"Chat Noir?"

Adrien gave Master Fu a smile, "Can I come in?"

Fu stepped aside and let the young man in. After taking off his shoes and his coat he followed the old man into the parlor.

"Is there any reason you've come to visit me?"

"To return something." Adrien reached into his pocket and brought out the small ornate box that had been given to him.

"Are you resigning as Chat Noir already?" Master Fu looked concerned. He reached forward and opened the box, suddenly a smile lit up the old man's face. "Where did you find this?"

"It was given to me." Adrien said watching as his master lifted up the jewelry and a small creature flew out.

"Given to you?" Master Fu examined Wayzz for any injuries.

"Yes. Someone left a brown package on my doorstep and this was what was in it."

"The thief willingly gave you a miraculous?"

Adrien shrugged, "I don't know. I haven't figured out who left the package yet. But I'm not the only one. Yesterday Ladybug and I met the new Volpina."

"You found the fox miraculous." Master Fu started pacing.

"The new Volpina claims that she was given the miraculous just like I was." Adrien continued, "I think she's telling the truth after all she did try and fight the akuma before LB and I got there." Adrien stopped and watched as Fu continued to pace, "You're worried?"

"I am. I had assumed that the thief wanted to use the kwami's for himself, but if he is giving them to others-"

"He's trying to build a team." Adrien finished.

"Yes." Master Fu stopped pacing and looked Adrien up and down, "Where is Plagg?"

Adrien looked at his bare finger where Chat Noir's ring used to be. "I needed to talk to you, without him."

"About what?"

"Yesterday, when I met Volpina... Her kwami took over her body and started talking to Plagg. She mentioned a past Chat Noir, Philip."

"Philip was the Chat Noir before you."

"I know... What happened to him?" Adrien asked, "I know he's dead... but... The way Plagg talked about it, I can only guess it wasn't a natural death."

Fu shared a look with Wayzz, "I'll tell you as much as I can. Philip may have been lost at the beginning, but by the end of his life he had changed. He was a good man who made many mistakes, but he was still a good man." Master Fu looked sadly at Adrien, "You're right to assume he did not die naturally. Philip was killed in battle. He died protecting innocent lives."

"You can't tell me anymore? How did he become Chat Noir? What mistakes did he make-"

Fu held up his hand to silence Adrien, "I can't tell you. This is not my story to tell, and parts of it are not for anyone to know. At least not yet." Fu gave him a smile, "You should put that ring back on, It isn't good to walk around without it."

"There's one more thing. Fanna mentioned someone, Elle." Master Fu visibly stiffened at the name, "Plagg said she was Chat Noir's Fiance-"

"I'm sorry Adrien, but that's a part of the story I can't tell."

"But I keep seeing her." Adrien protested, Master Fu's eyes widened, "I had this memory of her. She told me something my mother always used to tell me. I've never had this memory before. I don't know what it is or what it means."

There was a brief silence between them, "It could be, that you are remembering pieces from Plagg's past."

"Then why would she be telling me what my mother always told me?"

"Perhaps that's where your mother learned it." Master Fu gave a gentle shrug of his shoulders, "It's best not to dwell on the past Chat Noir, it can't be changed. Right now in front of you is your own life, one that you can change and control."

"Thank you." Adrien said, before standing and going to get his coat.

"Chat Noir?"

Adrien looked back at the old man.

"Thank you for bringing me back Wayzz."

Adrien smiled, "Your welcome." He went to grab the door and saw a familiar face opening it. "Marinette?"

Marinette stood confused at the door before her shock went away, "Adrien... What are you doing here?"

"I just had to drop something off." He turned and gave Master Fu a very Chat like grin. "What about you Mari?"

"Oh, this is my great uncle's shop." Marinette gave a little laugh trying to ignore Master Fu's raised eyebrow.

"Right! Alya told me that."

"She did?"

"Yeah. When she was in the hospital. She kind of interrogated me."

Marinette laughed a little, "Yeah that's Alya."

They stood awkwardly for a moment before both tried to speak at the same time.

"Well I got to-"

"I'm just going to-"

"Sorry!" They both said again.

Adrien laughed good naturedly and stepped aside to let Marinette in. "See ya Mari."

"Yeah. See ya."

When Adrien left Marinette turned her attention back to Master Fu.

"So I'm your Great Uncle?" He seemed amused.

"Sorry, my friend cornered me and I couldn't think of another excuse."

"That's quite alright Ladybug." Fu still seemed amused as he led the way into the main room.

"Is there any reason you've come to see me?"

Tikki flew out of Marinette's purse and took a seat on the table. Shortly after Wayzz popped out of the bookcase and went to join her.

"You got Wayzz back?"

"Yes. Whoever had him gave him back to me." Fu answered smiling at the Kwami.

"Who was it?" Marinette took a seat behind Tikki.

