Nooroo watched eagerly as Marinette sketched out a design, a design based off rocks and hearts, entirely inspired by Stoneheart. She had shoulders thick in build, she had white lines for styling, a vague pattern to echo the faces and ridges of rocks.
Nooroo's wings fluttered excitedly.
It wasn't quite new what Marinette was doing, but it filled him with mirth all the same. The few creative holders Nooroo had all liked incorporating their Champions into their work one way or another. To Butterflies, making Champions was special. Making Champions was a way of connecting, it brought a new understanding to people, learning personal information and secret feelings that only a Butterfly could ever understand immediately.
Of the miraculouses, it was a power unique to the butterfly.
There were many powers that were unique to miraculouses.
Ladybug restored order and brought good fortune.
Black Cat can destroy anything and was core of chaotic good.
Bee was the ultimate provider and constructor.
Fox was a medium and guide, to both living and dead.
Peacock was a healer and seer.
Turtle was the greatest defender and a supporter to all.
Butterfly was connecting and transforming.
A connection and understanding.
An inspiration.
A promise that those aren't alone, that there is support and friendship for those that need it.
A support that will come and help push them to meet their desires, help them grow in strength, to be heroes.
No other miraculous could inspire and connect like a butterfly could.
It's what made making Champions so important to most Butterflies. Majority made an effort to remember their Champions. Where the creative like to do works inspired by their Champions, some just wrote down a list of Champions they have made. Fewer were even able to remember each and every name of a Champion they made.
It was something many Butterflies didn't have to do, but Nooroo was endeared to see that so many did want to remember those that they connected too.
He was pleased that it was a trait he often saw with his holders.
He was delighted to see Marinette was another.
That she too was touched and inspired by her Champions, and wanted to remember them. Wanted to connect with them.
And the best way for her to do so was doing them in clothes.
"A Champion collection!" she told Nooroo when she started, creativity filling her core and overflowing in her.
Nooroo was so pleased and happy he could dance.
He didn't dare though, not wishing to distract Marinette from her work, let the innovation flow, let it bloom and grow.
Despite this, the butterflies themselves, Marinette's little angels, weren't able to contain the excitement. They were a silent, silver storm behind her, dancing about as Marinette drew, inspired and delighted and filled with so much excited energy they couldn't contain themselves and had to echo their mistress. They had to dance and move.
A lovely show that Marinette was missing as she worked.
Nooroo was assured that there would be other chances though, Marinette was pretty excitable and butterflies always echoed their holders' feelings.
It was a secured way for would be Champions to connect with a Butterfly, to feel the Butterfly's own emotions, it was like a safety line, an offering hand on their shoulders.
It often leads to most Champions agreeing to work with the Butterfly, feeling their motivation, feeling it echo through them and strengthen them.
And the more willing to connect the Butterfly was, the more will the Champion.
In Nooroo's eyes, it was an amazing and special.
"Alright!" Marinette declared scooting back from her desk and holding the picture out to look it over, beaming. Nooroo zipped around her, eager to see the finished product.
"That looks amazing Marinette!" he praised his wings a blur in his eager bliss.
She grinned, not minding a few curious butterflies coming down and perching on her, little arms waving. She slid back near her desk, setting her sketchbook down and muttering, "Do I want to do leather? With velvet inside? Or satin? Or…"
Nooroo perked on her head, listening to Marinette mutter to herself, weighting out what possible fabrics she may want to use for this design.
Nooroo offered no opinion, watching her jot down notes around the design, listening to her mutter as she considered her options. He did give a start when he heard a soft pound of feet, rushing right towards Marinette's room.
Alarmed, Nooroo darted off, floating beside Marinette and calling out, "Marinette!"
She paused, looking up when she also heard those coming feet. "Oh no," she uttered. "Oooooh nooo." She skid away from her desk and dragged down her calendar for her and Nooroo to look over.
She squeaked as her gaze locked on today's date.
There written on the block 'babysitting Manon, don't forget!'
"I forgot!" she cried out. With a wild spin, she waved towards her swarm, pointing to the brooch. "Everyone in now!"
In a rush of white, all the butterflies dove into the brooch and disappeared and Nooroo dove into a corner, out of sight and out of mind.
