A/N: Inspired by the "Unconventional Scenarios" series of stories written by Remasa, posted on FFN and AO3. The first one is "Fanboy". (Seriously, read them! They're awesome.)

How to Survive a Convention, or
"If Constant Attacks Don't Work then Try Something Else!"

Conventions are a huge thing. Any business person will tell you that sales and marketing conferences can make or break a business. Any fashion house will tell you that Fashion Week is an absolute must if you are going to be a "Big Name" in fashion like Ralph Lauren, Coco Chanel, or Gabriel Agreste. And any nerd will tell you that the best conventions of all time center around pop culture.

Whether it's superheroes, movies, anime, sci-fi, or the resident Heroes of Paris, Convention du Comique had it all: panel discussions, costume contests, games, themed merchandise (both popular and unique), a media room, stars, and this year even Ladybug and Chat Noir themselves. Maybe.

When it came to those who portrayed beloved characters, schedules were always hit and miss. Doubly-so for the actual superheroes who had real supervillains to fight. Still, Adrien Agreste was looking forward to going - if he could manage to convince his father.

Adrien, having voiced Chat Noir in the animated Ladybug and Chat Noir movie, was asked to attend as a guest speaker along with others involved in the film.

As owner of the Ladyblog, Alya, was also asked to attend as a guest, and to extend an invitation to Ladybug and Chat Noir via her blog. The fact that Ladybug was supposed to be there was a huge bonus, in Adrien's opinion. He would take any chance he got to see his Lady. Plus being there as a guest would make it easier for his alter-ego to show up. With this in mind, Adrien knocked on his father's office door…

"Father?"

"What is it, Adrien," the designer said coldly. "What is so important that Nathalie couldn't take care of it? I've got a lot of work to do on the upcoming line."

"Then I'll make it quick. It's just that…"

"Just that what?"

"You know that Convention du Comique is coming up soon, right?"

"What about it?"

"I've been asked to participate as a celebrity guest. You know, from voicing Chat Noir for the movie?"

"Yes. That was a good idea of mine."

Adrien skipped that statement and continued on with his request. "Well, I've been asked to come because it will make the discussion panels more complete. They'll have Christina V there. She voiced Ladybug in the movie, remember? Also Thomas Astruc, the director, and several others that were involved in the movie. I want to go."

"No."

"Why? It will please my fan base, and I'll be wearing clothes from your line, so it will also be good for Gabriel Fashions. Plus there will be security there and, of course, my bodyguard will be there as my Plus One." Adrien had put a lot of time into researching his arguments and was sure they would sway his father.

"Your schedule is already full, Adrien."

There are no fencing tournaments coming up and I can rearrange my Chinese and piano lessons to accommodate the new schedule. Plus, Ladybug and Chat Noir are supposed to come in person! I don't want to miss seeing them." He didn't mention that there were other things he also wanted to see.

"They are?"

"If they can. I'm sure it will depend on if there are any Akuma attacks the day they're supposed to be there. I'd really like to see Ladybug again. I mean, she's saved me a few times, and I don't think I've ever really thanked her."

Gabriel thought a moment or two. While he didn't like Adrien getting hung up on seeing his enemy, the thought of being close to the miraculouses he needed was almost too tempting to pass up. Especially as his time was running out.

"Let me think about it."

"The convention will need an answer by next week. Thank you for thinking about it."

And with that, Adrien walked out of his father's office.

The next morning, school, or at least Ms. Bustier's class, was buzzing with excitement. After all they had not one, but two possible guest speakers at the upcoming Convention du Comique.

"Alya, you really got invited as a guest speaker?" Max asked.

"All due to my work on the Ladyblog. Can you believe it?"

"That's awesome!" Mylene commented.

"So cool," said Juleka.

"I'm sad."

"Why, Nino?"

"Because I won't be able to see my beautiful babe all weekend."

"Oh, you oblivious boy," Alya chided her boyfriend. "Conv du Com is giving me a Plus One. Who else would I ask?"

Nino chuckled. "You sly fox." Alya just grinned.

"My plus one has to be the Gorilla. If I'm allowed to go."

