A/N: This was just a random scene/story/part that I wrote. It's cute and fun and… one of the last thing Dawa helped me with. Enjoy!
Coronation
"Tikki." Marinette whimpered as she looked around the darkness, arms out stretched. "This isn't funny anymore! Where are you?"
Nothing returned the call and she continued to stumble forwards, glad at least one hand was on the wall.
"Tikki!" She called again, keeping her voice low in fear of whatever might be hiding in the darkness around her. "I'm getting scared."
"Marinette?"
She turned to the voice, squinting in the darkness but it did little to help. "Annamarie?"
"Yeah." Her friend called, getting gradually closer until their hands touched on the wall, grabbing each other. "What are you doing down here?"
"Could ask you the same. Tikki just woke me up in the middle of the night and told me to follow her, said it was urgent. Came down this tunnel and then she just left me!"
"Same for me, Frou was all... excited and then he just turned a corner and was gone."
"What has gotten into them?"
"Don't know. Just wish I'd grabbed my phone, just for some kind of light."
Marinette sighed. "Yeah. What freaky teenagers we are; leaving home without our phones."
The other laughed lightly. "Do you think we can find our way out?"
"The way I came was a maze, Tikki was leading me and I didn't take note of the route."
"Mari? Is that you?"
"Adrian?"
"Well, the gang's all here."
"You here too Feathers? What's going on?"
"I wish we knew."
"The kwami are playing a cruel joke on us?"
"Did you forget to feed Plagg again?"
Adrian had to pause for a moment. "Not that I think so. But then again, he's always asking for cheese."
They had a light chuckle at that as they made a human chain, holding each other's hands for comfort.
Annamarie sighed loudly. "Any chance you memorised the way down here Alley Cat?"
"Hey, I might be smart but I'm not that smart Bird Brain!"
"Will you two knock it off?" Marinette interrupted before it could get any further. "And look, over there!"
The trio looked. Slowly a soft golden light came down from the long tunnel. The trio looked at each other, now at least able to see the outlines of their faces. "Might be a way out." Adrian said at last, giving the girl's a tug in the right direction. The tunnel was barely wide enough for one so they had to walk in single file, Adrian leading the way and Annamarie at the end. The light grew gradually brighter, their eyes adjusting to it easily as they made their way and the tunnel widened until they were in a wide circular room, the light coming from two torches that stood next to a great door easily 5 times their size.
They looked around the room quickly but the only way in was the tunnel and the only way out appeared to be the door.
Letting go of her friends, Annamarie walked over to the door and placed a hand on it. "I don't understand."
"What is it?"
"This door... these engravings." She said, running her fingers slowly over it. "They... they are kwami."
"What?"
"It's the language of the kwami." She continued, tracing it up and down.
Adrian walked over and looked but it was all still shapes to him. "Well, not all of us are fluent. What does it say?"
"In Grateful… no In Gratitude For Your Deeds."
As she said the words, the torches on the wall dimmed and a new light source emerged above them, a sound like wind chimes above while millions of tiny sparkling glittering golden specks of light floated down from the roof towards them.
Marinette blinked as she looked up at it before noticing that not one speck was landing on the floor as it was being pulled towards them and clinging to their clothes and skin. "What... what's going on?"
"I have no idea." Adrian also covered in the sparkling light. "But this is so cool!" He laughed, spinning on the spot, not one sparkle falling off him.
The sparks just kept coming, no longer just holding to their normal clothes but also adding to them, clinging like snow as they formed shapes. Even their hair was beginning to be covered it in until slowly, it stopped, and they stood, covered in the golden light as it shimmered, the three too scared to move as they looked at each other, watching the sparks moved like waves of water over their bodies, a soft tinkle musically filling the air, filling and lighting the room before they grew louder and brighter, the waves moving faster before suddenly, without warning, burst in a blinding flash.
The three teens covered their faces from the light as it shot into their eyes before blinking it away and gasping at what they saw in each other.
Adrian's black shirt and white jacket was gone, as was the simple teenager look he'd been holding. Now he held the air of a gentleman while wearing a long knee length dark green tunic lined in silver, beautiful twisting Celtic design around the collar and helm. Black boots came to his knees while dark trousers were met with a silver belt. Hanging from his shoulders was a black cloak, engraved with designs and the whole thing was lined in glittering silver while his hair was longer, almost to his Chat Noir form but it was neater, refined and tidy.
Annamarie's loose dress had been taken with her confusion to leave a blue, purple and green halter gown, the colours looking like oil on water as they shimmered around her, filaments of dark gold darting around the bust and as a belt around her middle, hanging freely to the ground. A long trail of flowing silk stretched down from her wrists up to her forearms, held in place by bands at her elbows and continued to sweep to the ground below, the colours bleeding from dark purple to sky blue with rounds of green as it went. Her hair was down from its normal bun and pinned into a ponytail, curled perfectly and her miraculous shone, her lips coloured a pale golden and blue sparkling eye shadow coated her eyes.
