As the intense pain gradually soothed into a dull ache, the first sensation Ladybug experienced was a cool wind blowing against her face. The surroundings were still twirling and spinning around, making Ladybug feel like she might be sick. Suddenly the motion slowed to a stop beside a tall marble pillar. Ladybug saw a busy port with my interestingly shaped long ships with oars and white triangular sails moving slowly around a wide bay, protected by a thin curved peninsula of land at the entrance, to what appeared to be the sea. The turquoise expanse of blue stunned Ladybug with its beauty.
"Took you long enough to get up here!" Ladybug recognized Plagg's voice brag.
"Kookonis Kurios, and I have been doing diplomatic trips all over the Mediterranean, and we just got back an hour ago. We went as far as Egypt this time. We might have a chance to establish some more trade before mid season," Tiki responded proudly.
"What do you need to go all the way there for? All we need, and more is right here. After all, this is the most advanced civilization anywhere, all thanks to you and I sugar cube!" Plagg responded lazily.
"You might actually like Egypt if you ever got past the boundaries once in a while," Tiki shot back. "You have not even past the Pillars of Hercules for two decades! Egyptians worship cats, so you'd feel right at home."
"Sounds like they are sensible people," Plagg shrugged. "We better go get ready," Plagg perked up, grabbing Tiki by the hand, and pulling her towards the city below.
"Why? For what?" Tiki asked as she was pulled along busy streets covered in colorful mosaics, bustling crowds of people preoccupied with various jobs, clad in starch white togas, and draped in colourful fabric capes.
"For the party of course!" Plagg shrilled.
Tiki pulled out of Plagg's grip and folded her tiny red arms, drooping her antennas. "You mean another one of Alurios' parties celebrating Alurios?!"
"It will be great! They always are...and the food...indescribable, and since you and your Kurios finally got back he will have brought lots of new treats to try out. He always brings me something good!" Plagg gushed.
"I know...remember, I help pick it out."
"That is so sweet. You always think of me when you're on the road," Plagg said puffing up his chest, and flexing his cat muscles. "Don't worry I will save you a dance or two before the end of the night."
Tiki smiled, but rolled her eyes at Plagg.
"Don't you find it all, well, all a little too much?" Tiki asked.
"What do you mean? Alurios is nothing if not understated!" He said with a wink. With that the two Kwamis went through tall, intricately designed gates with gold etching covering every inch. Once inside the courtyard, a massive onyx stature of a beautiful masked woman with cat ears poking out of her parted hair, and her tail wrapped neatly around her feet stood looming above them. Two emeralds in the place of eyes shone as the day's final light reflected off of them. The golden necklace around the statue's neck was massive. Alurios clearly spared no expense in designing this ostentatious tribute to her own greatness.
"Pretty impressive hey!" Plagg gestured to the stature as they flew under it.
"Yeah, if you mean how she manages to squander all the wealth of the whole city, that should be benefitting all of its people."
"But now everyone can enjoy this," Plagg gushed.
Tiki just shook her head looking concerned. "You know Plagg, Kookonis Kurios has heard rumours that some people are getting tired of Alurios' arrogance. She needs to tone it back a bit.
"They will be so impressed by the show tonight, anyone who is clearly jealous of my master Alurios will change their tune."
"Why?! What are you planning," Tiki froze, looking nervous, "No, really Plagg, what are you up to?"
"You will just have to wait and see like all the others sweet Tiki, I'll see you tonight!" Plagg teased, and flew off to finalize preparations.
"I don't like the sound of those two scheming again, " Tiki said to herself, "I better give Kurios the heads up."
Flying over the wall, and across a stone fountain with carved images of the muscle bound Poseidon, Tiki flew up to a nearby balcony, overlooking the city. A man in a simple, but elegant toga tied together with a golden rope, and clasped with a red jewel on one shoulder leaned against the edge of the balcony reading a papyrus scroll. His head was tilted to one side thoughtfully as his auburn hair curled around his forehead and ears, falling into a well trimmed beard. His eyes were as blue as the waters skirting around the edge of the city, but he did not look up as Tiki approached, appearing to be lost in thought.
