MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Special thanks to livinglittlelie for checking this chapter for, just in time for Christmas too!
Sorry, this took a while! Was wrapping up this semester, got busy with work, then got sick... life's been busy. But I'm happy to see that I got this done in time for Christmas! I hope everyone will have a good holiday!
fanart from eurazba on tumblr!
post/166663081805/why-draw-my-inktobers-when-i-can-spend-3-gd-hours
by thegreysman on tumblr!
post/167641056547/alya-coccinelle-marinette-huli-jing
Sometimes, nostalgia was the best approach for some difficult situations, dealing with issues and struggling with them. Nostalgia, Duusu found, came with warmth tinted with a dash of sadness; but it was a throwback to the past what usually brought fond smiles to human faces. Humans liked to look back on their early years, sometimes even relive it.
Duusu was prepared to tackle that nostalgia, to bring out the awkward, sweet, and silly boy she had first been given to, and to have him relive one of the happiest moments of his life, something that brought a giggle out of them both.
She took advantage of Gabriel having a slight slump in figuring out a design for this one jacket, bringing up the creative game that they used to play when he was a teen, when he felt down in the dumps from his father's coldness and verbal brutality, a game designed to help them bond and uplift his mood.
With great skill, Duusu laid stretched out on Gabriel's desk, her legs crossed, her tail feathers spread out and still. She held her head up by one paw while the other rest on her stomach, and in her teeth, she clasped the puffiest, brightest yellow dandelion she could find outside. Across from her, Gabriel sat, stoic and stiff, staring down at the kwami, looking torn between amusement and annoyance.
"Duusu, you're ridiculous," he said, his gaze looking her over, starting to sketch her form.
"Dat da point," Duusu replied with the dandelion still on her mouth, struggling not to smile as she watched her holder's lips quirk up. He needed a break from work anyway, so what better way to have a break than relaxing and having some fun? Nothing near as energetic as it used to be, but it didn't have to be.
Just some silly fun between her and her aged holder.
While Gabriel sketched and worked on getting Duusu's pose down on the sheet, she let her thoughts wander, thinking back to what she's discovered. It seemed that the Agrestes were becoming quite the little miraculous clan. The partnered peacock and butterfly got together, and now their son had a miraculous, too. Moreover, Duusu could bet her tail feathers that the boywas also eyeballing another miraculous holder.
Her eyes flickered a little when she caught sight of movement in the window behind Gabriel, where she spotted Chat Noir running along the roofs, returning home. Duusu perked when Gabriel turned the drawing to her, breaking out of her pose and darting close to look it over. The kwami squealed in delight, clasping her dandelion and wiggling about, making her feathers rattle.
"I'm so pretty!" she gushed, looking at the spitting image of herself.
Her smile grew as Gabriel leaned back, grasping his chin as he nodded to himself. "Of course, drawn by the Fashion King, you're bound to look good."
Duusu giggled, puffing out her chest and twirling the dandelion like a boss. "And the king was raised by the best."
No one knew true beauty better than a peacock. Gabriel just smiled, going about and adding few more details onto the drawing, shading his kwami to better help define her. It was definitely something he'll enjoy looking back to.
Duusu in turn settled on his shoulder, absently playing with the dandelion as she watched her holder sketch and draw. She waited until the sky grew darker and Gabriel finally retired before she zipped through the mansion, heading for Adrien's room. She phased in, her pinkish crimson eyes glowing as she looked around the huge bedroom.
Adrien was conked out, set near the edge of the bed, oblivious to the little peacock floating around. She floated over the bed, narrowing her eyes as she searched the sheets. Some movement caught her eye, set in the middle of the bed, somehow hogging the whole bed despite his small size. Rolling her eyes, Duusu grabbed Plagg, ignoring his squeak and dragged him out of the room.
"Cheesus, Duusu!" Plagg huffed, jerking out of her hold and glaring at her sleepily. "You could've just tapped me awake."
"Please," Duusu scoffed. "You would've ignored me and gone back to sleep."
Grumbling, Plagg darted up and sat on the depressing painting Gabriel kept in the foyer, eyeballing it. "I would've thought you'd try to convince Gabriel to get rid of this a long time ago."
"I'm working on it," Duusu said, seating herself beside Plagg, sighing as she leaned back, her tail feathers hanging over the edge. She started off, "So, Adrien is Chat Noir."
"And Gabriel's a peacock."
"It's been awhile since we've been together. Usually it's you and Tikki."
Plagg shrugged. "Well, we are a pair."
The two kwamis sat quietly for a moment, both frowning as they stared around the foyer, trying to think of what to say to the other. Plagg was the first to break the silence, voicing, "So… what you've been doing?"
"Working on a stubborn bird," she answered. "You?"
"Dealing with a lovesick kitten."
Duusu gasped loudly, floating and coming into Plagg's space, asking excitedly, "Adrien's in love?!"
Plagg pushed her back with a soft hiss, making a face at her excitement. "Believe me, it's not that amazing or interesting."
"Not amazing or interes— feathers, Plagg! Adrien is technically my latest adopted grandchick! This is amazing!"
Plagg let a loud whine, flopping back on the painting's frame. "I want togo back to sleep."
Duusu gave the cat god a pout before she sobered up, turning her eyes to the floor. Quietly, she asked, "Do you… know what's going on with Trixx?"
Plagg laid still, staring at the ceiling.
"I felt a shift in her activation. Nothing near as bad as Nooroo's but… it didn't feel good. It felt selfish and hungry and…" Duusu shivered, turning her eyes to Plagg. "You've been out and about, what's going on?"
"Trixx is gambling," Plagg answered.
"Oh no…"
"The old man let her lose to help a Ladybug step back into her spots, only she seemed pretty decent as a fox, if a bit feisty. Which would have been okay if Coccinelle was fit for the earrings."
Duusu sighed, crest drooping back. "You'd think she'd wait at least until a better fit holder was back."
Plagg rubbed his face, feeling tired. I don't know what's going on in her head, but she's gambling, that's for sure. We may have trouble later."
Duusu pouted, wondering, "What is with you two always causing trouble?"
"Hey, I do not—"
"Must I remind you about Atlantis, Pompei, Camelot—"
"Shuuuuuuush. It's too late in the evening for this!"
