Nikolai collapsed on his bed, hair splaying over his pillow. The Venetian picked up a book and looked through the pages. Draggo was underneath the bed, shuffling through his hoard.
"Whatcha reading about?" Draggo asked, his voice muffled by the mattress between them. "Griffins or dragons?"
"The Wendigo, actually." Nikolai answered, grimacing at the image of the ghastly beast.
"The fuck is a Wendigo?"
"Native American mythological creature. In Algonquian culture, it is a monster with some characteristics of a human, or as a spirit who has possessed a human being, and made them monstrous. It's historically associated with cannibalism, murder, and insatiable greed." The tiny dragon made a sound of disgust. "Thought to have superhuman strength, speed and instincts, it uses these to hunt for humans to consume." Whilst he had been reading the explanation out loud, a young girl had entered his room, staring at him. "Si, Anettea?"
"Where's my comb?" Anettea asked, looking at him with accusation.
"I donno," Nikolai shrugged. "Did you check your bedroom?"
"Of course I checked my room!"
"What about the bathroom?" Anettea stamped her foot in annoyance. "Don't be moody."
"Of course I checked the bathroom, dummy. And I know YOU lost your comb last week!" It was true; Nikolai's comb had mysteriously disappeared the previous week. Nikolai had searched high and low for it, but to no avail. "That means that you took mine to use!" Nikolai closed the book and sat up.
"Anettea, I didn't steal your comb. Why don't you ask mum to look for it?" Anettea shook her head, pigtails flicking over her shoulders.
"Mum said she saw it in your room." Nikolai rubbed the top of her head, smiling.
"I'll tell you what. I'll look around for your comb and if I can't find it I'll buy you a new one." Anettea sighed, shrugging. She thought that her favourite comb was gone for good, that not even money could buy another one. The girl resigned and left, closing the door behind her. Nikolai cast an eye over where he kept the tools for his own long hair. Most of his bobby pins were still there. Hairbands came and went, there was no use getting sentimental over them. Next to them was where Nikolai kept his collection of ancient coins. Among them was a Drachmas, the currency used by the ancient Greeks. He treasured the silver coin. Searching through the pile, he noticed that it was gone.
"What?" Nikolai raised an eyebrow. Where could have it gone? Mochi didn't take coins. They didn't have a cleaner, who could've swiped it. The only person who could have an interest in them was his father, but he wasn't interested in a single coin.
"Hey Draggo," Nikolai started, the puzzle pieces clicking. "How's that horde of yours going?" The Kwami popped up from underneath the bed, his tiny ears swivelling to pick up sounds.
"Fine?" Draggo answered, tilting his head in confusion. "Why do you ask?" The Venetian turned to him, pacing to the bed.
"May I see it?"
"No way!" Draggo shot. "A dragon's hoard is his business!" Nikolai knelt down at the side of his bed and looked under, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. Nikolai could make out the shape of an impressive mound of various trinkets and baubles.
"Dude," Draggo persisted, buzzing in front of his face. "Go away!"
"No," Nikolai batted him away. "My room, my rules!" There were several coins, both modern and ancient at the top of the pile. Several bottle caps salvaged from the recycling bin were abundant. Nikolai reached into the pile, much to the protests of the dragon Kwami. Sifting through the coins and rings was-
"My comb!" Nikolai gasped, pulling out said tool. Another comb was caught in its teeth, following the pulling hand. "And Anettea's…" Nikolai scowled at the Kwami placing his hands on his hips. Draggo pursed his lips, glaring at his human.
"You have just broken the most sacred of dragon laws," Draggo hissed. "Don't ever, ever! Go through a dragon's hoard without permission." Nikolai placed his comb on his desk and put Anettea's in the bathroom. The Venetian shook his head at the dragon.
"So long as you're using my room as your cave, and my stuff as your hoard, I overrule that law." Draggo protested, going on about the sacred bond between dragon and Champions, which Nikolai had violated. Nikolai couldn't help but smile as the Kwami went on. As much as Draggo could be a pain, he was pretty cute, in a dopey cat kind of way.