"Kurios," Tiki called, finally announcing her presence. "Master, I think Plagg and Alurious are up to something again tonight."
Kurios threw up his hands, and grumbled "Of course they are! What else is new!"
Then he affectionately scratched the top of the little Kami's head, and reassured her saying, "Don't worry Tiki," Alurios just likes the attention. She will have her fun, cause some havoc, but she never follows through on anything. After all, now that we are back home, we can keep her under control!"
"I've just got a bad feeling about it," Tiki responded, with less confidence than her master that his persuasive words would have an effect on Alurios, who had become more and more difficult to redirect.
As if summoned by the mere mention of her name, Alurios herself threw back the double doors leading out to the balcony, and strode towards Kurios, with Plagg trailing behind her.
As if on cue, the wind caught her long golden hair that was loose, except for two interwoven pieces that met in the back. Her gown flowed around her in vivid colours, adored with countless jewels and gold embroidery. Her eyes were blue, but not like Kurios'. They were piercing and pale. She was truly stunning and graceful.
"Kookonis Kurios! You are finally home, and just in time for the biggest event of the harvest season! Her voice dripped sweetly like honey, and she spread her slender arms wide as if embracing the whole world around them.
"My dear Alurios," Kurios smiled despite himself, "You have a party every week, and usually I have to clean up after."
"Kookonis! You must come! You simply must!" Ignoring his previous chide.
"I have missed our city, I've missed you, and I will come, but promise me you will not let things get out of hand this time." Then he looked down seriously and more directly at her. "I mean it, our miraculous were bestowed on us to protect our people, not for party tricks."
"Party tricks!" she huffed, losing the sweetness in her tone. "Don't you order me around Scarlett bug. You are off to the ends of the earth, and I'm the one running our city!"
Kurios tried to reach out to her, but she crossed her arms and turned away from him.
"It is true," he said apologetically, trying to pacify her quick temper, "I have left a lot of the burden on you, but only in the attempt to establish peace through diplomacy, and ensure the protection of our trade routes...trade routes that bring riches to our city...and to you…" he bribed her.
The corner of her pink lips turned up to a smile, and she glanced over her shoulder at him unable to curve her curiosity.
"What did you bring me?" she asked coyly.
Kurios unclipped the beautiful red jewel from his tunic, secured in a metal clasp, and held it out to Alurios.
Her eyes lit up greedily at the sight of it, and she moved toward him to receive it, but he held it out of reach.
She pouted at him, and held out her hand.
"This is for you, but only if you promise that things won't get out of hand tonight, and as long as you allow me to help you with some of the day to day matters of the people, not just your next party."
Her eyes squinted at him clearly annoyed with the conditions, but she gritted her teeth into a beaming smile and answered angelically "Of course Kookonis," still holding out her hand like a spoiled child.
"Promise," he insisted holding the prize higher.
"Fine, oh, fine, I promise," she said impatiently.
"Good, then I will come tonight," he smiled, feeling triumphant, placing the red jewellery in her palms.
Ladybug realized with a start that this jewel was disturbingly familiar to her. It was the very same red stone amulet that Alex's dad had been studying, and the one that had been akumatized, which had in turn sent her flying through Tiki's memories of the past. Finely cut, and flawless, unlike the scratched face of the one from Ladybug's present, but she had no doubt that it was the very same.
Alurios busily strung the stone onto the think shining chain she had been wearing around her neck, and admired it.
Plagg floated to Kurios' shoulder expectantly.
Kurios chuckled, and knelt down to pull a small alabaster jar from a woven basket nearby. "And I have not forgotten Plagg of course," he said lifting the lid of his gift. Tiki held her nose, preparing herself for the stench she anticipated wafting out of the jar. A yellowish-brown cheese paste filled the jar and the smell was sharp, salting, and pungent.
"It is Mish," an Egyptian cheese Tiki and I found for you, "Although halfway back Tiki begged me to throw it overboard," he said with a good natured glint in his eyes, and a smile thrown Tiki's way.
