Wayzz floated over to where Marinette and Adrien were entangled on the couch. He cleared his throat softly and Marinette gave him a slightly rumpled, lip-swollen smile.
"I'm sorry to, um, disturb you, Guardian. Two Miraculous have been activated."
Marinette pushed herself off of Adrien, who groaned. "It must be Serket and Le Faisan. What do you think, Kitty - should we go after them?"
"Only if afterwards we get to pick up where we left off," Adrien grinned.
Marinette rolled her eyes and giggled. Sass floated over and said, "I think I like him more than I like you. He's fun." He quickly darted out of the way of a cookie that Marinette launched in his direction.
"Don't make me regret getting you out, Sass..." Marinette teased. "Tikki, Spots on!"
Adrien looked at the bangle on his left wrist and the ring on his right hand. "Who do we need? Chat or Aspik?"
"That's a good question, Kitty. Let's go with Chat to see who we're up against."
"At your service, Bug. Plagg, claws out!"
"Ladybug, if I may…" Wayzz spoke up. "I've just sensed the Miraculous deactivate. Unless you know specifically where these people are, it may take too long to find them. Do you have any way of tracking them?"
Ladybug and Chat Noir looked at each other. "Actually, we do," Ladybug said. She opened her yo-yo and pulled a flip phone out.
[Ladybug] Can we meet? /(%)\
[Kagami] Sure. 10 minutes at the Haxo Métro station.
[Ladybug] See you there. I'll have company. =^.^=
[Kagami] Understood.
"Let's go, Kitty. Time to recruit some help."
"Sure thing, Bug. But first…" he leaned in for a kiss.
Ladybug pushed him away by the nose, then laughed. "Sorry… habit." She met his lips with hers, then jumped out the window. "Race you!"
Chat Noir stood there and watched Ladybug swing from rooftop to rooftop.
Sass floated up behind Chat. "I daresay, Adrien, she would make an ideal mate for you if the occasion arose." He darted into an open pocket on Chat's suit.
"Not if she doesn't kill me first, Sass," Chat sighed. He leaped out the window, vaulted to a rooftop, and took off after Ladybug.
The heroes landed at the Porte des Lilas station and followed the abandoned rail line to Haxo.
"La voie des Fêtes," Chat commented. "This sure doesn't feel like we're going to a party."
"Ladybug? Chat Noir?" Kagami's voice called out from a bench in the station. "Over here. What can I help you with?"
"We need information," Ladybug stated. "You're the only one who can tell us what's on Serket's mind. This is dangerous, but I wouldn't ask you if it weren't the only option. Can we count on you?"
Kagami's eyes narrowed. "You're right, this is dangerous. Are you sure you're not just asking me as revenge for telling you about Adrien?" Chat coughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck.
Ladybug said with urgency, "Kagami, you've already told us invaluable information about Serket. We need to stop her and Le Faisan, and we can't let them do any more harm to Paris. Please…we need your help. Do you have a cover story that will explain your being out of the house for the past day?"
"Yes, I can explain my absence easily enough. So what exactly do you need?"
"Just your ears for now, please. Call me if you get wind of what their plans are. And…" she lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Thanks. For this morning." Ladybug looked at her partner and noticed his costume ear twitch even though he was facing away from the girls. "I look forward to hearing from you."
Later in the day, Kagami stole back in her house. She crept past some shattered pottery and past the drawing room door, where she slowed to listen. Hearing nothing, she went to the kitchen, where Mr. Chou was at the table enjoying a bowl of sliced peaches.
"Kagami!" he said. "Always a pleasure to see you. Please, have a seat. Would you like some peaches? They're good for the soul."
Kagami sat down across from the old man. "No thank you, Mr. Chou. How are you finding Paris?"
"Paris has treated me well. Your mother's hospitality has been exemplary. I have seen many wonderful sights and been welcomed into the local community better than I ever could have expected."
"I'm glad to hear it. How much longer do you expect to stay?"
"Not much longer, I'm afraid. I only ever intended to visit your city for some business, and it appears that business is coming to a close tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? Well, it will be a shame to see you go. If you'll excuse me," Kagami stood up and quickly walked to her room. She opened the door and flipped the light switch on, but the room remained dark. That's odd… the bulb must have blown. She walked toward her desk to turn the lamp on. Suddenly, her bedroom door slammed behind her, and she felt a sharp pain in her side, causing her to collapse on the ground!
"Are you loyal to this family?" The woman's voice that Kagami heard was acid. Kagami clutched her side and writhed in pain.
Marinette and Adrien were back in Adrien's room. Marinette was pacing the floor behind the couch. "I'm not sure that asking Kagami to put herself in the line of fire was the best option… but I think it might have been the only option. I'm worried about her, Kitty."
"I am, too… I was transformed and the Sting still hurt pretty badly. She's a tough girl, but tough doesn't matter against that sort of magic." He unconsciously rubbed his side where Serket had Stung him.
Marinette stopped pacing and slammed her fists to her sides. "Ugh! Why does being Guardian have to be so difficult!"