"Nikolai, we leave in an hour. Get ready!" Maria shouted from downstairs. Nikolai replied that he was 'getting dressed'. Better that than to say he was arguing with a tiny dragon that gave him super powers. Duccio had planned to go to an old associate's for dinner, bringing the whole family. That man happened to be Gabriel Agreste. Nikolai was glad to spend more time with Adrien, but the rumours of his father struck fear into him. Apparently he was a ruthless man. Cruel and unforgiving, especially to his son. Nikolai hoped that the night would go smoothly. Besides socialising with what was the social equivalent of drywall, all Nikolai had to do was try to figure out how to wear the Dragon's Anklet under his suit pants.
The four Moreaus stood outside a set of fearsome black metal gates, dressed in their best clothes.
"Now remember, Mr. Agreste is a man who demands respect," Duccio warned. "Speak in a civil tone and don't look into his eyes for too long, he takes offence." Anettea looked her parents in confusion, how else could she communicate with this man?
"Don't worry, Anettea," Nikolai signed to her, after adjusting the bow in her hair. "You can hang out with Adrien and me. He's super nice!" Anettea smiled at her brother, nodding. Her happiness turned to fear as a strange robotic eye, shot out from the wall.
"Who is it? What do you want?" The robot buzzed in an intimidating voice. "We don't want what you're selling!" Nikolai felt his sister's nails dig into his side, and a tiny dragon float from his jacket pocket.
"The hell is that thing?" The Kwami hissed, baring his fangs.
"It's just a security device, chill." Nikolai whispered as the eye zoomed in on the family. The metal slits folded over the red sphere like it was blinking. That irked Nikolai more than he thought it would. Why would a robot need to blink?
"Do you have an appointment?" The robot voice asked. Anettea hid behind Nikolai, hanging onto his hips tightly.
"Yes we do," Duccio answered calmly. He wasn't even fazed by the robot. "Mr. Agreste has invited to dinner." The eye paused, the human on the other side checking the schedule of the Agreste family. It stared at Duccio, zooming in on his face. Nikolai clenched a fist, angry. The nerve of this man, to intimidate his guests so!
"One moment." The eye buzzed, shooting back into its slot. Would it call security? Release the hounds? Nikolai had often laughed as a kid, watching Mr. Burns from The Simpsons send his dogs after people who bothered him. If Mr. Agreste was planning to do the same, Dragon Fire might need to scare the hounds off. To Nikolai's relief, the metal gates began to grind open. The Maria gave her children reassuring looks as the four of them entered, climbing the stairs to the exquisite mansion.
"I know you don't like Adrien, but I want you on your best behaviour," Nikolai hissed into his jacket, where a Kwami hid. "You be good, and I'll find some shiny teaspoons for your hoard. Deal?"
"Jalapeno?" Draggo squeaked, looking up from the breast pocket.
"Si, and a Jalapeno," the Dragon Kwami nodded enthusiastically, dropping back into the coat. Maria let out a gasp as gargantuan mahogany doors opened to reveal a stunning room of white and black marble. Nikolai was as equally stunned. Even Draggo who was unimpressed by most things, gasped at the sheer beauty of the room. Atop a flight of stairs was a painting of huge proportions. The two subjects of the painting stood in front of it, watching their guests enter.
"Might I present to you Mr. Gabriel Agreste," a young woman started. Nikolai recognised her voice from the robot eye, and when she picked Adrien up from school. What was her name again? Nathalie? The lady motioned her hand to the masters of the estate.
"Monsieur, Mr. and Mrs. Moreau, and their children."
"Thank you, Nathalie." Gabriel grunted as he descended the stairs, proving Nikolai's guesswork correct. "Please prepare some drinks for our guests." Duccio gave a warm, almost overly sincere smile as he offered his hand to the host. Gabriel took it, giving him a firm shake.
"It's been a long time, Singore." Duccio smiled. "I trust that you are well?"
"I am," Gabriel answered. "Life is busy, but that's how it should be." Nikolai looked at the two men with a confused look. How did they know each other?