Marinette's mood dropped at that statement. Adrien's father had to let him go. He just had to! If he didn't then Adrien would be sad, and Marinette hated seeing him that way. He had too much sadness in his life already.

"I really want to go, too. I want to see Ladybug."

"And Chat Noir, right?" Marinette hated it when people left her partner out.

"Who cares about him," the snooty tone echoed across the room. "He's just Ladybug's sidekick."

"Chloe, he is not just a sidekick! Ladybug couldn't do half the things she does without him by her side," Marinette defended passionately as she turned to Adrien. "You meant you wanted to see Ladybug and Chat Noir, right?"

Adrien couldn't very well say he saw Chat Noir every time he looked in a mirror, so instead he replied, "Him too, of course. But she has literally saved my life before, and I haven't thanked her properly."

Marinette tried to hide her blush. Adrien wanted to thank her!

She had seen Alya's request via the Ladyblog, of course, but wasn't sure she wanted to go because she had assumed this was going to be like that interview with Nadja Chamak. But... if it meant she could see Adrien's rare, genuine smile light up his face, well, she was more inclined to go. Plus, she wanted to reassure people that she and Chat were fighting for the people of Paris against Hawkmoth and his Akumas. She didn't like being in the spotlight - Chat seemed more at home there, though she generally took the lead.

Hmmm, maybe she could use this as a way to encourage people to be nicer to each other. The more she thought about it, the more she thought attending the convention would be a good idea. There was already too much negativity in the world, and Hawkmoth preyed on it. This would be a chance to counter some of that negativity.

"I hope you'll be able to go, Adrien. I'm sure Ladybug and Chat Noir will be there, if they can." Marinette's positivity brightened up Adrien's day. He just had to hope his father agreed to his request.

When Marinette got home from school that day, she was ready to jump into plans on how to convince Gabriel Agreste to let Adrien go to Conv du Com. She didn't get far.

"Marinette, before you go upstairs we need to talk to you."

She took her foot off the stair as she turned around to the diminutive woman. "Sure, Mom. What is it?"

"We received an email today." Both Sabine and her larger-than-life husband seemed to be bouncing on the balls of their feet.

"Should I be worried?"

"Not at all, my sweet," boomed Tom. "In fact it's good news. Apparently Jagged Stone isn't the only one who recognizes your talent."

Eyes narrowed and head cocked to the side, Marinette asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well, you know that multimedia convention that's coming up, the Convention du Comique?" Marinette could only nod. "Apparently, someone mentioned that Clara Nightingale's 'Miraculous' originally had auditions for Ladybug, and that you were chosen."

"Okay."

"Sweetie, they want you as a guest speaker for a breakout panel."

"Me? I didn't actually do anything. Clara Nightingale was Akumatized before the music video was filmed, and the end result had everyday people in everyday clothes wearing masks."

"But you helped create the masks, sweetie," Sabine cooed.

Tom piped in, "And weren't most of the people actually in the video your friends?"

"So what, they want me to talk about designing?"

"And being chosen for the part originally. There's also a graphic arts panel that they want you for, since you designed Jagged Stone's album cover. It's sort of a two-fer."

"They really want… me?"

"Yes, my lovely, talented daughter. You. So now the question is… are you taking me or your mother as your plus one."

That night after patrol, Chat Noir approached Ladybug about the subject.

"Milady, before you leave for the night, did you see the request on the Ladyblog?"

"About attending Convention du Comique, you mean?"

"Yes. I was wondering if we should plan to go," he asked hopefully.

"I didn't want to, at first, at least not at Ladybug, but the more I think about it the more I think we should. Hawkmoth permitting, of course."

Chat deflated a bit, "It would be just like him to ruin something like that."

Ladybug sighed heavily. "Ugh, just once I'd love for my life to not be interrupted by an Akuma. I've got so much on my plate as it is."

"I completely understand that, Milady. Between being Chat Noir and my civilian schedule, it's amazing I have time for friends at all. That's one of the reasons I want to go." Then he leaned forward, as if imparting a secret. "Plus they'll have all sorts of cool stuff from my favorite movies and shows, and I'll get to meet the people that make it happen!"