Plagg embraced the jar, already devouring large scoops of the soft cheese, pausing now and then to savour the flavour. "How could you suggest such a think Tiki!" He said between mouthfuls, "This is heavenly!" Tiki just shook her head and kept her nose covered.
"Alright everyone, let's get this party started! Some of the guests have already started to arrive. Claws out!" She sang as Plagg had reluctantly surrendered the jar of cheese back to Kurios. She transformed into a cat goddess with gold tipped ears and claws. A lightweight black fabric wound itself around her form, and spiralled up her bare legs.
"Spots on," Kurios said, transforming into the Scarlette Master. His red and black mask connected with a gleaming black helmet, with Roman-centurion-like tuft of red and black feathers spraying out from the top. His black chest plate and leg guards were made with the same black metal. His bold red cape with speckled with ladybug dots near the bottom hem, dissolving into the rich solid red fabric as it went higher up his back.
They were impressive, and seemed to be prepared more for a battle than a party, ladybug thought, fascinated how the miraculous formed so differently to each host.
The veranda to the back of the great house had a clear view of the sea, and hundreds of fishing boats with lanterns were moored within view, illuminating the port, and making it seem as if the stars from the sky had come down to bask in the water.
Arriving to the party, was like recieving a sensory overload. Heavily draped rafters in colourful fabrics, larger than life statues, stunning artwork, and a multitude of exotic flowers filled every corner of the party-room, making the whole environment overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Huge thick marble tables were dripping with piles of beautifully displayed food. The seafood especially was extravagant and plentiful. Stringed instruments, flutes, and drums (most of which Ladybug did not recognize) were played loudly.
When Kucurios and Alurious entered the festivities, a thunderous cheer was given to celebrate the Scarlette Master, and Cat Goddess, their leaders.
There was dancing, eating, drinking, and performing through the night…and although a few of the servants frowned at the wasted food or broken plates, most people's faces shone with delight at being so close to the miraculous holders.
As the evening wore on Alurios danced and danced, twirling her silver and gold baton like a cheerleader Ladybug had once seen at a school tournament. The agile cat twirled and leapt, causing all those around her to gape in wonder at her beauty and power. As she propelled herself high into the sky with her extended baton, she spun herself downward from the tallest height face first, only to right herself at the last moment, doing a perfect backflip and landing on one of the tables (which sent the contents flying). The awestruck crowd cheered, loving every second of the spectacle, chanting for more.
"You have not seen anything yet!" she bragged excitedly, feeding off their applause. "You haven't seen the power I truly have over all the earth!" With that she called out "Cataclysm," and plunged her hand into the side of the earth that caused the rock overlooking the crashing waves to jet upwards like a stage, allowing her to look out over all the people. Waving at everyone far below, she beamed with the success of her newest stunt.
"You must be the child of Atlas, your strength is so great!" One onlooker declared.
"She is more beautiful than Aphrodite!" another yelled at the back.
The murmurs of wonder and awe were interrupted suddenly by a colder voiced. "She may have the power over this bit of earth," a sullen voice near the center responded, "but it is our true deity, Poseidon, the master of our island that controls the water who we all know is the most powerful of all!"
"Who dared to say that!" Alurios demanded. "Let him step forward, and challenge me directly!"
But no one came forward, and the jovial party was left with an awkward pause as Alurious furiously scanned for the owner of the critic.
"Poseidon, Alurious, and I are protectors of you all," Kurios broke the silence with his strong and goodnatured voice. "How many times have we saved this mighty island city, and haven't we all enjoyed the prosperity and freedoms under our rule?! Let us not bicker, and wate the light of the lanterns. Come musicians, play us a song worthy of celebration!"
With that he caught Alurious up in his arms and danced with her closely. Although enjoying the dance, Alurious was still fuming that someone would suggest her power did not extend to the sea.
Kurios pressed his lips to her ear and whispered, "Remember your promise kitty."