"I can't tell you that Ladybug, you know i can't." Master Fu grabbed his usual pot of tea and placed it between them. "Why have you come to see me? I'm guessing it's not just to give your Great Uncle a visit."

"We found the fox miraculous." Marinette said, "The thief gave it to someone and we met them during the akuma attack."

"Yes. Chat Noir told me."

"Should we trust them?" Marinette asked anxiously, "If they were given the miraculous by the thief it could mean that they're also working against us."

"I don't think they know who gave them the miraculous." Fu said pouring himself some tea, "The young man who returned Wayzz didn't seem to know either."

Marinette stopped for a moment looking down at her hands, "It was Adrien wasn't it?"

Master Fu merely shrugged, "Maybe."

"I think he's the thief." Marinette looked up, a look of resolve on her face.

Master Fu looked even more amused, "And what makes you say that?"

"It's not a coincidence that he had the miraculous. It couldn't be. And when I was chasing the thief Tikki sensed someone's magic right before I ran into him."

"Who's magic did you sense?" Fu looked to Tikki.

"Rekko's." Tikki answered, "I think someone might be using him."

"Rekko." Master Fu stared out the window deep in thought.

"He's back! I know it was him!" Tikki jumped up excitedly.

"Who's Rekko?" Marinette asked.

"The Bat. He was very good friend's with Plagg and I when the last ladybug was around."

Fu nodded slowly, "I'd advise you to be careful. There's something going on that we can't be sure of yet."

"Careful?" Marinette looked cautiously between her Kwami and Master Fu.

"Yes."

"Master what about Adrien-"

Fu smiled again, "I wouldn't worry about him. I think you can trust that young man."

...

"I think I'm starting to get this." Alya said in between crunches, "It's just two different energies and you just take and give, take and give."

Fanna was staring out the window of Alya's room. Her long hair fell messily on her shoulders and a slight perspiration caused by holding her transformation made her face shiny.

"Fanna, do you think we could try going outside in our human forms?" Alya asked excitedly. There was no response and Alya fell back on the ground from doing sit ups, "Fanna? Look I know it hasn't been that long but I really think I'm getting the hang of this." Alya sat up again and looked at her friend, "Fanna are you listening?"

"Of course." Fanna didn't look away from the window.

"Then what did I say?"

"Something dreadfully human."

"No."

"Everything you say is dreadfully human."

"Thanks." Alya rolled her eyes and got onto her feet. "Are you alright?"

"No." Fanna gave a shrug of her shoulders, "But there isn't much to do about it. What was the thing you were saying?"

"Fanna what's the matter?" Alya placed a hand on the fox woman's shoulder. Fanna looked up at Alya, tilting her head slightly. "Fanna you can tell me. You're my friend, if something's bothering you I want to help."

"Dreadfully human." Fanna stated, but gave Alya a smile.

"How so?"

"There's nothing you can do, yet you still insist on pushing your way through." Fanna placed a hand on top of Alya's, and gave her a smile, "My favourite part about humans."

"Fanna, what's the matter?" Alya asked again giving Fanna's hand a gentle squeeze.

"I was in that necklace for too long. The world has changed since I was in it." Fanna looked down, "It's just a hard adjustment."

"What do you mean?"

"The hero's I worked with are gone and dead, even those I fought against are gone." Fanna shook her head, "I always thought kwami's couldn't die once we were linked to an object... but now even that isn't true. It makes me uneasy."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault." Fanna brushed it off standing up, "It will just take time. Now what was it you were saying?"

Alya smiled, "Just wondering if I'm strong enough to go out in public in both of our forms."

Fanna hummed thinking it over, before suddenly laughing, "Maybe not yet kit."

Alya looked down to see she was once again a tiny floating version of herself.

...

Ladybug looked like she was gonna snap.

"You're the one who messaged me?" Chat turned to the all too familiar face in disbelief. "You found the yellow comb?"

"It was given to me."

Ladybug fumed, "Who would give anything that important to you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean, Chloe!"

Chat Noir stepped forward and tried to pacify his Lady. "Who gave it to you?"

"I don't know," Chloe looked down at her nails idly, "It just showed up in my room. It was in this really pretty box, but when I opened it this bug came out."

"When was this?" Chat took over asking the questions as Ladybug pointedly ignored the blonde girl in front of them.

Chloe thought for a moment, "It showed up around.. a year ago?" She nodded to confirm her own statement, "Yeah a year. Look, I love a visit from Ladybug, but what exactly is this about? If you just wanted to talk to me it would have been a whole lot more comfortable in my hotel-"

"We didn't come here to "just talk with you"," Ladybug rolled her eyes, "We came here to warn you."

"Warn me? What do you have to warn me about?"

"Someone stole two miraculous from the man that gave us all ours." Chat supplied, "We think he might be after yours as well."

"Is it Hawkmoth?" Chloe looked worried, and for the first time in the conversation, actually invested.

"We don't know." Chat confessed, "We just wanted to warn you. He's strong, fast, and he seems to be able to create darkness at will."

