Thank you to Khanofallorcs for being the beta for this story! :D
Chapter Twenty-Five
"Can we listen to the songs?" Tikki asked excitedly as Adrien closed his door, zipping over as he held the mail Nathalie had brought up for him. She peered down at the album cover as Adrien carefully set it and the poster he had pre-ordered. "These are brand new songs, right?"
Adrien glanced over at her curiously. "You seem pretty excited."
Tikki had never complained about any of the music he ever put on, and he had just assumed that she was fine with his taste. She had never requested anything, either, so it was something he hadn't given much thought. However, she looked absolutely ecstatic right now as she zipped around him, and by appearance, Tikki definitely didn't seem like an average Jagged Stone fan.
"Of course I am!" Tikki said, letting out a happy hum. "This is brand new music I have never heard before! Something that was created! You humans have done such amazing things with music in the last few centuries– can we turn it on now?"
He carefully opened up the album, handing Tikki the CD. She zipped across the room with a squeal. He wasn't too worried about the disk, since he had already downloaded the album digitally the day it was released, along with ordering a limited edition record, but that hadn't arrived yet. As Jagged Stone's newest song began blasting through the room, he unrolled the poster, smiling as he looked over it.
"Oh wow, that looks amazing," Tikki said.
"Pretty bold," Adrien said softly, smiling.
The main focus of the poster was Fang– in his form as a black dragon from when Jagged was akumatized. The winged crocodile was flying across the page, lava pouring from his jaws, joining the lava flow at the bottom of the picture. The background was illuminated by the scene of the volcano, smoke filling the ashy sky. Riding on the dragon were two figures, a black cat with electric blue eyes on the back, and a large ladybug near the end of the tail.
"It's wonderful," Tikki beamed. "People have talked about their akumatization, but Jagged is incorporating it into his art!"
"He included Lady, too," he said, smiling at the black cat.
"Why did he make you two animals?" Tikki asked, hovering above the ladybug.
"Probably copyright issues," Adrien said, carefully rolling up the poster so it wouldn't get ruined. "Granted, me and Lady have never directly claimed our likeness as copyrighted... but in legal terms, Jagged portraying us as the animals we represent was the safest option."
"Weird," Tikki said after a moment. "What about those people who make toys and posters of you? Or those statues?"
He shrugged. "Like I said, me and Lady have never made any claims. Besides, I don't know all the details of how it all works, that's what Father's PR team is for. But for a big name like Jagged, that was probably the safest option."
"He wrote a song about this all, right?"
"The bonus release, it should be the last song on the album– The Cat, the Dragon, and the Bug." He picked up the albums, flipping it over as Tikki zipped over to change the song. "Yeah, it's the last one. He even has a little note about it."
The song started off with a low drum beat, and after a few beats you could hear a long chord from Jagged's guitar, the pace of the music gradually getting faster and faster. Tikki was bobbing her head to the song as it picked up speed, Jagged's voice coming in over the speakers. The little kwami looked like she had just been hit by Molten Rock, rocking out to the song.
This bonus release for my this album is dedicated to Paris' heroes, Lady Noire and Crimson Beetle, alongside anyone who ever has or will be akumatized– including Fang, the best croc ever. Paris may be unrocking towards those who happened to touch a butterfly– so we'll just have to sing and call out louder than anyone who thinks otherwise!
Adrien smiled, not only glad to see something about akumatized victims, but also that Lady Noire's name had not been cut out or mentioned offhandedly. It had actually been mentioned first on the album, in the song name, and on the poster the cat was much more prominent than the ladybug. It was something Adrien wasn't used to seeing– and he loved it. He let out a soft sigh, carefully flipping the album back over to the cover.
"You okay?" Tikki asked.
Adrien smiled. "Things have been getting better for the akumas, and I hope this is the start of that happening for Lady, too."
Tikki smiled. "She's a strong Miraculous holder– and she's a wonderful partner to you."
"Couldn't dream of having anyone else," he replied, before studying the album cover. "Marinette did an amazing job on this, didn't she? I can't believe she managed to land a commission like this! She deserves for her talent to be recognized... what are you smiling about?"
"Nothing~" Tikki said. "You two are just so sweet with each other."
"I know that tone– are you making fun of me?" Adrien asked, sitting up.
"I would never do that," Tikki said, crossing her paws. "I just think that you two are cute, that's all."
"Marinette is cute," Adrien said with a soft sigh. "She lets out this cute squeak if you sneak up on her– then she chases you down with a vengeance!" He was smiling fondly as he said this. "How can someone be so adorable?"
"Well, isn't it going to be you humans' confession day soon?" Tikki said. "You should tell her then!"
"Valentine's Day?" Adrien asked, blinking. "I, um... I want to, but would she even take me seriously?"
"You'd just have to make sure she does."
"...I dunno, Tikki. If she was interested, wouldn't she have said something any other time I said anything?"
"Who knows, maybe she's just nervous like you."
"Heh. I don't think Marinette could be nervous about anything."
"Noooooo! I can't just make Crimson a card! What if he hates it?"
"Yeah, maybe he would."
"Plaaaaagg!"
"Just naming possibilities– Ladybugs' hearts are always fickle."
"You're not helping."
"I'm supposed to be helping?"
Adrien was surprised when he found Chloe and Sabrina sitting in the back seat of his limo as he slipped in to leave for school.
"Hello, Adrikins," Chloe said, not missing a beat as he slipped in– and he didn't even get to ask her what she was doing here. "Your bodyguard let me in, I don't know what your father or your prison guard think, but if they have a problem they can take it up with Daddy. Anyways, sign here."
The next thing he knew, a large, rolled up poster was shoved in his face by Sabrina, a marker pressed into his other hand. His eyes flickered towards it, then up towards Chloe– who was currently painting her nails as the limo pulled out of the Agreste Mansion gates. He carefully pulled the poster forward, unrolling it to see a large image of himself smiling, a bunch of words written in a loopy handwriting right above where he was supposed to sign.
"'To Chloe, the most awesome girl in the world and the love of my life'," Adrien read, lowering the poster, and looking up at Chloe with a raised eyebrow. "Um... really?"
"What?" Chloe asked with a raised eyebrow. "It's not a lie, you do love me."
"Yeah, I do," Adrien replied, handing the poster and the marker back to Sabrina. "But not in the way you're making this sound, Chlo– why do you even want me to sign this?"
"It's Valentine's Day," Chloe replied, as if this answered everything.
"I am well aware," Adrien replied. "I got a mountain of fanmail this morning."
He was sure that he hadn't gotten everything that had been sent to him– he knew that Nathalie carefully looked over everything from his fans before it was handed over to him, and he was sure that some valentines had been removed. He was surprised that he had been allowed to keep the abundance of chocolate and sweets as well– and he wasn't sure if it had been his bodyguard or Nathalie that had let them stay in the pile. Definitely not his nutritionist.
Tikki had been practically humming in excitement when she had seen all of the candy– and hopefully the stash would last them for some time.
"Exactly," Chloe said, examining her nails. "And that won't be the end of it. Once we get to school there will probably be a gaggle of girls who would be waiting to pounce on you. However, I have plenty of influence at the school– so that, combined with some 'proof' that you're taken might be enough to keep some of them back." She rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately, it probably won't work with everyone, but I can at least try."