Alurios pressed her lips tight, and finished the dance with Kurious. With flourish at the end he spun her into a dramatic dip in his arms. Their eyes met, and when he raised her back up, she smiled at him. Even though she had often caused a bit of trouble, she had never broken trust with Kurious. She had after all promised him. The guest crowded around them, giving each praise for their beautiful dancing, and she took the opportunity to slip through the crowd and retreat to a quiet area of the manicured garden.
Her ring finished beeping, and she transformed, losing her cat-like costume. Plagg grinned at her and stretched. "Quite a party," he commented lazily stretching. "Where are my party snacks?" She slipped him some food, and studied her red amulet, playing with it back and forth between her fingers looking out to the sea. "I promised Kurrios I would not let things get out of hand...not do anything too extravagant and extreme with my powers...but YOU didn't…" she said quietly to Plagg as he munched on some bread with cheese, and popped another grape into his mouth.
"Hmmm?!" Plagg asked absent-mindedly, busily chewing.
"YOU never promised," she repeated, excitement building in her voice. "I can still show these insolent critics that Alurios is the goddess of all elements, the master of destruction so powerful they will not dare question me ever again….while still technically keeping my word to Kucurrios.
"You mean, me cause a cataclysm on my own, without you?! Plagg asked shocked.
"Don't you love having the power yourself, without anyone telling you what to do, just have the chance to unleash your full strength."
"Well...um...yeah...but last time it was...well literally earth changing...those dinosaurs didn't even see it coming…" Plagg muttered under his breath.
"What are...oh nevermind Plagg...okay...so not your whole strength, but just stretch it a little to make an impression."
"It has been so long since I've had the chance...all that freedom...who knows what I could do?!" Plagg reflected, warming up to the opportunity, but then shook his head. "No," he declared, "I shouldn't, Tiki wouldn't want me to."
"You're going to let Tiki boss you around! You're supposed to be equals! Plus, if you break anything Tiki can just fix it with her luck charm like usual. No problem."
"I don't know," Plagg resisted.
"As your master I demand it! You must help me! What do you think will happen in the streets when word gets out about that disrespectful comment. Rumours will fly, and I will be a laughing stock. We need to put an end to this tonight. It is time to test our true power!"
Plagg finally caved to his mistress, and she talked excitedly about her plan.
The party was continuing for everyone else when suddenly Alurious in her flowing gown (which looked even more glittery in the moonlight stood atop the rock "stage" she had created. "Who dared question my power! Let me show you what true power looks like!"
With this pronouncement, she raised her hands up dramatically, as the people below stared up at her wondering where her cat costume had gone, and what new performance was about to commence. Kurious on the other hand was trying to push past people to get to Alurious, feeling a sense of panic that his words had not been enough to dissuade her from doing something foolish and dangerous. But he couldn't make it through, as the crowd was tightly packed, all trying to see what Alurious was up to.
At the sinal of Alurious raising her hands, Plagg enthusiastically cheered "Cataclysm," and jumped down, striking the rock by the shore. The tsunami wave that rippled out from Plagg, grew larger and larger, suring higher than the buildings, and raising the fishing boats, holding the lanterns eerily illuminating the massive swell. The cheers stopped, and people screamed in terror. Kurious was not fighting the tide of fearful fleeing guests, swinging his yoyo above their heads to propel himself closer to Alurious. Alurious' eyes were wide with the thrill she was getting from the reaction to the miraculous power.
Kurios swung up beside Alurious, grabbing her by the shoulders, yelling above the roaring water, "You promised me! You promised me! You must stop before it is too late!"
"But I didn't use the power, Plagg did..see I didn't break my…" she stuttered.
"I don't even know you! How could you think this destruction was okay based on a technically or some sneaky way around your promise to me!" Kurious demanded his eyes hot with burning tears.
The wave was now swallowing up nearby islands, crushing them in its wake. But as Plagg continued to grasp the stone they all were shook off their feet by a loud "CRACK" as a splintered crack split the ground of their island, and then quickly picking up speed, split the ground to the center of the island, right to the foot of the central mountain range. The earth creaked and groaned, shifting underfoot.
"Stop, stop it now!" Kurious yelled, shaking Alurious who was stunned by the destruction that had gotten way out of hand, and stared to scare her. What scared her the most though was the pain of betrayal in Kurious' eyes.