"Aw, Ladybug was worried about me." Chloe looked over at her hero, going as far as to bat her eyelashes.

"It's my job. I have to worry about everyone."

That didn't seem to phase Chloe, "Well don't worry. I'm not in any danger. I don't have the comb anymore so problem solved."

Ladybug looked over at Chat, who looked just as shocked, "What do you mean you don't have it?"

"I don't have it anymore." Chloe said again, "A man came around and said he was the one who gave it to me. I said I didn't want to be a hero so I gave him back the miraculous."

"Was this man elderly and chinese?" Ladybug met Chloe's gaze for the first time.

"No, he was tall and really strong looking. He had really dark hair and blue eyes. He said his name was Rekko." Chloe frowned, "What's going on?"

"Rekko?" Ladybug started pacing. That was who Tikki sensed after the thief got away, that was who Master Fu said to be careful about. But Tikki said he had been a kwami, was this someone pretending to be him?

"You've heard the name too M'Lady?"

Ladybug nodded, "When did this happen?" She turned back to Chloe.

"A-Around 4 months ago." Chloe stomped her foot down annoyed, "What is this all about? Why do you keep asking me all these questions?"

"Because that wasn't the man who gave you the comb. You gave away the Miraculous to a random stranger." Ladybug was holding herself back from shouting.

"So? You can just hunt him down." Chloe crossed her arms over her chest, "Besides, he wouldn't want the comb anyway. Whenever you try to put it on the bug comes out and lectures you."

"No we can't just hunt him down!" Ladybug seethed, "We don't even know who he is! Do you not realize what you've done?"

"What does it matter?!" Chloe yelled back, annoyed that she was being lectured, "It's just a stupid comb!"

"It's not just a comb Chloe," Chat interrupted trying to maintain his composure, "It's a Miraculous. It's what gives us powers."

"Well all it ever did was lecture me. Pretty crappy power."

"You gave up your Kwami. How could you do that? Do you realise the danger you've put everyone in?"

"I don't care about-"

"No you don't! You just acted selfishly as always. You just did whatever was best for yourself."

"Stop yelling at me!" Chloe slammed her foot down again, challenging Ladybug's glare.

"Ladybug stop." Chat put a hand on his partner's shoulder, "She didn't know this would happen."

"I tried. I had the comb for eight months and every time I tried to put it on this bee thing would come out. She told me I would get to be a superhero, that I'd fight with Ladybug, but she never told me how to transform. All she did was lecture me and make me research past Queen Bees." Choe crossed her arms again and looked away, "I wanted to be a hero. I wanted to be just like you, but the stupid Bee wouldn't let me."

Ladybug clenched her jaw, "You are nothing like me." Maybe it was more of Marinette speaking then it was Ladybug, but she refused to be compared to Chloe. Her school bully, the girl that single handedly caused akumas on a weekly bases. "You are selfish, and cold. You're a bully Chloe, and you don't care about those you hurt around you. You are not like me."

"Maybe I'm exactly like you!" Chloe snapped back, "How many akuma's have you caused Ladybug?"

Ladybug froze, "I didn't-"

Chloe smirked, "Ladybug, this is why we're best friends, we're more alike than you think."

"We're not friends." Ladybug pulled out her yoyo and swung out of the parking garage.

"Ladybug!" Chat called after turned to Chloe, "Why did you say all that?"

"Me? Why did she say all that?" Chloe snapped back, "She forgets how mean she can be."

"She's worried, and she's not thinking straight."

"She's selfish, like the rest of us." Chloe said turning away, "She just doesn't admit it."

...

Nino: I'm going down to L'Ours Bar today to talk about the show on saturday.

Nino: Want me to pick you something up from supermarket?

Alya: Oooh~

Alya: Want to get us some ice cream?

Nino: Sure. I'll see you tonight?

Alya: See you tonight.

Nino: 3

Alya shoved her phone back into her pocket as the elevator stopped at her floor. She adjusted the tray of coffee cups and food in her hands taking a steadying breath before stepping out of the elevator.

Alya distributed the coffee and the food, looping back to her desk before placing a large black coffee on the desk beside hers.

"Ooh! There's my favorite person!" Clio grabbed the coffee.

"Really? I'm your favorite?" Alya raised an eyebrow.

"I was talking to the coffee."

Alya rolled her eyes playfully at her cubicle neighbor, "What'd I miss?"

"Nothing much," He gave a shrug, "Susanne gave us a pep talk."

"About?"

Clio shrugged again and took a sip of his coffee, humming happily, "Something's got her all ruffled."

The aforementioned boss chose that moment to appear from her office and storm up to Alya's desk.

"Cesaire a word?"

Alya exchanged a concerned look with Clio before nodding and following Susanne to her office.

"How's your little blog doing?" Alya's boss asked when she closed the door.

"Just fine." Alya said cautiously, "I haven't been working on it here at all if that's what this is about."