Adrien smiled. "That's sweet of you to try to do, Chlo, but you don't need to worry. Besides, I'd rather not give the illusion that I'm taken when there's someone I'm still interested in–"
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Yeah, do you think Dupain-Cheng would actually think we're together? Or anyone in the class? Because if they do, then we definitely need to have a talk. This ploy is to handle those who think they have the right to see you as nothing more than eye candy."
Adrien smiled. "I appreciate the thought– but I don't need rumors of me flying around. I mean, I can't imagine how Father would react if he suddenly caught word that I had a girlfriend out of the blue?"
"Hmm, fair enough," Chloe said. "Sabrina, time for Plan B, then."
The poster and marker were stuffed away– and instead Adrien found a hat being shoved onto his head and a large pair of sunglasses pressed over his eyes. Sabrina paused, adjusting them, before leaning back with a smile.
"Perfect!" She chirped. "I barely even recognize you."
"M. Gorilla," Chloe said, leaning towards the front seat. "You're going to drop Adrikins around back today, okay? Don't worry, I'll be with him the entire time."
Ezra grunted in reply, and Adrien took off the hat with a smile. "Really, Chloe?"
"You're going to be swarmed!"
"I'm not a superstar," Adrien said, pulling off the sunglasses as well, passing them back over to Sabrina. "I'm a model, and the only reason anyone knows my name is because my father runs the company. Step outside of Paris and the fashion world and nobody would even care. I think I'll be fine."
"That's the problem," Chloe said, crossing her arms. "You're famous enough that these peasants will see you as some sort of prize, yet not an unreachable one– especially since you go to our school. You have a fanclub here, you know? Not an official school club, though they tried, but still. If you won't wear the hat or sign the poster, then fine, your choice– but I'm accompanying you to class, and we're going around back."
Adrien laughed, before leaning back in his seat. "If that will make you happy."
"It will," Chloe snapped her fingers. "Sabrina, you'll be in charge of diversion. If anyone sticks their nose too close, make sure they back off."
"I will!" Sabrina said, sitting straight up. "Don't worry, Adrien, we won't let anyone bother you!"
"Thank you, Sabrina," Adrien said, and the girl beamed. "Oh, that's a really pretty brooch– part of my Father's recent line, right?"
Sabrina's smile grew. "Yeah, it hasn't even been released yet!" She touched the flower brooch. "Chloe gave it to me this morning– isn't it beautiful?"
Adrien glanced at Chloe. "Yeah, it is."
"Just a thanks for making sure this all works out," Chloe said, not looking up from her nails– which she had finished minutes ago.
"Aren't you supposed to give those kinds of gifts afterwards?"
"This is Sabrina we're talking about," Chloe snapped back. "She doesn't mess anything up."
Adrien smiled, leaning back in his seat as Ezra drove them around towards the back of the school. He barely had any time to say goodbye to the man as Chloe and Sabrina ushered him out of the limo– yet another hat on his head as Chloe linked arms with him, Sabrina scurrying off ahead to 'keep watch'.
Adrien just shook his head, knowing that things weren't going to be as bad as they thought.
Okay. Maybe he did have a few more fans than he realized here at school.
He was expecting some people to be there– maybe just a few fans that wanted to give him a valentine in person, or just perhaps a few more people than usual saying hi in the hallway. He had fans, and he knew that, but the most intense things ever got were either at fashion shows or online; he had thought the excitement of him being a model had died down after a few weeks of school.
He was not expecting to be ambushed by a half dozen girls outside of his classroom.
Maybe 'ambushed' was a bit strong– but all of them squealed and raced towards him as he, Chloe and Sabrina made their way up the steps. Sabrina wasted no time standing between them and the pack of fans, while Chloe pulled them up against the wall and hurried him forward. That wasn't enough to actually distract anyone, though, and the next thing he knew, he was surrounded.
"Will you sign this for me, Adrien?"
"Adrien! Be my Valentine!"
He had handled much larger crowds before, but this pack of six was definitely the most intimidating he had seen in a long time. He just smiled at them as he had been taught to do, but he was not sure how to reply with so many questions being thrown his way. He didn't know these girls? He barely even recognized a few of them! Why did they have to be so close? Wait, was she touching his shirt–?
"Get your hands off of him!" Chloe shrieked, her voice cutting through the clamor– and Sabrina practically tackled the girl away from him.
"Heh, excuse me," Adrien said as the noise died down somewhat. "I'd like to get to class–"
"Oh, cut the nice act, Adrien!" Chloe growled. "All of you get out of the way now! Sabrina, take pictures of them so I can send them to Daddy–"
"You back off," one of the girls snapped. "He can talk to us if he wants to, you're not his keeper!"
"Does it look like he wants to talk to you?" Chloe snapped.
"Yeah!" Sabrina chirped. "Besides, Adrien's already interested in someone, so he doesn't want to be any of your Valentines, so there!"
This was apparently the wrong thing to say, because the energy of the small group quickly went from excited to something much more... rabid. He didn't like the gleam in any of their eyes, nor the way they asked 'Who?' in a voice that was anything but sweet. He felt a bit dizzy as he stood there, surrounded by kids from his own school– and for the first time he didn't like it.
He had felt like this before, at photoshoots and shows where he was expected to just be quiet and sit back. Let his hair be done and makeup touched up, look his best and let everyone else watch. It was his job, it was something that he was used to, but he was always glad when it was over.
School was a time to relax and to just exist. Not worry about home or work or anything– just be himself. So as he stood there, his model smile plastered over his face, surrounded but unable to get a word in edgewise, and he was just realizing how uncomfortable he was.
But he couldn't say anything, he couldn't be rude, especially to his fans.
"Is there a problem here?" A low voice grumbled, and Adrien's gaze flickered up to see Ivan standing in the doorway of the classroom. The normally quiet boy's voice carried across the hallway, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Who are you?" One of the girls snapped after a moment, an awkward silence in the air.
"Ivan," he growled, before pausing for a moment. "You know though, thanks to Monarch I was called Stoneheart, once."
These words had their effect– the name of the first, and probably most memorable, akuma causing people to pull back, even a few among those who had paused to see what the commotion was. Ivan snorted as the girls backed off, and he made his way forward. A monstrous hand was laid on Adrien's shoulder, and he felt the tension melting away from his as Ivan led him towards the classroom.
"Hm, I knew he could be useful," Chloe said somewhere behind him, and Adrien took in a breath of what felt like fresh air as he reached the classroom. No one seemed to really notice what had taken place outside, Ivan blocking the classroom doorway, while Chloe and Sabrina led him to his shared desk with Nino.
Chloe gave him a 'I told you so' look, before she and Sabrina went to their seats. Adrien let out a small shaky breath, but greeted Nino as he did the same. A few hellos were thrown his way, and he replied in turn, his mind still on autopilot– at least until a certain voice spoke up.
"Hi, Adrien," Marinette said warmly. "Not like you to be later than me."
"I'm afraid I was held up this morning– by some girls, and then a thief," he said, taking his seat next to Nino, but turning to face Marinette. "You wouldn't have happened to have seen this thief, would you? Her hair was dark as night, she had these beautiful bluebell eyes, a melodious laugh... oh, also she was really short."
He let out a yelp as Marinette kicked him, and she glowered at him with a spark in her eyes. "And what did this thief of yours steal, exactly?"
Adrien grinned, leaning forward. "My heart."
She rolled her eyes, pressing a finger against his forehead as she pushed him back. "You're such a flirt."