Trixx could admit that she had a problem: she was tip-toeing the line of unpredictability, and that could lead to quite a mess. In her defense, it is an echo of her nature. Foxes, by nature, are rather grey and unpredictable, sources of chaos and mischief. Sometimes their cunning is highly praised; sometimes it's downright dreaded. But that was just the nature of who and what they were, and she couldn't help it. Much of how they act and think was based around it; they were who they were.
Tikki, as a ladybug, couldn't help her nature; desiring to bring happiness and support to everyone. Plagg, as a cat, couldn't help but being unpredictable himself. Nooroo thrived to see people transformed, Pollen wanted to nurture and work, Wayzz wanted to protect and keep things safe… none of them were safe from their nature.
A fox was unpredictable, and did what they think was best. Trixx still stood for the good of all, but she would do what she must to reach her goal. However, it still brought to question if she had made the right choice, or if she had been too hasty in her action, Perhaps she should have waited a little longer, timed it better, and reconsidered the classmates Marinette had.
Trixx truly questioned her previous decision as she watched Lila stand before her mirror, looking over the white, curled up fox tail on her collar, running her finger over the swirl. She has spent all evening staring at it, fascinated on the miraculous, and the whole time Trixx has been a quiet observer, considering the girl she had decided to appear before.
Lila dropped in a pose, considering her posture and form, making Trixx grin. The kwami voiced, "How about this?" She leaned back, setting a paw on her chin, closing one eye while puckering her lips for a kiss.
Lila raised a brow at the kwami then shook her head. "I want something that speaks elegance and power," Lila said. Pointing down at Trixx, she declared, "That's silly."
"Foxes are silly," Trixx said.
"Well, I'm a poised fox. Not silly."
"Foxes are tricksters. Tricks and mischief can go hand in hand with silly."
Lila ignored her, taking the miraculous off and setting it on her vanity. Trixx eyed it, tail twitching. "You should wear a miraculous as much as possible"
"Why?"
"It strengthens the bond between holder and kwami, secures the miraculous won't be stolen, and connects you to its power more easily."
"No one is going to steal it here," Lila brushed off, uncurling the bands wrapped around her hair, letting the brown strands fall loose. "And now that I'm the hero, I'll have more than enough time to connect with it."
Trixx's smile widened, murmuring with a chuckle, "you shouldn't be too sure. These days it seems miraculouses are going around all the time."
"Well the fox is not leaving me."
"It mightif you don't reveal yourself soon."Lila glanced down at Trixx, and the kwami peered back, her gaze lazy and calm. "Coccinelle and Chat Noir won't react well to you pretending to be Huli."
"I told you the plan," Lila huffed.
"A plan that has no precise starting point. You're playing with fire. The illusion you want to use is delicate—"
"I'm the best liar in the world, Trixx. With the power of illusions, my skills are tenfold. I have this all planned out and figured out already. I know what I'm doing."
Trixx shrugged and drifted away, singing, "Okaaaaaaay."
"Besides," Lila continued, starting to brush her hair, "I'm far suited for fox, that's why you chose me, right? Huli wasn't a good fox."
"Huli was a good fox."
Lila paised, startling by the kwami's tone of voice. Slowly, warily, she turned to Trixx, the kwami perked on her windowpane, leaning against the glass almost like she wanted to be outside, to be elsewhere.
"She was calculating and clever, considerate, watched out for all, and was very brave. Brave enough to know her own mistakes and move to get past them. Brave enough to grow. She's a good fox, a bit bitey, but a good fox. I didn't leave her because she wasn't."
If they were facing a different foe, Huli would've thrived. If there was another that could've been a solid Ladybug, Huli would've stayed.
But Ladybug was needed to restore order, to save a misused miraculous, to secure that the world didn't suffer; and it took the best to be Ladybug, to keep that order. Ladybug was needed more than Huli.
"I'll be a good Huli." Trixx's ear twitched back to Lila's voice, turning to glance at the girl from over her shoulder, watching her tense a little at the one eyed stare, at how ancient that gaze. Despite her unease, Lila smiled broadly. "I'll be a better Huli."
"Don't aim to be a good Huli," Trixx said. "You should aim to be a good you."
Before Lila could respond, Trixx darted away, disappearing into Lila's bedroom, leaving the Italian faltering a little as she stared after the little fox god.
Ali hurried into the hall, eager to see what miraculous Chloe had, what sort of jewelry piece it was. He had stayed up half the night, wondering what was inside that little box… wondering if he had made the right choice, or if he should have just kept it instead. He'd been wanting his own miraculous since Marinette dragged him to Fu's, since he'd met the kwamis, watching from the sidelines as Marinette transformed and rushed off to fight amumas.
He had been wanting to be a part of that world. He could have kept it and lived his dream, to have his own kwami who would love him unconditionally;, be his friend, provide and advise. He'd been hoping, waiting, wishing … and when he finally got it, he gave it away to Chloe.
Had that been a good idea? Had he been too hasty, perhaps? Ali's uncle has scolded him for being too soft before. Was he truly?
But, as his doubts started to rise up, he thought back to her situation. It was something Chloe had brought upon herself. There were a lot she has done wrong, there was no denying. She needed guidance, someone who would look at her with fresh eyes, someone she'd listen to. A kwami seemed a good candidate. They were wise and knowing, having met and dealt with a lot of humans.
There was a good chance that a kwami would know what to do, what to say to help Chloe. As much as he wanted a miraculous, Chloe needed that guidance and companionship more.
Or so Ali kept telling himself, his green eyes immediately locking onto Chloe as she slipped out of her room.
"Good morning!" he greeted, watching Chloe jump.
She shot him a dark look. "It's too early in the morning for this," she huffed.
He furrowed his brow. "You didn't sleep well?"
That wasn't a good sign.
"No, I didn't," Chloe grumbled, closing the door and turning away to sulk. No, she hadn't sleep well. She had stayed up most of the night staring at the little box the bee comb had come in, Pollen's last words still ringing in Chloe's head.
"But that's not what you want, is it? You just want to sting and rage."
"You're more of a wasp than a bee."
"Be a wasp and sting away, sting at everyone, let that rage fester until you're stinging everyone around you. As of now, you're no bee, and won't be one."
She didn't know what she was talking about. Pollen didn't know her. She had just met Chloe; there was no way that she knew her at all. Chloe was resolute in believing that. Enough so that she didn't notice Ali lingering at the back, watching Chloe head down the hall.