Just in time for Manon to burst into the room with a loud shout of, "MARINETTE!"
"Hey Mano—" Marinette was cut off as Manon slammed her in the middle, sending them both into her chair and skidding across the room.
Jumping up and perching in Marinette's lap, Manon eagerly greeted, "Hi!"
"Hello," Marinette managed out, wincing.
Manon hopped off Marinette, rushing to her toy chest, ready to play. Marinette sat up, rubbing her middle. She looked to her desk, seeing Nooroo peek out. He gave her an encouraging wave before ducking back down, out of sight. Marinette turned just in time to have toys shoved at her. "Let's play!" Manon declared. "You be the dragon, and I be the princess that kicks your butt!"
"Princess saving herself and kicking dragon's butt sounds good to me," Marinette humored, accepting the blue dragon plush she made. She noted Manon also had the prince charming doll. She pointed to it, asking, "And she works with Prince Charming?"
"Nope! She saves him cause he was stuck in a tree!"
Marinette's mind flashed to Chat, stuck in a tree and waiting to be saved. She snickered. "Ok, sounds good to me."
Sliding off her seat and holding her blue dragon, Marinette narrowed her eyes down at Manon.
It was time to play, and this dragon wasn't going to make it easy.
An hour later, with a loud sigh, Marinette sat back, watching Manon knock the dragon plush around, making exaggerated sounds as she lived the battle. With a tired smile, she called out, "Hey Manon?"
Manon paused, turning huge eyes towards Marinette.
"We got about…" Marinette leaned back, glancing to her clock on the wall. "Fifteen minutes before your Maman comes. How about we draw? An outfit you want me to make for you?"
"PIRATE OUTFIT," Manon practically shouted.
"Inside voice," Marinette reminded.
"Pirate outfit," Manon whispered.
"Ok," Marinette chuckled, nodding to her desk. "How about you draw out what you want and I'll get an outfit done for you."
Manon hopped up, rushing to her desk, eager to draw out possible pirate outfits that Marinette could make her. While Manon drew, Marinette rose up and slipped downstairs, set to grab Nooroo some cinnamon rolls. Left alone in the room, Manon doodled out every outfit she's seen pirates in that she liked.
Frowning when she didn't see a color that she wanted, Manon looked up, spotting her desired color in a green cup set close to the wall. Tongue sticking out in concentration, Manon reached for the color, accidentally knocking the cup over as she pulled it out. She gave a start when she heard a squeak, her eyes landing on a small purple thing that was hidden behind the cup. Intrigued, Manon slid onto the desk, grabbing the purple thing and dropping back on Marinette's pink chair.
In her hand was a small purple… toy? She thinks it's a toy. It was a strange toy, with butterfly wings, a swirl on it's head, and a big smile. Manon tilted her head, considering this toy. She kind of liked it. She gently tugged at the wings, rubbing the thin material and feeling in her fingers, then lightly pulling at the wing extensions, missing the slight flinch from the "toy's" face. She wondered when Marinette made this?
She wanted it.
She wanted to play with it.
This could be her doll's magical friend!
"A fairy," Manon decided.
Manon jumped when she heard coming steps, hearing Marinette call out, "Manon! Your Maman is here!"
Sparing a debating glance to the toy in hand, Manon shoved the toy into the big pocket in her overalls, pleased to see that the toy was well hidden. She quickly gathered up her things as Marinette slipped in, balancing a plate of cinnamon rolls. "You ready?" Marinette asked as Manon came to stop before her, letting Manon grab a roll.
"Yes!" Manon easily rolled out, humming happily as she took an eager bite.
Marinette nodded downstairs, where Manon could hear her Maman calling out. "Bye Marinette!" Manon called out, rushing downstairs, very aware of the toy in her pocket.
Marinette shouldn't notice Manon borrowing it, it was out of sight.
She probably forgot it.
She won't notice.
Nadja was quick to lock onto Manon, warmly greeting, "Mon ange, you ready to go?"
Manon nodded, letting Nadja pick her up.
Up in Marinette's room, Marinette set the plate of rolls down, sighing as she leaned back in her pink chair. The brooch glowed and a few butterflies drifted out, fluttering around the room, happy to be out. "Ok Nooroo," Marinette called out, "you can come out now, and I got you some cinnamon rolls!"