"I hear that the boy who voiced you in that movie is supposed to be there." Ladybug tried to hide her blush.

"I heard that, too. Plus the girl who voiced you as well as the director - you know, the guy who became Animaestro?"

"I actually have a bit of a bone to pick with him. Or the writer. I am NOT afraid of cats." The sparkle of defiance in her eyes spoke volumes.

"Glad to hear it, Milady," teased the leather-clad hero. "Seriously, though, we're planning on going?"

"Yes. I'm working on a way to get my civilian self there so I won't give my identity away."

"I'm working an angle for my alter ego as we speak. But I have another concern." Chat Noir leaned forward. "Have you ever been backstage for a large event like Conv du Com?" Ladybug's tilted head and confused expression gave him his answer. "I have. No matter how good an event is planned, something always goes wrong. Therefore someone is always backstage directing traffic, advising of last minute changes and so on. We are going to need a way for our civilian selves to get the information without giving our identities away."

"Hmmm." Ladybug thought for a moment. "Burner phone? Uh, those are expensive and I don't have cash to spend on one. We could try something like Gugle's IP voice program, but I'm concerned about privacy because it's Web based. Ugh. If only we could forward our bug- and cat-phone numbers to our... civilian... phones. Chat! Let's try that."

"What, forward the cat-phone to my civilian phone?"

The brightness in Ladybug's eyes and her excited expression spoke volumes. "Yes! Talk to Plagg when you get home and try it. I'll do the same. Then in 90 minutes, I'll transform and call you."

"Sounds like a plan, Milady. Shall we?"

"We shall. Bug out!" Ladybug shouted as she flung her yo-yo across the city.

90 minutes later, Adrien Agreste received a call from an unknown number. "Hello?"

"Kitty?"

"Milady! It worked. I'm speaking to you on my civilian phone."

"Great. I'm calling from the Bug-phone. Mark this number, then give me 5 minutes and we'll test it the other way. Then I'll work on letting the convention organizers know that we'll try to attend."

Gabriel sat in the sanctuary below the mansion, a chair pulled up to the suspended animation unit holding his beloved Emilie. He stroked the clear cover by her face, bemoaning the fact that he was not able to touch her, and talked as if she could hear him.

"I have tried, my love. I keep trying and I fail." A tear leaked from his eye, something he would never allow anyone to see. "I promised you that I would do everything in my power to bring you back to me and restore our family." He stroked the coffin-like enclosure once more. "I feel so lost without you."

"Adrien approached me today, bypassing Nathalie. He's grown so much that sometimes I don't recognize him." Gabriel steadied his breath. "He asked me about attending a popular media convention. I denied his request at first, but he'd come prepared with some good arguments. I must admit that the one that swayed me the most is the fact that Ladybug and Chat Noir will be there."

He looked at his dearest love through the glass once more, remembering the laughter she used to bring into the cold home. "I'm running out of time to save you, and I don't know what to do." His glistening eyes were the only indication of his deep heartache.

"Master," the high-pitched voice of his Kwami spoke.

"Nooroo, I thought I said never to disturb me as I spoke with Emilie."

"Yes, Master. I just wanted to answer your implied question."

"Go on."

"You are running out of time to revive her. Akumatizing people isn't working, so why not try another method."

Gabriel's practiced glare at the purple sprite was known to cause even those with backbone to quit. "What are you on about, Nooroo?"

"Ask for help." Gabriel stared at the floating god of transmission - asking for help is not something he normally did, magical butterflies being the exception. "If you tell Ladybug and Chat Noir why you desire to make the wish, they may have a solution you haven't thought of."

For once, the purple sprite made sense. And he knew where he would be able to see them. As a bonus, if it didn't work out there was usually someone ready to Akumatize at these things.

The next morning as Adrien was eating his lonely breakfast and getting his schedule from Nathalie, he had a surprise visit.

"Adrien, I have decided to let you attend the Convention du Comique, but I have certain stipulations." Gabriel said in a near monotone voice.

The blond model tried not to show his excitement - who knows what those 'stipulations' would be. "What are they?"

"First, we will try not to schedule photoshoots over the time of the event, but that means having extra ones beforehand or afterward. Your other extracurricular activities will be accommodated in a similar fashion.