"Make it stop Plagg! Stop now!" She yelled out above the roar. Plagg looked up, and was himself overwhelmed by the disaster.
"I'm...I'm sorry," Alurious said to Kurious.
But Kurious stepped back from her in disgust.
"Lucky charm!" he called out. A ship with a red and black spotted haul, and a black sail landed on the shore. It was at that moment that the tall peak of Poseidon at the center of the island spew black ash out of it's top, blocking the light of the moon, and littering the ground with it's bitterness.
"What do we do?" Alurious asked panicking.
But Kurious hung his head and grasp the black sheet of the sail.
"Kurious please," Alurious pleaded.
He glared back in rage and sorrow. "The black sail signifies death!" he yelled. "My lucky charm has just revealed that the only hope of escaping death is to evacuate the city by ship.
Alurious' eyes flowed with tears, "Kurious, I never meant to…"
"You are still only thinking of yourself," he said slamming his hand on the haul of the ship. "I am going to save as many of my people as I can before the end!" With that he turned back to the city and spread the word for everyone to drop everything, and speed with all haste to the boats.
Alurious chased after him, trying to keep up with him, but losing him in the crowds, trying to flood their way to the swaying, overloaded docks.
Ladybug could no longer hear Alurious' voice calling out for Kurios. His earrings beeped under his helmet, and he detransformed, but he did not slow down for a second. He gave orders to alert all citizens of the impending doom of the city, helping elderly seniors descend down the stone steps toward the water, and help children who had become separated from their family. Everything was chaotic, and frantic. Tiki trailed after kucuros, trying to find some food to refuel, so that she could help Kurios transform again. Grabbing some stale bread that had been dropped, Tiki ate quickly, making sure not to lose sight of her master. She came up and tugged on the back of his ear, their signal that she was powered up and ready.
"We can get them out TIki," Kurious assured her as she worriedly patted his cheek. "Together we will pull off a miracle!"
She gave him a little nodd, and he yelled "Spots on!" He once again transformed. Spinning his yoyo he swung himself from roof to roof, ensuring that each quarter had been cleared. He called out to some boys not headed toward the port, and urged them to flee. Just then, the broken earth groaned again, and a massive pillar looked as if it would crush the boys below, but Scarlett Master flung his yoyo, suspending it in the air, holding it with all his strength till they could get out from under it.
The black ash that collected on everything made the vibrant city seem dull and dismal, as if it was already starting to fade from existence. The pillar of pungent black smoke towered ominously over head, spreading quickly on the wind to the east.
Another earthquake hit, and this time shook the island with such force that many buildings collapsed entirely, and fires broke out throughout the city. Kukonos' face paled as he saw the peninsula guarding the port crumbing into the water. The wall of water that it had been holding back broke, and flooded the port in a flash. The rising ships of refugees went hundreds of feet into the air. Kukonos sprinted to the edge of the port, and scrambled to an overhanging rock cliff. That is when he saw Alurios beat him to the edge in her cat form, and race to the base of the cliff. WIthout any grand gestures, she called out cataclysm, and the massive cliff teetered, and fell towards her, landing over the place where the peninsula had collapsed only moments before, once again blocking the sea from flooding the port. A great wave sprayed up from the towering rock. Kokurios lost sight of Aluros. Scanning the water, he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her scramble up the side of the fallen rock, but the side of her head was bleeding severely. He rushed to her, and reached to pull her up. "You're going to kill yourself!" He called worriedly.
"I just needed to try," she panted with eyes downcast, "maybe now more will be able to make it out." Then she held her head, wincing in pain. Her hair was mated with ash and blood, and her face was streaked with tears...but her willingness to give herself to help their people made her more beautiful, than she ever had been with her expensive jewels.
"Come on," he grabbed her by the arm, forcing her to her feet. He put her arm over his, and half dragged, half carried her through the rubble to the last remaining ship that had not been taken by fleeing citizens, destroyed, or carried off by the tsunami...his lucky charm with the black sail.