"This is my son, Nikolai." Gabriel turned to him, his stern eyes piercing his very being. The man unnerved Nikolai, his cold exterior and harsh face sending chills down his spine.
"I-it's very nice to meet you!" Nikolai eventually stuttered, offering Gabriel his hand. Gabriel took it, almost crushing Nikolai's hand. The fashion designer locked eyes with Nikolai, squinting. It took all of his nerve to avert from staring into them. "I love your T-shirts!" Gabriel nodded, humming in thought.
"How old is he?" the man asked, turning to his father.
"15," Duccio answered as Nathalie took his coat. "Almost old enough to be initiated." Nikolai blinked in surprise. Gabriel Agreste knew about-
"You see, son," Duccio turned to Nikolai, interrupting his train of thought. "Gabriel is an associate of the Order that I belong to, the Gondoliers. He helps many of our members in France. In fact, you were once offered a position amongst us, weren't you?"
"An offer I had to decline," Gabriel replied. "I'm much too busy to deal with social clubs." Adrien descended the stairs, greeting his classmate enthusiastically.
"Thanks for coming," Adrien smiled. "Father's been wanting to have this night for months! He had to cancel an appointment with the CEO of the Japan branch for tonight." Nikolai almost felt bad. That was no doubt hundreds, if not thousands, of euros lost. Both Maria and Anettea were smiling at the model, excited to finally meet him.
"This is mia madre, Maria-"
"Oh, he's even more handsome in the flesh!" Maria smiled, resisting the urge to pinch his cheeks. Adrien gave her his trademark smile. "I hope you like sweets, I made miguelitos!" Maria revealed the huge Tupperware container filled with treats. Adrien's face immediately lit up, and Gabriel's soured.
"Thank you, but Adrien isn't allowed sweets." Nathalie jumped in, taking the container from her. "He's on a very strict-"
"Thank you, Nathalie," Gabriel interrupted, causing her to pause. "These are a gift from our guests. We can have them for dessert." The assistant looked shocked for a microsecond at him, but fluidly took it in stride. Adrien waved Nikolai upstairs as the adults conversed. Anettea followed her older brother, clearly intimidated by their host.
"Does that dude seem like a creep, or what?" Draggo asked, whizzing out from Nikolai's jacket. The Venetian nodded. Nikolai pointed to his hair, beckoning Draggo to hitch a ride, if he so wished. The dragon, as boastful as he was, was incredibly lazy. He took every chance he got to sleep, or sit on his rump.
Adrien Agreste moved like clockwork, knowing exactly where to go. The mansion seemed like a labyrinth to Nikolai and Anettea.
"Welcome to my humble abode," Adrien smiled, opening the door to his room. Both Moreau children exclaimed sounds of awe as they stepped into the ultimate boy's room.
"This place is kicks arse!" Nikolai gasped. It truly was an amazing room. Multiple arcade machines and D.D.R., an entire story dedicated to books, a rock-climbing wall, basketball hoop, and the best computer and TV setup money could buy. He even had a futsal table. "I can't even imagine how much all this costs." Adrien shrugged modestly, sitting upon the sofa looking outside.
"I'm lucky to have all this," Adrien admitted, watching the little girl as she tried her best to clamber up the rock-climbing wall. Not an easy feat in a dress. "Your sister?"
"Si," Nikolai nodded. Trying his best to wave her over. "That's Anettea. She's very shy." Adrien nodded, knowing all too well what it was like to be nervous around people. Adrien and Nikolai sat down on in front of the massive TV above his computer and powered up a video game. The classic game of Ultimate Mecha Strike III was a game where Adrien was almost unbeatable, almost.
"You didn't tell your parents about what happened today, did you?" the model eventually asked.
"Of course not," Nikolai answered, almost scoffing. "They were already worried sick about me going. If they found out what happened they'd ground me for a month!" Adrien hummed in thought. That punishment would be lenient if his father ever found out. It was well known by his friends that Adrien's father raised him with an iron fist. Adrien had only been raised with a couple of other children. Chloé was among them, and was extremely close to him. They played in silence, both concentrating on defeating the other in virtual giant robot combat. Adrien had mastered almost every combo in the game, and obliterated the Venetian who was simply button mashing. The first round went to Adrien. Then the second. And the third. Nikolai eventually gave up after ten consecutive defeats.