Finally, the light faded from around Marinette and she let out a breath, looking down at the ball gown she was now wearing, rose red with a wide pillowing skirts, layers of transparent silk ruffled down the sides while little star shaped flowers were embroidered into the bodice that cut into a heart shape, each blossom layers red and black and hundreds of sparkling gems filling in where there weren't flowers, connected by golden tread. Her shoulders bare but around her neck as a floral styled gold necklace, red and black jewels hanging from it, her hair pinned up and platted around the back of her head and down her back. Around the middle of her forearms were two long sweeping open sleeves that reached all the way to the ground, the silk filled with diamonds.
The three looked at each other and the finery they now wore before looking at themselves, turning on the spot. "Wha... what is this?" Marinette asked finally as she ran her fingers over the sleeves and span slightly, the fabric wrapping around her. "This... it's beautiful!"
They laughed but then the door behind them opened slowly, effortlessly, basking the three of them in warm golden tinted light, sweet music coming from inside. Adrian walked over to it and peaked inside first then leant away. "No way..."
"Adrian?"
"You have to see this." He laughed, holding out his hand.
The two girls slowly walked over and their own breath left them. Inside was a long, white marble building with tall columns and a high domed, engraved with gold and decorated with ribbons in blue, green or red, the three colours sweeping effortlessly around every part of the room, bright wide windows lines the sides, filled with an unnatural golden light.
White petals fell endlessly from the ceiling, their source unseen but the room was filled with music and more amazingly were the people as they stood to the sides of a long golden carpet, leading the way from the door to a platform at the far end and even from the door, they could tell who some of the people were. The people of Paris, every one of them with their eyes on them, smiling.
The trio looked at each other then at what was before them, gradually getting the confidence to hold each others hands and walk inside, the music growing louder as they did, everyone watching their every move as they went down an aisle.
At the back of this great room were people they knew by face but not by name, people who just lived in Paris and supported them. Gradually, as they got closer to the front, they began to name people while at the very front were their family and close friends. Even Annamarie's dad was there, smiling proudly at his daughter.
The every end of the carpet was to a slightly raised platform where two figures stood, Niji and Dawa, the man dressed in a regal dark red tunic with cloak and his wife a midnight blue gown.
They both smiled as the three stood before them, hesitated for a second then bent low in a bow. Niji held out a hand to the trio. "Rise."
They did and stood looking up at the pair, confused but curious. The man just grinned a little more and turned his attention to the crowds. "Today, we gather here for one reason. To give our thanks to these three. For years now they have acted as not only the defenders of this city, but beacons of hope. That alone with would be cause for celebration but beyond that, their actions have saved every life on this planet."
Dawa lifted her head next. "When a darkness threatened this world, they selflessly stepped forward to protect it. They put their own lives in danger to protect those they care and love as much as the strangers they have never met before."
"These three have become more than heroes." Niji continued. "They are the very embodiments of what they represent. And today, we wish to thank them for their selflessness, their bravery and at times, their sacrifice."
"We, the beings that gave them their very powers, wish to present you with a token of our thanks."
Slowly as the sun finished speaking, four beings walked over from the side, one being Sophia in a silver, blue and green gown, metal filaments wrapped around her chest, from shoulders to bust, flowing green silk darted with blue. Behind her, the three human kwami followed, each one dressed as elegantly as their chosen and holding a pillow with a white cloth draped over what lay underneath.
The teens had their eyes curiously on the pillows but once Niji began to speak again, he had their attention. "Step forwards Annamarie Torella."
The called teen looked at him then gulped, moving forwards slightly as Sophia took the silk off Froufrou's pillow revealing a golden tiara with a large blue sapphire stone in the middle, wraps of gold twisting around the stone to hold it in place while smaller gems were set to the curls. Sweeping up from the left side were several golden strands styled like peacock feathers in a lighter gold with sky blue gems in each one.
The previous peacock took it gently in both hands and lifted it up, slowly turning and placing it on the teens head as she bowed forward for her.
Niji nodded and smiled. "Annamarie Torela, The Royal Peacock and Miraculous of Confidence."
Smiling at the title, she stood up and stepped back into line with the others with the tiara sitting proudly on her head.
Next Dawa nodded. "Adrian Agreste step forward."
He did and watched as a solid gold crown was revealed, decorated with emeralds and cat paw print engravings coming towards a larger emerald stone in its centre. Even the crown itself had the appearance of cat ears on it.
His mother beamed as it was placed on his head and Dawa announced. "Adrian Agreste. The Chat Noir and Miraculous of Freedom."
The blonde gave his mother a cheeky wink then stepped back.
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng." Niji called once again. "Step forwards."
She did and bowed her head forwards slightly, watching as Sophia revealed a stunning pointed tiara encrusted all over in rubies and onyxes creating a spotted effect while holding a flowery pattern to it.
As Sophia placed it gently on her head, sliding it into her hair, Niji called out, louder than before.
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng, the Miraculous Ladybug and Miraculous of Creation." The girl let out a breath as her name was called then turned with the others, looking to the audience of Paris. "May the deeds you three have done forever be remembered in the hearts of those here. And may you be a beacon for those to come. That even when all seams lost, when you are trapped and alone, there is still a hope." He held his arms up and smiled. "People of Paris; we welcome you all to the Miraculous Ball!"
