} Jon said a bit more calmly,
“Sorry, but I had someone I needed to talk to. I thought you would have been properly distracted by the bakery while I was gone,” ‘Ladybug’ quietly said. “ Stupid eye powers. ”
{Marinette I know that it isn't in your nature as one of the strangers to share information, But if you're going to be bringing other people in I would like to know about it.} Jon said,
“Well, he’s more of someone I told before I seeked you out,” ‘Ladybug’ explained, “I’ll explain once I get back. As I am in public.”
{Okay just be safe.} Jon said hanging up the call,
‘Ladybug’ let out a sigh. She threw her yo-yo and traveled across Paris to get back.
Later at Dupain-Cheng Bakery Marinette's room…
‘Ladybug’ landed on the roof and transformed back into Marinette. She opened the skylight as quietly as she could, sneaking into her room. However, as she climbed down the ladder. Jon turned around in an office chair that he had somehow got up the stairs.
“Where did you get the office chair? Also how did you get it up the stairs?” Marinette asked.
Jon paused for a moment before shaking it off and saying “That doesn't matter who the heck you were meeting with?”
“His name is Chat Noir, he’s one of Paris’s superheroes,” Marinette explained. “He often comes by my place during his patrol and I sometimes inform him of anything recent happening.”
“Oh he was the hooligan who was wearing black spandex. Who I've seen around, I don't see why he would need to know but I’ll respect your decision.” Jon said, Just kind of spinning in the office chair for No apparent reason. “What exactly did you tell him?”
“That three of the dread powers are currently active and there are others that aren’t but suspected. As apparently, two of the entities are his own, the guy that gives him his powers, parents. The Eye and The Dark. There is also The Corruption suspected in some way,” Marinette shared.
“The Corruption is involved. Well then why the heck haven't you been telling me about any weird happenings with insects?” Jon demands,
“Well, that was mostly information gained from Orsee and we’re not sure that’s reliable,” Marinette said, “Along with Eis Mentis or The Spiral.”
“Well at least it's not The Slaughter, Thank you for the information ‘Marinette’.” Jon said,
“Yeah, just everything is tough right now for me. Especially with Lila,” Marinette sighed, taking a moment to sit on the chaise. “Considering that she’s the very reason I’m expelled.”
“Was no investigation taken to make sure that any claims she made that might get one expelled weren't fraudulently made up.” Jon questioned.
“No, I tried that but everyone including my own family believed her lies,” Marinette said, “My ex-best friend Alya as well. Except Chloe and Sabrina.”
“Well that's a Breaking of educational law, there should have been an investigation launched.” Jon said,
“Honestly, if you met my school’s principal, You would understand why that didn’t happen,” Marinette replied.
“Well you could always take it up with the French Board of Education, if you send in a complaint they have to respond to it.” Jon pointed out,
“I didn’t think of that. I might just do that,” Marinette said, “If I didn't already do that! But that’s taking forever!” She laid down fully on the chaise grabbing a pillow.
“As much as I would hate to have to owe Elias a favor I suppose I could pull some strings to help you.” Jon said,
“You would be willing to do that?” Marinette asked, sitting up now.
“I make no promises but I will attempt to help. 50% chance nothing happens though.” Jon said,
“It’s better than absolute zero that I’m currently dealing with. So thank you,” Marinette replied.
“Or I could just get you emancipated so you could live on your own and be able and give you a small wage as a consultant for The Institute.” Jon suggested,
“I could do that, but I wouldn’t be able to achieve my dream of being a fashion designer,” Marinette said, looking over to her desk.
“You are aware that the Institute also functions as a university where you can get your degree in fashion design right?” Jon said, raising an eyebrow,
“I can?! Wait, is it?!” Marinette exclaimed.
“Yes, the Magnus Institute for higher education. I may be part of the archives division but we are a university, a small one but, still a university.” John said chest puffed out in Pride,
“Well then, I would be glad to do that!” Marinette exclaimed, getting up and hugging Jon in gratitude. Both of them got zapped from it. “Right, we can’t touch each other due to the whole avatar thing.”