Adrien leapt off of the couch and took Marinette by the upper arms. He faced her and said, "If it were easy, anybody could do it. You're the Guardian because you're a special person. You're a natural leader. And leaders have to make hard decisions sometimes. But the good news is…" he kissed her on the cheek. "You have…" he kissed her on the other cheek. "All the support you could ask for right here. OK?" He kissed her on the forehead.
She leaned into Adrien. "Thanks, Kitty. I appreciate it." She nestled in closer, kissed him on the jaw, and sighed contentedly.
Tomoe Tsurugi stood over Kagami, fencing foil in hand. "Where have you been?"
"I was out with friends," Kagami wheezed, rubbing her side.
"Lies! Give me your phone." She bent down and reached into Kagami's pocket, extracting her phone. She whistled loudly. "Unlock it. Now."
"Yes, Mother." Kagami took the phone and entered her password.
Mr. Chou opened the door. "Yes, Tomoe?"
"Tell me who Kagami has been calling." She took the phone from Kagami and handed it to Mr. Chou.
He scanned the recent calls. "Nobody much, unfortunately."
"Check the text messages!" Tomoe said impatiently.
Mr. Chou swiped through the text messages. "Adrien Agreste, mostly. A couple of text messages where it's not clear who she was talking to, but there appears to have been a couple of secret meetings."
Tomoe traced her daughter's side with the tip of the foil. "Who were you meeting with?" she hissed.
"I told you, a friend." Kagami's face was set firmly in defiance.
"Lies!" She brought the foil down as a metal whip. "Who were you meeting with?!"
Kagami screamed. After a pause, she whispered, "I met with Adrien's girlfriend."
"Why are you so obsessed with Adrien Agreste?" Tomoe spat.
"Because you told me to make friends with him! All I've done this summer is do what you've asked. I've been your sparring partner! I've made friends with Adrien - and actually enjoyed it! What more could you ask of me?"
Tomoe laughed. "There's one more thing, now that you mention it. I suspect that there's something very important at the Agreste mansion, and you're going to help me get it! Stinger up!" A flash of yellow light later, and Serket stood in her place. She twirled the was-sceptre. "Take your phone and text your Agreste friend. We're coming to get him."
Mr. Chou handed the phone back to Kagami, who took it. Hands shaking, she sent a message.
[Kagami] Serket inbound to your house. Call your friends. Be ready.
Adrien and Marinette's impromptu cuddle session was interrupted by a buzz from Adrien's pocket. He took out his phone, read the notification, and gasped. He showed the message to Marinette, eyes wide. "We don't have time," Adrien said, his voice starting to rise. "We don't have time and here we are, and Serket is coming to get us. What's the plan, my Lady?"
Wayzz floated in. "Two Miraculous energies just activated."
"Thanks, Wayzz. We've got to hurry. Kitty, get Sass. I think we'll need him. We'll want to immobilize Serket and destroy her Miraculous. I know that Miraculous Ladybug fixes whatever Cataclysm does, so I'm not too worried about that. We'll have to figure out a way for you to quick-change or something so Aspik and Chat can both make an appearance for this. I have to run to my room and get a few things… and then it's a quick stop for reinforcements. Meet in your father's atelier - it's the most secure room in the mansion."
"Roger that, my Lady." He gave Marinette a kiss on the cheek and watched her run out of the room.
"Plagg? Sass? Which one of you wants to go first? I guess it's gotta be Sass since we need to immobilize Serket before taking her Miraculous. Sorry, buddy… why don't you stay close and we'll figure out what to do."
Plagg sighed and floated over to Adrien's desk. He leaned against the mouse, waking up Adrien's computer. The grimoire page about the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous was still on the screen. Plagg cleared his throat and moved his head to indicate Adrien should read the screen.
"What are you talking about? You know I don't know how to read that code, Plagg!"
"You were here when Ladybug was reading it, right? You were listening, right?" Plagg pressed.
"This is a kwami after my own heart," Sass said, hovering into view. "You should definitely try to remember what Ladybug said."
Adrien thought hard. While any two Miraculous can be combined… "Are you two saying that I can combine you two? What on earth would happen?"
"You should find out. Do him first," Sass instructed.
"OK, then, here goes nothing! Plagg, claws out!" There was a green flash, and Chat Noir said "Sass, let's slide!" One teal flash later and the now doubly-transformed Adrien admired what he saw in the nearby mirror.
Adrien marvelled as he looked himself up and down - he was covered in head-to-toe black, a hooded mask hiding his signature blonde hair. His formerly exaggerated black cat ears were now smaller, teal, and stuck directly out of his headgear. The mask that covered his face was teal snakeskin mimicking his Aspik visor and his chest, knees and forearms featured snake-like diamonds. The tip of his belt transformed into an intimidating rattlesnake tail. His trusty baton was still on his back and his left hand held Aspik's lyre. "Wow! This is incredible!"
Marinette ran to her room and ripped open the front pocket of her school bag. She opened a box of macarons and pulled out a small red one. Flipping it to Tikki, she said, "Tikki, power up!" Tikki devoured the macaron in one bite. The spot on her forehead glowed and was replaced by an orange flame, and small yellowish-orange wings sprouted from her back. When the transformation completed, Tikki announced herself as "Tikki Torch!"