Second, your grades must remain at the same high caliber I have always expected of you.

Third, you will not take your bodyguard as your Plus One. I will be attending instead."

"Wait, really? You want to come with me?"

"It occurred to me that we rarely spend time together any more, and I want to rectify that. I'll still be busy and will probably need to step aside now and then to take care of business, but I also want to share in your interest. And who could pass up the opportunity to meet the Heroes of Paris?" The corners of Gabriel's mouth barely twitched, but that was nearly a cheesy grin where the austere designer was concerned.

Adrien jumped up. "Thank you, Father!" he cried as he hugged the senior Agreste. Gabriel stiffened for just a moment before placing a fatherly hand over Adrien's shoulder.

"Now, it's nearly time for school. Nathalie will send an official response accepting your guest appearance and coordinate our schedules."

Soon, the day of the convention arrived. Between civilian and superhero panels, most of Ms. Bustier's class (and a few others) had packed schedules. Alya had convinced Ladybug to ask the convention organizers if the backup heroes would be allowed. They were thrilled. As a result, Rena Rouge, Carapace, Pegasus, King Monkey, and Viperion were all scheduled to speak at various panels. Ryuko was unsure if she could attend, but had been given her miraculous just in case. Queen Bee… still wasn't trusted after the Miracle Queen incident.

Additionally, the convention had decided that they would allow the Akuma victims to get in for free - if they dressed as their villain persona and could prove who they were. Much of the class had asked Marinette to help with costumes, and she did what she could. (Alya had a great Lady WiFi costume, but Nino refused to go as Bubbler. Kim's Dark Cupid was decent, though Max's Gamer had to be one of the best.)

Adrien, true to his word, had offered to wear clothing from Gabriel Fashions, but Gabriel let that slide as long as Adrien wore the Chat Noir costume he had made for Clara Nightingale's "Miraculous" video, and Gabriel went as The Collector. Adrien generally kept the mask around his neck, claiming his face was too hot otherwise.

Marinette went as Anti-Bug, including a blonde wig, while her mother dressed as Ladybug. (Tom was not happy to be reminded that he had a business to run and made his "girls" promise to have a fun time and bring back souvenirs… and a copy of any new games that were on his list.)

Adrien and Marinette's panel about the music video was up first. The room was packed with a combination of superhero fans and Adrien groupies. Gabriel, and Sabine were in the first row. Knowing how nervous Marinette could get, Adrien squeezed her hand before their entrance. They were assigned to sit next to each other, so every once in a while Adrien patted Marinette's knee as she was searching for words. Sometimes this helped, and sometimes she ended up a gibbering mess as her brain disconnected from reality.

At the next panel discussion Marinette was a guest speaker for, "Graphic Design for Popular Media", she was in her element. She was asked about how she came up with her Jagged Stone poster design and how she, a high school student, was able to work with Jagged Stone in the first place. So the whole story came out about how she met Jagged because of the "work experience" day for school and ended up designing his infamous Eiffel Tower sunglasses. The rest snowballed from there. Other panel members included book jacket designers, album cover artists, and movie and album poster graphic artists.

Alya was very excited to be on the "Superheroes in the News" panel along with Nadja Chamak and the TVi cameraman. She had the added bonus of being the Superhero Jeopardy champion - which some claimed was not fair since The Ladyblog was the source for many of the questions.

Nino enjoyed the "Creating Soundtracks for Movies/Television" panel, Nathaniel was thoroughly lost in the comic artist panels, and Marc enjoyed the writing discussions.

Sabine found Max in the Video Game Room, and the two were soon laying the smack down on each other. It was fairly even - Marinette didn't get all of her gaming prowess from her father.

Gabriel simply wandered along wherever Adrien went, viewing what was available. When he found himself at the Cosplay Contest, he had to take a closer look at the offered attire. Soon enough, he bumped into Marinette and her mother. The two designers lamented over the poor quality of some of the costumes, though Marinette and Adrien allowed for the fact that these were fans - not professionals. Gabriel actually found himself… enjoying the event.