Only Nooroo didn't come out.
Nooroo didn't come out at all.
Marinette frowned, the surrounding butterflies all pausing, echoing their mistress' concern. "Nooroo?" she called out, reaching for where she saw her kwami last.
She blinked when she moved items aside, growing concerned when she didn't find her kwami at all.
"Nooroo!" she called out, very aware that he would've responded by now.
But he hasn't.
Nooroo wasn't here...
As butterflies panicked behind her, the only logical explanation Marinette could think of popped into her head.
"MANON!" she cried out, scrambling downstairs, forgetting to dismiss the butterflies pursuing her.
Of course Manon was gone.
Nooroo was gone.
Lila sat bored in a plush pink chair, watching as people wandered by, looking them over and speculating who they were. That man was an exhausted business man, pressured by an upcoming date. Lila felt it was family related.
The two giggling women were friends seeing each other again.
There was a traveling couple that looked ready to drop on their bed.
A reporter here with her daughter, no doubt here for an interview.
And—
"Well, if it isn't Mlle Lila Rossi."
And a spoiled daughter of the mayor, looking for a fight.
Lila turned her lazy gaze up, looking to see Chloe looming over her.
Lila flashed Chloe a smile, returning, "Mlle Bourgeois."
"What are you doing here?" Chloe demanded.
"I'm waiting for my father," Lila told her, "he's got a meeting here."
Chloe narrowed her eyes down at her, then took a seat near Lila, looking her over with calculating eyes.
Lila grinned, amused that Chloe seemed to think that she had the upper hand here. From what she observed, Chloe was far more a thug than a clever rival. A thug that certainly liked to think she was cunning and feared. Feared, certainly. Her political position did leave Chloe Bourgeois a challenge for Lila.
A challenge that was going to persist in coming at her.
Lila was up to face it, slither around this obstacle and strike hard from the back.
"You seem to be doing well in Paris," Chloe noted.
"Pretty well," Lila agreed. "It's a lovely city, despite that ladybug villain's harassments."
"She is quite the annoyance," Chloe agreed with a hum. "Can't believe she was at school and wasting everyone's time."
Lila frowned, concerned. "And endangering one of our classmates."
Chloe rolled her eyes.
"How uncaring," Lila noted softly. "Do you even have any friends in class Chloe?"
"I have Sabrina and Adrien," Chloe stated.
Lila swept her hair back, voicing, "I wouldn't call Sabrina a friend. And I note that Adrien hasn't really been inclined to hang out with you…"
Chloe gave Lila a sharp look, eyes narrowing.
"Are you suggesting that my Adrikins is avoiding me?"
"No no," Lila said quickly. "I just don't recall seeing him talk to you too much. I think I've had more conversations with Adrien than you." Lila set a hand on her chest, tilting her head as she peered at Chloe. "Are you and Adrien having problems Chloe?"
Chloe drew near, growling. "Don't turn this around and make it about me!"
"But I thought—"
"You stay away from Adrien!" Chloe snapped. "I've seen you slinking around and I don't like it."
"You're a very jealous friend," Lila observed. "Why is that Chloe? Do you not know how to share friends? Are you afraid that they will leave you?"
"Shut. Up." Chloe rose, glaring down at her. "I'll have you kicked out of this hotel."
"I'm just asking as a concerned classmate," Lila said.
Before Chloe could snap that she was more than fine and that there was no issue with her friends, there was a loud squeal and both girls turned to see a girl had tripped. Their eyes didn't settle on her. They settled on the curious purple butterfly like toy that landed by their feet.
Chloe and Lila stared.
Chloe was the first to move, picking up the strange toy. "What the," she started to say, only to jump as the little girl rushed forward, crying out in alarm as she jumped at Chloe.
"No! That's mine! Give it back!" the little girl cried.
Wrinkling her nose down at her, Chloe lifted the toy higher. "Like I'm going to give this to you with this attitude."
Lila rose, reaching for the toy. "Come now Chloe, surely you won't be low enough to take a toy from a little girl."
"With this brat's attitude? Yes." Nose in the air, Chloe turned and prowled away, the toy still in hand.