Making sure she was gone, Ali slipped into her room, closing the door behind him. He headed for her vanity by her bed and spotted the black box, closed up and alone. With a frown, picked it up and opened it, smiling slightly when he saw the bee comb inside.
A bee. It was a bee miraculous. Glancing back to the door, he picked up the comb, turning it and looking it over. How could he fit that in his hair? Ali paused when he felt something under the comb, turning it about to see a little circle under it. He unscrewed it, pulling it away from the comb and perking up to see that the comb could become a pin.
Anticipation filled Ali as he pinned the bee comb to his shirt, staring at himself in the mirror. The golden bee flashed, going white and dulled oval looking pin, and there, floating before him was a bee kwami. He stared at it in wonder, watching as it straightened slowly, opening dark eyes to stare down at Ali. It blinked in slight surprise before smiling.
She curtsied at him, greeting, "Hello, Honey."
"Oh my gosh," Ali whispered, drawing his words and cupping his cheeks as he stared at the kwami in wonder.
The bee smiled, rising up with a giggle as she stared down at Ali. "I have a feeling that you were the one I was originally intended for."
The wonder died away to sheepishness, the prince looking away and clasping his hands behind his back. "Ye-yes, I, I was the one meant to receive you." He held his hand, offering her an apologetic smile. "I'm Prince Ali Kowar of Achu, I am honored to meet you, and I'm sorry for… well…" He turned his gaze to his feet, very aware of the dark eyes gazing down on him.
He perked when he felt her sit in his hand, looking up to see her smiling at him sweetly. "Hello, Prince Ali. I am Pollen of the bee miraculous, here to bee of service and to help you bee-comb a hero. It's nice to meet you, Honey."
Ali smiled, eyes shining as he held the kwami closer, seeing her smile up at him. His kwami, he had officially met his kwami.
The shrill of his alarm went off, only to be silenced as a hand slammed down on it, reaching out from under the covers. Then, itslid back under the covers, the blankets wiggling before falling still. Minutes ticked by before there was a tired sigh and Felix satup, his hair messy and sticking up. He got out of bed, rubbing his face as he went to the bathroom.
He had ended up staying up late, miffed that his father had ditched him again. Why did he expect last night to be different, he didn't know. He'd known there was a high chance that he was just going to be disappointed. He shouldn't have bothered last night.
He slipped back into his room, rubbinghis towel over his face and hair, lowering it enough to peek at himself in the mirror. He lowered the towel, eyeing the necklace he wore, the single dark thread wrapped around his neck, and the copper arrow pendant.
A gift from his grandfather before he returned, one that was heavier than Felix had expected. He could recall receiving it, shoved into his hands just as he was walking out door.
"It'll change your luck," his grandfather had promised with a dry smirk, "it brings joy and protection. But you'll have to work hard to get it."
Thus far, Felix has yet to experience that joy or protection.
With a huff, he turned away and got dressed, getting ready for this day. His biggest objective today was getting more of his studies done, and perhaps slipping out to see the Dupain-Chengs again, to be in a household that was far warmer and welcoming.
He paused as he fixed his tie, thinking back to Marinette. He'd have to see her soon. He couldn't continue sneaking around, skittish at the thought of seeing her again. If there was going to be a change, he was going to have to make that first step for a change. He was the one that had messed up, he had to make up for it.
And hopefully, she would give him a chance to talk…
Felix looked up when there was a knock at his door, aware that it had to be one of the twins. Pursing his lips, Felix opened the door, meeting the vacant stare of one of his father's minions. He believes it's Lefty, as Marinette had nicknamed him, but for the two identical henchmen, it was hard to say. His father's minions were an unnerving, silent oddity that Felix aimed to avoid as much as possible. He didn't know anything about them; they never breathed a word or ever reacted to anything. All they ever did was stare out vacantly.
They were always so unnerving…
The towering bald man presented Felix a letter, not expressing the slightest hint of emotion as Felix accepted it. Felix quickly closed the door on him, not wanting to spend another second in his presence.
Felix frowned as he saw the sender. Francois Dupont, Marinette's school. What did the want? He never reached out to them before. He unfolded the letter, his brow furrowing.
'Dear Felix,
I am Headmaster Damocles and I am happy to inform you that you have been…'
Felix closed up the letter and tossed it to his vanity. His father, getting involved where he shouldn't. Again. Frustration started to fester in his chest, a burning sensation that had him tense and agitated. He wanted to handle appearing before her again, he didn't want his father to play a part in it, to bud in and shove him into her world. Why did he always have to be such a—
"We can't escape what we are, my lucky son. We'll always act out of love."
His door burst open and Felix hurried out, not caring if he was going to be late for his lesson and studies and ridiculed for it.
He needed to get out of this house. He needed to get away.
As he hurried away from his mansion, he didn't see his father standing at a window, watching him go with a little being on his shoulder, his gaze full of pity and sympathy.
Marinette stood before her mirror, looking over her pigtails, making sure there was not a hair out of place. She just tried to keep busy; tried not to think too hard about her miraculousless life, about how there was no kwami with her anymore. At this point, Trixx would still be asleep and she would've needed to grab the kwami as she went, dropping her in Marinette's purse full of croissants to dine one once she woke at her own time.
Only there was no Trixx with her this time. It was just Marinette on her own, trying not to think about it as she got ready for the day.
It was strange. It was unnerving not having a kwami around; knowing that Trixx was with someone else… was this fox really a friend? Was Trixx being well cared for? Was she doing ok?
Marinette's hands dropped to her sides, eyeing her reflection, noting slight hint of bags. Bags caused partly from wondering about Trixx, and partly worried about Chat, and the being they saw last night. She didn't see anything on the Ladyblog, leaving her to guess and assume that Chat was ok.
She frowned, crossing her arms, glaring at her reflection. What was that thing? Was it a new hero? Whatever it was, it did free them in Pixelator, and no reports of akuma attacks. Moreover, Hawk Moth had yet to make more than one akuma at a time.
So that left the hero option… so was it another miraculous hero?
She wandered to her round window, looking out to Notre Dame looming over the thin mist rising from the Seine. She wondered if Fu was aware of this hero, that there was another miraculous holder active. Or… was this the precaution that he was taking? Was this their help, just in case this new fox meant trouble?
