The city of New York was in a lull. No villains in sight anywhere. Eagle stood atop of the many skyscrapers with Unncany Valley right by her side. The two of them had been out for a few hours and nothing was in sight. For once.
"Eagle we should be going home," Uncalley Valley said landing next to her partner. "It is getting late and Mothers might get worried."
"You're right," Eagle said with an annoyed sigh. "It's not like there's anything out tonight."
"My records show there have been some robberies scattered around the city," the young android said with a smile.
"But those don't need superheroes," Eagle stood up and turned around. "Unless you're some minor one who wants the fame and glory of an A-lister."
"Something is bugging you Eagle," Uncanny Valley walking closer to her. "Would you like to share?"
"I'm fine," Eagle said very bluntly, swatting the android away.
"The lack of serious crimes is a good thing. Should it not?"
"It is," Eagle said. She looked out at the giant city she had called home for many years. "Come on sis, let's go home."
"Wings lower," Jess said she entered her bedroom through her window. Aeon followed shortly behind. Jess stretched a little before sitting down on her bed.
"Uneventful day," Liiri said flying out of the Miraculous that turned dark grey. Jess looked at it intently before tucking it under her shirt. "Maybe we'll something better tomorrow."
"I hope so too Liiri," Jess said quietly raising her hand so Liiri could sit on it. Aeon looked over at her and raised an eyebrow.
"Girls are you home?" Olympia asked knocking on their bedroom door.
"Indeed we are Mother," Aeon cheerfully yelled.
"Quick hide," Jess whispered to Liiri, who darted off oh her hand and flew under her pillows. Being careful to not make any noticeable bumps in the pillows. For an extra precaution, Jess leaned back over them.
"Glad to see you're home safe," Olympia said walking over to Aeon. The two touched foreheads before Olympia brought her into a hug.
"There you two are," Barbra said walking into the room. "I was starting to get worried. Not that I don't trust you, it's just I get worried."
"Sorry Mom," Jess said getting up from her bed. She could feel Liiri bury himself deeper in the pillows. "We had trouble finding any villains tonight."
"It's alright my Little Sparrow," Barbra said gently stroking Jess's hair before placing her hands on her shoulders. "Some nights are quieter than others. Though it may seem boring going on stakeouts is important."
"And once the two of you get more into it you'll long for these quieter nights," Olympia said with a laugh. She looked over at Barbra. "Come one darling let's let them rest."
"Alright," Barbra turned towards Jess and kissed her on the forehead. "Get some rest dear. I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night Mom," Jess said softly. Barbra walked over to Olympia and the two walked out. Once they were gone Jess collapsed on her bed. "Okay, Liiri it's safe now."
"I need to find a cooler hiding spot," Liiri said as he fanned himself a little.
"I'm sorry Liiri," Jess said turning towards him. "I know it can be hard to hide in here sometimes."
"Are you talking to your magical friend again?" Aeon asked walking over.
"Miss Aeon I am called a kwami," Liiri said flying up to her.
"Liiri she is a robot she can't see or hear you," Jess sighed and rolled over. Aeon walked past the kwami and to her.
"Jess there is something on your mind," Aeon said sitting next to her. "You can tell me what troubles you. I will not tell anyone. Not even Mothers."
"I dunno sis," Jess turned around and sat back up. "I want to tell Mom about everything. She already knows about the new suit but..."
Jess was silent for a moment. Aeon reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder. Slowly Jess reached into her shirt and pulled out the Eagle Miraculous. She held the talon charm in her hand. Aeon poked it in confusion. Jess laughed a little but still her eyes did not leave it.
"Would Mom understand this?" Jess asked after a little bit. "No one knows the source of these new powers of mine. Only that somehow Ladybug and Chat Noir gave me strange new powers and a mysterious new weapon. It seems strange to an outsider, doesn't it? A magical necklace that comes with a tiny bald eagle and it somehow gives me the power of freedom whatever that means. Does it, does it make me less than a hero? Am I worthless without this?"
"Worthiness is not something determined by a necklace," Aeon said gently holding the Miraculous and lowering Jess's hand as the latter let go of it. "Even if it did Ladybug deemed you worthy enough to have it."
"You got a point sis," Jess said before letting out a small yawn. "Alright, I'm gonna hit the hey."
Aeon gave a small smile before standing up. She walked over to her charging pod. The door opened before she stepped in. Jess remained sitting on her bed until the door was shut tight.
"Your sister still confuses me," Liiri said still floating in place.
"Don't worry Liiri you'll get used to it," Jess said quietly as she started to change into her pajamas. Soon she climbed into her bed. "Good night Liiri."
"Good night Miss Jess," Liiri said before flying down to the small makeshift bed Jess had made for him. He sat up for a moment and said, "If it helps you I think you are a great owner."