"Only for you," he replied with a grin, turning to face forward– only to lean his head back and give Marinette a smile. Even upside-down she looked beautiful, a smile on her face as she shook her head. "Purrhaps my heart is lost to hers forever."
"And what's with the cat pun?" Marinette replied, scrunching her nose.
"While some people's eyes have only spotted one superhero, you should know that my purrsonal favorite, the one I can't ignoire, is Lady Noire." Adrien replied, grinning. "Also there are endless paw-ibilities when it comes to cat puns– can't waste that op-purr-tunity ."
"Of course you'd pick your favorite hero just for the puns."
"Not many other choices, though, are there?" Alya asked. "I mean, once I publish my article there might be a few more options..."
Adrien turned to face her. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Alya grinned. "Let's just say the BeetleBlog has another article that's pure gold, right, Marinette?"
"It's pretty interesting," Marinette agreed.
"More options?" Adrien questioned. "As in... more superheroes?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Alya said innocently.
"She won't even tell me either, dude," Nino said as Adrien's eyes flickered between the two girls. "I've tried. Best off talking about known facts, because she won't even drop a hint."
Adrien's eyes remained locked on Alya, but she just grinned. "It should be out in about a week, Sunshine. Don't you worry. Trust me, it will be worth the wait."
"It is pretty amazing," Marinette agreed.
"Any other articles that we can see?" Nino asked.
Alya considered for a moment, before pulling out her phone. "I do have one about Lady Noire I've been working on, a comparison of her various Cataclysms since the first fight– did you know that next month will mark six months since the heroes first appeared?"
"Time sure does fly," Nino muttered, adjusting his cap. "Have akumas really become that normal that quickly?"
"Not sure it will ever be 'normal'," Marinette muttered.
"Just... familiar, perhaps," Alya said. "Doesn't mean we like it, but we know the drill by now."
Adrien was watching Alya closely. "...What is this article with the Cataclysms about, exactly?"
Alya rolled her eyes. "You better not spam this article too, M. LuckyBlackCat07– I know it's you, and you do this to all of my Lady Noire posts."
"I don't like your Lady Noire posts."
"You're not the only one who thinks the cat is cute, Adrien," Alya replied. "Trust me, I have to moderate my own comment section. But I'm just looking at the facts presented in the fights. She has destructive powers– I'm not going to ignore that."
"I don't have a crush on her," Adrien snapped. "She's a good hero, that's why she's my favorite. And while you may be working with 'facts', you present them in a way that doesn't do her justice. She uses her powers to help win the fights– what more do you want?"
"You weren't there when she collapsed that stadium."
"That was her first fight!" Adrien cried. "You've basically studied out every battle– you know she was careful after that, I know you do!"
"That's exactly what my next article is about!" Alya snapped back, causing Adrien to fall silent in surprise, and she jabbed her phone under his nose. "Look, each one of these were taken from a different month– she's changed!"
Adrien glanced over the six different gifs Alya had made from her videos– the first one showing the infamous first attack where Lady Noire's Cataclysm crumbled the whole stadium and withered up the field. Following that was another one showing her out of control Cataclysms, though showing the hesitation on her face as well. The third one was taken from Speedstar, her first time using both a controlled Cataclysm, and her first one daring to use it near a person.
The last three all featured a more controlled Cataclysm– the last two being summoned without hesitation, nothing but confidence on his Lady's face.
"She's using her powers effectively," Adrien said.
"She's no longer being careful," Aya countered. "Look– she just summons this destructive energy without second thought anymore. Lady Noire is becoming more reckless."
"Reckless?" Adrien cried.
"Yes," Alya said coolly, grabbing her phone back. "I don't think that's just something to ignore, her powers are the most dangerous of the two."
"Any of them could be dangerous depending on how they're used!"
Nino glanced at him. "How could Crimson Beetle's powers be dangerous? Isn't he just like, healing powers? Destruction is definitely the dangerous one between them."
"You could say that again," Chloe said. "Daddy talks about it quite a lot, actually."
"Chloe," Adrien said pleadingly.
"What?" She asked, crossing her arms. "Everyone thinks that, right, Sabrina?"
Sabrina shifted slightly as the classes focus shifted towards her– the shouting having easily drawn everyone's attention, and she shrugged. "My dad says Lady Noire is discussed at work a lot. Her power is pretty frightening– what if it was used on someone?"
"Lady wouldn't do that!" Adrien cried.
"Chill out, man," Kim said. "We don't think she will, not with Crimson Beetle about. But still, she is pretty creepy sometimes."
"She really doesn't talk much," Alix agreed. "Always lurking back whenever someone comes near. It is pretty intimidating, don't be surprised that people don't like her that much, pretty boy."
"Juleka, back me up here?" Adrien asked.
"What else is there to say? Lady Noire is awesome," Juleka said after a moment of consideration.
"You also call every horror movie awesome. Also, pretty sure you called Mylene's akumatized form 'awesome', and she was literally a monster!"
Ivan's head whipped towards Alix as she said this, his normally stoic gaze a death glare. The two stared at each other for a moment, and Alix raised her hands up as if surrendering, rolling her eyes slightly.
"I'm not saying that Mylene was a monster– you know I wouldn't do that," Alix said. "But her akumatized form was literally just like the monster from the movie we were making. Her akuma was based off of a monster, just like Nath's was based on his character, and Kim's was based on an idiot."
"Hey!"
Mylene gave a small uncertain smile. "I know what you mean. Don't worry."
"Jagged Stone also likes Lady Noire," Juleka offered. "My brother does too."
"Well, Jagged Stone has an aesthetic one might label as 'edgy'," Max said. "The crocodile being the most obvious example. A hero with such destructive capabilities and a black motif is not a surprising favorite for him."
"Also their color scheme matches," Rose added.
"Mari likes Lady Noire too," Adrien said, looking up at her, knowing that she would back him up.
He was startled to find Marinette staring straight down at her desk, eyes far off as if she had not been focusing on the conversation, but at the sound of her name she blinked. She glanced up, taking in her classmates waiting for an answer. She sat there for a moment, before shrugging.
"Crimson's the better hero," she muttered, before glancing back down.
"None of them are better than the other," Adrien said, slightly startled at Marinette's response. He knew that Crimson was her favorite... but her answer just seemed so unlike her. "Crimson Beetle himself said that they were partners. That's equals."
"Well, when I'm partnered with Chloe for an assignment we're partners," Nathaniel muttered. "But that doesn't mean I'm not the one doing all the work."
"That's true," Alya said. "Without Crimson Beetle this city would be in ruins, there's no denying that. Just from powers alone, Marinette's right, Crimson Beetle is the better superhero. But that's normal for superheroes– there's a hero and a sidekick."
"The healing powers are really nice," Nino said.
"Lady Noire is a fantastic hero," a low voice rumbled, Ivan's eyes narrowing as the class turned to look at him. "When I was akumatized, she was the first one to talk to me. She was worried for me, more than Crimson was. She reassured me." He closed his eyes. "Honestly, that was the last friendly interaction I had with someone for weeks after that." His voice fell slightly. "She seemed a lot more outgoing that day, you know? Before anyone had really formed an opinion of her."
The class was silent.
Ivan looked away. "When people have an idea about you, they'll bend anything you do to make it fit that image. Trust me, I know."
The classroom door opened before anything else could be said, Miss Bustier walking in with a big smile. She didn't seem to notice the tension in her classroom, just hurrying to the front as she turned to face them.
