Okay! It's been a little over a week, so I think I've made good time with this chapter! I'll keep most of my rambling for down below.
Disclaimer: Miraculous Ladybug is not mine.
The goal of the miraculous duo has always been to protect. Protect those who cannot protect themselves. Protect those who are innocent. Those who have done no wrong. And above all, protect each other.
Their miraculous powers make them able to do so. They fight for good, and they are known for making those who wish to do wrong quake in their boots. The story of the miraculous duo continues with the first use of their miraculouses.
o~O~o
The Egyptian Era
Tikki kept track of how long it would take after the Pharoah akuma for Marinette to ask about the Egyptian Ladybug.
It ended up being 2 days, 8 hours, and 11 minutes. Longer than she expected, but also very reasonable considering her charge had so much on her plate at all times. But now Marinette was dying to hear the story of the first Ladybug to have a miraculous.
Marinette had decided to climb up to her actual bed this time, and hugged her cat pillow to her chest. "So this Ladybug will actually have a miraculous?"
"Yes! This Ladybug was a girl by the name of Aziza. She worked down in the apothecary with her mother..."
o~O~o
"Aziza! Can you take this medicine to Abela? Her parents need her to be well so they can get her married off to that rich boy, remember?" Aziza's mother called up to her daughter.
Aziza looked in the mirror one last time, satisfied with her look for the day. Abela was the daughter of a wealthy elite. She was one of Aziza's only true friends, even if they didn't get to see each other very often. Her parents wanted Abela to marry well, so they were trying to pair her up with the son of a fellow noble family.
She rushed downstairs to grab the small glass vial of medicine. It was an odd blue color. "Are you sure this will help Abela?"
Abela had come down with a sickness, and with her wedding only a week away, she needed to get well fast.
"I'm positive this one will work. I've seen this sort of sickness before. Now hurry along Aziza, Tadashi needs his daily medicine too!" Her mother ushered her out the door, closing it as soon as Aziza was no longer in danger of being hit by the closing door.
"I love you too, Mother..." she grumbled, her face betraying the hurt she felt. The look was quickly wiped away as she straightened her spine, going back to the emotionless girl that most people knew her to be. Besides, it helped her be a fantastic Ladybug.
Yes, Ladybug. Aziza still remembered when she had been given the earrings...
Aziza had been saving up her money to get new jewelry for Abela's wedding. It was still several months away, but that just meant that the best jewelry was still there.
There was an old woman there, one that Aziza stopped by to visit often. She was a lovely old lady by the name of Talia. Talia was funny, kind, and honest. Very bluntly so. It's part of what Aziza loved about her. She wasn't afraid to tell you the absolute truth.
Talia grinned as she saw Aziza coming. Her hazel eyes still sparkles, even in her old age. "Hello, Aziza. Are you looking for jewelry early?"
That was the other thing. She always seemed to know exactly what was going on with Aziza. Sometimes it was a bit weird, but she enjoyed it nonetheless. "You're right again, Talia! I figured I'd come see you for some, since you've always got the best jewelry."
Talia chuckled. "Well I've got something really special for you this time," she ducked under the table that held her necklaces.
Aziza peeked over the table, trying to catch a glimpse of what she was doing. She managed to catch a glimpse of a silver ring in a large box before it was closed and she straightened back up. Talia held the box out for her to take. "How much?"
Talia scoffed, "Oh please! You've helped me sell so many things, this one is on me. Put them on when you're alone in your room, and bring them back if you don't like it."
Aziza blinked at the odd phrasing, but quickly shook it off. "Thank you…" she whispered as she accepted the gracious gift. Talia was probably a better motherly figure than her own mother… "This means a lot to me, Talia." A genuine smile graced her lips as she let her shield down for the one person she trusted more than anything.
Talia returned the smile and waved her away. "Now you run along! And make sure to visit me again soon!"
She clutched the box in one hand and headed back home. Her grin stayed on her face all the way up to her room, especially because her mother was out on her own errand. Aziza sat down on her small bed and laid the box in front of her.
It was a lovely box, black with red engravings all over it. It had obviously had a lot of time spent on it. She opened the box, and closed as a bright red light flashed in her eyes. Aziza cried out and flinched backwards, staring at the open box where a pair of simple earrings lay.
A small voice hummed. "Wings. That's new."
Aziza screeched and pressed herself against the wall. "Who are you?" Her voice shook as she turned towards where the noise was coming from. A large red thing was admiring itself in the mirror. It was bigger than any bug she'd ever seen before, and smaller than most animals. Its body was red and had black spots, sort of like a ladybug. There was a tiny set of wings on its back, and Aziza wondered how it could keep itself in the air. There were two antennae on the top of its head. "Scratch that, what are you?"