"Hey!" the girl cried, moving to pursue Chloe, only to be stopped as she was grabbed from behind. She turned her wide eyes to Lila.
Lila crouched down, smiling kindly. "Don't worry—"
"We got to get it back!" the girl rushed out, whipping around towards Lila. "That toy wasn't mine! I borrowed it and my babysitter will be mad if she doesn't get it back and—"
"Whose your babysitter?" Lila asked.
"Mar—"
"Manon! Time to go home!" the girl's mother called out, making Manon tense.
Manon turned, pleading, "No Mama! Not yet!"
"Afraid so Sugar Plum," her mother said, scooping Manon up and walking away. "It's time for lunch."
Lila watched Manon go, barely listening to the girl's fretful moans. She turned her gaze towards the elevators, where Chloe took the toy.
"What a strange toy," she murmured.
Marinette burst outside, squeaking as she surged forward, tripping on the doorframe in her rush. Barely catching herself on time, Marinette stood up with a stumble, her heart pounding as she looked towards the hotel.
Interview.
Nadja had an interview at the hotel.
"Please still be there," Marinette murmured, racing towards it.
Just let Manon have Nooroo.
Let Marinette get him back no issue.
Please, please let this be easy.
Just as Marinette was ready to ram through those doors, she was stopped by the doorman.
"Do you have an appointment?" he asked knowingly, looking down at her.
Marinette hurried out, "I'm in Chloe's class! We got a project!"
The doorman snorted. "Chloe doesn't do work. That will be left to you and Sabrina."
"I really want Chloe working with us," Marinette pushed.
"If Mlle Bourgeois doesn't want to do the work, she won't have too," the doorman stated.
Marinette stated, "Life doesn't work that way."
She leaned back when the doorman leaned intimidatingly down. "For you, perhaps."
Marinette gave him a flat stare.
Only to jump as he pushed to shoo her off, ignoring her protests. Before the doorman could get her far, a silver car rolled up and Adrien slipped out, eagerly calling out, "Hey Marinette!"
The doorman paused.
Marinette jumped for the opportunity. "Adrien! Thank goodness you're here! Can you help me get in?' Marinette asked, pointing towards the hotel. "We got to meet with Chloe for that project, right?"
Adrien blinked at her, sparing a glance at the doorman before grinning. "Yeah! We have a meetup today for the project!" He drew near, slinging an arm over Marinette's shoulders and walking past the bellhop. "Let's go see her!"
As soon as they were in, Marinette slumped with a sigh. "Thank goodness you came," she mumbled.
"Sure," Adrien said, withdrawing his arm from her. He peered down at her curiously, asking, "So why are you really here?"
"Um, a little girl stole something important from me and I'm here to get it back," she explained with a weak smile. She pointed to the doors, adding, "Just couldn't get past the warden."
Adrien winced. "Yeah, he can be… difficult."
"That's putting it lightly," Marinette muttered. She turned to him curiously, asking, "What are you doing here?"
"Came to hang with Chloe," he told her. Marinette hummed. Adrien offered, "Where's the kid? I'll help you find her."
"Oh no!" Marinette cried out, startling Adrien. Chuckling sheepishly, she reassured, "It's ok I'll find her. She's uh, somewhere!"
"I don't mind helping," Adrien gently pushed.
"No! No! I got it," Marinette waved off. The last thing she wanted was for more people to see Nooroo. He was supposed to stay a secret. She parted away, waving, "Thanks, Adrien bye!"
Left alone, Adrien's shoulders slumped with a sigh.
Welp, there went one chance to become better friends with Marinette.
Plagg peeked out, noting aloud. "You really have no luck with this."
"ThanksPlagg, I really needed the confirmation."
I'm just asking as a concerned classmate," Chloe mouthed in the elevator ride, occasionally bouncing the purple toy just to fidget. Completely unaware of Nooroo's inner panic rising through him, his wings itching to twitch nervously. He barely stopped his gulp as Chloe's fingers wrapped around him, giving him a slight squeeze.
"Little weasel," Chloe muttered. "She thinks she has everyone eating out of her palm. That she could get me to eat out of her hand too?" Chloe scoffed.