"I am so sorry I'm late, class," she said in her usually cheery way. "Anyways, in honor of Valentine's we will be looking over some various forms of literature– starting out with poetry, and then onto some classic fairy tales. No need for textbooks today, I have a handout with everything we need..."
Adrien took in a deep breath, still trying to calm himself from what had been said about Lady, pulling out his notes.
"Interesting to look at magic in stories now and realize that it actually can exist," Adrien muttered as he put things into his locker. "In some form, I guess." He smiled at Tikki, who was snacking away on some chocolate he had gotten from some fanmail this morning. "I'm guessing true love's kiss isn't a thing, though?"
Tikki hummed in thought, able to talk freely with no one else in the room. "As in a kiss coming from love being able to break magic? No. But I can see where that idea might have come from– the mouth can act as a form of magic."
Adrien eyed his kwami. "What's that even supposed to mean?"
"You do it every time you transform," Tikki replied. "Words to activate the transformation and the power. The voice can be a strong thing." Her antenne flicked up. "Oh! Kisses can be used as part of the purification process, you could cleanse the butterfly that way."
"...Are you telling me to kiss the akuma butterfly?"
Tikki shrugged. "I'm not saying to, I'm just saying that's another thing that could work besides your yoyo– I just realized that it could be good to know in case you lost the yoyo somehow."
"...Kiss the butterfly and suddenly it will be purified? Really?" Adrien asked, honestly not quite believing her, but Tikki was bobbing her head in confirmation.
"We can manipulate positive energy," Tikki explained. "That includes purifying negative energy, which is what the akumas are. Nooroo– he's the Butterfly kwami– can't manipulate energy like me and Plagg can, but he can enhance it. When a butterfly is sent out, it's primed with energy, lighter purple for when targeting softer and more positive emotions, and darker for negative and more tense emotions– which is what we've seen with Monarch's 'akumas'. They target the present mindset of the champion, enhancing them and creating a link between champion and Butterfly."
"Champions, huh?" Adrien said softly– and it wasn't that hard to guess that was the true purpose of the Butterfly Miraculous.
"Yep," Tikki said, nodding. "However, the process transfers the energy to the butterfly, and while usually that can be redirected back into the champion when the transformation falls, a forced transformation doesn't allow for that flow– which is why we have to purify the butterflies that Monarch sends out. After an akuma is destroyed, they're just full of negative energy, though it would be positive energy if Monarch was targeting a more positive mindset. Either way we absorb that energy."
"...What would happen anyways if we didn't purify it?" Adrien asked, allowing Tikki to fly to his shoulder as he closed his locker. "I've always wondered about that."
Tikki was quiet for a moment. "It... it wouldn't be good– for Paris or for Monarch. A butterfly with unchecked energy would wander, and it would be out of control for the Butterfly holder. As the energy it carries is from the champion, that would be the only target it has– and as soon as they entered into the same mindset as the original transformation it would target that person once more."
"Oh," Adrien said.
"But that re-akumatization would in turn supply the akuma with more energy, and if that butterfly wasn't rid of that energy, the process would just keep repeating itself over and over, and the resulting akuma would be more and more powerful– but also more and more out of Monarch's control. And when there's an active champion, it affects the Butterfly's ability to create and control more champions. All in all, not a good situation for anyone. Usually, that information alone is enough to deter a Butterfly from creating forced transformations."
Adrien frowned. "...Then why did Monarch risk creating akumas in the first place?"
Tikki, who had happily been explaining all this moments ago, now looked slightly uncomfortable. "Well... she wanted to draw our Miraculouses out. You know that she wants yours and Lady Noire's, and our Miraculouses are two of the eight that can effectively rid an akuma of unchecked energy... so it was good bait?"
"But why does she want our Miraculouses?" Adrien asked. "How did she even know that we would show up?"
"Creation and Destruction are very powerful," Tikki said after a moment of thought. "Something sought by many, but should be in the hands of few."
Adrien eyed the kwami. "So... did you and Lady's Miraculous just show up here in Paris when Monarch did? I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if you guys could, but it sounds like to me that Monarch knew that the Miraculouses were nearby– either that or you knew she was."
Tikki looked away. "...She did. And so did we."
Adrien closed his eyes. "There's a lot more to this, isn't there?"
"You trust me, don't you Adrien?"
"You can't tell me. I get it."
"Adrien, please," Tikki said softly. "Just trust me, okay? It won't all be secrets forever, I promise."
"It's okay," Adrien muttered. "I'm used to it."
Tikki lowered her head guilty, her paws tapping together as she sat on his shoulder. She slowly inched her way closer, leaning up against his neck. "...Did you know the energy you get from the akumas fuels your Miraculous Ladybug?"
"No."
"Miraculous Ladybug is a pretty strong spell, but it needs energy," Tikki said. "I don't always get Ladybugs that can cast them like you're able to. When fueled by your own energy it's usually used to heal a small group or fix a single object. Having it able to spread across the whole city is only thanks to the energy you gathered and purified."
"Oh," Adrien said softly. He knew Tikki was trying to cheer him up, but he wasn't sure what to say. "I... I never really thought about it. But... I think I get what you're saying."
He had always been able to feel what he called the 'shift' when he captured the akuma in his yoyo– when the churning energy shifted from what he often sensed around Lady Noire, to the much calmer sensation he got when he summoned his Lucky Charm. That same energy was always released when his Miraculous Ladybug was... but the whole thing was hard to describe. He knew that both him and Lady could sense energies, but it was basically a whole new sense– something their language wasn't crafted to describe.
"Akuma!"
The shout immediately snapped Adrien out of the thoughts, the cry having come from the front of the school. He bolted towards the nearest window, looking out just in time to see the dark energy washing over a figure in the middle of the school yard. Those outside were swiftly backing away; save for a single person that lingered near them– who Adrien recognized as Kim.
As the energy fully consumed the figure, the akuma now fully visible. She had short white hair, brighter than snow. She wore a single suit that was sleek and shiny, a deep green highlighted with black markings. On her feet were a pair of black roller skates, markings glowing a faint green. Pinned to the center of her chest was a blue and gold brooch, which glowed faintly as the akuma ran a hand across it.
There was a glowing purple mask over her face, showing that Monarch was speaking to her, but she didn't seem to be listening as she held out her hand, a brooch just like the one of her chest materializing into her palm. The only difference was that this was made of white gold, the jewel a green instead of blue.
Kim for some reason wasn't running away from the akuma, only blinking at her as she reached forward, carefully pinning the new brooch to his chest. Adrien tensed as he watched– half prepared for the teen to turn into some roller skating minion or for his eyes to start glowing as he went into a trance– but none of that happened. Instead, Kim just blinked several times, looking down at the brooch, before awkwardly rubbing the back of his head as he said something to the akuma.
The tension in the akuma's shoulders relaxed, and she smiled back at Kim– seeming strangely normal for someone under Monarch's influence. The akuma said something back to Kim, before pausing as another purple mask appeared over her face. The akuma let out a sigh, said something to Kim, before skating away.
Two more brooches appeared in her hand– and she rushed towards those who had been watching the akumatization. Immediately, more shouts filled the air, everyone scrambling as the akuma rushed towards them– including a good amount of students retreating back towards the school.