"Tikki Torch, spots on!" A pink flash later and a fiery Ladybug appeared. The red of her spotted costume was now a dark maroon with flamed orange boots and gloves. The mask around her eyes changed its smooth lines into sharp flamed edges. She looked down at her outfit approvingly, grabbed the other runed box from her bag, and placed something in it. "Now… one more stop!" Ladybug ran out the door and down the stairs into the mansion foyer.
Gabriel was working at his computer terminal when he saw Ladybug burst in. He walked over to her and smiled. "Ladybug. How can I help you? I assume you didn't come here for a professional opinion on your new costume design?"
Ladybug spoke with urgency. "I'll take a raincheck on that one, Mister Agreste. I'm here to offer you something - and I hope you'll take me up on it."
"Of course, Ladybug. What is it?"
Ladybug smiled broadly and held out her hand. "Gabriel Agreste. This is the Miraculous of the Butterfly, which grants the power of Transmission. You will use it for the greater good. After you are done, you will return the Miraculous to me. Can I count on you?"
Gabriel looked at Ladybug, mouth agape. The corners of his lips twitched rapidly as he fought back tears. His eyes darted back and forth, and he blinked rapidly to stem the rising tide of emotions. "Are… are you sure?"
"I can think of no other person more worthy to wield this Miraculous, Mister Agreste. You said you wanted me to let you know if there was anything you could do to redeem yourself. That time has come. Paris needs you," Ladybug said confidently.
Gabriel sniffed as he took the Miraculous box from Ladybug and opened it. A yellow ball of light spun out of the box and resolved itself into Nooroo, the Butterfly kwami. Nooroo looked between Ladybug and Gabriel and blinked. "L… Ladybug?" he stammered.
"Hello, Nooroo," Ladybug replied. "We need your help. Gabriel is going to help us save Paris."
"Master?" Nooroo said tentatively.
"Nooroo," Gabriel inclined his head in acknowledgement. "I'm sorry for everything I put you through. What I had you do and how I treated you was… inexcusable and cruel. I hurt a lot of people, and I destroyed your trust in me. Ladybug has offered me the opportunity to make part of that right. If… you're willing to do that?"
"I cannot say that I am too surprised. Ladybug is well-known among the kwamis for giving people second chances. If she trusts you, then I have no choice but to trust you. I may not like it, but in the spirit of Generosity, then I will give you the opportunity to atone for your previous errors."
Gabriel took the brooch and affixed it to his lapel. "Are you ready, Nooroo?" he asked.
"As ready as I can be, Master."
"Very well, Nooroo! Bright wings, rise!" Nooroo was absorbed into the brooch and in a flash of purple light, Gabriel Agreste was transformed.
Ladybug regarded her new teammate. His outfit is the same, except the coloring is different. Instead of a purple suit, it's white. The wing-lapels on the front are a lighter purple, and the cane and mask are the same color. Overall, it's a good look! "So… Haw-"
"No, Ladybug. I'm not that person anymore. Please… call me Le Papillon. It's… it's what Emilie wanted me to be known as before… before all of this happened. If I'm going to be doing this, then I'm going to honor her memory in every way that I can."
"Very well, Papillon. Let's get to work! Serket and Le Faisan are on their way here. We need to find someone willing to let you akumati-"
"Enzeruize, actually."
"Energize?" Ladybug attempted.
"Close enough," Le Papillon conceded. "The opposite of akuma is enzeru. No longer will Paris be terrified of akuma and their effects."
Le Papillon and Ladybug watched as Serket and Le Faisan landed in the courtyard outside the Agreste mansion. Kagami was struggling ineffectively between the two of them. Her wrists were bound behind her back, and Serket and Le Faisan each had one of her arms.
Le Papillon motioned to the Agreste family bodyguard. "Get Nathalie, Adrien, and the other employees down to the bunker and wait for the all-clear." The bodyguard nodded and ran off. He exited the atelier just as a black-and-teal blur burst in.
"Behold… Snake Noir!" Ladybug and Le Papillon turned to eye the newcomer. "Nice outfit, Bug." His expression changed as he saw the other person in the room. "What's he doing here?" Snake Noir shot a disdainful glance at Le Papillon.
"I told you, um, Kitty… we needed an experienced Miraculous wielder to help us out. Le Papillon is our only hope. And… I see you were able to solve that one problem we had."
"I don't like this, my La-"
"We don't have time right now, Chat! We have to trust him!" She walked over and took him by the hands. Whispering, she said, "Remember what you told me about second chances earlier? I know this is probably the millionth chance you're giving him, but we need to give him one more. Please," she pleaded. Her blue eyes searched Snake Noir's yellow ones. He's harder to read when he's transformed like this.
Snake Noir walked over to Le Papillon and looked him up and down, his upper lip curling slightly. "I don't trust you. But I trust Ladybug, and she says to trust you. This is your one chance. Don't blow it." He held out his hand, and Le Papillon shook it.
"I won't let you down, Chat… er, Snake Noir."
"Are you two ready? Let's get to work," Ladybug said.