"You're not very good, are you?" Adrien joked as Nikolai rolled his eyes.
"I was never a video game person as a kid," Nikolai answered, dropping the controller on the couch. "I was a nerdburger, still am!" Adrien laughed, having not heard that phrase in years.
"If you use that terminology, you still are." Nikolai's phone buzzed in his pocket, Adrien paused the game as the recipient pulled the device from his pocket. The caller made Nikolai raise an eyebrow. Juleka Couffaine, no less.
"I'll let you take this," Adrien smiled, pointing to the walk-in wardrobe. Nikolai jogged to the room and answered the call.
"Allô?" Nikolai started. "This is Nikolai."
"Hey," Juleka buzzed on the other side. "How are you?" Nikolai sat upon a stool, listening to the voice on the other side.
"I'm alright," answered he. "And you?"
""Good." Juleka answered, breathing lightly into the microphone. "I just wanted to call to see if you're okay after today." Nikolai smiled. No one else called. No one else checked up on him, only Juleka. That meant a lot to him.
"It was pretty rough, I'll admit." Nikolai admitted. "I'm just glad that I got through it."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Juleka asked. "I saw the blood on your head and…" Nikolai cursed silently. She saw that? He'd been pretty thorough cleaning the blood, lest his mother see. Obviously he was sloppy.
"Oh," Nikolai grunted. "You saw that."
"What happened down there?" she sounded genuinely concerned. Nikolai wanted to tell her, but at the same time it was pretty embarrassing.
"I uh, might've had a panic attack and passed out?" Nikolai explained in a casual tone, passing over the seriousness of what happened. "And I hit my head pretty hard on the way down?" Nikolai had a sinking feeling of humiliation in his chest, and a flare of embarrassment on his cheeks. He felt like this would be the beginning of the end of his friendship with Juleka and Rose.
"I can't believe that happened," Juleka spoke. I'm so sorry you had to experience that." Her reaction was the exact opposite to his fears. Something that he was glad of.
"O-oh! Don't worry about it, I'll live."
"Well you were very brave for pushing through." Nikolai took a sharp intake of breath, his chest tightening up. No one had ever called him brave. He always believed he was a coward. "I mean, that is to say-"
"Thank you," Nikolai cooed. "That really means a lot." There was silence on both ends of the line. Had he gone too far? Did he startle the shy girl?
"Y-you're welcome," Juleka eventually said. "I'm glad that I could help you." Nikolai was smiling like an idiot. For once, someone that wasn't family actually cared about him. If felt nice.
"I'm always here to talk if you need," she continued.
"Yeah! Same to you." Nikolai smiled. "I'd love to stay and chat, really would. Unfortunately I'm having dinner at Adrien's." Juleka gasped. Was tonight a rare occasion? Nikolai knew that Adrien and his father were not the most sociable of people. "Is that a bad thing?"
"Oh, non. I just hope Monsieur Agreste is okay company." Nikolai couldn't help but browse through the clothes that Adrien had in his closet. Tuxedos, suits, an arrangement of various shirts and jeans. All of them of the Gabriel brand.
"You and me both," Nikolai agreed. "How did that crusty old man make such a nice son?" The sound of Juleka's laugh filled Nikolai's ear. Nikolai couldn't help but join in. in truth the joke was terrible, but her joy made him happy.
"Nikolai!" gasped she. "Have respect for the man! He's a genius with fashion."
"Never!" Nikolai joked. "Fight the power! Down with the System!" Juleka kept giggling as the Venetian continued to spew sayings that delinquents would shout.
"What a rebel you are! Well I'm really glad that you're okay. I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?"