"Spots on," Adrien said, pushing away from the window, bolting towards the bathroom. He transformed with a flash of pink light, not slowing down as he ran out of the locker room, not wanting to be in sight when those fleeing inside took to the second floor. As he burst into the bathroom he didn't slow– running straight up the wall towards the small window tucked near the ceiling.
Sunlight hit him as he pulled himself up onto the school roof, and debated for a moment if that was how he wanted to make his entrance. When an akuma was at school, he was always quick to arrive, and he didn't want Monarch drawing any connections. So, instead of heading towards the front of the school he ran to the side, yoyo-ing down off of the building to make his appearance from another direction– and hopefully nothing happened in the time he was taking to come from a different direction.
"Dang it," he muttered under his breath– as there was no akuma in sight, only frightened civilians, a good number of them having a pin on their shirt. A few were trying to pull the green brooches off of them, but they seemed to be sealed there by magic.
He threw his yoyo once more, swinging out into the middle of the schoolyard– which of course immediately caught the attention of everyone there. He worriedly eyed those wearing a brooch, remembering all too well how Princess Fragrance had been able to control civilians with her power– but those with a brooch were calling out in the same concerned way as everyone else.
"Crimson Beetle– there was an akuma here!"
"Can you get rid of these things?"
"Aro Dynamix went north!"
"Why weren't you here sooner?"
Crimson Beetle didn't reply to any of them, eyes instead scanning everything around him. The akuma hadn't caused any damage to the school or the people here– so that wasn't who or what had upset her? From what he could tell, there was no pattern to anyone wearing brooches, and clearly the akuma hadn't lingered long enough to tag everyone.
His eyes settled on Kim– both the first one to get a brooch, and the one who had been closest to the akuma. Along with him being someone that he knew personally, Crimson had decided that he would be the one he would be getting some answers from– foremost who was even akumatized– but someone else was already storming towards Kim.
Crimson was surprised to find that it was Aurore that was stomping towards Kim– because he knew that she would probably be the last person to hold anything against someone akumatized or touched by an akuma's power– yet there was a look of rage on her face. He glanced down at her chest, but she wasn't wearing a pin of any kind, meaning that this couldn't be the manipulation of an akuma. Crimson hurried forward, quickly cutting off her course.
"Out of my way," Aurore snapped. "How dare he– he knew, he knew–!"
"Woah, wait a second," Crimson said. "Let's not do anything rash, why are you–?"
"Because he's the reason why Alix is Aro Dynamix now!" Aurore snarled– giving him the name of both the akuma and the victim. "Alix told me that she told him, she told him and he still went and asked her out!"
"Hi, Crimson Beetle!" Kim called, seemingly not aware of the glare that Aurore was throwing his way. "You got here pretty quickly– has the akuma alert already gone off?"
"I just heard some cries and decided to pop in," Crimson began uncertainly, Kim making his way over towards him and Aurore. "Um, apparently this akuma is calling herself Aro Dynamix? Can you tell me what happened?"
"Oh," Kim's expression fell. "It's Alix that got akumatized... it's my fault."
"To say the least–" Aurore began.
"The akuma came right after I asked if she wanted to go on a date." Kim scratched the back of his neck. "Kind of weird to think back on, honestly? You can help her out, though, right?"
"That's the plan," Crimson said. "Do you know where the akuma butterfly went?"
"Yep! It went into the brooch she's wearing– the one I gave her."
"The one on her chest?" Crimson Beetle checked.
"Yep!"
"And she wouldn't have been akumatized if you hadn't done that," Aurore growled, taking a step towards Kim. "Alix told you that she was aromantic– but you still went and asked her out in front of the whole school? And she calls you her best friend!"
Kim stared at Aurore, blinking. "What are you talking about?"
"What do you think I'm talking about?!"
"Um, can we not create more conflicts with an akuma running about?" Crimson asked, as he approached, and Aurore's eyes flashed towards him. "We don't know what these brooches do, and–"
Aurore snorted. "That much I can answer– Aro Dynamix said that whoever wears one won't be interested in romance anymore." Her eyes focused on Kim. "Because apparently even those she trusts don't understand her. Now, when this is all over she'll have to deal with the fallout that comes from being an akuma! Why did you ask her out after she told you she was aromantic?"
Kim stared at her blankly. "What's that?"
Aurore stared right back, before closing her eyes, and forcing herself to take in a deep breath.
When she opened them she looked a bit less angry– though still frustrated. "Okay, you don't know what it means. Sure," Aurore muttered. "Why didn't you ask Alix what it meant when she told you she was aro then?"
Kim's eyes lit up. "Oooo! Yeah, I remember that now! She told me she was an arrow, so I challenged her to a race– because maybe she's as fast as an arrow, but I'm definitely faster." He grinned. "I won, by the way, so I was right."
Aurore had her eyes closed again. "Of course you thought that. Of course."
"So... is that not what she meant?" Kim asked, scratching the back of his head.
"No, aro is short for aromantic," Aurore said, and when both Kim and Crimson were staring at her blankly she let out a groan. "It's used to describe someone that doesn't experience romantic feelings, like me– I'm aroace. And Alix is aro– so, in other words, you really made her uncomfortable when you asked her out, Kim."
"I figured that much," Kim said. "...The uncomfortable part, not this arrow stuff."
"No romantic feelings?" Crimson muttered. "That's... that's horrible." He eyed the brooch on Kim's chest. "And that's what these pins are doing? So everyone that's been given one can no longer...?"
Aurore glowered at him. "You know, if it wasn't for the fact that you just learned what being aro means right now, I would probably hit you."
Crimson glanced at her uncertainly.
"So instead, listen to me carefully, M. Superhero," Aurore said, taking a step towards him. "It's thinking like yours which led to Alix being akumatized. Being aro is not some pity party– it's a part of who we are. She's already had several people act like it's nothing, and when Kim went and did his little Valentine display, she probably felt like her close friend was ignoring how she feels. Instead he was just an idiot."
"Hey!" Kim cried.
"But... I can't not imagine not wanting..."
"Yeah?" Aurore asked. "So? You're not Alix. You're not me. But what you feel doesn't change what we feel." She closed her eyes. "Aro Dynamix... I'm not saying what she's doing as an akuma is necessarily right– but those feelings that were targeted were real. She was hurt," Aurore glanced around the school. "Her powers aren't hurting anyone. She's not controlling anyone– if you were here, you would have heard that her goal is just to make people understand." She glanced at Crimson. "Unfortunately there seems to be a lack of that."
"I... I didn't mean to offend you," Crimson said quickly. "I just..."
He didn't know what, though. The term was new to him, and he would be lying if he said that the meaning didn't surprise him. He honestly had no idea that there were people that didn't experience romantic love– but at the same time he also knew he was sheltered. If it wasn't for Chloe there would be a lot of terms that he didn't know, and apparently there was more.
His thoughts were interrupted by a baton landing next to him, a blur of black that came sliding down. Lady Noire spared Aurore and Kim a quick glance, before looking towards him. "The akuma alert said that there was an akuma here?"
"Was already gone by the time I got here," Crimson reported, mind sliding back into its normal mindset within an attack. "The victim is Alix Kubdel, currently going by 'Aro Dynamix'– green and black akuma form with rollerblades, and witnesses say that the butterfly is in a brooch on her chest."
"It looks like this," Kim said, holding out the green clone on his own shirt. "But blue, I gave it to her."
Lady glanced at it, her eyes flickering about to the others on school grounds with the same pin, all of who were giving the small group a ring of space, eyes flickering towards Lady Noire.