"Well, that's a very interesting question. But you can call me Tikki." The thing flew over to her, making Aziza flinch. Tikki quickly backed away again, and Aziza felt bad. "I'm part of what will make you Ladybug!"
The newly appointed Ladybug looked taken aback. "You- what?"
Tikki bounced in the air, too gleeful for Aziza's taste. "You're going to be the very first Ladybug! All you have to do is say, 'Spots on!' and you'll become Ladybug! Then you can go out and save the day! With Chat Noir! I hope I get to see Plagg soon…"
"Please slow down..." Aziza pleaded. "Who is Ladybug? And Chat Noir? And Plagg? You're not making any sense!"
Tikki flew over to her bed. "We have a lot to talk about..."
Aziza hadn't really had the chance to save the day yet, but Tikki had helped her stop a few minor crimes. It appeared that Chat Noir was doing the same, as she heard their names thrown around in the marketplace occasionally. Tikki had assured her that she was chosen for a purpose, and something was sure to happen soon.
It wasn't long before she stopped in front of Adela's house. Adela's parents made sure everyone knew of their nobility, and their house reflected that. Majestic colors, large windows, it all screamed expensive. She knocked on the door and was surprised to see Adela answer it.
"Adela!" she cried. "You should be lying down!"
"Shush!" One of Adela's arms yanked her inside.
Aziza managed not to fall, but she did slam against the wall pretty hard. "Ow! Adela, what're you doing?"
A strong hand settled on her shoulder. Aziza felt her heart skip a beat as her ocean blue eyes met his dark brown ones. Not because she had feelings for him- that'd be ridiculous- but because he was probably the most handsome man she'd ever met. His good looks and charm never failed to make her swoon on the inside. How he was just a servant boy, she had no idea.
Kafele grinned at her- why was his smile so attractive too?- and steadied her. "Are you okay? I'm sorry, I tried to get Adela to stay in bed but she refused-"
Adela groaned. "Kafele, I'm not a little kid! I can handle a little sickness. I am perfectly-" her words were cut off with a hacking fit. Aziza and Kafele gave each other a look. "-fine..." she smiled weakly.
Kafele rolled his eyes before scooping the girl up into his arms. "I'm carrying you upstairs. Aziza, Adela would like to take her medicine in her bed."
She grinned as she saw Adela try to kick him. "That sounds great, Kafele. I believe I will follow you upstairs, then."
The two of them laughed as Adela protested the whole way upstairs. Her fiery attitude often showed itself. Her protests were cut short as Kafele put her back in her bed. "Now Adela, I need you to stay here. You need to get better," he paused as Adela had another coughing fit before sighing wearily. "Your wedding is in a week, and we need something happy around here since the Pharaoh's wife died last night. I've heard he's a mess, looking himself in his room all the time, hardly eating... it's not good for him or the people. But a good wedding will certainly perk them right back up."
Adela groaned. "You are horrible."
He winked at her. "That's what you keep telling me." He looked to Aziza. "You have the medicine, correct?"
Fumbling in her pockets, Aziza nodded. "Yeah, its right- here!" she handed him a small glass vial.
Adela snatched it from his hands. "I can drink it myself!" Kafele and Aziza shared another exasperated look as she drinks the medicine, slamming the bottle down on the sheets beside her when she finished. "Now, I am perfectly fine," she yawned.
"I forgot to mention something," Aziza grinned. "That has some sleeping medicine mixed in as well so that you can get some rest."
"No... fair..." the now-sleepy noble grumbled. Her eyelids fluttered shut over her hazel eyes and her breathing leveled out. She lay there in a purple dress that was surely some sort of nightdress, but more modest than one most women wore, as Kafele had to take care of her. Her brown hair glowed slightly in the light coming in through an open window. It's no wonder her parents didn't have to try hard to marry her off. She's already gorgeous.
She felt a hand on her arm and jumped. Kafele immediately brought his hand away apologetically. "I'm sorry for startling you," his voice was hushed. "I just figured I would walk you to the front door, now that Adela is asleep."
Aziza shook her head, "That's not really necessary..." she trailed off as Kafele began walking out and she followed behind him.
He turned suddenly at Adela's doorway. Aziza almost ran right into his chest. He winked at her and she fought back a blush. "Now, what kind of a servant would I be if I didn't take care of the guests of the house?" he asked teasingly.
Aziza grinned weakly, her heart doing that stupid fluttery thing again. "Of course, my apologies."
The two walked back downstairs in silence. Right before they reached the door, he turned around again and leaned against the wall. She couldn't help but notice that he must've spent some time out in the gardens, as he was strong and definitely had a tan. Stop it, Aziza!
He looked flustered as he began speaking. "So, I've been meaning to ask you this for a while..." he flushed, and she stared at him, unsure of what to do.
"Yes...?" she prompted.
