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Paris, France
October 01
0020
Marinette felt the slight prick to her finger before she looked down to see the small puddle of blood pool on her thumb. She sighed and shook her head in her dimly lit room. She quickly grabbed a tissue from her desk and wiped the crimson drop away before placing a bandaid on her injury. It was her third bandaid of the night.
Picking up where she left off, Marinette continued to thread the black string into her creation as she listened to the gentle silence. The kwamis were quiet, likely sleeping after their long debate on how to defeat the akuma, with only Tikki on her shoulder watching Marinette at work.
"I'm almost done, Tikki."
Tikki hummed her acknowledgment as she cuddled into Marinette's neck. Marinette took comfort in her friend's warmth.
Weeks had passed and Paris was growing restless. The Ladyalert seemed to be more active the last few days as the number of false sightings reached a peak. The LadyHelpers did their best to filter the alerts after noticing a trend. They had privately massaged Ladybug a few days ago and requested she not check every supposed sighting posed to the page, and only investigate the ones they send her. Apparently they had found a few robots clogging the system. Ladybug had been grateful for the reprieve and gave them her thanks for their diligence.
With the LadyHelpers filtering the alerts, Marinette had more time to strategize a plan of attack for taking down Crainte with the kwamis. They have not made much ground.
Tikki's soft voice broke Marinette from her haze. "It looks like him."
Marinette looked down at her rendition of Plagg. She smiled softly as she tied off the last of her stitching before cutting the access string. Running her finger over the stuffed plush, Marinette could see Plagg's likeness and was glad it had turned out so well.
A sniffle caught Marinette's attention before she glanced at her kwami. Tears had gathered in Tikki's eyes as she stared at the stuffed animal in Marinette's hands.
"Thank you so much, Marinette. This means so much to me," Tikki's voice was thick as the kwami looked at her.
Marinette felt her throat tighten before she gave her friend a small smile. Wordlessly, Marinette handed Tikki the Plagg doll. Tikki zoomed toward it and hugged it fiercely.
"I know it's not the real thing, but I hope it helps," Marinette said with tears in her eyes.
Tikki looked at her knowingly. "It does. The only thing missing is the smell of bad cheese."
Marinette broke the silence with a snort accompanied by a few stray tears. "Should I remedy that for you?"
Tikki did her best to look affronted but only tearfully giggled, "Don't you dare. I wish this is what Plagg smelled like all the time!"
Marinette smiled cheekily at her kwami. "Next time we see him, we will have to have an intervention and convert him to sweets. Then he would smell like cookies!"
"He would never. He hates anything sweet."
"We both know that's not true. He obviously adores you and you're the epitome of sweetness."
Tikki looked as though she were close to blushing at the compliment. With a huff, the kwami said, "Chat Noir must be rubbing off on you."
Marinette chuckled softly feeling her lips tremble with emotion. "That boy is too suave for his own good."
Tikki giggled. "That boy is the age of a man in human years."
"Psh. Twenty is still a boy."
"Marinette, you only just turned nineteen in July."
"Your point?"
Tikki only shook her head and smiled. They were silent for a few moments before Marinette voiced thoughts she'd had for several weeks.
"I regret that we don't know each other's identities."
"Marinette…" Tikki's voice was sad.
"What was the point? Sure, it's dangerous, but this entire situation has gone beyond what we'd ever imagined happening. Chat Noir is gone-" Marinette's voice broke on her last word before she took a moment to breath. With glossy, pleading eyes, she continued, "Tikki, I would give anything to know who he is. I… I want to hold something of his or let his family know what happened if they're worried."
Marinette trailed off before hugging herself. Tikki looked close to tears.
"You have my blessing."
Wiping her head sharply to look at her friend, Marinette felt her eyes widen at Tikki's words. "You mean that?"
Tikki looked grave as she whispered, "Yes. Your partnership has endured much over the last six years. If we make it through this, there is no reason to deny you both the chance at a deeper partnership. While there is risk, there are also benefits to knowing each other's identities. Your team dynamic is generally stronger as you are able to be close on a personal level. Of course, it will also take time and work to develop that type of partnership, but it is tangible with the barrier of secrets out of the way. The sharing of identities is a milestone in each of the Ladybug and Black Cat partnerships. If Chat agrees—and Plagg, but he usually doesn't care—I think it is time for you to take down that wall."
After a hesitant pause, Tikki said, "Would you like me to tell you who Chat Noir is under the mask?"