Susanne laughed, "No. It's the opposite. We want you to work on it here."

"You want me to.. What?"

"Your blog is quite popular, but with our help it can become a major centre for all Ladybug news." Susanne sat down behind her desk, "We'd have a team of reporters ready to answer all of Paris's superhero questions. Who are Chat Noir and Ladybug? How do they plan on stopping Hawkmoth? Is this mysterious Volpina actually here to help us?"

"Ma'am, we've been trying for years to answer those questions, my blog is already dedicated to finding them, how would this be any different?"

Susanne laughed, "Because now we could have professionals filming and editing, writing and researching. It's going to be Paris's number one spot for Superhero updates. With the company's help we could make the Ladyblog bigger then you can even imagine."

Alya thought for a moment, "Would I still be running the blog?"

"We would pick a team to run it," Susanne dismissed the question, "I probably don't have to tell you that'll come with a big raise for you."

"So I wouldn't be running the blog?"

"Like I said we'd pick a team-"

"But would I be in charge of that team?"

Susanne looked at Alya incredulously, "You're only an intern. How could you lead a team?"

"I won't give you the Ladyblog."

"Cesaire," Susanne sighed, "Listen, I like you a lot, but the reality is that you're just starting in this industry. You're what, 20? 19? You can't expect to be treated as a full employee yet." Susanne pointed out her window at Clio, "See him? He's got his bachelor's and he's in school for his master's and he's still at a desk." Susanne sighed, "What I'm trying to say, is that I'm trying to give you an opportunity. For some reason or another your blog has attracted the attention of some people higher up. So instead of getting fired over sneaking off to work on that blog, you could get a reward out of it."

Alya bit her lip as she thought about it, "I'm sorry but If I can't have control over the blog, I don't want in on this."

"I think you should take some time to think this over. You would receive a raise, you could be working on the blog at work. You would be helping Paris. At a time where citizens are uncertain you would be giving them answers."

"I don't need any time to think this over. My answer is no." Alya said definitively, "May I return to work now?"

"You're making a mistake Cesaire." Susanne waited as Alya stood firm on her decision, "Go, get back to work then. Just give it a thought."

Alya had mixed feeling as she made her way back to her cubicle.

"Holy shit."

Alya looked over at Clio's desk where amature footage of an akuma was playing.

"When was that? I don't remember that Akuma." Alya leaned closer to try and see.

"It's a live stream Cesaire." Clio said clicking his tongue, "I was going to go downtown after work too."

Alya almost shoved Clio off of his chair, "Where downtown?" She pushed her face closer to the screen trying to make out any street signs.

"Ow. Around Paradis and Fouberg Saint-Denis-"

"That's right next to L'ours Bar." Alya felt numb. "Where's Ladybug? Where's Chat Noir?"

Alya kept trying to get closer to the screen as if it would let her see the image more clearly. Finally Clio pulled her back, "Cesaire stop trying to get through the screen."

"Why haven't they showed up yet?" Even from the terrible phone camera you could tell that half the block was a mess and the other half was destroyed.

"I'm sure they'll get there soon." Clio looked at Alya with a frown, "What's the matter? I've never see you act like this."

"I have to call him." Alya dialed Nino's number as fast as she could.

"Call who?"

"My friend." Alya waited for him to pick up eyes glued to the screen. She flinched back as a car spun out of control and crashed into a building.

"I've never seen an akuma so violent before." Clio was watching too.

"Hi this is Nino, You've reached my Voicemail-" Alya hung up and dialed again, "Pick up idiot."

Alya felt a nudge from inside her pocket. Fanna wanted to go. Alya placed a hand over her pocket to keep Fanna still.

"Pick up pick up pick up."

"It's never taken this long fro Ladybug to respond before." Clio mused out loud.

The footage panned over to people hiding out behind cars.

"Why won't you pick up?!" Alya felt her jaw clench. She grabbed her coat and swung it over her shoulders.

"What are you doing?" Clio took his focus off of the screen to look her up and down. "You're going down there? Seriously? You know Susanne will fire your ass if you do."

"Cover for me then." Alya held the phone with her shoulder as she shoved her arms through her coat sleeves.

"Cesaire, is it really worth it? Susanne will fire you. Fire you! So what if you don't get a video for your blog?"

"I don't care about getting a video!" Alya snapped, "My friend's down there. He's in trouble!"

"Cesaire-"

"Ladybug isn't there yet. I need to save him."

Clio grabbed Alya by the shoulders, "I understand. But what good does going there and getting in danger do him? You're not a superhero Cesaire, how could you possibly help?"

Alya stepped out of his grasp, "I'm going to save him. Maybe I'm not Ladybug, but I wouldn't underestimate my skill."

Alya took off to the elevators, hearing only a few murmurs as she ran by. She pushed the button and waited bouncing slightly on her feet impatiently.

"Where are you going?"

Alya didn't have to turn around to know who was talking to her.