There were a ton of people at the Ladybug and Chat Noir Movie panel. There were lots of great questions for the voice actors, including Adrien. The surprise came in the form of a spotted heroine who (once she proved she was the actual hero) asked the director why he chose to make her afraid of cats. Ladybug clarified that was absolutely not the case in reality, but also let him know that she found the movie enjoyable and truthfully, it was weird to see herself portrayed on the screen. Christina V, the voice actress who portrayed the superheroine, asked for her autograph.

So far the day had been busy, but fun for all involved. Then it was time for the main event.

About 15 minutes before the main the superheroes were scheduled to arrive, the ballroom was cleared. Then those who needed special accommodations were let in. Eventually, all the seats were filled, except for those that were pre-reserved. Behind the curtain, the Emcee paced back and forth as his guests still hadn't showed up. About 5 minutes before the scheduled start time, a familiar zipping sound was heard.

"Whew! I thought I was going to be late!"

"Oh, thank god. I'm glad you made it, Ladybug. What about …" the Emcee was interrupted by a leather-clad figure dropping in.

"Sorry about that. It took me some time to get somewhere private to transform."

The Emcee cocked his head at that, but didn't have time to ask about it as he had to be on stage in less than a minute. "Are the other heroes coming?"

"They've been in other panels today so they should be here, assuming they can find a quiet place to transform. Rena Rouge was especially exited to be included in this panel," said Ladybug.

"Thank you." The Emcee looked at the stagehand's signal. "Oops! Start time," he said as he walked out on stage.

"Hello, Paris! Have you been enjoying Convention du Comique so far?" The crowd roared. "I can't hear you." The crowd roared even louder. "For those that don't know me, I'm Alec Cataldi, host of several shows on TVi including Alternative Truth, and I'm lucky enough to be the Emcee for this event." The crowd roared again. "So let's bring out our special guests, Ladybug and Chat Noir!"

The two superheroes simply walked from behind the curtain, waving to the crowd.

"Firstly, thank you for coming today Ladybug. Chat Noir."

"You're welcome, Alec. I'm pleasantly surprised we could make it," said Ladybug.

"Yeah. You never know when an Akuma will cause a cat-tastrophe," Chat Noir punned. Ladybug just rolled her eyes.

"I'm glad, too. Let's get right to it, shall we?"

"Just remember that in order to keep Paris safe, we also have to keep our identities hidden," Ladybug reminded him.

"That means there are some questions we won't answer," piped in Chat.

"We understand, Ladybug. Chat Noir. Don't we, Paris!" The crown cheered. "So, I know that one question we always ask is about a possible romantic relationship between you two."

Ladybug rolled her eyes and shook her head while Chat grinned. She figured it was best to be honest. "Chat is my partner and one of the best friends I could ever ask for. It's what helps keep us in sync, and I know I couldn't do what I do without him. But I don't feel any romantic feelings toward him."

"As always, I'm here to protect Ladybug and fight by her side. She is truly one of my best friends and I'm glad she's my supervillain-fighting partner. And I'm hopeful Miladybug will view me as more than her partner some day. But alas, I am not the one who has her heart."

"And don't go asking who it is. It's someone in my civilian life, and knowing that name would be too much of a risk," Ladybug said, stomping her food down for good measure.

"Okay, we'll stay away from romance for now," Alec smiled as he changed the subject. "What about your fighting styles. Do you do any training?"

"As most of Paris is aware, we do patrols to look for Akumas before they cause too much damage. We also try to stop crime if we can, but most of that is left to the everyday heroes in the police and other emergency services," Ladybug replied. Then her bug phone beeped. She looked at it and smiled while Chat Noir continued…

"On patrols we also sometimes do mock battles to get battle experience outside of Akuma attacks. I don't know about Ladybug, but I've taken some fight training in my civilian life. Again, I won't say what kind. The more Hawkmoth underestimates our abilities, the better."

Alec nodded his head. "That makes sense. Next question. We've seen other heroes every now and then. How were they chosen, and why?"