Marinette stared at her kwami in disbelief as she felt her body grow hot with the anticipation. She had not believed it possible for Tikki to be on board with her. Usually her kwami was reserved when it came to the issue of identities. If Marinette had to guess, the unrest of this recent akuma may have swayed her kwami's heart on the matter. The temptation to know her partner's name was overwhelming, but Marinette considered how Chat might feel in this situation.
"Thank you, Tikki." Marinette scooped up her friend and Plagg doll into a gentle hug to her cheek. Tikki smiled brightly as she rubbed her red cheek against Marinette. "And, thank you for being willing to share his identity with me. I think... I would like him to tell me himself, if that's okay. He has wanted us to reveal our identities for so long, it would be unfair if I found out without him having a say in the matter."
"Absolutely, Marinette. That is considerate and kind of you."
Marinette smiled before she pulled away. It was then that she noticed Tikki's chokehold on the Plagg doll's neck. With a smile, Marinette teased, "He would never let you hug him quite like that."
Tikki gave her charge a smile that was practically wicked as she hugged the plush tighter. "He wouldn't have a choice."
...
Wayzz is often considered the kwami of sound mindfulness with an aptitude for wisdom. He is praised for his ability to observe and protect those in his care. He is known for his patience and calm disposition. Wayzz was beginning to question others' reflections on his character.
"Marinette, please stop biting your pencil. You are hurting your teeth." At his gentle words, Marinette's eyes suddenly filled with tears before she quickly snatched the pencil from her mouth.
Wayzz was at a loss as to what he'd done wrong. He looked to Tikki for guidance only to find the kwami lost in her one-sided conversation with her Plagg doll.
"Plagg, don't talk with your mouth full of cheese!" After yelling at the plush, Tikki paused before she promptly threw her paws around the doll's neck and squeezed tightly. "It's okay, I don't mind. I love you anyway."
Wayzz felt a little disturbed after watching that odd exchange. While he could not fully understand the depth of unbalance the pair must be experiencing, it still came as a bit of a shock when sanity seemed lost.
It was not the last incidence where the pair acted oddly.
Several days later, Wayzz caught them about to eat close-to-rotten cheese."What are you two doing? You are going to make yourselves sick!"
The pair froze in unison, the cheese inches from their open mouths. Looking at one another, the two giggled before Tikki said in mock-affontment, "Do not disgrace such a refined delicacy! Cheese is everything that is good and wonderful!"
Marinette giggled almost hysterically before she chimed in, "It's pawsitively punderful!"
Wayzz could do nothing but stare as the girls broke down in a heap of giggles. He was at a loss. What was wrong with them?
Let it be known, he is a very understanding kwami.
He understood the ritual Marinette went through as she kissed a picture of her parents goodnight before going to bed, or when she'd spend hours in her parent's bedroom just to feel close to them. He understood when Tikki made a point to cuddle with her Plagg doll every night, and that she carried the doll everywhere she went. He understood when Marinette spent hours at a time watching old videos on her phone of her and Alya, or her and her parents. Wayzz was wise enough to know that grief took on many forms. Still, this was edging more on the side of madness.
That evening, wrapped in a blanket made by her maman, Marinette said, "Tikki, could you make my suit out of leather instead of spandex?"
Tikki wrapped the Plagg doll around her body like a shawl before saying to Marinette, "I think we can try. Oh! What if we change our color scheme! More black than red, maybe even some touches of green-."
Wayzz cut in quickly before the duo got too excited. "You can't change your costume too drastically. The public needs to be able to recognize you."
The pair looked dejected at his words before they nodded solemnly. Wayzz felt like he had destroyed their world with the expressions they were giving him.
Longg chimed in after a moment of silence. "The leather is still a good idea. It's not too drastic of a change if the colors remain."
They quickly came back to life at Longg's comment and started whispering potential wardrobe alterations. Wayzz sighed wearily as he glanced a Longg. The dragon kwami seemed to understand his fatigue.
"They are compensating," Longg whispered. "They are trying to embody Plagg to eliminate the sting of his loss." The kwami paused momentarily as if considering something of grave importance. "It could be they feel the shift more strongly than the rest of us with Plagg's absence."
Wayzz had not considered such a possibility. He felt dread as a thought entered his mind. "Do you think they will become more subconsciously destructive in order to maintain the balance?"
Longg nodded gravely. "It is a possibility. There are no guarantees. We just need to watch them closely for their own sake."