"There's an akuma downtown."

"Ms. Cesaire you are aware that you are not allowed to work on your blog at work. The idea that you would leave your job to work on that blog of yours-"

Alya turned around and met Susanne's gaze, "My friend is there. Ladybug and Chat Noir haven't arrived, I have too help him."

"If you don't go back to your desk right now. You are fired. I've been more than fair about this."

The elevator dinged behind Alya. She stepped back into it and closed the doors.

"Does this mean we get to fight?" Fanna flew out beside her chosen.

"This means we save Nino." Alya gave Fanna a nod, "Teeth barred."

Alya felt the warm wash of Fanna's magic surround her as the elevator was illuminated with orange light. She stretched out her arms as Volpina's suit appeared and her civilian clothes disappeared.

The elevator dinged again and Volpina ran out into the lobby. There were a few gasps here and there but she paid no mind to them.

She ran out the front door and took off down the street. What she really needed was to get on the roof tops, it'd be faster up there.

Volpina spotted an alley with a dumpster and quickly leapt from the garbage on to the roof. She took off, leaping between buildings. Her heart was pounding and if it weren't for Fanna's magic she was sure she wouldn't be able to continue.

She could hear the akuma in the distance.

"Now who's in charge!"

Volpina looked to the street ahead of her, floating in the air was a woman wearing a crown and sitting on a throne. In front of the woman was another struggling floating woman.

"For years you've bossed me around! I've done everything you asked me to, and I never complained, and then what do you do?" the woman in the thrown asked.

"I'm sorry!"

"You gave the promotion to somebody else!"

"I'm sorry!" The other woman said desperately, "You were such a good assistant! I couldn't let you leave my office!"

"YOU RUINED ME!" Another car flew up and then into the side of a building.

Volpina looked below to see if anyone had been hurt. There were small clusters of people hiding behind cars or rubble, unable to get out as the akuma blocked their way.

Volpina took out her flute and conjured up a double of herself.

"Hey!" The double yelled as the real Volpina jumped down to the street.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" The akuma yelled.

"Uh.. For you to let her go?"

"WELL NO ONE TELLS ME WHAT TO DO!"

The real Volpina watched as another car was hurled at the fake her on the roof. As soon as the car hit her she disappeared and Volpina took out her flute and conjured another illusion on the opposite side of the street.

"Guess no one told you. Foxes are fast." The fake Volpina winked as the akuma screamed in rage.

Volpina got closer to a cluster of people. "Let's get you out of here." She rounded up the group conjuring another illusion of fog to cover the ground and make it harder for the akuma to see them. She made little arrows for the citizens to follow and hurried to the next group.

"Where'd you go little fox?" The akuma yelled.

"Crap." Volpina murmured under her breath. She must have destroyed the fake already.

"There you are."

Volpina dropped to the ground and avoided another car. She had to get the other woman down and to safety. She hid herself in the doorway of a building. Ok. Time to get creative.

"Hey! Floating lady! Why don't you try those telekinesis powers on me?"

The akuma smirked, "Bad choice little fox."

Volpina didn't move.

"Stupid fox! What did you do?"

"How bout me?" Yelled another Volpina standing behind the akuma, but once again Volpina wasn't lifted into the air.

More and more Volpina's started to appear around the akuma. Frustrated the akuma started to throw objects again.

The real Volpina stood on top of a building closest to the floating victim. "Here goes nothing." With a running start she took off and grabbed on to the victim pulling her down with her. She started twirling the flute hoping it would decelerate them enough. Volpina hit the ground first, with a force she knew would have broken her legs if not for the suit. Luckily the victim was unharmed and Volpina released her and stood.

"YOU!" The akuma turned to the real Volpina. She was closer to the ground now, hovering above it like a ghost. "YOU LET HER GET AWAY!"

"Me?" Volpina smirked, her canines showing in the smile, "But which one of me?"

And then there were more Volpinas then before, all of them running full speed towards the akuma flutes held like staffs.

"NO!" The akuma screeched swinging madly at the fakes.

"I'll be taking that." The real Volpina jumped up and grabbed the crown from the Akuma's head. She snapped it in half and watched as a single purple butterfly flew out.

"No you don't!"

Volpina turned to see Nino catch the butterfly in a mason jar.

"Nino.." Volpina felt a wave of relief hit her. "You're ok."

"Yeah, I'm fine." Nino looked at the hero confused, "How'd you know my name?"

Volpina couldn't help but smirk, maybe it was the reassurance that he was alive, or the adrenaline from having fought an akuma, but she dared to wink and move a little closer. "I happen to know a lot about you hot stuff."

"H-Hot stuff?" Nino turned a little red.

"You're DJing at L'Ours saturday right? Maybe I should drop by." Volpina winked again.

"How'd you know-"

"I know a guy." Volpina grinned, stepping a little closer, "So I know about you, what do you want to know about me?" Volpina wiggled her eyebrows.