Ladybug grinned as she put her bug-phone away. "We can't tell you everything, of course, but why not let them answer some questions themselves?" If the crowd was loud before, it was nothing compared to the volume as Rena Rouge and Carapace dropped onto the stage, followed by Viperion, Pegasus, and King Monkey. A stage hand quickly brought out extra seating for the back-up heroes.

"Let's start with Rena Rouge, shall we? You were the first hero on the scene after Ladybug and Chat Noir. What was that like?"

"Honestly, I'd been a big fan of the superheroes for months before a situation arose where Ladybug determined she needed help. I'm honored I was chosen."

"Carapace, what about you?"

"Special circumstances. My civilian self wanted to save someone and Ladybug gave me the chance."

"Viperion?"

"My miraculous was actually given to someone else first, but that didn't work out."

"From what I've heard, you were definitely a better fit for the snake miraculous than the first person, Viperion," Chat admitted. If one didn't know better, you'd think he was acting a little… guilty.

"What can I say, Viperion. Under the supersuit, I'm still human and make mistakes. However it started, you are a great fit for the snake miraculous. And now I don't think anyone else could fit the role as well." Ladybug also seemed a little… guilty.

"Pegasus?"

"Also special circumstances. I was the best available fit."

"King Monkey?"

"The miraculous just showed up in front of me." Ladybug and Chat Noir both nodded at that statement. "It was only after I opened the box that I found out what was going on and was able to help the others."

"I don't see Ryuko or Queen Bee here," Alec commented.

"Ryuko has a very busy schedule, and we weren't sure she'd be able to make it," said Chat. "As for Queen Bee…"

"Unfortunately, we've had to retire the Bee miraculous for a while," said Ladybug as she shrunk into the chair a little. "Firstly, everyone knew her identity, and secondly there was … a concern with her holding onto it. There may or may not be another Bee holder in the future."

"I see. Onto the next question then. How are plans coming toward defeating Hawkmoth."

"I'm sorry, Alec. That's information that we cannot divulge. We can't risk word getting to him of any plans we may have."

"I have a question for the heroes," said a new voice, booming in the theater. Everyone was trying to find the voice, and the look on Alec's face screamed that he was as surprised as everyone else in the room.

A tall figure in a purple suit landed in the Q&A section at the front of the audience. As he stood, one could see his silver mask, his walking cane, and… a white flag? "Will you accept a temporary truce?"

Audience members started scrambling for the exit as the superheroes immediately went into a battle stance. "What do you want, Hawkmoth?" Ladybug said. "Why come here."

"I meant what I said, Ladybug. I want a temporary truce, hence the white flag. I have no intention of harming these people while the truce is in effect. I will not release any Akumas while this Convention du Comique is taking place."

"Why should we believe you?" Chat was staring at Hawkmoth. Now that he saw him up close, and wasn't battling the villain, something seemed awfully familiar in both his stance and his inflection.

"I mean what I say. I don't want to fight, I want to talk. I figured with the extra heroes with you, I'll be outnumbered. As you can see, I am not Scarlet Moth right now which means I'm limited to a single Akima. I'll have no chance to create any Akuma before you could stop me, and Mayura is detransformed." Hawkmoth held out his hand and opened it as proof. In it lay the Peacock miraculous.

Ladybug thought for a moment. "What do you think, Kitty?"

"I still don't trust him, but…"

"… but talking can't hurt. Okay, Hawkmoth, we'll agree to a temporary truce until the convention is over - including cleanup. We won't go after you as long as you keep your end of the bargain."

By this time, most of the attendees had fled, though there were still a few stragglers. The AV people were still recording, and this was being broadcast throughout the convention center. Someone had the bright idea to send this to the news stations. Alec, being the consummate media professional he was, tried to bring this situation somewhat under his control again.

"So, Hawkmoth, a question if you please?" The purple-suited villain nodded. "All of your Akumas say they want Ladybug and Chat Noir's miraculouses. But they don't say why. What is so important about them?"

"Combining those two miraculouses will grant me the aid that I need."

"We can't let you do that, Hawkmoth." Ladybug was exasperated as they'd said this before. "The consequences would be dire. What sort of aid would require magic that powerful?"

"It can't be that bad," said Hawkmoth.

"Hold on a minute. As a media professional I have other questions," Alec was quick to say.