"She can make copies of the brooch," Crimson explained, drawing his partner's attention back towards him.
"According to Alix, whoever wears one won't experience romantic love," Aurore added, and Lady Noire nodded.
"Alright," she said. "Do we know where she went?"
"She headed that way," Kim said, pointing to the street heading north. "Also, her costume had rollerblades, and she was really fast."
"She might have gone to the museum," Aurore offered. "Her father works there, and I know he was pretty dismissive when she first told him that she was aromantic."
"Alright, then," Crimson Beetle said. "Let's head to the Louvre, m'lady."
He drew his yoyo, and her baton was already extended– the two of them rising up towards the roof of the school. Crimson felt like he could breathe just a bit easier away from everyone else, and looked towards his partner. Her gaze was even, looking out at the city– and he was grateful that she hadn't been there for the conversation his class had held about her. And he hoped that she didn't have to hear conversations about that in her own life.
"Crimson?" Lady Noire asked, snapping him from his thoughts. Her bright blue eyes were filled with concern, and his heart melted slightly. His partner was the sweetest thing, but people only saw the power she wielded.
"Sorry, just thinking," he replied. "Let's go catch us an akuma."
With that they leapt towards the next rooftop, heading towards the Louvre.
It seemed that Aurore's prediction had been correct– because as they reached the Louvre there was a large crowd gathered near the glass pyramid, probably a mix of both those who had evacuated the museum and those who had gathered to see what was happening. Police had already formed a barrier between the doors and the streets, only letting people pass who were coming from the museum– most of whom had a green brooch pinned to their clothes.
"Crimson Beetle is here!" Someone shouted– which immediately started a chain reaction. Heads turned towards him and Lady as they stood on a nearby roof, fingers pointing up towards them, more shouts mixing together from the cacophony of voices.
The police looked relieved, and as he and Lady made their way from roof to roof they had to tighten the barriers. They landed on the Louvre Pyramid, before swinging down into the space between the crowd and the museum doors.
"Is the akuma still inside?" He called to the nearest officer.
"Last we saw, yes," she replied. "Cloaked in green, and moving at startling speeds." The officer glanced at a few who were evacuating the museum, the gleaming pins on their shirts. "We're not sure of the effect the akuma has–"
"It's nothing to worry about," Crimson said swiftly– the last thing he needed was for the officers or anyone to create any tension between those who had a brooch and didn't. "I talked to those who were present for the akumatization. Just make sure no one comes into the museum, we don't want anyone to get hurt if there's a fight."
"I hope you'll take the fight outside of the museum," another officer said. "The items inside are priceless."
"Crimson Beetle can fix anything!" Someone trying to get through the barrier shouted. "Don't tell him how to fight!"
"...Come on, Lady," Crimson muttered, turning towards the museum doors. "We need to– Lady?"
Lady Noire had made her way closer to the museum, seemingly waiting for him. She smiled as she made eye contact, her braid-tail swishing behind her. "Let's go, don't want to keep anyone waiting."
Her face was carefully composed– but her fake ears were flat against her head. He watched her for a moment, before deciding not to comment, heading forward. "Let's go."
Yoyo and baton out, they headed into the museum, empty and quiet. This wasn't the first time an akuma had brought them here, but with every exhibit and artifact perfectly in place it didn't feel like that. The two heroes looked at each other, before making their way into another room, gazes constantly looking about so they wouldn't get ambushed by the akuma.
Eventually they found themselves approaching the room where the Mona Lisa was kept– following the echo of voices in the silence of the museum.
"Alix–"
"It's Aro Dynamix now!" A voice snapped. "You can't even get that right, can you?"
Crimson Beetle and Lady Noire slowly entered the room, the broad walls full of paintings, but it was straight ahead where the two speakers lay. Aro Dynamix was standing practically in front of the Mona Lisa, hands curled as she stared up at Alim Kubdel, who was facing towards them. The historian seemed nervous of the akuma, though not frightened, a green brooch pinned to his scarf. His eyes widened slightly when he saw them, but didn't break conversation with the akuma, keeping her focus on him.
"Aro Dynamix, then," he corrected, wiping them on his scarf. "Well–"
It seemed that Monarch had noticed the man's reaction, however– as a glowing outline of a mask appeared over Aro Dynamix's face. She turned on her rollerblades, eyes narrowing on them.
"I'm guessing you're not going to give me the Miraculous?" Aro Dynamix asked. "Because that would really save me a lot of time– and keep Monarch from yammering away in my head."
"You know, I can help you with that," Crimson Beetle offered. "Just give that brooch, and I can make it so Monarch can't say a word to you."
Aro Dynamix smirked. "Yeah, thanks for the offer, but no deal. I'd much rather deal with her and keep my powers, thank you very much."
"The power of decking everyone out in jewelry?" Lady Noire asked.
Aro Dynamix's hands tightened, forming a brooch in her grasp. "No, I'm creating understanding," she said, voice taking on a slight hiss. "I'm tired of people brushing how I feel to the side– and with these powers people can finally understand and respect how I feel."
Aro Dynamix lowered herself into a charging position– before bolting forward on her rollerblades, the brooch in her hand extended towards them. Crimson hesitated for a moment, knowing that being hit wouldn't be a bad thing– but then again he didn't know if there was anything else that the brooches could do. He and Lady Noire sprang to different sides, Aro Dynamix speeding past them.
She turned sharply, sparks flying from her skates as she wheeled about to face them.
"Mr. Kubdel, get out of here," Lady Noire said, extending her baton.
"I'm not done talking to him!" Aro Dynamix shouted– before throwing the brooch in her hands towards them. It didn't make contact, just clattering to the ground as it turned red.
Lady Noire's ears flicked out– before she sprang towards Crimson Beetle. He let out a grunt as she knocked him to the ground– moments before a burst of light flared up, the sudden explosion sending them flying. The pictures above them rattled as they hit the wall, and Alim looked uneasy at this sight.
Crimson and Lady landed in a tangled heap, Aro Dynamix summoning another red brooch. This time Crimson could faintly hear it hissing, and it was launched towards them once more. With Lady on top of him it was easy to scoop her into his arms, speeding away as quickly as he could. He knew that he shouldn't be surprised– because Monarch of course wouldn't leave her akumas without a way to fight them.
"The akuma is in the original brooch," Crimson muttered. "If we can get close we'll probably be in the clear to grab it– she probably doesn't want to get caught in her own explosion."
"Um, Crim?" Lady asked quietly as Crimson took off running as another one of the red explosive brooches was launched at them.
"Got an idea?"
"...I can't fight when you're holding me."
That was when he realized that Lady Noire was still in his arms, being carried bridal style, her face a healthy shade of red. He quickly set her down, hoping that he hadn't made her uncomfortable, but no more words could be exchanged, as yet another red brooch was launched at them.
Crimson Beetle charged forward, trying to get close, while Lady Noire took to climbing up the wall like the cat she was. As her claws neared some of the paintings on the wall Crimson could swear that he could hear Alim letting out a whimper, but with the screeching of Aro Dynamix's skates as she zipped past him, sparks flying, it was hard to tell.
Lady Noire sprang from her perch, attempting to knock Aro Dynamix to the ground from above– but once again she just raced away on her roller skates, Lady hitting the ground. She rolled to her feet, claws curled slightly in frustration. A red brooch was launched towards her– and she hit it away with her bat like a baseball. It was sent flying into a wall– where it exploded next to what were probably priceless paintings. Debris of canvases and frames were sent flying, Crimson not even blinking, the knowledge of his Miraculous Ladybug having long since numbed him to the idea of property damage.