"I- Uh- I'm kind of seeing someone.. so .. uh.." Nino moved away glancing side to side.

"Volpina!"

Volpina turned around and saw Chat Noir running towards them.

"You took on the akuma alone?"

She smirked, pretty pleased with herself, "Why yes I did. Where were you whiskers?"

"There was another akuma across town."

Volpina looked him over and saw how out of breath and roughed up he looked. "Two at the same time?"

He nodded, "Ladybug's on her way. She had to detransform already."

"Did you happen to see Alya Cesaire at the other akuma site?"

"That's the reporter girl right?" Chat asked, "No. I didn't see her."

"I'm worried. Usually she's right up front in the action..."

"I'm sure she's fine." Chat reassured Nino.

"Who's Alya?" Volpina asked, trying not to seem to suspicious.

"She's the creator of the Ladyblog." Chat answered, "She usually comes to all of the akuma sightings and reports on them."

"Wow. She seems really cool." smooth.

"I'm going to call her. She should be at work but.."

"If she's at work you should just text her. Wouldn't want to distract her right?" Volpina covered desperately.

"I'm back." Ladybug swung down to meet them. "Chat did you already beat the akuma?"

"I did."

Ladybug looked over at Volpina warily, "You did?"

"Sorry, I didn't know I had to be invited to help save Paris." Volpina snapped.

Ladybug didn't say anything back. She grabbed the jar with the butterfly in it, releasing the insect before catching it in her yoyo.

"Bye bye little butterfly." She said watching it fly away. She paused for a moment and looked around. "What am I supposed to throw in the air?"

They all stood thinking.

"Miraculous Ladybug!" She threw the mason jar. It shattered on the ground.

"So maybe this one doesn't get fixed up?" Chat suggested.

"Maybe you have to do a new lucky charm?" Nino added.

"Lucky Charm!" They all watched as a framed photo fell into Ladybug's hands.

"What is that?" Chat looked over Ladybug's shoulder but it was hard to make out the picture when the whole thing was covered in spots.

"Miraculous Ladybug!" She tossed the lucky charm in the air and just like every time before it burst apart into a cloud of magic and began restoring the broken city.

"Why did it give you a picture?" Chat asked.

Ladybug shrugged, "I guess I didn't need it for anything so it chose a random item."

"Thank you for the jar." Volpina said leaning on Nino's shoulder. "If there's anyway I can repay you-"

"No! It's fine!" Nino stepped away, "Thank you Volpina, Chat Noir, Ladybug." Nino gave them all a nod and went on his way.

"Don't even think about it." Ladybug crossed her arms over her chest, "He's got a girlfriend and he's head over heels for her."

"Is he really?" Volpina smiled, "Lucky her."

"You didn't have to show up. Chat and I have this under control."

"Except you didn't." Volpina stated, "Listen. I understand if you don't trust me yet, but I'm on your side, and I won't just sit around if I see the city is in trouble."

"I don't trust you because you have a stolen miraculous."

"I didn't steal it!"

"But you won't tell us who did!"

"I would if I knew-"

"Stop." Chat placed a hand on Ladybug's shoulder. "Thank you for protecting the city Volpina. I don't know what we would have done without you."

"Ladybug! Is Volpina now a member of the team?"

Ladybug turned to see a crowd of reporters gathering.

"Well uh-"

"Two akuma attacks at once, this has never happened before. What's changed?"

"Is Hawkmoth more powerful than ever?"

"Is Volpina a friend or a foe?"

The reporters looked at Ladybug expectantly, but before the heroine could collect ehr thoughts Volpina stepped forward.

"I am a friend, not a foe. I was given this chance to protect my city, and the people I love, I will not sit idly and let it go to waste. I can't speak for Ladybug or Chat Noir, but I will not let Hawkmoth defeat us. We don't know what has caused the shift in the akuma attacks, but I will work my hardest to find it."

Volpina turned her head back and gave Chat a wink, "See ya whiskers." Then slightly colder, "Ladybug."

Volpina pulled out her flute and made a puff of smoke before disappearing in it.

"Let's go Chat." Ladybug frowned pulling out her yoyo and tossing it onto a building ledge.

When the smoke cleared the reporters were left standing in an empty street.

...

"You're overreacting."

"I'm not overreacting."

"Yes you are." Chat said, swinging his legs back and forth over the ledge of the roof. "She was just sticking up for herself."

"Did you hear what she said? "I can't speak for Chat Noir and Ladybug, but I won't let you down" What does she think we're just going to walk away now that she's beaten an akuma? One singular akuma I might add!"

"She was defining herself." Chat smiled, "You did that once too. You stood before the press and told them all how you would protect your city."

"Yeah but-"

"But it didn't matter now because you're not the one having to deal with the public judging you?" Chat sighed, "M'Lady try to remember not everyone's been doing this for 5 years."

