Marinette/Ladybug:
It was just like any other day. I overslept, yet again. I somehow always managed to ignore my alarm clock. Tikki was finally able to drag me out of bed after much convincing and I rushed to get ready for the day. I quickly raced down the stairs, kissed maman and papa goodbye, and managed to shove a croissant in my mouth. I also made sure to grab some cookies for Tikki. I ran all the way to school and barely made it in time for roll call. Barging into the classroom, I swiftly made my way to my seat, only to have Chloe trip me on the way there. I cursed inwardly at my bad luck. And it only worsened when I awkwardly stuttered as Adrien helped me up. Another masterful attempt at conversation failed! I groaned internally and laid my head down dramatically against Alya, who simply consoled me knowingly. And with that Mrs. Bustier began class. Then, in the middle of the lesson, almost on cue, the sounds of frightened citizens filled the street with the day's akuma attack.
Yepppp, just a normal day...
or so I thought.
As soon as I transformed into Ladybug and arrived at the scene, I knew it was different. Normally, when Chat Noir and I arrived the mood lightened a little, citizens were put at ease, but today their wide eyes just looked on in terror. I couldn't help it as my own eyes widened at the sight unfolding before me. This was unlike any akuma I had ever seen before. I watched as a young man surrounded the world in an endless, ever-growing cloud of darkness. There was nothing light about his demeanor or costume. Usually, when Hawkmoth akumatized his victims, he put them in what looked like a 90s fashion disaster, but this man wore solely black. Everything about him, his stance, his posture, even the gleam in his eyes, screamed rage. "I am Shade." He declared in an icy voice laced with anger. "And all of Paris will pay for the wrath it has caused me." Moreover, the way he stated his purpose, how simply he made such a cruel intention, just made him sound even more menacing. He rose higher and higher upon his billowing dark tendrils of smoke.
It was not a normal day.
Adrien/Chat Noir:
That morning I woke up to the usual sound of Plagg yelling at me to get more cheese before I had to get ready for school. I quickly fed the greedy kwami before Natalie barged into my room and informed me of my busy schedule. I ate breakfast at the large dining room table by myself, as father was nowhere to be seen...again. What was the point of the immense room if there was no one to fill it? The Gorilla dropped me off at school where I greeted Alya and Nino, happy to leave behind my lonely house. I walked to class with them and began to chat with Nino as we sat in our usual seats. Then, approximately 2 minutes before class started, Marinette burst through the door, only to be tripped by Chloe on the way to her seat. I shot Chloe a glare, who, in response, only batted her eyelashes innocently. I stood to help Marinette up and the bluenette awkwardly thanked me, grateful for my help, but she soon ran to her seat to escape me. I sighed. I knew Marinette was a good friend, but sometimes I seriously wondered if she was afraid of me. Mrs. Bustier finally started the day's lesson and, as usual, in the middle of class screams pierced the air. The day's akuma attack.
Greeeeaaaaaat.
I ran off, transforming into Chat Noir, ready to see my lady. As I leaped from the school, I caught a glimpse of a flash of red that was headed towards the park and I shot off. The only thing on my mind was my bugaboo's face. I arrived and spotted her standing in front of the park and landed next to her. I was thinking of the perfect classic flirtatious remark to blurt out a when I saw my lady's expression. I had never seen anything like it before; there was pure fear in Ladybug's eyes. I didn't understand why until I finally turned to gaze at what she was looking at. The man before me looked anything but human. He was surrounded by dark swirls of clouds that formed pitch black tentacles which obeyed his every command. The man's eyes were filled with a stormy rage that rivaled that of any other villain I had yet to encounter.
It was at that moment, I knew that day was anything but normal.
I also knew I would do anything to protect my lady.