She'd bet her ribbons they were. There wasn't any trouble from them yet, and so far they have been helping. This had to be Fu's help. They had backup.
With a slight sag of her shoulders, she turned and eyed her schedule. After a moment of consideration, she pulled it down, looking over all that she had jotted down for it. Today she was babysitting Manon during lunch. The class presidency was coming soon, and after a moment of consideration, Marinette erased the angry chibi Chloe she doodled under it. With how things were right now, Marinette has a feeling that Chloe wouldn't be able to be the class president this time.
There was an upcoming contest for Gabriel coming up, and even though she didn't have an exact date yet, she just knew that it was happening this month.
Her gaze settled on a day jotted down as Requiem, considering it. After a moment, she reached up and erased it.
That wasn't her duty, not when she didn't have the fox anymore. That wasn't something she was going to stress about right now. Just focus on what she could do at this time. Fu and Wayzz believed that there'd be another option for her, she just needed to be ready for it, whatever that would be.
Setting her things down, she set her hands on her hips, feeling determined. She didn't need a miraculous to help; it did help handling akumas, but it wasn't the only means to fight them. She had been able to handle Evillustrator with her quick wit alone! She had got the possessed item all by herself!
Feeling grounded and sure, Marinette rolled her schedule up and started to get ready for the day.
Ali smiled as he watched Pollen linger close to the limo's window, her dark eyes eagerly looking over the Parisian buildings, a big smile on her lips. Ali leaned down to join the kwami in looking outside to gaze upon the buildings, his smile growing as he felt the slight tickle of Pollen's antennas brushing his jaw.
"It's a beautiful sight, isn't it?" Ali asked.
"Paris is always so beeautiful," Pollen praised, her body wiggling in delight, paws set on the glass. "It's been a while since I've been here."
"Really?"
"Last time I was here it was to a girl named Allegra, a beeilliant flutist. Her hero name was Melodie."
"Haven't heard of her," Ali murmured, frowning.
"I'm not so surprised," Pollen said. "We didn't do anything this big as taking down another miraculous holder. My Allegra, she used her miraculous for show. It helped her reach for a wish that a poor girl left on her own could only dream of granting. And through it, she brought a new sense of life and magic to Paris."
"So miraculous can be used for something else," Ali noted.
"Miraculouses are meant to bring wonders and fortune to humanity," Pollen explained, "and that isn't always with fighting. There are other services to do. Ladybugs not only bring order, but they are the ultimate creators; they can make anything needed. Black Cats protect and guide those from a harmful darkness. Bees are providers and a source of life. Foxes bring peace to the afterlife and make connections. Turtles heal and bring focus. And the list goes on ."
Ali cupped the kwami with his hands."You guys are being of wonders."
Pollen giggled, fluffing up her fuzz. "Oh, of course. There is a reason we're known to be quite miraculous."
Ali smiled, glancing down to the miraculous pinned to his shirt.
"I don't think I've ever had a holder so awed byowning a miraculous," Pollen voiced, drifting out to float before Ali, her smile sweet and curious. "Most aren't quite aware of what they own."
"I've known about them for a while," Ali revealed. "Have been wanting one for a while."
Pollen hummed, her smile dropping a little as she eyed Ali, then her miraculous. "If that is so, I'm curious as to why you gave me to Chloe?"
Ali pursed his lips, not answering immediately as he watched the buildings go by, well aware of Pollen's stare set upon him. Considering his words carefully, he answered, "She's… in a rough spot right now, Pollen. The rug's been ripped out from under her feet and she's trying to act like it's still there and not adapting and…" Ali glanced to her. "I had thought that maybe a kwami could help, you're advisers and supporters to holders, and that's the biggest reason I gave bee away to her. I thought you could help…"
"That's very sweet of you," Pollen said, clasping her paws together as she offered Ali a smile. The prince smiled back, relieved, till Pollen continued. "But not a very wise choice."
"What?"
"There are times that even the best intentions aren't the right ones. You meant well, I know that. But I don't know if a miraculous is truly what Chloe needs."
"But you help, and guide, and advise, and—"
"We do," Pollen confirmed, "but it only helps if our holders listen. Chloe is hurt and angry. She doesn't know how to make things better for herself, and at this time, she only knows how to sting. That's all she wants to do. She doesn't want to listen." Pollen shook her head. "To give her a miraculous is dangerous for now. She'd be a wild bee, Ali. She's a real wasp right now."
Ali sagged. "There's nothing you or miraculous can do for her?"
"Right now, for things to get better, Chloe needs to be willing to change, to take that first step. And one way is to listen, and to let go. She's not at that point though." Pollen offered Ali a smile, paws clasped together as she drew near. "I wouldn't lose hope. As angry as she is, there is a will to do good, to get better. There's a want to deliver a mean sting behind it, but a good intention all the same."
"Just not the right one," Ali murmured.
Pollen shook her head. "Not for a bee. But take that positively. A good intention is a good want, and for her, that's a step in the right direction. She needs a lot of work, but she's getting there. And luckily for her, she'll have a prince as sweet as honey to be there for her."
Ali beamed, nodding his head to her. "Thank you, Pollen."
She reached out, wiping his curl away and nudging his head up. "For now, I think it's time to bee Ali."
Ali perked. "To join the heroes! I can pull it off, right?"
Pollen waggled in front of him, grinning cheekily as she punned, "TotAli."
"You had this coming for a long time, Chloe."
"...sting away, sting at everyone…"
"This can't keep going on."
"You wronged us all."
"You just want to sting and rage."
"I'm worried that your thorns are too sharp."
"...lost cause…"
"You're more wasp than bee."
She… she really wondered, when hadshe become so sensitive? When had words become so hurtful that she felt exhausted just thinking of them again?
Chloe leaned heavily on the limo's window, watching the Parisian street go by, not quite seeing it as she just stared out into thought back to the last week, all that had happened. Really thought about it. Lila had easily overwhelmed her, had easily rallied everyone to her and had them all go at her.
"You had this coming a long time, Chloe."
"...sting away, sting at everyone…"
She thought back to the little being she found last night, one that had offered her a chance to join the heroes, to be another hero, only for it to end in a fight with the being leaving her.
"You're more wasp than bee."