"Lucky Charm!" He cried as the akuma's focus was on Lady Noire, who was climbing up another wall, and he threw his yoyo up into the air. With a flare of pink light the Charm appeared, falling down into his hands. Crimson blinked at the red cylinder, with a thin fuse running out from the top. Save for the red spots on it, the piece of dynamite looked like it had come from a cartoon.
Crimson looked at the Lucky Charm, then at the sparks coming from Aro Dynamix's wheels as she sharply turned. Alim Kubdel had retreated towards the door and away from the fight, but seemed unwilling to leave his akumatized daughter. Right now, though, his eyes were locked on the dynamite in horror.
Crimson Beetle felt like there was no point in hesitating, though– chucking the Lucky Charm forward, so it landed right in front of Aro Dynamix's path. She turned sharply to avoid the new obstacle in her path, the sparks flying from her wheels catching onto the fuse– which began to burn quickly– exploding it a blast of pink light.
Aro Dynamix was sent flying, the magic from the akumatization protecting from the blast, not the force– and she landed on her stomach with a grunt, pushing herself up onto her arms. But with the bulky roller skates on her feet she couldn't rise immediately– allowing Lady Noire to spring down from above.
"Cataclysm!" She cried, slamming Aro Dynamix off of her feet. The akuma instantly began thrashing, and Lady Noire refrained from pinning her prey until they had flipped over onto her back– one arm grabbed the wrist of the akuma who was trying to summon another brooch, her ringed hand brushing against the one on her chest.
The brooch crumbled to ash, the small dark butterfly flying up from the remains. Immediately his yoyo shot forward, snatching the butterfly from its flight.
Dark energy bubbled around Aro Dynamix, Lady Noire quickly retreating as the akumatization fell away, leaving a confused Alix in her place. The pink haired girl pushed herself up into a sitting position, slowly blinking as she looked about the room. She paled slightly as she watched Crimson release the purified butterfly from his yoyo.
"Crap," she muttered. "Please don't tell me I was akumatized."
"Alix!" Alim cried, hurrying forward. He didn't look at the tattered paintings about them, just scooping up his daughter into a hug. Her cheeks burned as she was lifted off of the ground.
"D-dad!"
"How do you think I felt when I saw you burst into here akumatized! Worried– and not a thing I can do to help you!"
"Wait– did I blow up the Mona Lisa?!"
"Actually, that was me," Crimson Beetle said, making his way over to some of the remains of the dynamite. He picked up some of the shell, turning it over before throwing it into the air. "Miraculous Ladybug!"
Instantly, it and the rest of the Lucky Charm became a wave of bright pink light, swooping throughout the room. Scorch marks from explosions vanished, paintings flying back to the wall and becoming whole. Some of the light descended onto the remains of the Cataclysmed brooch, restoring it back to pristine condition, though leaving laying on the floor.
When Alix was released from her father's strangling hug her eyes fell onto it, before looking away. Crimson scooped it up, approaching Alix– who swiftly took it from the hero without saying the word.
"Make sure you talk to him," Crimson finally said after a moment, and Alim frowned between the two of them. "I... I don't think things got fully through to him."
"Sounds like Kim..." Alix muttered.
Crimson smiled. "Things will be fine, trust me."
He wasn't able to say any more, as the two Kubdels were beginning to back away. He frowned slightly, but moments later Lady Noire appeared at his side. Her eyes weren't quite landing on him, glancing towards Alix and Alim, and Crimson extended a close fist towards her.
"Pound it?" He asked with a smile.
"Pound it," she replied softly, gently bumping fists with him.
"Hey," Crimson Beetle said as he swung down in front of Aurore, the school grounds nearly empty. The blonde watched him coolly as he landed, before looking out towards the streets.
"Hmm. Not like the heroes to hang out once the akuma is gone," she said.
"I just wanted to talk to you," Crimson said, hesitating slightly. "To apologize, actually. My comments earlier were kind of insensitive."
"They were," Aurore said. "But I don't think you meant it that way, did you?"
"No," Crimson said, looking away. "But that doesn't change the fact that I said it. I've just never heard of aromanticism before, and it honestly surprised me a bit. Guess the idea of a perfect romance has been in my mind for so long that I never imagined someone not wanting that." He gave an uncertain smile. "But I am really sorry for what I said."
Aurore smiled. "Heh, apology accepted, Bug."
His shoulders relaxed. "Thanks."
"This is weird, you know," Aurore said. "Talking to a hero. You two just show up, then vanish so quickly. I think Alya would have a heart attack if she realized I was just casually talking to you."
He shrugged. "I wouldn't mind being more open, but Parisians just haven't been treating m'lady well– I have nothing to say to them. I only came by now because I wanted to apologize."
"Is Lady Noire part of the 'picture perfect romance' you were talking about?" Aurore asked.
"Me and Lady...? "Crimson Beetle blinked. "Oh– no no, we're just partners! I guess I can see where that came from, since we work together a lot." He smiled. "I have my eyes set on someone outside the mask, actually."
Aurore watched him. "So you guys do just live in Paris, then, when you aren't heroes?"
"...Yes," he said after a moment of consideration. "I can't say much more, but my life is more than just the mask."
"Guess that crosses out the alien theory," Aurore said with a grin. "Unless you're just chilling among us?"
"No comment," Crimson said with a smile, drawing his yoyo.
"Crimson Beetle," Aurore said, causing him to pause. "I know you're upset with how Paris is treating Lady Noire– but maybe hearing from you guys is exactly what they need to hear. You've been heroes for so long, but no one really knows anything about you two– everything is just really guesses at this point."
He didn't say anything.
"If you really are human... then let people see that." Aurore continued. "That's how things got better for me, and the other akuma victims. Maybe things would get better for Lady, too."
"I'll think about it," he said after a moment. "Thanks, Aurore."
With that he threw his yoyo, swinging away. Her words stuck in his mind– and he saw the truth in it. People didn't know Lady like he did, they didn't get to talk to her and see her cute and silly side. All they saw of them was in the heat of battle, and clearly they needed to see more.
Alix found Kim at the park where they often had races.
He lit up when he saw her, waving one hand over his head as she approached, and she took in a deep breath. Kim's expression was warm, but he didn't give her a loud booming 'hello!' as he often did when they met up. She just sat down on the same bench as him, not quite making eye contact– and Kim started whistling loudly.
Finally she looked up at him, and he smiled in reply.
"So," Alix said, breaking the silence. "You like me, then, huh?"
"Yep!" He said with no hesitation, and he scratched the back of his head. "But you don't feel that way, then, huh?"
Alix let out a long sigh. "Never have, and never will." She replied, and she looked out at the park. "Aurore told me that you didn't exactly get the memo, though, when I told you."
"Yeah, sorry about that," Kim scratched the back of his head. "I wouldn't have done that if I had known that's what you meant. I just thought you were talking about how you've gotten faster after losing to me in our last race–"
Alix sat up. "Excuse me? I'm the one that won that race!"
Kim snorted. "In your dreams! Your legs are too short to win unless you strap wheels to your feet!"
"Oh? If rollerblades make me so much faster then they must make you like a bullet," Alix said, crossing her arms. "So, me and you, skating race. I'd crush you."