“I'll head back to the hotel and call… Elias to get it… set up.” Jon said, Opening the trap door and beginning to walk down.
“Uh, actually can you talk to Chloe about me possibly staying at the hotel?” Marinette asked.
“I'm pretty sure Sabrina knows but I will bring it up.” Jon said,
“Thank you, for everything so far,” Marinette replied. “Also sorry for kidnapping you that one time.”
“You didn't need to mention the fact that you kidnapped me but other than that okay then.” Jon said,
Marinette felt her cheeks start to get red from embarrassment. She definitely fucked that up.
Meanwhile At Dupont Mrs. Bustier’s Classroom…
Mrs. Bustier was a very tired teacher, especially with all the drama that went on in her class. Considering that one of her students was now expelled, she wasn't concerned for Marinette, as most of the drama was caused by her. Maybe now she could finally have her class in order again. Except for the fact her colleague was currently smoking.
“Ms. Mendeleiev, I believe we have told you many times to not smoke in the classroom,” Mrs. Bustier said.
“Caline I do not give a shit, one of my favorite students without filing a formal report on exactly why you were kicking her out. I do not want your frankly horrible opinion right now. Ogla said, light up another cigarette, Before stowing her lighter in her lab coat,
“I just don’t want you to set off the fire alarm,” Mrs. Bustier said.
“Please Caline we both know the fire alarm batteries haven't been changed in years. I'm not liable to set anything off in this classroom. That said, why shouldn't I light you up?” ogla said,
“What are you talking about?” Mrs. Bustier questioned.
“Oh nothing nothing at all just musing about things you wouldn't understand, Caline.” Ogla said, Clicking her lighter, And staring at the ensuing Flame. “Fire is so very, pretty, isn't it?”
“I guess so?” Mrs. Bustier replied. “Considering that when interacting with different minerals it can create different colors.”
“Yes but there's nothing quite like a pure Unbroken Flame, the heat it can exude, the damage that it can do to one's flesh as it's turned from usable sinew turn to Ash,That one can use it to melt the fat off of others to be used as Tallow for candles, it is simply a beautiful phenomenon.” Olga said, with reverence,
“What?” Mrs. Bustier questioned, concern growing for her colleague.
“You have a nice day Caline, I'm going to go catalog the Bunsen burners in the lab.” Ogla said, Walking off to her classroom opening and closing her lighter with a loud * Click, Click, Click, Click*
“Alright, I suppose,” Mrs. Bustier replied. She returned to her work.
Meanwhile at La Grande…
Chloe had been doing some redecorating, specially for the room that Marinette was going to go into. Making sure that she had plenty of fabric to use along with a room for her to do her superheroing as well. Even having a place for a hamster, which Chloe named Horatio. Though some random delivery guys arrived with a table that had a web pattern on it, which she signed as it felt appropriate for her.
“Oh Sabrina, I love that you told me all that was going on with Marinette,” Chloe said, “No, the wardrobe goes there.” She said as the people handling it were putting it in the wrong spot.
“Chloe perhaps you should ask marinette's opinion instead of using me as a go between. I can't exactly give you exact preferences. I'm still new to this after all.” Sabrina said,
“I know but if we’re going to have you keep a watch on Hawkmoth then don’t you think you deserve some practice?” Chloe asked, “The coffee table needs to be over there near the couch.”
“Still don't know why you're letting Marinette have this clearly anomalous coffee table.” Sabrina said, Eyeing the web patterned table wearily,
“I thought she could benefit from it as something to bring contrast to the room,” Chloe explained, “Be careful with Horatio! Don’t make me put all your teeth where your hands should be.” As two of the workers had almost dropped the cage.
The door opened to Jon for a moment, then he promptly closed it.
“What’s his problem?” Chloe asked.
“High amount of Existential dread.” Sabrina said,
“Well, I believe the room should be done soon so we should go see Mrs. Cheng and Mr. Dupain,” Chloe said, as the room was almost ready, after multiple threats to the staff.