As if.
Chloe turned her gaze to Nooroo, looking him over.
The kwami stayed frozen in her grasp, smiling as he peered back.
"And now I have you," Chloe said, bouncing the "toy" once again.
Wit bored curiosity, she flipped the toy overlooking it over, taking in the thin wings and the soft fuzzy body. She plucked the toy by one of the wing extensions, holding it upside down and watching it sway in her hand.
Chloe glided into her room, tossing away the toy she stole out of spite. She paused when she heard a small sound, looking to where it landed on her pink couch.
It laid still, not moving.
Chloe harrumphed, then turned away.
With Chloe's attention away, Nooroo slowly moved, sparing a wary glance towards Chloe. Her back turned and not paying attention, Nooroo crawled along the couch and rolled out of sight. He bounced on the cushion and pressed his back to the couch, listening to Chloe moving about.
Ok.
It was ok.
Nooroo was ok.
He, he was just away from Marinette, taken by a child then by Chloe.
He'd be ok.
He just had to get back to Marinette, without being seen.
Ideally.
Cautiously, the kwami floated up, peeking out to make sure Chloe was looking towards him. The butterfly god drew near the window, peering out.
Nooroo gulped.
That was a lot of buildings.
And he couldn't quite see the Dupain-Cheng bakery from here.
Ok.
That was ok.
He was just probably facing the wrong side.
If he just moved to—
Nooroo froze, seeing Chloe moving towards.
Squeaking, he ducked down and hid under the couch, watching her white heels draw near. He flinched when the stopped by the couch.
"What the…?" Chloe muttered, drawing near. "Where did that thing go?"
Nooroo crawled deeper under the couch, gulping.
This was fine, he reassured himself. It was ok.
She'd leave.
She'd have to leave sometime…
Chloe moved about, looking for the toy she knew she had tossed here, had left there. Nooroo drew farther away, closer to the rim as far from Chloe as possible. Seeing Chloe move to look under the couch, Nooroo darted out, pressing to the couch's face as Chloe peeked under the couch for the toy.
"Where is it?" Chloe grumbled, sitting up with a grimace.
She leaned over, looking over the cushions.
Nothing.
That toy wasn't anywhere to be found.
Scoffing, Chloe stomped away. It was a stupid toy. Why did she care?
Nooroo glanced over the rim of the cushion, watching Chloe walk away.
He drooped with a sigh and turned to sneak to the other side of the room. Hopefully, he could see Marinette's home from there.
Only to freeze when he saw movement on Chloe's balcony.
Reddish orange movement.
Nooroo hurried under the couch, shrinking down in fear.
Oh no.
She couldn't be here.
Why was she here?
There should be no reason for her to be here!
And yet, landing on the balcony and creeping near the open door, Harlequin snuck in. The ladybug villain paused, looking around. She smiled to find Chloe turned away, muttering to herself as she started to rework her hair, combing it.
Harlequin slid her gaze around, trying to find what she suspected to be a kwami.
If she couldn't discover Mariposa's identity, she could at least have the kwami.
No kwami, no transformation.
And that's one less hero to deal with.
Maybe she can even help the kwami find it's owner again, and be rewarded with a little brooch in hand.
But she had to find the kwami first.
Taking advantage of Chloe looking away, Harlequin prowled forward, looking for the butterfly kwami. She couldn't see it with Chloe, it had to be somewhere else, hiding. Harlequin dropped low, looking under the couch.
She saw a flash of movement.
Olive eyes brightening, Harlequin pursued. She darted around the couch with lightning speed, catching the kwami just as it was about to hide.
Nooroo whimpered fearfully, eyes widening as Harlequin flashed him a grin.
Softly, the ladybug villain bid, "Here little butterfly."
Nooroo fled, dodging a yo-yo that was flung after it.
At the whir that rang through the air, Chloe paused. She turned, ready to snap at whoever was making that noise, only to freeze at the sight of Harlequin in her room.
Chloe jumped up, snarling, "What are you doing here?!"
Harlequin turned, narrowing her eyes at Chloe.
She flashed Chloe a grin and declared, "You took something that was mine. But don't worry, once I have it, I'll be out of your hair."