"Alright, buona notte, Juleka." Nikolai hung up, smiling. He was tempted to just sit there, smiling. He was quick to remember that he was sitting in a wardrobe, in Gabriel Agreste's mansion. He left the room and returned to where Adrien and Anettea were playing. The little girl was trying to communicate with the model, much to his confusion.
"Ah, you're back." Adrien smiled, trotting over to him. "Can you help me? You sister is trying to talk to me?" Nikolai looked at his little sister. She made a flurry of hand gestures, causing them both to laugh and smile. Adrien looked on in confusion as they exchanged more hand movements.
"Is everything okay?" asked Adrien. "I don't know sign language." Nikolai turned to him, bearing a cheeky grin.
"How's your dancing?" Nikolai asked.
"Alright," Adrien answered, scrunching up his face. "Why?"
"Anettea's challenged you to DDR. And she has never lost."
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Most teenagers spent their Friday afternoons after school out socialising. Either relaxing at home or out partying. Nikolai Moreau was spending his eating concrete.
"Ow!" groaned he, emphasising each syllable. Nikolai was in his Dragon Fire form, his face smacking against the top of l'Arc de Triomphe. "Pull your strikes!"
"Akumas don't pull their strikes," Chat Noir shrugged, twirling his baton. "It's conditioning." Dragon Fire took his time getting up, hoping the pain in his body fade before he was given another beating. There was a crowd gathered around the roundabout, watching their hero, Chat Noir, fight. Although the news of Dragon Fire arriving to help Chat and Ladybug, many were suspicious of the newcomer. Dragon Fire squared of against Chat Noir. The Venetian charged at the cat, his sword arm straight out. Chat sidestepped the attack, grabbing the arm and throwing Dragon Fire over his shoulder. Before he knew it, Dragon Fire had the wind knocked from his lungs, again. The crowd cheered as Chat won yet another bout.
"Don't put all your weight into one strike," Chat explained, not a hint of humour in his voice or body language. "Again." Dragon Fire stood, pointing his crystal blade at the black cat. Nikolai feinted a jab, but followed up with a spinning slash. As soon as his head was turned, Chat put his Baton around Dragon Fire's neck and pulled.
"Don't turn your head on an opponent," Chat tutted. Dragon Fire spluttered, trying to grasp the sleek metal rod that closed on his windpipe. The Venetian slapped his thigh, begging to be released. Much needed air came into his lungs as Chat pushed him away.
"You're fighting not how you should. What are you?" Dragon Fire looked at him. His blue exquisite tail swished from side-to-side as he pondered the question.
"I'm a human," Dragon Fire answered. Chat Noir put his face in his hand.
"No, you're not." Chat replied harshly. "I am a cat. You are a dragon. Think like one." Think like a dragon? How was that possible? Dragons never existed! They're a figment of people's imaginations. A myth.
"…and how do I do that?" Dragon Fire asked, crossing his arms. "Hoard treasure and capture maidens?" Chat couldn't help but snicker. His unusually cold exterior of this training sessions dropped. The Chat Noir that Paris knew and loved was back again.
"I mean it might help, just hope a knight doesn't come to slay you!" Chat lowered his guard, letting Dragon Fire relax. "When I fight, I use my claws, and agility. What do you have that I don't?" Dragon Fire pondered, humming in thought.
"A GPS on my communicator?" Chat Noir shrugged, nodding slightly.
"Oui, but I wasn't talking about that. Wings. You have the power of flight." Dragon Fire grunted in agreement. The limbs in question rocked as a gust of wind blew down the road.
"But you and Ladybug fly around la città all the time. How can I keep up with that?" the black cat groaned, shaking his head.
"That's short distance. I bet you could fly around the world with those things!" Chat punched his comrade in the arm supportively. Dragon Fire shrugged, forming up again for more training.
The sun began to set when the Venetian took to the skies. Heat rising from the city kept him airborne, not needing to beat his wings. Things seemed calm in the city. The Parisians had an unspoken pact nowadays. Help one another. Be kind to each other. Any little dispute could spark an Akuma. No one wanted that. Except for Hawk Moth. Dragon Fire's communicator beeped, flashing brightly. The dragon hovered in place while he looked at what was wrong.