“Now we should Probably call the bakery Or more specifically marinette's room to tell her, her room is ready,” Sabrina said,
“Sure thing,” Chloe said, pulling out her smartphone and dialing Marinette, “Hey, we have your room ready for you.”
{Thanks Chloe I'll be over in approximately…} “Now.” Marinette said, appearing in the room.
Chloe ended the call, “So how do you find it?”
“It'll do, nice touch with the table with the Not-Them though not sure how you got it?”
“These two burly men just appeared with it and handed me a clipboard so I just signed it. Also what’s a not-them?” Chloe asked.
“The thing that just replaced the hamster.” Marinette said,
Chloe turned to see frankly something that she would have mistaken it for a capybara If not for the fact that it was in a cage that was very much fitted for a guinea pig/hamster. “Well okay that happened.” Chloe said, “Anyway I hope you like the room I set up for you.”
“I will. Just thank you Chloe,” Marinette said, as she looked over the room. “I know my parents are likely to freak out if they ever check my room but I suppose my secret will be better hidden now. Even though Jon nearly found out.”
“Well I'll leave you to get settled in, Have a good night ‘Marinette’.” Chloe said,
“Sleep tight, don’t let any bedbugs bite,” Sabrina said. Both of them went out of the room. Leaving Marinette to be alone in the room.
“Looks like a lot is going to change,” Tikki noted as she got out of Marinette’s bag.
“It sure is. Time to go to bed,” Marinette said, turning in for the night.
Meanwhile at Miss Mendeleiev's classroom...
Olga was currently setting up for tomorrow’s class and looking at the current physics demonstration she was going to set up. She was sitting at her desk as she typed on her computer.
“Olga It's been awhile, how have you been?” The raspy Voice Of a woman said, With a lilt of amusement.
“I’ve been doing well enough,” Olga said, keeping her attention on her computer. “Other than one of my favorite students getting expelled.”
“That's good that's good, Who exactly did you lose could have been a possible candidate?” The Woman asked,
“Marinette Dupain-Cheng,” Olga shared.
“But did you think she might be a useful asset?” The woman said,
“What do you want Jude?” Olga questioned, finally looking up from her lesson plans. “Can’t you see I’m trying to get ready for tomorrow’s class.”
Okay, but seriously though, do you think she might be an avatar?” Jude Perry said,
“It’s highly possible now due to the extreme separation,” Olga replied, “Considering the little liar tore both her friends and family from her.”
“So an avatar of The Stranger or The Lonely, Would explain why people from The Archives are here.” Jude said, saying the last part with disgust.
“The Archivist is here?” Olga questioned.
“Yep they're two floors down from my current apartment in La Grande.” Jude said,
“I see. So she seeked them out,” Olga noted, “Honestly not the worst decision as they can provide her with the education she needs. As she is a very bright student.”
“Let's just hope they don't stick their nose where they don't belong otherwise we might have a little burning day.” Jude said,
“Considering that Archivist, not likely as he is known to meddle,” Olga groaned.
“Well, Just to make sure that your connection to the lightless flame is kept Undiscovered.” Jude said, As she began to leave
“I will. As long as you don’t keep appearing in my classroom when I have the security camera on,” Olga replied, pointing to the camera in the corner of the room.
“I trust the tape will be burned on the parts with me on camera.” Jude said, Continuing to leave.
“Of course, I will,” Olga said, returning to her lesson plan and bringing up the camera footage.
“Anyways farewell,” Jude said, Leaving in a quick Flash of heat.
“See you,” Olga said.
Meanwhile Agreste Manor Nathalie's room…
Nathalie was just about finished with her morning stretches And was heading off to get dry, And presentable for the body.
‘Just another day, and having to deal with mr. idiot boss Gabe. You are doing this for Emilie and Adrien,’ Nathalie thought, repeating her mantra as she went to her normal spot.
“Good morning Nathalie, hope you had a good night's rest.” Adrian said walking up to Nathalie and giving her a good morning hug
“I did Adrien,” Nathalie said, “I hope you had one as well.” She returned the hug.