Chloe dug her nails into her elbow, feeling an ache in her chest. She pulled her knees up, wrapping her arms around them and hugging them tightly. It clicked for her that it was bad if she was having fights with a being that would've made her a hero. A same being that Huli had, that Chat had, that… Alya had. Chloe doubted any of them had fights with their little beings. Their kwamis, she corrected herself. She bet they all got along with their kwamis.
Just like everything else Chloe brought this upon herself. Which she just kept doing.
Why should she bother? Pollen had saidshe's a wasp... maybe she should just continue to be a wasp? That seemed to be all that she's good at.
Chloe looked up when the limo slowed down, her eyes settling on Sabrina. She watched her laugh as she stood next to Lila, her smile looking bigger and more alive than Chloe had ever seen. Chloe watched them as the limo came to a stop, watched as Lila prattled on while Sabrina nodded eagerly beside her, looking like she was hanging onto every single word.
"Mlle Bourgeois, we are here," her driver called.
"I'll get out when I want to get out," Chloe declared, ignoring the driver's impatient sigh. She wasn't ready yet, she wasn't ready to slip out of this limo and go to the school. She pressed her face into her knees, trying to get that mask on, trying to show that she wasn't as bothered by this as everyone thought, that she was above it all. She just needed a minute to get it together—
Tap, tap.
Chloe looked up, seeing Ali standing by the door, waving to her. Marinette stood behind him, looking a little leery.
After a moment of eyeing them, Chloe pulled her bag onto her shoulder and slipped out to join them. Ali and Marinette started off to school and Chloe trailed behind, absently listening to them. Marinette voiced that she was going to be babysitting during lunch, while Chloe spared a glance to Sabrina and Lila.
The redhead quickly turned away from her and Lila flashed Chloe a sneering smile.
"Chloe?"
She looked up to see Ali and Marinette waiting, eyeing her with slight frowns. Making a face, Chloe hurried up to them, grumbling with a weary bite in her words, "You two are blocking the way."
Ali cracked a slight smile while Marinette rolled her eyes. The three slipped into school, ignoring the green eyed girl watching them go, and missing the little fox that peeked out of her bag.
"I'm glad you're talking to Nino," Tikki said, leaning out of Alya's bag, resting her chin on her paws, looking up to the girl huddled up on top of the staircase, eyes set to her notebook. "I think it'll be good for you in the long run."
"Someone knowing was actually good," Alya murmured.
"There are pros and cons," Tikki said. "Sometimes one outweighs the other… it can depend on who you're working with and what you're up against… Usually, I find secrecy is safest." And she did. A lot of Ladybugs had to keep secret. Some she wished stayed secret.
Spirited Hippolyta who wasn't shy with the earrings she owned; she was tricked by the Black Cat Hercules, declaring that he was coming for her girdle only to kill her for the earrings, desiring to try and break through the twelve trials.
Then she had her serious Jeanne d'Arc. If she had been more secretive as Tikki had advised, she would've lived past nineteen.
Sweet Marian had gotten captured by Prince John for not hiding the earrings, and he made use of her power and the ring to keep his power. If it wasn't for Robin Hood, she would've been lost. A rare happy ending for a Ladybug that was known.
Tikki could list on all the dangers her Ladybugs faced, and could only think of how much shorter their lives had been due to being discovered.
But, things were not the same then. This was a different era with different rules. She'd always stress caution, but Nino Tikki couldn't foresee any immediate danger, and he seemed to help Alya's mood. To support her, to be by her side; a new, neutral view. And that could be what she needed.
"Tikki?"
Tikki looked up, offering Alya a smile. "I think we're ok."
"I can't see how Nino could be a threat. Not like he's going to be charging at an akuma."
"Still, it's best to be cautious."
Alya released a tired groan, rubbing her brow and leaning heavily on her hand, making the kwami falter, antennas dropping down. Tikki leaned forward, smiling slightly as she suggested, "Maybe you two should have lunch together?"
"What?" Alya gaped, turning to the ladybug kwami with wide eyes.
"It's been a while since you've had fun," Tikki pointed out. "Actual fun. As good as it is to be hardworking, never hurts to take a break here and there."
Alya cracked a grin and joked, "'Always be productive' Tikki, suggesting I take a break."
Tikki pouted, crossing her arms as she said, "There's always work to get done. Especially for Ladybug; that takes priority. But even I know that breaks are needed." Tikki paused, then added, "Besides… I could learn to not be so pushy about responsibility."
That had been her mistake with Marinette. And she could see now that it's a mistake she's made with Alya, too.
The kwami slumped, a bit disappointed with herself. She'd been told by Plagg and Trixx that she looked at the big picture too much; she should've listened to them, realized it sooner.
"Do you want to go back to Ladybug?" Alya asked quietly, eyes set to her notebook.
Tikki tensed, leery to answer. Instead, she said, "I think Nino will be arriv—"
"It's ok, Tikki," Alya murmured. "I've thought about it for a while, and I know… I know I'm not a good hero."
"No!" Alya jumped when Tikki darted in front of her, giving her a glare. "You're not a bad hero, Alya."
"But I'm not a good Ladyb—"
"That's more with the miraculous and who you are," Tikki said, sighing. "How it's always been, miraculouses have been given to those that best match with it, those that have traits that can match with a miraculous well; of course, with consideration of the situation. The issue here isn't you being a bad hero, it's that you don't have a miraculous that works with you."
Alya stared down at the kwami, surprised. She asked with a wonder, "So… what would've worked with me, then?"
Tikki settled on her knee, suggesting, "Between the two most powerful, I could've seen you as a good Black Cat. When I first met you, I do think the ring would've been more up your alley."
Alya raised a brow. "Really?"
"You're clever, like to be part of the action, and you can be crafty. And, sometimes, you like to act more than plan. I can see you getting along with Plagg."
Alya raised a brow at her. "I would've gotten along with Plagg?"
"He can be lazy, but can also be up for mischief and fun." Tikki floated up, paws clasped together as she offered Alya a small smile. "You are a good hero, Alya. I'm sorry for all this struggle…"
Alya looked past her, seeing Ali, Marinette, and Chloe slip in, the former two chatting animatedly with each other. Her eyes settled behind them, watching Nino slip in behind them, going over notes and getting ready for a test today. She closed up her notebook and started to gather up her things, Tikki zipped into her bag, watching her holder with anticipation. All set, Alya hurried downstairs, rushing to Nino.
