Chapter 29

The next week at night the four superheroes Ladybug, Cat Noir, Fire King and Lady Frost reunited together at the roundabout in front of the Louvre, followed by Rena Rouge carrying on her arms the citizen, which had been akumatized before.

„Great job guys," Complimented Ladybug. „Lady Frost, Fire King, your teamwork tonight was remarkable. Keep up the good work, you're going the right way,"

„Meow!" Commented Cat Noir making Lady Frost chuckle and look at Fire King, which gave his partner a thumb up, afterward she held up her fist and did the fist bump with him.

„Pound it!" Spoke Cat Noir and Ladybug at the same time as they did the same thing as the rookies.

„Guys, I've gotta bring him back into the Louvre, I might leave later on, because of my time limit," Warned the fox-themed superheroine making Ladybug nod.

„Sure, I'll leave as well. I haven't been able to finish my homework for tomorrow," Commented Ladybug making Cat Noir nod.

„Want some help?" Suggested Cat Noir. „I'm a fur-tastic A-student,"

„It's fine Cat. I can manage that on my own, thank you,"

„Wow I'm glad I've got them done," Mentioned Fire King making the ice-themed heroine nod.

„I try to finish them first when I've got the chance. I was lucky to have them done before,"

„That's good for you. See you three next time," Wished Ladybug taking out her yo-yo to swing away. Cat Noir saluted with his index and middle finger at the friends and left, leaving the two alone.

„Another akuma got defeated. I'm getting more excited with every time we're successful. Being a superhero is so cool,"

„That's great," Commented Lady Frost. „I like to help people as well. The fact of being a superheroine and still struggling with the use of it makes it a little difficult,"

„You heard Ladybug. It's getting better, thanks to the few times we practiced together. You have your own way to ride across the city. It's not as great as swinging around or jumping above buildings, but it's quite useful,"

„Yeah you're right, King," Commented the blonde, then Fire King began to think and was observed by the blonde.

„Lady Frost. Are you interested in taking a walk or a ride around the city?" Questioned Fire King, making Lady Frost chuckle.

„I'd love to, but the girls at my home planned a karaoke night and asked me to participate. I promise you next time we can hang out together or train,"

„Sure, it's fine. I then will study for school or do something else, I'll see what I come to," Responded the redhead making the blonde smile.

„Goodbye, King," Wished Lady Frost waving at the male hero.

„Adios, Frosty," Said the redhead making Lady Frost snicker.

„I told you I don't like that name,"

„Hehe, I know I just haven't come up with one yet,"

„You don't have to. Lady Frost is sufficient,"

„Alright…..wait…..what about…..Blanca de Nieves?" Suggested Fire King making the girl snort.

„Really?"

„Or Princesa de Nieves, Princesa del hielo?,"

„No, you don't have to,"

„Okay, it's alright…..I think I will go home as well," Announced Fire King. „Goodbye," Said Fire King running away, leaving the superheroine back, which shook her head amused at the silliness of the partner and made her way back home as well.

At the other side of Paris, Alfida stood in front of the entrance of a building waiting for someone to open up for a little while. Kai sat on the stairs with his arms crossed looking down at his feet neutrally.

Alfida pressed the ring again, then crossed her arms waiting for someone to show up and open the door, but nothing happened. Alfida sighed, then sat down next to Kai.

„This was the 14th so-called youth home we rang. We can give it a try tomorrow and see what they answer us. It's already late and we haven't found us a place to sleep.

„Okay, it's alright," Responded Kai, then gave Alfida their map along with a pen, then Alfida encircled the place of the current youth home to be aware, they had to go there again.

„Have you got another idea, where else Gerda could go besides the youth home? Like, what if she got adopted or what if she's found a job and lives there in the near?"

„She could also be in a school," Commented Kai. „You heard from Hendrick and Klaas, that school is mandatory in Europe and most of them is financed by the kingdom or someone else."