"Uh... How did you meet Adela?" he blurted out. It was strange to see him so awkward and it took her a minute to formulate a response.
"Well," she began, "I had to bring medicine to her dad one day, and she answered the door. She was exciting and nice and fiery, and we just hit it off. Now while I'd love to stay and chat, I really need to go." She stepped around him and opened the door. "Good bye, Kafele," she waved.
He waved back, a foolish grin on his face. The door closed and he slumped against the wall. "Ugh... why can't I just ask her?"
o~O~o
"Aziza!" a small voice hissed. "Aziza, wake up!"
The girl groaned. "What, Tikki? I'm trying to sleep here!"
"Yes, but Ladybug needs to be awake!" Tikki nudged the drowsy girl. "Something big is happening. We need to go figure it out."
"Ladybug?" Aziza shot up. "Okay then. Tikki, spots on!" she whispered. Tikki flew into her earrings in a blinding pink flash, and the Ladybug suit materialized on her slim body. A thick gold necklace wound itself around her neck and connected itself to the top of her red dress with black spots. It hit just above her knees so she would be able to fight in it. The back opened up but was covered by a sheer black cloth. There was a golden sash that wound itself around her waist like a snake. A gold band wrapped itself around her left upper arm and her right wrist. Golden accessaries were in her hair, and her feet had sandals that fit snugly and were surprisingly comfortable. Her signature yo-yo was at her hip. To top it all off, she had a red mask with black spots covering her eyes.
She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Wow... I look really good. And, hopefully, completely unrecognizable.
Ladybug grabbed her yo-yo and soared out her window and into the night. The night breeze caressed her face, bringing a scent of fresh soil and flowers. Clean. It was exhilarating. She felt freer than she'd ever been before.
She landed nimbly on a roof. "Where am I supposed to go...?" she pondered. Tikki hadn't exactly told her where to go.
"I heard there's a disturbance in one of the pyramids."
Ladybug jumped back and fell right on her butt. She scowled as the voice laughed at her. "It's not funny. You startled me!" She stood up, glaring into the shadows. "... Who are you? And do you have... cat ears?" She squinted at the figure, who did appear to have cat ears.
A young man stepped into a shaft of moonlight. The first thing she noticed was that he truly did have cat ears, perched on his dark hair. They were gold and black, and occasionally twitched as if they actually heard something. The next thing she noticed (with a blush) was that he didn't have a shirt on. Ladybug had seen several topless males over the course of her 16 years, but this was different somehow. He had a black and gold cloth wrapped around his neck almost like a scarf, with a piece of fabric hanging down each side of his neck. Black fabric covered his forearms and wrapped around the palms of his hands, held in place by golden bands with green gems. Black material covered him from his hips to his lower thighs, more black and golden cloth wrapping around his waist. One strip fell behind him, and it seemed alive. He had a gold anklet on each ankle, and his feet were more like claws.
"Do you have a tail?" was the first thing that popped out of her mouth. She found herself walking over, and she tentatively touched it. "Is this an actual tail?"
"I think it is. It's a bit strange that I don't have a real one, considering I have actual claws, but I think I'll live." He watched her with green eyes that glowed. "I take it you're Ladybug, then?" Those eyes raked over her figure, taking in her costume like she had just looked over his.
"Indeed I am. And you're Chat Noir?"
"That would be me."
"Do the green eyes glow?" she found herself asking more questions.
Chat Noir chuckled, "Actually, my eyes aren't even green. I think they only turn green so that I can see in the dark. I'm not sure how it works, but it sure is helpful."
"See in the dark?" Ladybug was astonished. She'd never heard of anyone being able to do that- but they did have special powers now.
"Yeah, like over there-" he pointed in a direction that she knew led to the fountain, but she could only see a hint of the moonlight reflecting on the water, "- the merchant Talia is refilling her jugs so she can skip the line tomorrow."
"Really?" she looked up at him.
"I only speak the truth, Bug." He grinned. He had a very nice smile, she supposed.
She laughed, "Oh, don't call me that. Surely you can come up with something that doesn't make me sound like I annoy you."
Chat Noir pretended to think it over for a moment, his chin resting on his fist like he was deep in thought. "Well how about... My Lady?" He bowed to her.
"You're funny, Chat, I'll give you that. But we really need to go figure out what's happening." She moved over to the edge of the building.
He joined her, and she noticed the staff he was carrying. It was in his signature colors, and had a clawed foot on one end. "Right, Ladybug. Let's go."
In case you haven't noticed, the Egyptian Era isn't over yet. I decided that instead of getting an extra long chapter out in a week or two, I'd post it now. It's still a good length though, so don't get mad at me. Besides, more action comes next chapter.
However, it's summer, and I'm on vacation. So I'm not really sure how much I'll write this week. I'll do my best though!
I'll be back as soon as I can, so in the meantime, please read and review!