"Oh no!" Chloe snapped, "You don't just waltz into my room like you own the place!"
She squealed when she was grabbed by a yo-yo and reeled close.
Harlequin lectured, "You don't go yelling at villains who have the upper hand."
Chloe was hardly scared. "When I tell my Daddy on you—"
Outside Chloe's room, Adrien froze at Chloe's shout. He hurried to her door, peeking into and gasping to that see Harlequin has Chloe wrapped up in her yo-yo.
Plagg peeked out, perking. "Oooh, this looks entertaining!"
"Claws out!" Adrien hissed.
"Oh man," Plagg grumbled as he was sucked into the ring.
As the transformation rushed over him, Adrien backed up and charged the door, grinning a Chat Noir burst through, surprising both girls.
Giving them a wink, he asked, "I'm not too late to join this party, am I?"
"I don't remember inviting you," Harlequin growled.
"I certainly didn't invite you!" Chloe shot out.
"Shut it."
"Don't forget the Kitty!" Chat cried as he charged, baton out and ready to swing.
Harlequin threw Chloe away, bouncing her hard on her couch and unwittingly knocking Nooroo out of his hiding spot, making him drop in Chloe's hair and getting tangled up in the tousled strands. Hands free, Harlequin grabbed Chat as he came at her. Using his momentum against him, Harlequin flung Chat out of the room and far into the open air
The last thing Chloe heard of him was a loud, dragged out meow as Chat fell.
"My hero," she muttered dryly.
Seriously, they couldn't get competent heroes?
Chloe tensed as Harlequin turned, tensing as those olive eyes locked on Chloe's hair.
"There you are," Harlequin muttered, drawing near.
Chloe shrieked. "Not my hair!"
She jumped up and fled away. With a grumble, Harlequin pursued, locked on getting that kwami.
Down below at the hotel entrance, Marinette hurried out, frantic.
Manon must've taken Nooroo home.
That has to be where he is.
Just as she was about to run, Marinette skidded to a stop when a long staff slammed into the ground below. Surprised, she looked up to see Chat slowly skidding down the pole, a pout on his lips.
"Chat!" she cried out.
Chat blinked, turning with big eyes to see Marinette looking up at him.
With a shaky smile he waved. "Hi Princess! Don't mind me!"
With a more serious look, Chat scaled up the pole, extending it and heading back towards the balcony.
"Why would..." Marinette trailed, gazing up after him. She tensed. If Chat was active and heading back towards the balcony, that could only mean one thing.
Harlequin was active.
Harlequin was there.
And she didn't have Nooroo.
with a frustrated noise, Marinette dashed back inside, ignoring the doorman's stink eye. She sped into the first elevator she found empty and frantically pushed the button for the top floor.
She hurried out, smacking right into Chloe. The two girls grunted as they fell on the rear.
"Marinette!" Chloe shrieked. "Watch where you're going! There's a mad ladybug trying to mess up my hair!"
Before Marinette could respond, Chloe scrambled up and dashed around Marinette, intent on escaping. Marinette looked at her, brow furrowed.
"Why would Harlequin want to mess up her hair?" Marinette wondered.
"It was me," a voice answered, turning Marinette around to see Nooroo on her stomach, smiling in relief to see her again.
"Nooroo!" Marinette cried out, scooping her kwami up and bringing him close to nuzzle, giggling as his fluttering wings tickled her fingers.
Nooroo forced himself back, pushing on Marinette's cheeks. "Harlequin!" he reminded.
He was backed when there was a loud crash from Chloe's room.
Marinette jumped up, butterflies flaring out of the brooch, ready.
"Right," she declared, pumped. "Nooroo! Wings rise!"
The butterflies dove at her as Nooroo ducked into the brooch.
Mariposa charged, bursting through the doors like her partner, her wings large and carrying her forward. Harlequin whipped around and gave an angry shout at the sight of the butterfly hero, grunting as she was tackled. Mariposa carried her out of the room and into the open air.
She grunted as Harlequin kneed her stomach, dropping the ladybug and wrapping her arms around her middle.
Harlequin dropped down on the balcony, kicking away Chat as he came at her, the two tangling in a fight. Harlequin jumped away and Chat pursued, chasing her over the hotel's roof.