“You know it always tickles a little bit when you hug me back.” Adrian said offhandedly,
Nathalie froze for a moment before saying, “I just want to have some playful fun with you. By the way, your breakfast is almost ready.”
“Nathalie, please thank the chef for the meal.” Adrian said not noticing the little Puffed up chest Natalie got at the Mention of thanks to the chef.
“I will Adrien,” Nathalie said. ’Still got it’ Nathalie mentally fist pumps.
“Well I'm off to school.” Adrien said, Standing with a stretch,
“Hope you have a good day at school,” Nathalie said, as Adrien went out the door.
“I will have a nice day, Maman.” Adrien said as he ran out the door to be on time.
Nathalie had a huge smile on her face. However, it quickly disappeared as she remembered that she had the idiot to deal with.
“Don't worry about the idiot. He’s been distracted for a bit.” Ghaast Trilled,
“Thank you, Ghaast,” Nathalie sighed.
“Oh I'm not the one distracting him. That's the result of a different plague I'm afraid.”
“Still better than nothing, even if it’s the other,” Nathalie replied.
“Oh you say such the sweetest things and you're certainly the most well composed Hive I've ever seen, I mean at the very least you have wonderful manners.” Orsee Chimed, Calliope music playing faintly in the background, And though unknowingly scaring the absolute shit of Gabriel in a different part of the manor.
“Orsee, To what do we owe the pleasure of this… visit?” Ghaast Trilled,
“Orsee, what purpose do you have for this visit?” Nathalie asked.
“Oh I was just in the neighborhood and was thinking why not stop in and talk with my favorite Sibling, but we both know that that would be a lie, and lies aren't really my thing so I'll just cut to the chase I want to favor, my holders been rather bored with the whole Arch Enemy looking for a way to get power that he does not deserve, but I figured you could give her a reason to use the miraculous that I've given her, as opposed to her significantly younger one but if you don't want to that's perfectly fine I'm perfectly willing to create some problems that my chosen holder can solve.” Orsee chimed lazily,
“And what possible benefit would this serve for me or my holder?” Ghaast Trilled,
“I have to agree with Ghaast, what could we benefit from this?” Nathalie asked.
“Other than the fact that you both seem dreadfully confined here in this manner, it would just be fun, and maybe the Ruckus might be able to help wake up The bearer of the inheritors?” Orsee Chimed Slyly,
“Emilie? It could wake her up?” Nathalie questioned.
“You aren't actually considering wreaking Mayhem just so that Orsee here can get a laugh and the let's be honest minuscule chance of Emilie waking up she's already been waking up just fine from all of these small easily fixable I emphasize damage that Hawkmoth has been doing.” Ghaast Chimed,
“No, but what if doing this can speed the process up?” Nathalie questioned.
“Of course getting a handle on the powers that my bearer has would also be to everyone's benefit. No one wants the population of Paris to suddenly get Significantly smaller do you?” Orsee Chimed,
“That would put Adrien in danger,” Nathalie realized.
“I mean he could be.” Orsee Chimed,
“Ghaast, if Adrien gets harmed because of our inaction, that would weigh on my conscience,” Nathalie said.
“Fine we'll do this plan that you had Orsee.” Ghaast Trilled exasperatedly,
Orsee Chimed, “oh all you need to do is create a little bit of a Ruckus In the center of Paris that's all I'll do the rest.”
“Hmm Rising Swarms ,” Nathalie said
Meanwhile In the basement of Agreste Manor…
Emilie didn’t know when she gained Consciousness but she did know that she couldn't move, Nuu Had reassured her that it was simply because she was healing and that nothing inherently had gone wrong with her Becoming, It's just that it had taken a bit more of a physical toll than was previously estimated it would.
“Don't worry, mistress, you will be up and about in no time but for now rest and recuperate what strength you have, after all the world's coming to an end eventually it can survive a few more days.” Nuu clicked, The gears in its chest whirring away,