They had nearly reached it when the earth beneath their feet splintered in a squealing, scraping sound, like metal and stone grinding together. Alurios tripped, and her foot went down a newly developed crevouse, but before she fell all the way through, Kucurios caught her staff, and pulled her back up. Then they scrambled toward the ship. Another earthquake jared them off their feet flying forward. The stone pillars holding up the buildings tumbled down on top of them.
Underneath the rubble there was a beep, and Plagg emerged from the heap. Alurios, now detransformed had her leg pinned under a stone. Plagg tenderly blew on the rock, and it disintegrated, freeing her to limp toward Kurios. He was on his back only a few feet away, also pinned by the rubble and a stone beam lay across his chest. Again Plagg gently blew on the stone and it fell away. Kurios moaned, sucking in his breath in short gasps...but still did not move. Alurios and Plagg's fearful expressions revealed that they were seriously concerned about his condition. That is when a sound like thunder rippled through the ground, and the island itself began to crumble and sink.
"Lucky charm," Kurios moaned weakly. A large red and black spotted sheet fell into Alurios' hands, and she looked around confused. Kurios was usually the creative one, figuring out these charm puzzles.
"You've got to get out of here," Kurios choked, and blood trickled out of his mouth.
"I'm going to get you out of here," Alurios argued, then turned to Plagg. "Help me get this under him," she said, tying the sheet into a sling, and placing it around him. He cried out sharply, and his eyes welled up when she lifted him slightly onto the heavy fabric. Each move seemed excruciating for him, each time he was moved. Then she pulled him, struggling without her powers to summon enough physical strength, but she was determined, and managed to lift him into the ship. His earrings beeped and he detransformed, sending Tiki straight to stroke her masters cheek. She had experienced his pain while they were joined, and was afraid for her beloved master.
Alurious pushed on the oars, and thrust her full weight against them, which sent the ship dropping into the water. The rock from the cliff she had been able to crumble into place to act as a temporary barrier was now starting to fall away. The water level again rose rapidly. She paddled desperately, trying to make it to the opening of the port to the sea. Relieved, she noticed that the ships that had gone before them had already made it through the gap. The water had now swallowed the wharf, the bayside gardens, and the city market. It continued to rise above the doors of homes, building windows, statues, and treetops. The smell of the noxious gas and smoke of the volcano made Alurios feel faint, but looking down at Kurios wheezing on the floor of the ship, she knew she couldn't stop.
They made it through the narrow gap, and rowed swiftly, caught by the waves of the sea. Looking back at their great city, she saw the supports finally give way, and the peaked roofs with pottery tiles and white beams were all that protruded out of the water. "Miracu…" Kurios tried to speak, but he couldn't quite get the words out.
Their swift ship caught up with the others, holding the survivors who were devastated beyond all comprehension. They guided the ships to land many leagues away, but where they could still make out the top of the volcano and their vanishing city.
The survivors scrambled onto the land, pulling their ships, and meager belongings up onto the sand. Alurios landed a fair distance away, and once the ship had been pulled further onto shore, she turned her attention fo Kurios. He was now unconscious, and breathing in short breaths. Suddenly his breathing stopped.
Alurios cried out sinking down next to Kurios. Then looking hesitant for a moment, but then committing to her idea, Alurios took Kurios' earrings, and put them on. Tiki shocked and flustered rose up in protest, but Alurios hurriedly said "Sports On," becoming Ladybug merged with the black cat. In this moment she held both the Black Cat and Ladybug miraculous and power surged through her. "I can't lose him...this is my wish...Miraculous Ladybug!" she declared throwing the sheet over Kurios. In mere moments the miraculous indeed did create a miracle, and Kurios breathed in deeply, his chest expanded properly, and he appeared fully renewed.
He opened his eyes and got up surprised, and then looked back to the city.
Even at a distance they could see the entire city drown under the depths, and the exploding mountain volcano erupting, spewing out gushing chunks of molten hot lava out for yards around the mouth. The people on the land near them turned to look too. The burning rock spit angerally out of the volcano, but did not remain on the island, but flew out towards them into the sea.