A gasp interrupted them and they looked at their guardian with concern. Her eyes were wide, but she had a smile on her face. "Tikki! Maybe we should have a baton too!"
Tikki shrieked in excitement and her eyes gleamed. "Yes! Let's do that! And, it can have a paw print on it!"
"You might as well include cat ears and a tail while you're at it," Pollen chimed in snidely. Trixx snickered at the comment.
Both Tikki and Marinette looked elated at the suggestion.
"That would be categorized as a drastic change," Sass hissed, glaring at the fox and bee for making such a suggestion.
Marinette and Tikki dimmed considerably, but they rallied quickly. "No matter. We can still have a baton," said Marinette enthusiastically. Tikki agreed wholeheartedly.
Wayzz connected eyes with Longg, and then with Sass, each seeming to understand there was no perfect solution to this situation.
"Just as long as it blends into your suit," Wayzz said with weary acceptance. The duo beamed at him before they put their heads together in designing their weapon.
"At least they haven't considered changing their eyes to those of a cat," whispered Sass. Wayzz nodded.
Indeed. At least they had that.
...
Marinette hugged her Chat Noir plush to her chest as she watched the kwamis zoom across her space, discussing the nuances of Crainte.
"The effects are getting worse and we are no closer to finding the akuma after weeks of searching! What should we do," said Mullo.
"We've searched the obvious areas of Paris and have yet to find him. My guess is the akuma is hiding in plain sight," said Sass.
"If that is the case, how will we find him," said Stomp
The room grew quiet and Marinette felt unease creep upon her as she fought the undertones of fear that daily haunted her. Holding her Chat Noir doll close to her heart, she spoke timidly.
"We need to draw him out."
The kwamis turned to their guardian and stared at her with contemplation.
Tikki sat on Marinette's shoulder with her paws hugging her Plagg doll close. Speaking softly, Tikki said, "We've been trying, Marinette. What more can we do?"
Wayzz landed on Marinette's knee and looked up at her somberly. "We know the akuma wanted you to feel loss. If we are to succeed, we must first understand the motive behind such a desire."
"We don't have time for such contemplations, Wayzz! The pressure in the atmosphere is shifting," said Trixx.
"But we must understand what the akuma wants if we are to defeat him," said Longg.
"We've been discussing the motives of the akuma for weeks and have not gotten any closer to finding him. We must act," said Kaalki.
Marinette let out a weary sigh as the kwamis began their never-ending debate on how best to handle this akuma. Before the argument could get too heated, Marinette said, "We must get close to the akuma if we are to grab the akumatized item. The only way to get close to him is if we give him an incentive to come to us."
"See, even the guardian agrees that we need to act," cried Trixx
"We must proceed with caution," countered Longg
"Caution is not getting us any closer to restoring the balance," said Ziggy.
Tikki nuzzled closer to Marinette as the conversation continued. Marinette felt the edges of frustration encompass her as the stress of the last three weeks overwhelmed her senses. They were getting nowhere.
"It is dangerous! If Ladybug rushed to encounter the akuma without understanding Papillon's motive, she could get hurt or have her Miraculous stolen. We need to have a plan," said Wayzz as he stared at his fellow kwamis.
Pollen huffed and opened her mouth to speak, but Marinette cut in. "We can be cautious while still taking some sort of action. I don't know if we can understand the akumas' motive, or Papillon's for that matter, without talking to the akuma directly. I say we plan to take action while proceeding with caution."
The room was tense and quiet for a moment before Wayzz spoke. "What did you have in mind, Guardian?"
...
Ladybug trembled as she stood before the statue of herself and Chat Noir. The monument had been made years ago in honor of their heroism. Ladybug stared at Chat Noir's young face and felt tears prick the edges of her eyes. His smile was elated as his demeanor displayed freedom and excitement. Ladybug ran her fingers over his sculpted features, wishing for the real thing, before putting her arms around his neck and hugging the sculpture close to her. Tears streamed down her mask-covered cheeks and a small whimper escaped her.
Ladybug had been avoiding the statue since the terrible event of his loss occurred. The likeness of his youthful delight served as an echo of the man he had become. She knew seeing such a display would bring her to tears. She had been right.
The weeks of stress and loneliness without her friends, parents, and partner seemed to have accumulated into a bolus of emotion that shattered when she laid eyes on the display. Her grief was raw, real, and loud. Ladybug caught glimpses of the citizens around her through her blurred tears. The people mourned alongside her. Wails of anguish echoed on the wind as she pressed her swollen eyes to the cold stone of the statue. No one approached her, but they cried with her.