Eight Years Ago
Jess sat among her fellow orphans. As normal she was off in the corner. Alone. All the other girls were off playing with dolls or other toys. A few of the older ones were off to the side reading magazines. But they were occasionally stopping to share any new piece of drama that was going on. Jess leaned back and looked out the window. She saw a few people running around outside.
"Jess where are you going?" one of the girls playing said.
"Just outside," she said not even looking at her.
The other girl didn't respond and went back to playing with her doll. Jess walked right past her and out the door. The cold air of the city hit her face. She pulled her hood up and started to walk down the street. She avoided anyone she could before sitting on the curb. She watched the cars drive by. With the occasional person. No one seemed to notice but she didn't care.
"Hey give that back!" Jess bolt upwards. She turned and saw some boys holding up a stuffed animal above a younger girl's head. The girl failed to get her toy back but the boys kept lifting it higher and higher.
"Awww does the little baby want her toy back?" the biggest and seemingly oldest of them said with a laugh.
"Leave her alone." The boys and the little girl froze. All of them turned to look as Jess marched towards them.
"What do you want?" One of the boys asked.
"Didn't you hear me?" Jess asked them standing in front of the little girl. "Leave her alone."
"Oh yeah," the oldest boy said stepping in front of Jess. Standing only a few inches away from her. "And what if we don't."
"Then you'll have to deal with me," Jess said with no hesitation. Quickly she threw her arm to punch the older boy. The boy quickly dodge and threw one of his own. Knocking Jess down. After freezing for a minute she went to stand up but the boys ran off. She tried to chase after them but the boys quickly disappeared into the crowd. The little girl staying crying for her beloved toy. Jess buried her face in her hood and ran off back to the orphanage. Not knowing she was being watched.
"Ugh, why must it hurt to move?" Jess thought to herself a few days later. The older boy's punch and the subsequent fall had left a decent size bruise on her leg. Gently she rubbed it hoping not to hurt it more.
"Jessica, can you come here for a moment?" one of the orphanage workers said. Jess froze for a moment while some of the other girls burst into rumors. Jess gulped before walking out. The two of them walked through the hall before stopping by the head's office. Jess froze as the worker walked in, pausing to gesture for Jess to follow her. Inside Jess not only saw the head of the orphanage but also a strange women sitting by the desk
"Jessica this is Miss Barbra Keynes," the head said gesturing to the women. "She has shown interest in adopting you."
"What?" Jess asked quietly.
"Aren't you just adorable?" Miss Keynes said walking up to Jess. Who stayed perfectly still as she did. The woman smiled warmly at her. She looked up at the workers who nodded and left them alone. As soon as they were gone Miss Keynes walked up to the window and closed the blinds and checked to make sure no one was listening. Jess gulped and back into the corner.
"Jessica dear there's nothing to be afraid of," she said softly and sweetly. Jess did not leave her spot in the corner. "I saw what you did last week standing up for that little girl."
"But I didn't get her toy back," Jess said before covering her mouth.
"That doesn't matter," Miss Keynes said walking over and bending down to Jess's height. "What I saw that day was that you have a lot of heart. And that is a noble quality to have. I can't tell you why just yet but I will say I see a lot of potential in you, Little Sparrow."
"Jess are you ready for the stakeout?" Aeon said standing by her sister as the older of the two looked in the mirror. Liiri flying right beside her and she stared at the Miraculous.
"Yes just a sec," Jess said as she let go of her Miraculous. Letting fall against her chest, in plain view for once. "Liiri wings of liberty."
"Ready?" Eagle said turning towards her sister who removed her human disguise. The two of them walked over to their window. Eagle lifted her arms and Uncanny Valley flew into the air. Grabbing her sister's arms, the two of them flew in the air. Out into the vast city.
"I hope tonight is a bit more interesting," Eagle said once the two of them reached their post.
"It would be but I would prefer nothing too serious," Uncanny Valley said looking out to the cityscape. Adjusting her vision to see more clearly in the dark. "No major crimes over on the on the East side."
The two of them remained on top of the building for a while. Rotating around the top of the building for a bit. They started to move to different buildings after a while. This cycle repeated a few times. Going from place to place. Each time seeing nothing. Eagle remained calm but still a little frustrated. After around six or seven times switching buildings, Eagle sighed and sat on the edge of a rooftop. She looked out at the calm city. There was something so calm and uneasy about it. Like something would strike from every moment. From any corner.
"Jess I am getting something," Uncanny Valley said flying over to her. "An alarm is going off at the Fine Jews Museum. We should check it out."
"Finally something good," Eagle said as she jumped up. "Let's do this!"
The two of them made their way to the museum. Landing on a nearby building they looked over to the museum. At the onset, there was nothing going on. Not even a single police car nearby. But both heroes knew they would come eventually. Eagle soon noticed something out of the corner of her eye. She gestured to Uncanny Valley and the two quietly ran over. Peaking out from behind a railing of the roof. They saw a perfectly cut circle in the glass window. The two nodded at each other before making their way inside.