"Traps?" Dragon Fire scrunched his brow. "Caged people?" The Ladyblog was what kept Nikolai, in his Miraculous form, constantly updated with local news. Anytime there were strange goings on, or a crime in process, Alya Césaire was on the case. In his eyes she was a godsend. Many-a-crime had been prevented because of her constant vigilance. Dragon Fire turned in the air and headed south for the 14th Arrondissement, Observatoire. It wasn't long before Dragon Fire spiralled downwards over a crowded alleyway. Police kept journalists and civilians away from the scene, who only doubled their efforts to get a look when the Miraculous holder landed.
"Who are you?" an officer snapped, glaring at the trespasser.
"My name's Dragon Fire. I'm a Miraculous holder like Ladybug." The Venetian answered. The upkeeper of the law relaxed, letting the teenager through. "I got a report on trapped humans? What can you-" Dragon Fire almost walked on one of the victims. A net made from chain links was draped over a woman, pinning her to the ground. A few feet away, a young boy had his leg in a bear trap. Above them. An elderly man rattled the bars of the metal box that hung in the air.
"This is what the call was for," the police officer said simply, clearly as bewildered as the hero.
"Merda," Dragon Fire mumbled. "Anyone seriously injured?" the police officer shook his head, squatting down by the boy in the bear trap.
"This wasn't spiked, only holding him in place. Other than mental trauma, a few grazes and bruises." The boy cried, trying to pull his leg from its prison. Dragon Fire frowned, looking to see that besides a constricted ankle, there was no serious injury.
"Let's let them go then," Dragon Fire announced. His hand swiped over the crystal embedded into his right gauntlet. The crystal crackled as it distorted and morphed into a blade and armguard. Dragon Fire flew up to the old man in the cage.
"Monsieur, I'm going to get you out of there." Dragon Fire explained in a calming tone. "Can you please not move?" A nod came from the elder, who held onto the cage bars tightly. His frail hands shook violently, causing the hinges to rattle. Dragon Fire grunted as he took a swing at the door, which fell from the cage and clattered onto the asphalt below. As the Venetian reached in to pull the man out, a evil cackling emanated from all around them. Suddenly a bouquet of tiny canisters hailed the ground. Each one spewed a thick cloud of smoke. The journalists and civilians caused an uproar in between coughs. Dragon Fire covered his mouth and nose, using his wings to try and clear the smoke. When the smoke finally cleared Dragon Fire saw an even worse predicament. All of the people in and around the lab had been trapped! Cages, bear traps, nets and glue pads. Each a maniacal device used to snare people. Dragon Fire was lucky to have been airborne, and avoided getting snatched by the illusive being. Dragon Fire set to breaking as many chains and shackles as he could before the person returned. It wasn't long before more police showed up, clearing civilians out and taking control of the scene. Though the Police Nationale and the Gendarmie Nationale trusted Ladybug and her companions, they convinced Dragon Fire that he should be elsewhere. A notification from the jewel revealed that another crime almost identical to the one he was at had just occurred. Dragon Fire took off and headed straight for it.
"Maybe I'll catch the crook…" mumbled he. If this was some psycho, then he belonged in an institute.
Another alley. Another half dozen people in cages and snares. Dragon Fire looked around, befuddled. There was no sign of who did it. This must surely be a prank. But the way they had all been snared. And so many people in such short time! Nikolai knew that there had been attacks on Paris by radicalised individuals, could this be them? Either way, he was running out of time. He'd spent too long using Draggo's powers. The Miraculous pondered the motives of the attacks as he flew home, landing on the roof of his apartment building.
"That's enough Draggo," Dragon Fire groaned, stretching his arms. "Unkindle me." A ring of fire washed over him, stopping at the Anklet. The flames turned the dragon-man into a regular teenager. His elongated incisors and coloured sclera were normal again. From the jewel the Kwami flopped out.
"God I'm tired," Draggo yawned, not even phased by the fact he had faceplanted the concrete. His human sat beside him, looking up at the stars fade into the dusk sky.