An hour passed in this way with Ladybug curled against the old, dirty statue. She could hear the clicking of the camera lenses documenting her weakness and grief in broad daylight. Perfect.
Ladybug knew the sight of a hero in mourning would be broadcasted as breaking news. She was sure some of the citizens would lose faith in her abilities at such a display of weakness. Still, she did not mind. Her emotions were real, and her motives were calculated.
After a time, the wind seemed to still as the atmosphere quieted. Ladybug no longer heard the rustling of people or the sobbing of strangers. A familiar unease traveled down her spine at the silence.
"So, the bug finally understands," said a whispered voice traveling on the fall breeze in elation.
Ladybug felt her whole being jolt as a strong wave of adrenaline pulsed through her being. Ripping her head from the stone neck of her partner, Ladybug felt a rush of dizziness assault her before her eyes, swollen and bloodshot, could make out the villain before her.
It was him. It was truly him.
Weeks of searching and planning had led to this moment. Ladybug couldn't help the piercing dread that chilled her at the sight of him. In her mind, he was almost undefeatable. Yet, everyone had a weakness; she just needed to find his.
Ladybug quickled uncurled her aching body from the statue, taking note of the lack of citizens around her, and positioned herself on the defense as the akuma stood ten feet from her person. The red of his eyes seemed to glisten in the afternoon sun as the pale of his features made him look like death. The golden watch was tucked securely in his right hand as his black hair stood out against the bright day, the golden ribbon holding it in place swaying with the breeze.
"Now you know," the eerie voice came from his lips. His expression remained neutral, but his presence held an arrogance and satisfaction that made Ladybug feel sick.
Ladybug watched Crainte closely without giving a response. Her entire plan depended on his first move. If she had to guess, emotional manipulation seemed to be his principal weapon of choice.
"Now, you understand," the akuma darkly said. He made a step toward her, his stride like a predator toward its prey. Ladybug's body tightened in anticipation as she awaited his attack. Before long, Crainte stopped five feet from where she stood. The villain titled his head downward as he gazed at her, his red eyes causing the familiar feeling of death to blanket her being.
"Now, you will join me."
Ladybug felt confused by his statement. Still on the defense, Ladybug spoke with doubt and uncertainty.
"Join you?"
Crainte's lips formed into a wicked grin as he oozed darkness and death. "Yes," he breathed.
Ladybug felt a chill crawl down her body as his facial expression hinted at a madness she hadn't expected.
"You can bring them back."
For once, Ladybug agreed with him. Still, what was he indicting?
"You can make everything right. You are the essence of creation. Your power brings forth life."
Ladybug felt alarm pierce her at his words. "If I defeat you, I can bring them all back," she whispered with venom.
His eyebrow lifted as his grin widened. "You think it is so simple? You cannot defeat me. I am destruction and death. There is no defeating it."
Ladybug almost balked at his words. Did he just claim himself to be the essence of destruction? Clearly, he didn't know Plagg.
"Your power is not your own. Your power is lent and limited, only accessible because of Papillion. You are but a vessel for his work."
Crainte's red eyes seemed to glisten as though he was listening to the amusing views of a child with no understanding of the world.
"My power is my own." His gaze turned dark and determined.
Ladybug's breaths were shallow. The impression that she was a mere bug on display came upon her again as he watched her. He had wanted her to feel pain and sorrow.
"You will bring them back."
"Who do you want to bring back," Ladybug impatiently questioned as he repeated his words.
The wind danced around them as her question echoed. He remained unmoving as he watched her. Ladybug felt herself growing weary of his game.
"You seem tired, Ladybug," Crainte said with patronizing sympathy as he evaded her question. "Do you not want your sidekick back? Is he worth so little to you?"
Ladybug felt anger boil beneath her skin as the implications of his tone hit its mark.
"It's time to stop this childish game of playing hero and do something truly heroic. Save the world, Ladybug. That is your only option."
"My only option is defeating you," Ladybug cried out in rage before lunging for the akuma.
Crainte smirked knowingly before hitting the face of his watch. A feeling she hadn't felt in weeks attacked her as she felt the air steal from her lungs. Tears streamed down her face as she realized what was happening. He had activated another wave.