"Go ahead," the spotted heroine and purple villain said simultaneously.

"First, what sorts of consequences would there be?"

"There needs to be balance in all magic. For one thing to happen, another must be sacrificed. It's like yin and yang, or like Chat and myself - creation and destruction. We are balanced. That's another thing that makes our teamwork so good."

"Can you give an example?"

Chat spoke next. "Do you know the anime Fullmetal Alchemist? It's like the equivalent exchange in that show."

"For those who don't know the show, could you explain this equivalent exchange a little more?" Alec asked.

"Let me describe the premise of the show, as that may help you understand. There were two brothers who wanted to bring their mother back, so they practiced an illegal alchemy. The younger brother lost his body as a consequence. The older brother sacrificed his arm so he could bind his brother's spirit to a suit of armor. Now the brothers are trying to find the Sorcerer's stone so they can get enough power to undo the damage. And it never works."

"So the larger the problem you want to fix by magic, the more it takes from you?" Alec questioned.

"The consequences can't be determined ahead of time," explained Ladybug. "It could affect something random or it could take something from you of equal importance."

"How do you know that, Ladybug?" Hawkmoth was desperate.

"The last Guardian of the Miraculous told me. Remember Robostus?"

"Yes. That one turned out to be a mistake."

"Robostus wanted to be a real human, and wanted to take the miraculous for himself. I was informed later that if he had, someone else would have lost their humanity."

At this information, Hawkmoth went a little pale. Standing stoically but with moisture in his eyes, he finally admitted, "My wife has fallen into a magical coma and nobody has been able to revive her. I'm running out of time and the only way I am aware of how to cure her coma is to use the miraculous of the ladybug and the black cat. Are you telling me that…" he broke off.

"If you use the united miraculous to revive your wife, someone else you cherish could fall into that coma instead. It could be your child, a sibling, or someone random. There is no way to control that." At the uncharastic anguish on Hawkmoth's face, Ladybug softly replied, "I'm sorry."

"Adrien…" The sound was soft enough that Chat Noir was sure he was the only one who heard it. He studied Hawkmoth closer.

In a voice nearly broken with emotion, Hawkmoth continued. "Ladybug and Chat Noir, I have tried again and again to get your miraculouses to make my fondest wish come true. My wife's condition has deteriorated, and I'm running out of time. Someone close to me suggested I try a different approach, and so I ask you - will you help me revive her?" Hawkmoth rubbed his miraculous absentmindedly as he thought about Nooroo, his wife Emilie, and the possible consequences of losing Adrien or Nathalie. "Please."

Ladybug and Chat looked at each other, then at the other superheroes. Most of them had tears in their eyes. Chat nodded and Ladybug reached out her hand. "The wish is too dangerous to use, but that doesn't mean there aren't other methods. We'll need to examine her to see what can be done."

"That's all I can ask for now."

"Then let's set up a meeting place and time in private so we can take care of this." Ladybug looked around, but the ballroom had filled to bursting again.

"Let me schedule that, Milady. I want to talk to Hawkmoth privately anyway."

If Ladybug were confused at the request, she didn't show it as Chat Noir and Hawkmoth retired to the green room to coordinate schedules as the rest of the panel continued.

"Do you mind if I take Chat Noir's vacated seat," the Dragon hero said as she dropped in.

"Ryuko! Glad you could make it." Ladybug beamed.

"I saw the broadcast. I wasn't about to sit this one out, no matter what my other obligations are," as the remaining superhero team on stage shared a round of high fives.

"Well," said Alec. "My next question would have been about finding Hawkmoth and defeating him, but I think that point is moot. As are most of the rest of my questions. Shall we open it up to the audience?"

So the heroes promised to save the day, or at least try to. Chat Noir had an inkling he knew Hawkmoth's civilian identity and prayed that he was wrong. The convention organizers couldn't have wished for better drama, and figured the video could be sold for millions. And the attendees? They were just happy to have survived a confrontation between Hawkmoth and the Heroes of Paris without getting Akumatized.

A/N: So... I'll admit, this one sort of got away with me and I started wondering if I should make it into a full story. What do you think?