„Well that is a good possibility," Mentioned Alfida searching around the map for various types of school. „They seem to be around 50 schools or more on this map, then there are schools like professional school, boarding school, Swiss, German…...then here we got again boarding school…..Music, Tech….Yoga ….National super-whatsoever arts-decors, Yoga again…..I'm not even sure if that's how the school is called…..this sounds like that place from that one legend of Lady Iduna and…..there are way more schools. The hard part will be to know, which sort of schools we should pass by. I don't think looking for Gerda at the elementary school will be any helpful,"

„She could have a job there and I don't know, babysit kids there?" Suggested Kai making Alfida shrug her shoulders.

„Maybe checking all of them would still be good," Commented Alfida. „If we make it to find anyone to help us in a way to find Gerda, that would be great,"
„Maybe we can find some students, that could help us write letters to get Gerda's attention and maybe if it works we can find each other easier,"

„It's worth trying. Maybe there's another option, that will help us find her,"

„Is it okay then, if we stick with this plan?" Questioned Kai. „We walk through all schools, look for her and question students if they know her?"

„I think it's a good start. We can always look for other options tomorrow when we start,"

„Yes you're right. Man, almost a month passed by, where we began to look for Gerda…..well make our way up to here I mean,"

„It's crazy, right?" Agreed Alfida. „I have no idea how long this is going to take us into finding Gerda at the moment, but I am certain that now it's just a matter of time. We're here, where we're supposed to be. We just gotta be patient and you will see, we'll find her faster, than….uh a train," Finished Alfida making Kai chuckle.

„I can't wait for that day," Confessed Kai leaning his head on Alfida's making her chuckle and peck him on his forehead. „Who knows, maybe we will find her tomorrow or just imagine, we been closer to her than, we expected. That would be awesome," Commented Kai, making Alfida chuckle and look at the map to continue to look for other tags on the map. Above the building passed by Lady Frost sliding on a path she had been creating while traveling up top.

The next morning the students were all in their classes attending the lessons and Gerda was present as well. Throughout the lessons, Myléne Hapréle was collecting the homework from all students and in the front of the class stood Miss Bustier talking to the students.

"Students, next Saturday will be the long-awaited prom night. Long-awaited for most of you I'd say. I really hope to see all of you there. It will have a competition where we can choose the Prom King and the Prom Queen. The one with the most votes wins,"

"Do we really have to come?" Questioned Nathaniel unpleased with the announcement.

"Come on dude. Who knows, maybe you will win the prize," Stated Nino making Adrien nod.

"We've got Adrien in our school. He's going to win the competition anyway," Commented Nathaniel making Adrien chuckle.

"Don't worry, My father won't let me come to the prom night. At least, there is a 95% possible, that he won't let me go" Adrien mentioned.

"There you go, you've got a chance," Nino added. "You're out of the class our second most handsome guy,"

"I don't think so," Commented Nathaniel, then he heard Rose interrupt.

"You are one cute boy, Nathaniel. You're definitely going to win. We all will make sure you win, I promise,"

"Yeah, unless someone else from another class wins. The competition is for all classes, right Miss Bustier?" Asked Kim making the brunette nod.

"All classes above the 10th grade," Responded the teacher.

"So this means Luka will be present too, Jule," Mentioned Rose looking at the tall girl beside her, which nodded.

"And his friend Rollan," Commented Juleka. "Many girls find him handsome,"

"Rollan?" Questioned Nathaniel. "Oh, you mean the new guy, right?" Asked the redhead making Rose nod.

"Don't worry, we promise we will all vote for you….maybe Gerda is the only exception," Added Rose making Gerda frown.

"Hey I was convinced to help Nathaniel out," Commented Gerda crossing her arms jokingly.

"If we're all discussing right now, who you will pick for Prom King, what about we discuss the female counterpart?" Chloé suggested. "I think I'm the most perfect fit for it,"

"Nah I'd rather vote for Lila," Commented the Morrocan boy looking back at the Italian girl, which had been listening to the redhead's conversation and got Nino's attention.