"Hey," she greeted, cracking a grin when he jumped. "Did I scare you?"
"Alya," he hissed, shoving her as she chuckled. "Don't do that!"
"Getting ready for the test today?" she asked.
"Yeah, you know how Mendeleiev is. Also, we need to meet up with our partners soon, Bustier is going to give us a little more time since, well, akuma attack at the hotel, but I'd imagine we'll have to do something about it soon."
"We've still got time," Alya said.
"Not too much."
"Enough… that maybe you want to go to the zoo with me? During lunch?"
Nino tripped, barely grabbing his book in time as he turned to Alya with wide eyes. She felt her cheeks go hot at his surprise and quickly stated, "Just for fun! Tikki said I could use a break and, uh, suggested this."
Tikki leaned out and offered a Nino a wave.
"O-oh, uh, sure," Nino said, rubbing the back of his neck, a little flushed. "Sounds fun. I haven't really been to the zoo since uh… yeah, that's a great idea."
Alya smiled slightly, relaxing as they headed to class together. This really wasn't too bad of an idea…
Adrien yawned, wincing as his photographer huffed and grumbled, giving his a half-hearted wave away as he rubbed his eyes, trying to wake up. He winced as Vincent drew near, stressed out and growling.
"Stop the yawning. You look bored, annoiato!"
"I'm sorry," Adrien mumbled, glancing up at him. "I didn't get a lot of sleep last night."
Vincent clicked his tongue. "It's important that you get some sleep! No sleep, no good picture!"
Adrien cracked a grin, joking, "That sounds a bit unlikely." He always looked good. There was no such thing as an unflattering picture of Adrien Agreste.
Vincent smirked and shook his head. "Ah, but not impossible, mio amico." With a hum, he turned away, looking around the surrounding area as he muttered to himself, trying to figure out how to make this work.
Adrien in turn struggled to wake, slapping his cheeks as he tried to get ready for this shoot. He had stayed up late trying to find that mysterious archer last night, but everything was for naught. They were gone, and he was left wondering just who they were. What was going on? Was that an akuma? Should they be worried?
He should bring this up to HJ and Coccinelle. Maybe they could look around for that archer, to get some answers. Preferably before anything happens…
Adrien went to the bench, slouching back with a loud sigh. It was a good thing he had a morning shoot, else he'd be dozing in Bustier's class about now. Though, now he was drifting off at his shoot.
He glanced to his bag, pouting a little. Lucky Plagg; the kwami got to sleep the morning away for as long as he liked. His kwami was so spoiled. Was there any other kwami in this city as spoiled as Plagg?
He actually wondered if other kwamis were just as bad as him. Was Trixx as demanding? Adrien didn't think so, judging by the small time he'd met the little fox. She seemed pretty chill, with always an easy smile on her lips. And that turtle, he seemed pretty quiet and calm, staring up at Adrien with curious eyes.
Adrien glanced to the streets, looking to where the old man's shop was, where Adrien had gotten powers from him, the Guardian. He hadn't much chance to really think about him. There was so much mystery behind him, a man Huli had apparently known about, another miraculous holder. How long had she known? How did she meet him?
Perhaps he should visit soon. The Guardian did say that if he ever needed him, he could drop by. Adrien would be intrigued to ask about secrecy, to ask if it'd really be so bad to reveal himself to his girlfriend. He could just picture her being awed, she swooning to the grinned, chuckling as he pictured it.
Adrien cracked his eyes open, glancing down. He lifted his hand, eyeing his silver ring. He had yet to unlock the other three powers that he was given; he hadn't had much chance to do it. Plus Eclipse and Solstice were solid powers and big help. Flight and shadow powers; both were so awesome.
But there were three others, the Band of the Earth.
Band of the Soul and the Band of the Calamity.
What did those do?The Guardian had given him vague descriptions to these. Eclipse and Solstice had been pretty straight forward. Darkness and flight. But those…
"These three are rather… fervent, in nature."
He had chuckled afterwards, looking like he knew for sure what they were, and it was all up to Adrien to discover. Not that he minded, but he would like to know what he had before he used them. He was not the same cat as before, using his power on a whimsy and, thankfully, not stupidly using it on an akuma.
"Eureka!"
Adrien jumped, looking up just in time to see Vincent shove another blonde down beside him, the frosty eyed boy blinking in bafflement as he glanced to Adrien. Vincent beamed, waving to them both as he declared, "Brotherhood!"
The boy pointed to Adrien, stating, "I don't know him at all."
Vincent waved him away. "The customers don't know that!"
"Sorry." Adrien winced. "Sometimes he just… grabs people."
The boy grimaced, watching Vincent rush away, ready to snap pictures of them. He murmured, "I often find people with cameras are usually always forceful."
Adrien chuckled, standing as Vincent demanded them to act "brotherly".
Lila trailed behind the trio, frowning as she watched Marinette and Ali with Chloe, who just brooded next to them. It seemed that, despite her endeavors to separate them, the prince still persisted to linger around the spoiled blonde. It bothered her that she had yet to break them apart. She showed him Chloe's true colors, how she was the most unlikeable girl in the whole school; and yet, he still stayed. Lila didn't get it.
"I think you should be the one hanging out with Prince Ali, not those two," Sabrina said, leaning close, eager to have Lila's attention on her.
Lila offered her a smile. "I think so too. They're both below his standards."
Lila gave a start when she felt a nudge, looking down to see Trixx leaning out of her bag, brow raised at her.
"Oh they're so definitely below his standards! It's only you that should hang out with Prince Ali!" Sabrina said.
Lila flashed her a smile, pushing her to the stairwell. "How about you head in? I'll join you in a few minutes."
"Of course!" Sabrina hurried away and Lila slipped into the lockers, opening up her bag and raising a brow at the kwami, watching her drift out and seat herself on the lockers, staring down at Lila. She almost felt like she was about get a scolding despite the kwami's easy smile. She crossed her arms, defensive and leery.
"What?" she asked.
"How do you know they're below his standards?" Trixx asked.
Lila blinked at her and scoffed. "I'm the daughter of a diplomat. I know who is up to a prince's standards of company."
"And yet you thrive from having the attention of those below your standards," Trixx hummed, "does really make them inferior?"