Mariposa floated down slowly, grimacing. She turned burning blue eyes down to Harlequin and dove down at them.
Harlequin jumped away as Mariposa kicked out, and ducked under one wing flap as it swerved towards her head. Mariposa threw her wrist out and the crystal popped off, extending into a staff and ramming at Harlequin hard enough to send her back a few feet.
Weapons in hand, Mariposa and Chat charged once more.
Harlequin jumped over them and landed feets away, frustrated.
She can't keep fighting these two.
Not when they came together and were on all sides.
She needed to take one of their miraculosues.
Harlequin summoned her Lucky Charm, and a bag of marbles fell into her hand.
Harlequin flung the bag down, break it and sending hundreds of marbles all over the place.
Mariposa jumped up, her wings carrying her away and escaping the slippery menace.
Chat was less fortunate.
He jumped to escape, but the marbles rolled everywhere, and when he landed, he slipped and skidded into some plants, out of sight. What wasn't out of sight was a silver ring that rolled out and along the floor.
"Yes!" Harlequin cried, rushing for it.
"No!" Mariposa shouted, diving down.
She tackled Harlequin, the two fighting as the ring rolled right by, continuing its way. Right towards the edge.
A black kwami darted out, racing for the ring and reaching for it.
Harlequin had shoved Mariposa away and dove at them. She grabbed the kwami just as he was about to grab the ring. But as Harlequin grabbed him, the ring went over.
"Nooooooooooo!" the two cried. Squirming, Plagg bit Harlequin's hand, getting her to let him go. She turned as the kwami fled, then back to the falling miraculous. She dove down after it, intent on getting it.
Mariposa dived after her, trying to get that ring.
For a moment, Adrien laid still, taking in the silence that filled the air. Slowly, cautiously, he peeked out, wide-eyed.
"Pl-Plagg?" he called out, seeing his kwami float up, grimacing. "P-please tell me that you got the ring?"
Plagg gave him a flat stare.
Adrien grabbed Plagg and tore into Chloe's room.
Please let him find it, please let him find it, please let him find it…
Adrien tore into the streets, heart pounding heavily in his chest, his nerves fried. He looked around wildly, trying to find his miraculous, praying that Harlequin hadn't taken it.
Above Mariposa drifted, searching the streets.
There was no ring in sight.
No Harlequin in sight.
Adrien felt sick, scared of what this could mean.
She couldn't have.
She couldn't.
But as he ran along the building, eyes set to the street, he couldn't find the silver ring anywhere.
It was nowhere in sight.
"You really can't sense it?" Adrien asked desperately, opening his jacket up to peek down at Plagg.
"Nope," Plagg confirmed, looking around, unnerved. "I can't sense my own miraculous at all."
Adrien made a whining sound, pulling at his hair, stressed.
Where could it be?
Where could it be?!
Where was his ring—
Adrien jumped.
He whipped around, seeing Marinette peering at him, frowning in concern. "M-Marinette?"
"Are you ok Adrien?" she asked, giving his shoulder a squeeze.
"I, I'm," he scrambled. Plagg nudged him from under the jacket. Adrien paused, taking in Marinette's worried eyes, peering at him. "I'm ok," he whispered. "I'm, I'm ok."
"You sure?" Marinette asked. She had felt his distress from where she was drifting above, still trying to find the miraculous.
Or Harlequin.
Only she couldn't find either.
All she found was a panicking Adrien instead.
She moved to focus on what she could.
The ring, she fears the ring…
"I just," Adrien started, drawing Marinette's gaze up to him. "I think I lost something important…"
She winced. "What did you lose? Maybe it's still around?" she asked. Maybe she could at least help Adrien find what he lost.
Adrien shook his head, slumping and leaning into Marinette's touch. "I, I think it's gone," he whispered, not seeing a glint of silver at all.
It was gone.
Adrien felt his miraculous was gone.
Across the street, walking away with a pleased stride was Lila, rolling a silver ring around in her palm. One objective met. She opened up her pocket, looking down at the exhausted kwami that was curled up, clutching her middle. A kwami that wasn't aware of Lila's prize yet.
Lila grinned.
Today turned out to be quite a success.