Ladybug watched the akuma crumble into the wind as her lungs cried for oxygen. Her legs gave out from strain as her mind screamed at her in panic. Just before the akuma dissolved completely, he spoke words of wicked arrogance that poured disgustingly from his mouth.
"To bring them back, you must join me."
...
"He is manipulating you, Marinette," yelled Tikki as she watched her charge curl into herself. "He wants you to think that you have only one option. It's called a false dichotomy!"
"No one was affected by the wave. Everyone is okay," Wayzz chimed in beside Tikki.
Tikki watched in grief as Marinette continued to sob into her pillow. The stress and anxiety from earlier had put her holder over the edge. Tikki felt rage at this akuma and at Papillion for taking such measures to achieve his wicked ends. In an effort to ease the burden on her friend, Tikki said, "Marinette, we are here with you and we are so proud of you. Our plan succeeded. We know what the akuma's motive is!"
"The only thing I've heard from the news is that the akuma made an appearance. It's the breaking story of the day," added Pollen.
"You did really well today, Marinette! Ladybug looked so strong on the television. Everyone is saying that they thought you were really brave when you tried to fight him on your own," said Mullo.
"And, we know what he wants from you," said Longg.
"Now, we can use the information to help us take him down for good," said Sass.
The other kwamis chimed in their enthusiastic agreement in an attempt to cheer up their guardian. Tikki watched Marinette grow still as she listened to the kwamis. Slowly, Marinette peaked her head out from her pillows and look at them with a hopeful gleam. Tikki felt endearment for her charge as her hair stood up on all ends, her face blotchy and swollen from her tears. Flying to Marinette's cheek, Tikki hugged the wet skin tightly as Marinette sniffled soundly.
"Really," Marinette asked with garbled tones.
"Yes!" The kwamis shouted to their guardian in both agreement and relief as they watched her gather her wits.
After the initial encounter with the akuma, Ladybug had scrambled home and had been frantic with anxiety and fear that another wave had transpired. Once she had released her transformation, the stress and adrenaline had bombarded Marinette to a degree where only sobbing uncontrollably could help relieve some of the strain. The kwamis had been at a loss as to how to help the situation. Seeing the guardian cease her crying gave them great hope and relief.
Tikki patted a paw on Marinette's cheek. "Yes, Marinette. Everything is okay. You did really well today!"
Marinette gave Tikki a small smile and a sniffle as the kwami continued to hug her. Tikki had no plans of letting go anytime soon. Her holder had gone through a fright today and needed to recover. If any of the other kwamis even suggested strategizing or planning, Tikki would have words to say.
"I think you should rest for now. You've had quite a day and you need time to recover," Tikki said gently to Marinette before turning and looking pointedly at the other kwamis. "No more akuma-talk. Am I clear?"
"Crystal," said Trixx before Pollen shoved the fox kwami for her sass.
Tikki's eyes narrowed.
"I agree with Tikki. The guardian needs rest. We will discuss our options tomorrow," said Wayzz as he nodded in Tikki's direction. Tikki was thankful for his support and hoped the other kwamis would concede with him.
Marinette wearily sighed before her head drifted back down to her tear-soaked pillow.
"I'm so tired."
Tikki snuggled on Marinette's cheek. "Go to sleep, Marinette. I'm right here."
Marinette hummed as her eyes drifted close. Tikki watched her holder before she too closed her eyes. They dreamed of emerald eyes and pointed, black ears.
...
"She is floundering. Soon, she will understand the gravity of the situation and be forced to join me," Gabriel said with triumph.
"Master, the balance is coming more undone each day. What if Ladybug doesn't-"
Gabriel's face morphed into displeasure and violent disgust, cutting off Nooroo's words. "Not an option. She will come around."
Nooroo did not argue but looked forlorn as he turned to the window in Gabriel's office, watching the clouds in the sky. The keen observer could see the tinges of light green and black swirling through the clouds as they danced in the sky with the shifting wind. The sky was more purple than it's usual light blue. The unease Nooroo felt heightened at the evidence.
"It has started," Nooroo whispered with the weight of ominent doom the world was about to face.
Gabriel's face grew contemplative at Nooroo's words. Nooroo watched him look in the direction of the sky before his mouth twisted in displeasure as it became clear that nothing was obviously amiss. "I see nothing. Enough of your prattle. It is time to enact the next phase of my plan."
Nooroo remained silent as he watched the madness gleam in Gabriel's eyes.
Fun fact: my mind took what I know of Gabriel Agress and created this monster. In my original draft, he was a little less… evil.