"Chat, this isn't some sports team where we have to train the new members. This is serious. Hawkmoth is only getting stronger and we don't even know if we can trust Volpina!"

"I trust her."

"You're too naive."

"You're to skeptical."

"I'm cautious."

"You're scared." Chat looked up at her, "You're scared because you don't know what's happening and you're hiding behind precaution. You're using wariness as a way to separate yourself from anything new, or anything you don't understand, and you're acting selfishly."

"I'm being selfish?" She looked at him incredulously.

"Yes you are. You're acting on your own behalf not the city's."

"How?" Ladybug crossed her arms defensively.

"You won't even hear Volpina out."

"We can't trust her."

"No you can't trust her. Face it LB she saved the day today."

"Don't you remember the last time you trusted Volpina?"

"This is a new person. She's not the one who lied to us before."

"Well you trusted the last one and look where it got us."

Chat stood up, "You're trying to take the world on by yourself. But we can't win that way. We're a team Ladybug. You need to learn to compromise. Even back there with Chloe. Can't you understand that she was scared? Haven't you ever felt scared about being a hero? And Volpina is just trying her hardest to impress you. You have a bigger impact on people then you think M'lady," Chat shook his head, "If you keep pushing people away, if you keep assuming they're against you, they will turn against you."

"Chat-"

"I know you're not like Chloe." Chat said with a small smile, "You're stronger then this. So be stronger than this."

Ladybug watched as her partner leapt across the roofs of Paris and out of her sight.

...

"Why weren't you answering your phone?"

"I could ask you the same thing." Alya said angrily, holding the phone with her shoulder as she made herself and a sandwich.

"I didn't hear it ringing." Nino answered, "Jeez you really scared me Alya."

"I scared you, that's rich."

"What do you mean?"

"Nino you were right next to an akuma fight. You were right there and I was watching the fight on TV and you weren't answering your phone and I felt like I could die."

There was silence on the other end for a moment, "You've never worried about me like that before."

"Usually you're not in that situation." Alya slid a jar of honey to Fanna. "And Ladybug wasn't there..."

"I'm sorry." Nino said softly, "I get pretty worried about you too... When I see you trying to film the attacks. When I didn't see you filming I just... I was scared it had gotten you or something, ok?"

"I get it..." Alya took a shaky breath in, "Please try not to lecture me, I'm pretty fragile right now."

"I wasn't lecturing you-"

"I lost my job."

There was more silence on the other end and Alya tried to distract herself by shoving her sandwich in her mouth.

"Why?"

"My boss said if I went to the akuma site I won't be coming back to work."

"And you went?" Nino almost yelled.

"Take a guess Nino."

"Why would you go?"

"Because-"

"Alya I know the blog is important but this is your job! You can't expect to be running around skipping work and still-

"Just stop!"

The other end fell silent again.

"I left because of you."

"You what-"

"I was worried about you and you weren't answering my calls and Ladybug wasn't there yet and I didn't know what to do." Alya waited as Nino went silent again, "Nino say something."

"That wasn't really thought out." She heard him sigh. "I'm coming over."

"What?"

"I'll be there in 15."

The line went dead.

"Is your Tod coming over?" Fanna asked a mouth full of honey.

"Stop calling him that."

"Why are you so moody? You defeat a villain! You did a good job today."

"I lost my job Fanna!"

"So?"

"So?! Fanna that job was important to me!"

"But you hated it."

"But if I had done well at it I could have gone somewhere!"

"It doesn't matter. You're Volpina now! A job would just distract you."

"This isn't about Volpina! This is about me having a life, a career, a way to buy food!"

"These things just aren't important to me Alya. I don't see the fuss."

"Aren't important to you?" Alya snapped, "I'm sorry that my well being isn't important to you!"

"Alya-"

"You're just so selfish Fanna." Alya threw her hands up, "And I get it ok? I get it. You don't get humans-"

"I understand humans." Fanna flew next to her chosen, "This is not the first time I have seen or suffered loss. You are being childish. This is not the worst thing in the world, you are still breathing! You're still well! Your pack is healthy!"

"Fanna-"

"You are lucky Kit. Sage faced many more hardships then this." Fanna brought the volume down and nuzzled Alya's cheek, "My chosens are creative and strong. You have the strength to get through this or you wouldn't have been chosen."

"Maybe I wasn't chosen..." Alya moved away from Fanna's comfort, "You heard Ladybug, the fox miraculous was stolen. I wasn't chosen like her or Chat Noir, I was chosen by a theif."

"You are still my chosen-"

"Fanna face it! I'm not supposed to be Volpina."

"Alya-"

"Just leave me alone." Alya pulled the necklace off of her neck and set it on the table. She looked around to see that Fanna had disappeared. She looked back down at the necklace, "Did I-"

She's wrong you know.

Alya froze. "Who's wrong?"

The fox. You're not strong enough to do this.

"Who are you?"

A friend. I want to help make you stronger Alya. I want to help you.

"You want to help me..."