Lila faltered. "What?"
"You care enough to keep the attention of these students you look down on, that you manipulate and thrive off of. That makes them important, more important than you give them credit for."
Lila grimaced.
Trixx darted down, staring down at Lila as she lectured, "You are not in a spot to judge who has a right to be in Prince Ali's company, Lila."
"But I'm a diplomat's daughter and a hero—"
"And he's a prince whose best friend is a baker's daughter, not you," Trixx pointed out, crossing her paws, tail swishing about behind her.
"He's nice," Lila persisted.
"And you're being petty and picky," Trixx said. "Don't look down on people, Lila; don't deem whose worthy for who. You're going to find yourself alone, and you don't like being alone, do you?"
"We're late to class," Lila growled, opening up her bag to the kwami.
Trixx slipped in without comment and Lila hurried to class, an uncomfortable feeling in her stomach.
Marinette sighed as she stared to the seat before her, missing her boyfriend. He had texted her a good morning, telling her that the shoot was going to continue until lunch. Apparently, Vincent had grabbed some poor random boy at the street for the shoot, and the guy kept trying to stay out of the camera's focus, making the shoot last longer.
She wouldn't be seeing him until lunch was over, probably.
Marinette leaned back, glancing to the clock, noting how close the time was. If she knew Nadja, she was probably going to be there just as Marinette got out from school. She rubbed her brow, leery at the fact that she'd need to race her way home as soon as the bell rung. Nadja didn't like to be kept waiting.
Marinette sagged on her desk, feeling restless. She caught a smile on Alya's lips and perked with intrigue. She leaned close with a grin, wondering, "What's up?"
Alya met her gaze, unable to help the growing smile. "I'm hanging out with Nino during lunch. We're going to the zoo."
Marinette gasped, her smile growing huge. "Going out with Nino?"
"Just for fun," Alya said.
"Sure, ok, yeah," Marinette returned, leaning back, not stopping the huge smile on her lips. "I think it's a great idea. You haven't really done anything for fun for a while, have you?"
"Really haven't done anything fun ever this semester," Alya murmured.
Marinette gave her a nudge. "Then yeah, I think you need this. It'll be great."
Alya smiled, starting to gather up her things. Marinette glanced down, meeting Tikki's bright stare, her smile growing as the kwami waved to her.
Marinette paused when the bell rang, gasping. She had to go, and she didn't have her things gathered up! Marinette scrambled, almost tripping down the stairs in her rush to get to the bakery in time, ignoring the stares or the call of her classmates wishing her luck. She raced all the way home and burst through the bakery doors, almost slamming into a customer.
"Sorry!" she called, dodging around the surprised customer and hurrying upstairs, relaxing to see Nadja and her Maman chatting away, Manon in her mother's arms.
"Marinette!" Manon cried, immediately reaching for the teen, turning their mothers' gazes to her.
"I'm here," Marinette managed out, breathing a little hard.
"Just in time," Nadja said.
Oh thank goodness. Marinette accepted Manon as Nadja thanked her again, promising that she'd be back in time to pick her up.
"Don't worry, Nadja, we're going to have a lot of fun today," Marinette promised.
Manon giggled in excitement, eyes set to Marinette's room of magic. One of the reasons why she loved coming here was that Marinette had everything, could make anything so every visit was a surprise full of possibility. She was always eager to see what they'll do.
"Ok, Manon," Marinette announced as they slipped into her room, setting the bouncing child down and heading for her desk. "I got a special treat for you today." She turned, revealing a box to her, fashioned to look like a treasure chest.
Manon breathed quickly, filled with anticipation as she waited for Marinette to open the box. Marinette did it slowly, watching Manon gasp, staring down at the new toys in awe.
Pleased and proud, Marinette declared, "I was a little inspired by Paris' heroes, and villains."
There in the chest, it was full of plushies made out of the heroes and akumas. And Manon loved them all.
Ali smiled slightly as he watched Marinette trip out of the room, hurrying home. He hopes she makes it. He started to gather up his things, pausing enough to reach down into his pocket, make sure his miraculous was still there, giving a start when he felt a nuzzle on his fingers. He had to bite his lip to keep himself from grinning silly.
He had been so nervous about Chloe seeing the miraculous that he had taken it off and slipped it into his pocket. Thankfully, Pollen understood and joined the miraculous in his pocket, though did implore that Ali should talk to Chloe soon.
"You can't keep tiptoeing around her, it'd get in the way of you being a hero."
She was right, they couldn't. Ali planned for this lunch to reveal to Chloe that he had the miraculous, that he had given the bee to her in hopes to help her, and that Pollen could still very much help Chloe if she wanted to guidance and advise.
Ali glanced to her, watching her linger by her desk, eyeing the back where Lila and Sabrina were gathering up their things. Ali hurried down, leery of what could happen. Chloe jumped when he set his hand on her shoulder, and he offered a smile.
"How about we head to the Dupain-Chengs for a treat?"
Chloe wrinkled her nose. "Their food is not that good."
"Have you ever had some?"
Chloe didn't answer.
"Let's go," Ali bid, pushing Chloe to the door, hopefully before Sabrina and Lila came down. They walked slowly to the bakery, a heavy quiet settled between them, one that made Ali self-conscious enough to slip his hand into his pocket, feeling Pollen lean on his fingers. For a moment, he thought about revealing that he had the bee, that he and Pollen could help Chloe work this out, only to decide to hold it off.
They were in public, after all. He could hold it off until they got home after school. They'd get this all figured out together.
"Ah! Ali, my boy, welcome back!" Tom called out as they slipped inside. "How have you been, son?"
"Hello M Dupain!" Ali greeted, laughing as Tom ruffled up his hair. "I've been good, a bit busy."
Tom nodded, leaning over to eye Chloe, seeing her turned away, her arms crossed. "I see you brought a friend with you today." Chloe didn't turn to face him at all, making the prince frown. Tom waved it off, getting a small tray of chocolates and offering it to the blonde. "Would you like some chocolate, Mlle Bourgeois?"
She glanced at the chocolate slowly before snatching a few, popping them in her mouth. It was good enough for Tom, making him beam.
"Marinette's already in her room with Manon. If you would like, you can head up and say hi."
"I would like to meet the famous Manon. Marinette has always described her as an angel."