"We are not far enough away," Alurios suddenly cried out loud.
"Alurios, you healed me, now give me back the earrings quick!" Kurios called up to her.
"Spots off," said Alurios, pulled them off and handed them back to him hastily, detransforming. This barely gave Tiki a moment to regroup when Kurios put them on and called "Spots on," transforming into Scarlett Master.
"Miraculous Ladybug!" He hollared across the water, pushing the boat with the red haul and the black sail out into the water toward the devastated city. The ship vanished under the water, and all the people looked out in anticipation, with faith in the power of the miraculous.
Lava curving down the side of the mountain slowed, becoming a solid crust encapsulating the ridge of the volcano. The ash dropped to the ground and washed away, the volcano stood still, no longer releasing destructive matter and fumes into the air or propelling hot rock toward the sea. All was still.
The people had been saved. The disaster quieted. The miraculous though, had not been able to rise their city out of the sea.
The choice...the decision….the wish of Alurios had come at a great cost.
Kurious watched, and watched. He watched, willing the water to give up its prize, but all was silent and still now.
"Spots off," he whispered defeated. As he detransformed he collapsed onto his knees and Tiki's limp body fell down into his hands. She was exhausted, and sapped of all strength. Blinking unhappily at Kurious, she whispered, "I just couldn't save it. I didn't have the strength to bring it back."
"Tiki," Kurious reassured her tenderly. "You brought me back, prevented the disaster from reaching us, and saved everyone's lives. Just rest dear Tiki. You truly are a miracle worker." He cradled Tiki into the hem of his tunic and looked off at the peak that stood as a monument to their lost city.
"Atlantis," he breathed. "There will never be another city as fair."
Alurios hung back, and then sat just barely within arms reach of Kurios. He did not look at her, but held his gaze on the mountain top. She held out her closed hand to him, and it was only then that he looked at her. She did not look into his eyes, but just kept her hand extended to him, until he accepted her palm's contents. The miraculous ring on top of the red amulet. He looked down, and then back at her.
"I did not keep my promise to you, my partner, and best friend," she said solemnly. "My selfishness destroyed everything we built together, and endangered thousands of lives. Tonight was my last night possessing a miraculous, and I swear to never transform again."
Kurious looked into her eyes, then closed his fist around the jewels, and looked down at the sand.
Plagg looked up at Alurious sorrowfully. "I am sorry for pressing you to endanger others, just for my own pride," Alurious said rubbing behind his ears. "I hope your next master is a much better influence. I will miss you."
"I will miss you Lady Alurious," he said dejectedly.
"Plagg, I renounce you for all time," she whispered, and Plagg vanished into the ring.
She got up from the sand and started walking away.
"Alurios!" Kurious called out to her, rising from the shore. "We had a great loss today, because of your arrogance, but in the end you helped our people escape at the risk of your own life, and you saved me from the edge of death. You could still be a hero and help us rebuild."
She paused, looking affectionately back at him with eyes filled with tears. "Kurious, your faith in me, I will never understand. I am the villain in this story, and the miraculous needs to go to someone who will respect its power. I will serve those in need, but not with the ring. I cannot redeem myself for all the devastation I've caused, but I also can't go back to the person I was. "
"Aluros, stay with us." Kurios urged.
"I can't look them in the eyes Kurios," she said tearfully. "Alurios of Atlantis died on the stone stage I created when I watched the wall of water swallow my city. I will find a new name...but I will never in a million lifetimes forget you."
Kurios strode to her and wrapped her in his arms, embracing for the last time.
Without another word, she left them, and Kurious gathered his people, for their long journey to a new land.
Ladybug felt as if her heart was in her throat, wondering whatever became of the Atlanteans. But she did not have more than a few seconds to consider their fate, when Ladybug once again felt the space around her spin into a blur of red and white light. Her mind reeled as she was swung yet again into another of Tiki's lifetimes. She felt a convulsing within her gut, like dry heaving. It was as if on one of those carnival rides Aliya had talked her into riding last summer. Then there was a striking pain, like a lightning strike within her skull.