Yes. I want to make you powerful. The most powerful hero alive.

"Powerful..."

Just give me that Miraculous.

Alya moved towards the necklace sitting on the counter.

"Alya!"

Alya looked up suddenly to see Nino holding her by her shoulders.

"Nino?"

"Are you ok?"

"I'm-I'm fine."

"I've been calling your name for a while, you just kept muttering things to yourself."

"I was?"

Nino looked Alya up and down worried. "Alya what's going on?"

"I- I can't tell you." Alya said reaching up and holding on to Nino's sleeves.

"Why not?" Nino looked panicked.

Alya shook her head, "It's important..."

Grab the Miraculous! I want that Miraculous!

"I don't care what you want asshole."

"Alya you're scaring me again."

Alya grabbed the necklace from the counter and ran into her room shutting the door behind her.

Give it to me.

Alya put the necklace on and watched as Fanna flew out of it.

"What was all of that?" Alya whispered holding herself up with her arms.

"You took off the necklace, I disappeared." Fanna crossed her tiny arms over her chest.

"I meant the voice thing. It came back."

"What voice thing?"

"Alya." There was a knock on the door. "You're really scaring me."

Alya mouthed hide at Fanna, she walked towards the door a little shakily. On the other side was Nino looking panicked with worry.

"What's going on Al?"

She pulled on his sleeve gently and got him to sit on the bed next to her. She sat for a moment and tried to collect her thoughts. How was she supposed to explain any of this to him? She couldn't. But he was so worried, and she never wanted to make him worry. She didn't want to see him upset.

"You know how we have superheros and supervillians right?"

"Yeah.."

"And like magic and evil and forces of good."

"Alya what are you trying to say?"

"Please don't say I'm crazy." Alya began and Nino raised an eyebrow.

"That's never a good start to a conversation."

"What if I told you something big is going on?"

"Big as in superhero big?" Nino asked.

Alya nodded, "Yeah like superhero big. Umm.. But I can't tell you what."

"Ok.. I'll bite, why not?"

"Because for your safety and my safety, and a whole bunch of other people's safety you can't know."

"Alright.."

"You're looking at me like I'm crazy." Alya gave him a look.

"I'm not," He was, and promptly wiped the look from his face.

"I know it's hard to believe, I don't know if I'd- Actually I would believe me, but that's not the point." Alya elaborated, "The point is... Back when I was in the hospital. That was because of this big thing that's going down."

"The whole passing out because of exhaustion because of the Ladyblog?"

"It wasn't passing out because of exhaustion. I've been having these.. These nightmares Nino."

"Ok..."

"And the night before I had them and every time I would wake up I would forget about it, but I don't think I got much sleep in between them. And then the next day, I went to do the coffee run and I saw some suspicious stuff and then... I think I saw a break in."

"I'm guessing you didn't call 911."

"No I chased after the guy." Alya rolled her eyes at him, "So then I chased him and I saw him.. It was Hawkmoth Nino. Hawkmoth has been trying to contact me through my dreams."

"Al... I don't want to seem insensitive, but that's crazy."

"It's not! He really has been! And just now when I was muttering and zoning out he was doing it again!"

"Alya I think you need to-"

"I'm not crazy Nino!"

It was quiet between them for a moment.

"Nino... I know it's hard, but I need you to trust me."

"Are you safe?"

"What?"

"Are you safe Alya? Doing all of this. The whole Hawkmoth thing... that's dangerous right? Are you safe?"

"I don't know."

"Ok so Hawkmoth is after you, what else?"

"I don't know what else I can tell you... Just know that I have someone helping me. A friend."

"Have you told Ladybug?"

"No. Hawkmoth, he's trying to figure out who Ladybug is through me... I think it's better if I don't interact with her as much."

Nino nodded processing all the new information.

"You're upset."

"A little," He confessed, "I'm just... The thought of you in danger is never good for me."

"I- I have to do this Nino."

"Whatever this is."

"Yeah."

"Why'd you tell me Al?"

"Because I didn't want you thinking I was some loser who threw away her job and her health for her blog."

He gave her a smile, "I never thought that."

She smiled back at him and wrapped her arms around his torso, "Thank you."

He returned the gesture and held her close, "Anytime Alya."

"Want to watch Ghostbusters and eat ice cream?"

Nino laughed into her shoulder, "My three favorite things."

"Three?"

"Movies, ice cream and you."

Alya's smile grew and she pulled back from the hug just enough to give Nino a kiss, "I'm glad to hear it."

"I'll find the movie you get the ice cream." Nino said pulling himself and Alya off the bed.

"Deal."

Nino walked into the living room and grabbed the remote for the TV, Alya followed but stopped as she heard her phone ding.

"Just give me a second."

Message on the Ladyblog.

Dear Ms. Cesaire,

I'm the one who sent you the fox necklace. And I think's it's time for you to know why.

Meet me at the Parc de Belleville at midnight.

-A