Tom chuckled. "Indeed, she is."
"Do you want to join me?" Ali asked, glancing to Chloe.
"No way," Chloe said. "Kids are too loud and they pull my hair."
"Ok, I'll be back down in a bit," Ali promised, heading up and running into Sabine on the way, exchanging a hug with her before continuing.
Alone, Pollen wiggled out of his pocket, zipping around him, humming happily as she waggled. "What a darling family," she praised. "Such a sweet, warm hive."
"It's great, isn't it?" Ali asked, grinning as he watched Pollen hover about. "The Dupain-Chengs are always so nice. I love spending my lunch with them. And Marinette's a lot of fun too, can't wait for you to meet her—"
"Woah, now, Honey," Pollen quickly cut in, turning to Ali and making him stop. "I'm fine telling Chloe since she has seen me already, but you can't go revealing me to your best friend, there's safety in secrecy."
"We can trust Marinette," Ali promised, "plus, she already knows."
Pollen blinked down at him in alarm.
"She knows about miraculouses and kwamis," Ali elaborated.
Pollen narrowed her eyes, wondering, "And how does she—"
"She was Ladybug."
Pollen's eyes widened, she turned, looking upstairs in a new light. "So she was the intended Ladybug." She settled on Ali's shoulder, humming curiously.
Ali said, "We're both a little worried. Someone else has the fox."
"I know, that's why Master Fu released me to you. As a precaution. Trixx was sent out to help Marinette be ready to be a hero again, to be Ladybug as Fu intended. But to secure that… Trixx is being reckless." She huffed, her fuzz puffing up. "This is what makes foxes tricky, you know. They are clever and have good intentions, but they're also creatures of chaos and unpredictability. They're willing to take chances, take risks. It's a real pain in my stinger!"
Pollen shook her head, sighing. "We'll see though, Trixx may have chosen just fine."
Ali slipped into the den, looking up to Marinette's room when he heard loud giggles. Pollen darted down and wiggled into his pocket, disappearing from sight. He went up the stairs, smiling as he watched the two girls running around the room, clutching plushies as they fought.
The little girl he assumed to be Manon fell back with a laugh, and looked up to see Ali hanging out above. He waved to her as she gasped, greeting, "Hello."
"Hey," Marinette returned with a laugh, calming down. "Manon, this is Prince—"
"Naveen!" Manon gasped aloud.
Ali blinked at her in surprise, not recognizing the name.
Marinette giggled as Manon clutched her leg, shyly peeking past her to eye Ali, who was looking over The Princess and the Frog with intrigue.
"It looks like a cute movie," he said.
"It is, we'll watch it sometime."
She looked down when Manon tugged her shirt, loudly whispering, "How do you know a prince?"
"We go to the same school," Marinette answered.
"And she guided me around Paris," Ali added in, turning to Manon with a smile. He leaned closer. "Do you want to show me around Paris, too?"
Manon's face went red and she quickly hid behind Marinette's leg.
The dark hair girl hid her smile behind her hand, voicing, "Today we're just going to hang around here. Nadja should be back soon—"
"I don't wanna go!" Manon cried, jerking Marinette's leg. "I'm having too much fun!" She glanced to Ali, and quickly hid behind Marinette again, face planted against the back of Marinette's leg.
"You can't stay all day," Marinette said, "I have school to go to."
Manon released a loud, displeased whine, making Marinette roll her eyes.
"Hey, it'll be ok," Ali said. "You'll be back to hang out with Marinette before you know it."
Manon leaned to the side, eyeing Ali with one big eye. Ali smiled back, tilting his head slightly as he peered back.
"Maybe I'll even join you two."
"Really?" Manon asked.
"I promise," Ali said, setting a hand his chest.
They turned to her trapdoor when Chloe appeared, making a face as she looked around the pink room. Her blue eyes settled on Ali and she huffed, "Are we going to go eat lunch or not?"
"We're going," Ali reassured, wandering to the trapdoor, waving goodbye.
"I don't want him to go," Manon cried, pulling Marinette's pant leg.
"You'll see him again," Marinette reassured, bending down and picking up one of the plushies, waving Chat Noir over Manon, "Now let's keep playing."
They played on till Nadja came to pick her up, but just as the mother reached for her kid, Manon darted away, picking up Coccinelle, her favorite of the heroes since she looked like Manon. She held it up, stating, "I want to play with her more!"
"No, Manon, you have enough toys," Nadja said, taking the Coccinelle doll away and giving it back to Marinette.
"But I want Coccinelle!" Manon cried.
"She can keep her," Marinette said, "she really loves Coccinelle."
"Oh I know," Nadja sighed. "She wants to dye her hair red and dress up as her."
Marinette smiled, making a mental note to mention this to Alya. She'd be over the moon.
Nadja continued, her voice firm. "But, Manon has enough toys. She doesn't need another."
"I want her!" Manon cried, clutching Coccinelle to her chest.
"Manon, let go of the doll," Nadja ordered, trying to tug Coccinelle out of her hold. But Manon refused to give, making the doll's arm break. Manon jerked away with a gasp, eyes set on the tear. "I am so sorry," Nadja whispered.
"No, no, it's ok," Marinette said, taking the plush from her. "It's an easy fix. Really."
Before Nadja could reply, Sabine called from below, "Nadja, I have a cake for you to take with you!"
Nadja brightened. "Be right down! Thank you for babysitting her, Marinette."
As the reporter slipped down, Manon got her backpack, turning to Marinette. Seeing her chance, she drew near, looking up at Marinette with big baby doll eyes. Marinette tensed, staring down at them. Manon looked up, making her gaze bigger and bigger.
"Oh," Marinette winced, biting her finger, torn. "Maybe you can just borrow one?" She picked up Bubbler, offering it to Manon.
Manon took the colorful doll, nodding at her in thanks.
"Hurry downstairs, I'll see you next time. I'll make sure Ali will be here," Marinette promised, turning to start working on Coccinelle.
With Marinette distracted, Manon eyed the other dolls. She picked one up, humming thoughtfully as she looked it over. She did also really like this one…
"Manon!" Nadja called below.
Manon quickly stuffed that doll into her bag with Bubbler, making sure both dolls were well hidden as she hurried downstairs. Unfortunately for her, things didn't go well.
Things didn't go well for anyone.