Otherworldly Vengeance

Part II: Reckoning

Ladybug:

Dread. Pure dread filled her body as she spotted a lone figure standing on the top level of the Eiffel Tower. This must be the person who sent the letter. But who are they? Knowing she could not avoid the inevitable, she landed on the other side of the platform, facing the figure.

Now having a clearer view of the area, she noticed alarmingly that on the ground next to the figure was a man and a woman bound in rope with paper bags over their heads. Much to her confusion, on the paper bags were words written in Sharpie, spelling out "I'm a A******" on the man, and "I help him be an A******" on the woman's. They seemed to also have a cloth covering their clothes, probably in an attempt to conceal their identity.

The figure standing next to them was unfamiliar to Ladybug. It was a young woman, about 17 or 18 years of age. The woman had short brown hair and stood about five foot tall. She was covered in a suit similar to Ladybug's but having a grey theme with white highlights resembling fur markings. A mask with similar markings covered her face with a set of what appeared to be some sort of canine ears sprouted from the top of her head, similar to Chat Noir. Finally, behind her was a trail of gray fabric, resembling a tail. Was she a miraculous wielder or merely another Volpina setting a trap?

Not a moment later, Ladybug heard a metallic thud coming from beside her. A quick glance confirmed the arrival of her partner. "Evening M'lady." he muttered as he withdrew his baton. "I would say this is a pleasure to see mew, but I'm afraid this is not the occasion to say so." He had a serious expression on his face, replacing his usual jovial look.

The figure gave them an unusual warm smile, seeming to appear friendly. "Ah hello Ladybug and Chat Noir." she waved towards them. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. Really. Though I wish it wasn't for the reasons we are." The woman casted a glare at the bound people, causing Chat Noir to raise an eyebrow.

"Well, you have our attention." Ladybug said, crossing her arms in an attempt to show authority and intimidation. "Exactly who are you and why are you here?"

The woman sheepishly scratched her head, giving a smile. "Well, to be honest, I'm no one you know. And my name is not too important." She cleared her throat, straightening her posture, apparently gaining a bit of confidence. "You may call me Wolf Grey though. It's an OC name I came up with for this...um character." She gestured to her suit, Ladybug questioning what an OC was.

"Well… Wolf Grey." Chat Noir spoke up. "And exactly why do you know who we are? And who are they?" He raised his baton, pointing at the two tied up next to Wolf Grey.

Glancing back at the two, almost as if she forgot they were there. "Oh right, them. Well... I decided to give you guys a little help." Wolf Grey slowly reached towards her side, trying to show that she wasn't reaching for a weapon of any kind. She pulled out something from a compartment on the side of her suit and slowly walked towards the two miraculous holders. They stiffened as she approached, however she stopped midway, laying whatever she had in her hand on the ground before backing away slowly.

Chat Noir POV:

Keeping an eye on the stranger, Chat Noir glanced at Ladybug. Ladybug looked at what the stranger laid on the ground and stiffened slightly. Chat followed her gaze and was stunned to realise that on the ground were what seemed to be the Peacock and Butterfly miraculous. Ladybug looked back up at Wolf Grey and then over to the bound people. Could that be...

"I promise those are the legit miraculous." Wolf Grey promised, holding her hands up to indicate she had no weapons. She then gestured to the captive people. "I apprehended these two in order to show I mean no harm. And I was tired of the nonsense that you've been put through."

Ladybug frowned, glancing at Chat, she motioned towards the miraculous on the ground. Chat Noir nodded, slowly walking forward while keeping his eyes on Wolf Grey. The woman made no sudden movements as he carefully picked up the miraculous and made his way back to Ladybug, depositing them in her hand. He watched her observe the pieces of jewelry in her hand, a look of surprise appearing on her face.

Ladybug looked back up at Wolf Grey, confusion evident on her face. "Why are you doing this?" Chat kept his eye steady on the woman as Ladybug's eyes narrowed. "What do you want from us?"

Wolf Grey gave a small smile. "I don't want anything from you. I want something for you." she clarified, placing her hands on her hips. "I represent a group of individuals who care for your health and wellbeing. Our group has been watching over you… in a non-creepy way I swear!" Chat's eyebrows raised in alarm as she had a sudden panic look in her eye.

Wolf Grey then winced, raising a hand to hide her face in embarrassment. "Gah! I'm sorry, that sounded really weird. I didn't mean it like that. What I mean is that we are aware of what issues you've faced this past year or so, not that I-" She paused, biting her lip. She seemed to take a moment to compose herself and take a breath before continuing. "We are concerned for your physical, mental and emotional well being. Both of you." She gestured to Ladybug and Chat Noir, a look of genuine concern on her face.

Chat Noir raised an eyebrow. "What exactly does that mean?" He raised his baton towards her. She seemed to know their identities, but how much did she really know about him and his lady?

Wolf Grey seems to deflate in response, yet offers a smile. "I know your struggles. I won't say exactly what, but I know enough to know that you all are burdened greatly." Her eyes seemed to bore into his very soul, but not in a way that felt invasive or threatening. More so it felt that she knew and sympathized with his life. His absentee father, the business of his schedule, his social ineptitude, his unrequited love for Ladybug. Even his recent breakup with Kagami. All of this she seemed to understand, and she seemed to be genuine in her intentions.

"So, what do you want from us now?" Ladybug quipped, a tensity in her voice still evident.

Wolf Grey scratched her head, seemingly nervous. "Well, I think that you two need to rely fully on each other. Before you find out…" she went silent, glancing back at the two tied up before speaking again. She shook her head. "I think you guys need to understand each other completely before you can go forward as partners."

Chat tilted his head to the side, wondering what that meant. Gears started to turn in his head as his and Ladybug's eyes widened. "You mean-" He started, unsure if he could finish the thought.

Wolf Grey nodded. "Exactly. I believe you should reveal your identities."