"Halt villain," Eagle said after making inside. She took out her bullroarer and started spinning it around. Uncanny Valley walked beside her. Looking around they saw the room empty and silent the two-headed off in different directions. But before they did so, Eagle gestured to her communicator and Uncanny Valley nodded. Holding up two fingers before running off.
"You got to be here somewhere," Eagle thought to herself as she walked through the museum. Not letting go of her weapon. After what seemed like an eternity she saw a shadow move nearby. "Got ya."
Jess ran in the direction of the shadow. Jumping she swung her bullroarer only for the villain to grab it. Eagle smirked as she moved closer. Pulling quickly and tightly the villain fell on their face. Jess laughed to herself before walking over. Not even a second later she fell flat on her back. Grumbling to herself she made her way back on her feet. The villain stuck their tongue out before running away. Eagle clenched her fist before following them. The villain was quick but Eagle did not relent.
"I know you're here!' Eagle yelled turning around the room, gripping her weapon tightly. After a little bit, she heard something on the ceiling. A gross dripping one at that. Looking up Eagle saw a humanoid figure made of slime. She stuck out her tongue before throwing her bullroarer at it. This time the being was quit to dodge it. The being made a sound before scurrying off. Eagle scowled before charging after it. This contained for a while. Eagle could not see Uncanny Valley anywhere. Eagle looked at her Miraculous and smirked. Slowly she was to create a feather when she heard a bang.
"Eagle you're alright," Majestia said standing the hole. Before she knew Knight Owl was right behind her.
"Oh my Little Sparrow you're okay," Knight Owl said running over. The being made some gurgling noises. Before going into a nearby vent.
"We have to follow it," Eagle said starting on the way with Knight Owl behind her. "Mom, how did you know we were here?"
"We got a strange message from Uncanny Valley," Knight Owl said with a lot of worry in her voice. "When we did get anything else from her, we came right here."
"You don't happen to know what the slime thing is?" Knight Owl shook her head. "Well guess we'll have to find out."
The sound of the slime being was still heard by the two of them. Knight Owl hit around where the sound was coming from. Still, nothing happened.
"I am in here," Uncanny Valley whispered from the next room. Knight Owl and Eagle ran in. Uncanny Valley was on the ground, sparks flying out of her leg. Similar slime to the create was oozing out of it.
"Are you okay sis?" Eagle said running over to her. She tried to help Uncanny to her feet but she only fell again.
"I do not know. I was unable to identify what the fiend is."
"It's okay dear," Knight Owl told her holding onto her shoulders. "Just stay here for now we shouldn't take too long. If anything happens call us."
Uncanny Valley nodded before the other two heroes ran off. They couldn't hear or see the villain but they kept on its tracks. After a little more running the gross dripping sound was heard once again. Knight Owl punched one of the walls hard and the creature spilled its way out of the vent. Eagle smirked before grabbing her Miraculous as Knight Owl started to charge at the slime creature. Before she could say anything her mom turned towards her. The slime beast tackled her to the ground. Its mouth like apanage smiled taking note of the young women's necklace. Eagle quickly grabbed her Miraculous tightly and tried to turn on her back. The creature's slime sticking to her. Knight Owl threw one of her bombs on the creature causing it to break into multiple pieces. Eagle quickly stood up. Looking at her mom, the two stared at each other before Eagle ran off without a word.
"Wings lower," Jess said once she found a quiet empty ally. Liiri flew out of the necklace. He shook his head before looking confused.
"What's wrong Miss Jess?" He said flying over to her.
"I can't do it," Jess said collapsing to the ground. Burying her face her hands.
"Can't do what?" Liiri asked softly.
"I can't be Eagle," Jess buried her head in her hands. "I can't explain any of this to my mom. I have to keep lying to my mom because she won't understand. She just won't! My own sister can't even see you for crying out loud! I have no way to contact Ladybug and Chat Noir, the only people who would understand this whole situation. I'm all alone."
"Unfortionaly Miss Jess, I do not understand all that is going on but can do one thing." Liiri lifted one of his arms and created a small feather blowing it towards Jess. "Jessica Keynes I liberate you from your fears of the Miraculous and anything that surrounds it."
After Liiri said those words, Jessica felt a burst of confidence flow through her body. Literally, her fears melted away at that moment. She held out her hand and let Liiri land on it. She brought him close and hugged him.
"Jessica!" Barbra yelled very concernedly from nearby.
"Over here Mom," Jess yelled after sharing a glance with Liiri.
"Jessica don't you know how worried I was," Barbra said running towards the corner. She paused looking at the small eagle being sitting in her daughter's hand.
"Mom, I'd like you to mee Liiri."