"Oh that would be great, but sadly I can't participate in it," Mentioned the brunette.

"Well, then I go with Alya or Marinette," Nino commented.

"I'll go with Alya or Rose," Added Marinette making the class teacher chuckle.

"Alright I see you're all interested in the prom, but let's focus on our class. The prom invitation has been sent into your profile, fill in the empty lines and return it. By the way, there's going to be another invitation about needing a confirmation, that we can print out images from the prom and hang it out around the school. That has to be signed as well,"

"Okay," The students responded.

"So students, I'd like you to take out your history book and open it up on page 57 and read it until page 59, before the new category begins," Mentioned Miss Bustier looking at the students taking out their books.

"The royal monarchy?" Quoted Max, then Kim dropped his head on his book.

"Boring!"

"They just have Monaco and England on it," Commented Gerda moving the page to search for more monarchs. "Oh but there's a list of the previous ones,"

"I think the page is all about the good and the bad times throughout all the centuries. At least this is what I think about. They're the most known ones in our time," Mentioned Ivan, which began to read the page.

"Okay," Commented Gerda looking at her book to read along with the other classmates.

In the meanwhile, Adrien shove out his smartphone of his pocket to see he had received from Kagami a message, then he unlocked his phone to send the letter K, confirming the entrance of the message and shove it back. Adrien looked around, then packed his stomach with both his hands and began to groan.

"Oh boy, I think I have to go urgently to the restroom, Miss Bustier. I've got a terrible pain in my stomach," Warned Adrien getting up from his seat making Miss Bustier nod.

"Are you going to be okay?" Asked Miss Bustier a little worried, making Adrien nod.

"Miss Bustier, I will go afterward to the nursery room and ask her for help in case Adrien doesn't return," Warned Alya making the teacher nod and Adrien left the classroom, then headed to the stairs opening his jacket for Plagg to come out.

"You're good. You're giving lately the same excuse and she bought them," Complimented the kwami making Adrien smile.

"I try to make sure it works," Commented Adrien taking a bit of Camembert out of his jacket. "Come on, we have to arrive there unnoticed," Warned the blonde watching the kwami gulp the entire cheese at once.

"Done, now say the magic words," Commanded Plagg making Adrien smirk.

"Plagg, Claws out!"

Cat Noir jumped from above the school roof and headed to the Agreste mansion, then before he approached the house, he destransformed back into his civilian self and went by foot at the house, where Kagami was waiting for him.

"I'm here," Mentioned Adrien. "My father told me this morning he would arrive at midday to be present for lunch…..and by that he means he's around the house and I'm on my own during lunch," Adrien corrected with a frown. "As always,"

"Okay, so that means we have now about 3 hours time to look for anything suspicious,"

"Exactly," Commented Adrien. "Now follow me, the first place we will start is the place he spends most of his time… The office," announced Adrien shoving his arm between the grids of the gate to open it from the other side. "After you, M'lady," Offered Adrien, then Kagami glared at the blonde unimpressed. "What?"

"It's not necessary to do that," Mentioned Kagami, then Adrien sank his head down.

"I just wanted to be polite," Responded Adrien following the girl, while scratching his neck. "I didn't want to be intrusive,"

"That's okay, I just wanted to let you know that. I'm sorry if I hurt you in a way,"

"It's fine, I got your reason," Admitted the blonde walking upstairs to enter into the manor quietly to look if anyone was around. "The place is clear," Warned Adrien and walked into it carefully, heading to the office. Adrien glimpsed into it to see it was empty, thereafter he got into it along with the blue-haired girl and closed the door. Kagami took the chair from the office to block the door, then looked at Adrien heading to the portrait of his mother and Kagami followed the ex-boyfriend.

"The portrait of your mom could have something hiding behind it?" Questioned Kagami, then looked aside and watched Adrien move it aside to reveal to her the safe. "You knew about that?" Questioned Kagami making Adrien nod.