The cheering and applause drowned out the music easily and the three couldn't help but laugh at the impossibility of it all but then music became louder and foods the likes none had ever seen were served and soon every Parisian was dancing and and laughing, many of them coming to speak with the miraculous, telling them stories of how they had been saved or touched by their deeds.
After a while, Niji and Dawa, who had been dancing as merrily anyone else, came to the trio and held out a goblet of wine for them each. "How are you enjoying your ball?" Dawa asked with a smile.
"It's amazing!" Marinette laughed as she looked around, watching people talk and dance. "But… won't everyone know who we are now?"
Niji shook his head. "No. If they do not know who you are, they will merely wake and remember this place as a dream, this whole night as a dream. Not who you are."
"But we will remember?"
"Yes."
"Then… why call our names if no one will remember?"
The Moon goddess shook her head. "So you will remember. You are more than just your miraculous. We want you to remember that while Ladybug and the others are the ones with the power, you are the ones with the heart and ability to use them."
"These last few years have been hard on all of you." Niji continued from her. "You all deserve to relax and for everyone to show how grateful they are to you."
"Plus, who doesn't want to dance through the night? Come on! Let's dance!" The woman laughed as she grabbed the peacock's arm and pulled her to the dance floor once more.
They continued on for hours, unable how long the party had been going on yet never getting tired or feeling exhausted, no matter how they partied. Eventually the great sun Kwami held up his hands and everyone fell silent, turning to listen to him. "Good people of Paris, before we say our farewells, may I ask you to once more raise your voices in thanks and cheer for your heroes, their kwami and their historic deeds for this city."
The hundreds of people soon began to clap and cheer, surrounding the trio and filling the air with so much warmth and noise as a bright glow filled the air, slowly blinding everyone.
~#~
Blinking, Marinette opened her eyes, staring up at her ceiling, trying to work out what had just happened. It all felt so real, so magical and spectacular. She could remember every detail, every stitch of her dress, every sip of wine, everything.
And while her mind felt like it had been awake for days at the ball, her body felt refreshed and better than it had in a very long time.
But as much as she wanted to stay in bed and ride the blissful high she felt, it was a school day so she forced herself to sit up and rubbed her head, half expecting a crown on her brow. When there wasn't, she shimmied along to the edge of her bunk and climbed down before gasping at what lay on the desk by her computer.
Exactly as she remembered it was the ruby and onyx crown, every jewel sparkling in the morning light, just left on her desk like a pair of gloves or a purse. Stepping over, she picked it up and admired the craftsmanship before her phone rang, interrupting her.
"Hey Adrian." She answered, still looking at her crown.
"Hey Mari. Umm… you… you didn't… didn't by any chance wake up…"
"With a tiara by my bed?"
The boy on the other side laughed. "Least I'm not the only one."
"Yeah. It's beautiful."
"It… it was last night… when you wore it." He said, voice almost testing her.
His girlfriend giggled down the line. "Yeah, it was. And yes, last night happened too."
At that moment, she heard a knock on the door at Adrian's side. "Hey Fur ball, you up?" Annamarie's voice called.
"I'm on the phone Feathers." The cat called back.
Marinette rolled her eyes. How those two had lived in the same house without killing each other yet was beyond her. Even more when she heard a sudden loud scream and turned to look at her phone in concern before Annamarie shouted; "Adrian! PUTS SOME CLOTHES ON!"
She turned bright pink at the idea of what could be happening on the other side, her mind shutting down at the possibilities on the other side of the city.
"Annamarie! Don't say things like that! You'll give my Lady a heart attack!" Adrian shouted then turned back to the phone. "Mari, I swear, I'm dressed! She's just messing with you!"
To confirm it, Annamarie broke down in hysterics in the background, causing Adrian to sigh loudly. "My lady, how do you feel about us being a duo again?"
After banning him from killing the ballet dancer in a slow and painful death, the three friends had a short conversation about the ball and the magic of it, only stopping when Sophia interrupted, reminding them to get ready for school.
They continued the conversation on the steps of school before noticing that everyone around them appeared to be in a star stuck haze of being, not an angry face to be seen in the whole of Paris. When they say Alya and Nino, Alya didn't have her phone anywhere in sight and Nino was sat by her feet with a goofy grin on his lips.
"Well." Annamarie said with a sly smile. "You two look please with yourselves. Have a good night did we?"
"Yeah." Alya chuckled, not giving the implied message a second thought. "I had this… crazy dream last night."
"Me too." Nino sighed, standing up to lean on the wall instead. "Crazy but super amazing. Like… I was in this great hall for a kind of… coronation."
Alya turned to him. "Wait… was it the crowning of Ladybug, Chat Noir and Royal Peacock?"
The dark skinned boy blinked at her. "Yeah… wait. How did you know…" The penny suddenly dropped. "Don't tell me you…."
"Yeah." She confirmed then looked at the others. "Hey, everyone, who… who had a dreamt about the miraculous ball last night?"
The students looked at her as if she was insane but then slowly, one by one, people began to lift their hands. The three hidden heroes joined them and struggled to hide the smiles on their faces as everyone began to talk about the night.