"You're on!" Kim said with a grin. "And the only one doing any crushing will be me!"
"We'll see about that," Alix said, smirking, then she hesitated slightly. "...So... going back to our old normal?" She asked quietly. "You're okay with that?"
Kim looked at her in bewilderment. "Why shouldn't I be?"
"Because... well, I rejected you?" Alix asked. "Doesn't that make things awkward?"
"Well, to be fair you never actually rejected me," Kim said. "You just stood there until you were akumatized– then started skating about the city like there was no tomorrow." He shrugged. "But the whole being aro-romantic thing that means your answer is a no then, right?"
"Aromantic," Alix said. "...but, yeah."
"Okay."
"Really? Just okay?"
Kim blinked at her. "Why not? It's your choice. You said no. Why does that have to be awkward?"
Alix just shook her head. "From what I have seen, it usually does."
"Well, that's stupid," Kim said. "Why would I have asked you if that was going to be a possible outcome?"
Alix let out a snort. "You never cease to surprise me, Kim."
"Why?" He asked, tilting his head. "Why should me asking ruin our friendship just because we didn't end up dating? Is it not that simple? Is being aro-romantic not that simple?"
"...It is that simple." Alix looked away. "Some people just don't see it that way. Guess I'm too used to that."
"Did something happen?"
Alix let out a long sigh. "When I told my old man... he told me that it was silly. That I was young and when I met the right person I would see things differently."
"Oh," Kim said, furrowing his brow.
"It's not that I haven't met the right person yet," Alix said with a slight growl. "I know how I feel. I have never felt that way towards anyone before, and I don't want that kind of relationship, either. Honestly, it always kind of grossed me out, all the mushy stuff." She closed her eyes. "I'm happy how I am, I don't need someone to come along for magic and sunsets– what's wrong with what I have?"
"Absolutely nothing," Kim said, puffing up. "You got me as your best friend after all– you need someone to crush you in races to keep your ego in check!"
Alix smirked. "If anyone needs to rein in their ego, it's you."
"Let's have that rollerblade race right now then!"
"You're so going down!"
A half hour later Alix was zipping through the park, grinning as she swiftly skated past several groups of people, looking over her shoulder, watching as Kim tried to keep his balance in his borrowed skates. The boy was glowering at her as she did a quick loop around him– before twisting around and skating backwards with her tongue out.
He replied by trying to gain speed while basically shuffling his feet– giving him next to no traction. Kim looked up at her one more time, then opened his mouth in warning. "Alix, behind–"
He didn't get to finish– as Alix crashed into someone as she glided backwards. She let out a grunt, a giant hand reaching out to balance her as she nearly fell forward. She was quick to gain her balance, the hand letting out as she turned around. She was about to apologize– but instead she blurted out:
"What are you, a mountain?"
The man was a giant– easily towering close to seven feet. Rippling muscles that she couldn't help but be slightly jealous of, carrying a bag of pastries with the Dupain-Cheng logo on them– another thing to be jealous of. Again she opened her mouth to apologize, but she couldn't help but paused as she stared at the man, because he seemed slightly familiar.
"...Who are you?" Alix demanded after a moment, once she couldn't place him.
The man grinned. "Just a visitor."
"Alix!" Kim whined from behind her. "How am I supposed to move in these things?"
"I thought you were going to beat me in a race– shouldn't you be an expert?"
"Alix!"
The man grinned. "You gotta push off and glide with skates," he said. "It's more like ice skates than it is shoes. You've gone ice skating before– give it a try."
Kim, who was crouched down, arms out for balance, stared at the man with narrowed eyes. He slowly pushed himself up a bit, pressing off with one foot, then the other. It was still far from perfect, wobbling for balance, but he actually moved forward a little. Kim instantly started grinning, pushing off a bit more, getting himself to move forward– and soon it was moving past Alix and the man.
"Alix! How do I stop?" He cried.
Alix grinned. "Falling down is the quickest way."
He managed to keep himself from crashing into a brick wall, arms held out to brace himself, leaning against the top of the wall as he tried to find his balance once more. Alix skated over towards him, the familiarity of the man she had crashed into forgotten. The man watched the two teens for a moment with a smile, reaching into the bag in his hands, pulling out a macaron and popping it into his mouth.
"What in Xuppu's name do you think you're doing?" A voice hissed behind him, causing him to jump. He turned around in time to see a pair of blazing blue eyes glowering up at him.
He smiled. "Just grabbing a bite to eat before we go– ow!"
The woman grabbed his arm, pulling him away before he could say another word. The woman had bright red hair, and looked absolutely tiny next to him, but that didn't stop her from being able to basically drag him away. She pulled him off the path and through the lawn– and didn't stop until they were among the trees and bushes.
"What was that for?" He asked with a huff as she finally let go, and he rubbed where he had grabbed his arm.
The woman crossed her arms, which were covered in tattoos of flowers and scales. A jet black headband was tucked into her hair, and two small creatures were now sitting on her shoulders– one a small monkey, and the other a snow white rabbit.
"You were interacting with our past selves!" Alix hissed.
Kim crossed his arms. "Well, first of all, you were the one that crashed into me. Second of all– don't you remember that happening? I do."
Alix face palmed. "No, I don't remember– why would I remember some random person?"
"Third of all, it was your idea to stop here," Kim finished, reaching into the bag of pastries, fishing out another one.
"Also– what were you thinking, buying something? I do not want to fix another incident of you crashing the French economy again!"
Kim huffed. "Don't worry, I found the cash on the street, I didn't add more money to this time and throw anything off." His voice fell to a mutter. "Besides, Fluff said that was a result of several factors, not just me buying lunch."
"One bag of pastries won't affect anything," Fluff agreed, drifting off of Alix's shoulder, the Rabbit settling on Kim's. "Besides, you might as well enjoy the treat– our next location won't have quite as modern cuisine."
"Wonderful," Alix muttered. "Hear that, Xuppu? No complaining– you get what you get."
"You did pack bananas, right?" The Monkey asked in worry.
"Yep. But they won't last forever."
"Where are we heading anyways, Fluff?" Kim asked, holding up his wrist, displaying what looked to be a high tech smartwatch, the sleek screen currently displaying a timer. Fluff paused, ears twitching as she tilted her head.
"If I remember correctly, I told my previous holder to meet up with us on the banks of the Nile during the summer solstice in Egypt, 1204 BC."
"You got it!" Kim said, pumping a fist. "Fluff– clockwise!"
Fluff turned into a burst of blue light, being drawn towards the smartwatch on his wrist. As she made contact with the Miraculous, it shifted, becoming a white and blue pocket watch. He grabbed it from the air as it was no longer strapped to his wrist, the light surrounding him as he transformed.
"Xuppu, showtime," Alix echoed, turning her kwami into a burst of golden light, transforming herself as well. As the light show ended the two heroes stood there among the trees– Cottontail giving Apex a grin.
"So, why did you want us to stop here, anyways?" Cottontail asked as he unslung the umbrella on his back, pointing it in front of him. "Burrow!"
The portal appeared in front of them, and Apex smiled. "Oh, I just thought it would be a good way to psyche me up before a mission, visiting this day again."
"How?"
Apex grinned at him. "It helps remind me that you're not always an idiot."
"Hey!" Cottontail cried as Apex fell back into the portal– and he leaped in after her, the Burrow winking out of existence.