"In here I found once a mysterious book about the miraculous holders in a foreign language, but somehow my father caught me….or I think it was Nathalie," Stated Adrien. "They had it on video,"

"Wait….you're telling me this room is video recorded?" Asked Kagami in shock. "Why didn't you warn me?"

"I did…..okay more about the outside, but my dad won't ever check it out unless it's necessary. Trust me, nothing will happen,"

"I'm not quite convinced if I should trust you again, after our last time,"

"I had thought you'd say that again," Commented Adrien, then Kagami walked away making Adrien look neutral at her and see her stop at the window to look out. "What are you doing?"

"I'm watching out in case your father or someone else shows up. It's up to you, if you trust me," Replied Kagami making Adrien smile and look at the safe of his father, then rolled his eyes at Plagg, which flew into the safe to unlock it and Adrien pulled it back to see the exact same things in it. Adrien shook his head and closed it, then placed the portrait of his mother back and pondered about what to do next.

"Did you tell an exact time for Ladybug to be here?" Questioned Kagami making Adrien shake his head.

"I just told her in the morning. I didn't exactly tell her what time," Answered Adrien.

"Well okay, let's hope she won't come late," Spoke Kagami.

"We're talking about Ladybug. I mean if she comes late she must have a reasonable motive. Maybe an akuma broke out, she hasn't been able to leave her place as a civilian to get here. There are various options," Suggested Adrien, then began to pass his hand over the portrait of his mother. Kagami glanced back at Adrien to see him pat the image of the portrait making Kagami a little sad.

"Wherever your mother is right now, she's out there watching over you," Commented Kagami looking at Adrien nodding while caressing the picture. Kagami looked back at the window to see Adrien's reflection on it.

Adrien stopped moving his hands as he noticed one of the triangles moved into the picture, making Adrien furrow his eyebrow.

"Kagami? I think I've found something," Mentioned Adrien looking back at Kagami, which came back and watched Adrien press with one of his fingers on the portrait.

"Huh, that's odd," Mentioned Kagami, then took out her smartphone to record Adrien pressing the button. "Do you think there are more buttons hidden in it?"

"Yeah, maybe there is something hidden behind the full picture?" Adrien mentioned, then Kagami stood back watching the friend search with his fingers for more buttons, then encountered next to his finger another button, now having pressed tight two.

"Hmm maybe there is more somewhere down here," Commented Adrien using his index and middle finger to sense for any loose buttons, then encountered the last two and smiled. A small, electronic noise was heard by the two, then Adrien took away his hands and looked around, while Kagami held her smartphone towards the ex watching the surroundings as well, therefore under Adrien's feet a circle platform unfixed itself from the bottom and descended down surprising Adrien along with Kagami.

"Where is this going?" Asked Adrien and Kagami recorded the boy disappearing into the ground.

"Hold on Adrien, I'm gonna get you out of there," Warned Kagami running at the window to see if Ladybug or any other hero had arrived.

"What is taking so long?" Asked Kagami inpatient after losing the friend in the foreign place.

Adrien arrived along with Plagg in the strange repository and looked around, estranged about its existence.

"Did you know anything about this place?" Asked Adrien making Plagg shake his head.

"You've been living for like 15 years in this house and did not know it?" Questioned the kwami making Adrien frown. "What? I'm spitting facts,"

"We better check this out," Commented Adrien, then he took out his smartphone to see if he could call Kagami, then it got declined automatically as it had no net. "Okay, but we can use the camera instead," Announced Adrien turning it on to record and approached the bridge to record the whole room. "This reminds me of those secret underground turtles from Teenage Samurai Turtles," Commented Adrien looking at Plagg, which squinted his eyes and pointed at the end of the room, where a bunch of bushes was located and in the middle was a capsule-like coffin. Adrien squinted his eyes as well and stopped in the middle of the way, staring to realize, what might be at the end of the corridor. "No…..no, this can't be!" Adrien cried running along the corridor to encounter the coffin and in there lied the lifeless body of his mother. "Maman!" Shouted Adrien dropping the smartphone on the ground, which continued recording. Plagg flew down to move the smartphone up to show a heartbroken Adrien knocking on the glass coffin hoping to wake her up.