"We were out for quite a few hours," Nikolai said. "Must've been a struggle you." Draggo looked at the teenager, scoffing.
"Me? Struggle? Hah! I've beaten monsters bigger than this building, child!"
"Sure you have." Nikolai nodded, pretending to believe the Kwami. They sat in silence, enjoying the sunset. Draggo managed to burrow into his human's pocket and steal a jalapeno from a zip-lock bag.
"What do you think all of that stuff was?" Nikolai asked, fiddling on his mobile.
"Psychopaths," Draggo guessed. "Gangs. Who knows? I can tell you that it's not an-"
"Nikolai!" A voice shouted behind him. The teenager jumped, spinning around. At the top of the metal staircase that sat on the side of the building was his father, looking unimpressed.
"Your mother called you for dinner ten minutes ago!" Duccio tutted. What're you doing up here, anyway?"
"The sunset's pretty." Nikolai answered. "I won't do anything dumb up here, don't worry." Duccio frowned before giving his son one last look before descending again.
It was an ordinary day in the south of Paris. The sun was out, people were moving to and fro, like bees in a hive, and all was peaceful. But from the sewers below, a menace was waiting.
"And now we hatch the second part of the plan!" a voice cackled. The owner of said voice climbed a ladder up to the surface, throwing the cover of the manhole away as if it were no heavier than paper. On the surface, the being looked around. He climbed a parked truck that say nearby, and cleared his throat.
"People of Paris!" the man boomed. "You are mine now. Give me Ladybug and Chat Noir, and I shall spare you!" People stopped to look on at what was happening. Some ran. Others were too dazed by what they saw. "Give them to me!" There was no reply from the civilians. A surveying police officer talked into his transceiver, asking for orders.
"Fine! If you shall not give them to me, you are useless. Vermin!" the strange man thrust a gas mask over his face and reached for a nozzle attached to a bulking tank. From the hose belched out a green fluid, soaking everyone he stood before. The man cackled as the people screamed, their skin burning from the acidic fluids. Those that were still on their feet once the figure had finished showering them were able to see him leap back down into the manhole, underground.
Over the other side of the city, a bored Italian/Spanish teenager was sitting in the library. In the main lounge his friends were quietly bantering as they played videogames. Nikolai was content reading books.
"Can we go outside?" Draggo asked, stretched out on a hardback book cover. "I need to sun. I want jalapenos!"
"Later," Nikolai replied. "I need to return this book by the afternoon, and I haven't finished it yet." The Kwami groaned, fluttering about the vicinity. Draggo deliberately flew into books and tables, thumping loudly as he did. Nikolai gave the Kwami an odd look, shaking his head. After the months they had spent together, the dragon was still a total mystery to him. Suddenly, the intercom system, beeped. It caused him to jump, looking at the roof accusingly.
"Attention students," Monsieur Damocles' voice buzzed over the speakers. "There has been an unknown attack in the city. The school in under immediate lockdown for your safety, all students are to remain inside until further notice." The younger students panicked, screaming and shouting. A few of the older kids joined them. Nikolai looked at Draggo, who gave him a nod.
"Is it time?"
"Not yet," Nikolai responded, getting up. "Let's see what's going on." Alya was already on her computer, pulling up what was going on.
"My god…" she gasped.
"Lay it on me," Nikolai almost ordered, huddling around her. Along with several others.
"There's this man who comes out of the ground, he shouts something. Then he sprays them with some green goo!" Alya answered, pointing to the live video footage. Nikolai's eyes widened, jaw dropping. "You think it's a terrorist?"
"That's no terrorist," Nikolai explained. "It's an Akuma!"
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AUTHOR'S NOTE: I know I rarely update this story, and this is because of a very busy schedule of university, work, and a huge serving of mental illness. I really appreciate you sticking around and reading this, it means the world to me.
I'm trying to think of more fun activities Nikolai and friends can get up to (spoilers) in between Akuma attacks. If you have some ideas you want to share, hit me up with a message! I'd love to hear from you beautiful people 3