"Maman?! Can you hear me?" Asked the blonde getting tearful by the look of the woman.

Plagg pondered about his holder's state, then he dropped the smartphone and approached the holder to pat him on his head.

"Adrien we gotta focus, we're still not sure if your dad really is Hawk Moth," Mentioned Plagg, then Adrien got up and tried to calm down and while he did that Plagg flew across the bushes to spot a cage filled with butterflies, making Plagg drop his mouth. "Oh boy, Adrien you better take your smartphone and catch this as well,"

Adrien stood in front of his mother trying to calm down, then Plagg returned to see Adrien's state and decided to pick up the phone on his place and went to the cage with the butterflies to show them on the video. Plagg looked up at the corridor, where they got in to see no one had come to the conclusion to enter into the mysterious area yet and he moved around the cage to pick up more material.

Adrien passed by the bushes to encounter the cage with the butterflies, then shut his eyes up in shock finding out, in fact, that all the clues that were collected about his father really led him to be Hawk Moth.

"Ahhhhh!" Yelled Adrien angry running at the cage to rip off the door, then the butterflies flew out in groups, while Adrien watched them with an annoyed face.

"Wow good idea, now your dad…..Hawk Moth…..uh you know what I mean, won't have a chance to create more villains," Commented Plagg, then Adrien fell down on his knees covering his face, making the kwami sank down his ears.

On the outside, Kagami saw Ladybug show up along with Rena Rouge, then the girl waved at the two superheroines and Ladybug landed in front of the Japanese girl and Rena Rouge stood on top of the roof giving Ladybug a thumb up.

"Sorry for the delay. Have you two figured out something?" Asked Ladybug watching Kagami hold out her smartphone to show Adrien click on the buttons from his mother's portrait, afterward the ground took Adrien down.

"Good, I will go down and see if he's okay. If I don't show up the next five minutes, warn Rena Rouge to reunite the other superheroes. I've discussed with her an emergency plan,"

"Sure, I'll do," Answered Kagami running along with the superheroine into the office of the Frenchman, then at the portrait Ladybug tried her luck into finding her way into the repository.

"It worked," Answered Ladybug seeing the platform lead her down into the unknown repository and Ladybug noticed Adrien at the other end of the corridor standing looking at the coffin. "Is that….?" Questioned Ladybug herself, then widened her eyes beginning to have an idea of what it could, be then raced towards the boy as she arrived on the ground.

"Adrien! Is everything okay?" Asked Ladybug spotting the mother of the boy inside the coffin, then gasped as she saw the woman inside the coffin. "How is…..what is she doing here?" Questioned Ladybug, then above her passed a group of butterflies heading towards the light, that shined down at the coffin. "The butterflies…...your father…..your father really is Hawk Moth?" Asked Ladybug looking at Adrien, which passed his hands in front of his eyes getting back into crying again, but gave his best to keep it back.

"You were right Ladybug," Mentioned Adrien, then Ladybug patted the friend behind his back.

"Calm down. Let's get out of here. We have to get out of here fast," Warned Ladybug putting Adrien in her arms, then ran along with him over the bridge.

"But what will be with my mother?" Questioned Adrien. "We can't leave her here,"

"I know we can't. We have to come back another day. We will need a good, good plan to take down Hawk Moth and get your mother out of here. Rena and Kagami are out there, I will tell them what happened and at one point of the day we meet and discuss, what we should do,"

"Sure," Responded Adrien, then Ladybug dropped Adrien on the platform, which levitated up leading Adrien up into the office of his father while Ladybug waited for her turn.