This story is rated T for child abuse.

Chapter One

"Well little dude, looks like we need to hunker down for a bit," Nino said as the akuma alert went off on his phone. "We'll have to do a movie night another night, okay little dude?"

Chris crossed his arms. "I'm not scared of the akuma."

Nino smiled, ruffing up his brother's hair. "Of course you're not, but the akuma alert says this akuma likes to multiply– and we don't want to attract its attention in any way. They may not be scary, but you don't want to deal with an akuma, do you?"

Chris swallowed, but slowly nodded. "Y-yeah, that's Ladybug's job! And staying away from akuma attacks is the best way to help her– that's what my teacher said!"

"Great!" Nino said warmly as he pushed himself to his feet, pulling the curtains shut. "Will you get all the lights then, bud?"

Nino was crossing his fingers hoping that 'helping' Ladybug would be enough to get his little brother to jump to his feet– but Chris immediately froze at the mention of the lights going out. Bright amber eyes turned towards him, almost pleading.

"I know you don't like the dark, little dude, but I'll be right–"

"I'm not scared of the dark!" Chris blurted out. "I'm a big boy– big boys aren't scared of anything."

Nino smiled, moving on to shut the next curtains. "Alright then, so why don't you hop to it and get those lights."

Chris swallowed, but held his head high as he marched towards the light switches, as if they were the greatest obstacle one could face. The young boy went up on his tiptoes as he reached for the lights, eyes pressed shut as he flipped them off to leave the apartment in darkness– but as he cracked an eye open he found that the room wasn't dark like it was outside, the flashlight on Nino's phone lit up.

"What do you say we make a fort, little dude?" Nino offered. "That way we can have lights on so we can see– but no one else can see them. A fort would be perfect for your toy soldiers..."

"Yeah!" Chris called, bolting into the hallway, only to run right back in and wait for Nino to join him with his light. Nino smiled, gathering the extra blankets his mother kept in the hallway while Chris carried two pillows, before heading to his younger brother's room to begin building the fort.

The distraction was good: the light of his phone was enough to keep Chris distracted from the darkness of their home, and for him not to focus on the racket outside. Chris never seemed too bothered by akumas until they were close, and when Nino had peeked outside he had seen what appeared to be an army of red creatures causing plenty of chaos. His phone was playing the akuma report though, and combined that with Chris' excited chatter as he brought his toys into the newly constructed fort, the noise outside was just a busy clatter in the background.

"And who wants to bet Alya is out in this mess," Nino muttered, holding his phone so the light illuminated the fort, but he was still able to watch the screen, wincing as he watched a bunch of the little red monsters pounce onto the news reporter. "Hopefully those things don't break into here..."

It was strange, though– no sign of Ladybug. Paris' sole hero was always quick to arrive, but as he scrolled through multiple news sources, all were just reporting on the akuma– not the fight between them and the hero. Even the Ladyblog was lacking, with no posts or livestream of the latest attack. Sure, it was late– but it wasn't like the middle of the night.

"Wonder if the akuma mauled Alya when she went to film," Nino muttered, wincing at the thought. Alya always charged right into the thick of things, no matter the danger. It was the only place Marinette wouldn't follow her best friend, which was saying something– because Nino was pretty sure Marinette would do anything for Alya.

He couldn't think of another reason why Alya wouldn't be trying to record the akuma battle– in fact it was pretty strange that she didn't, as usually she made a post or something when she couldn't make it. He frowned as he stared at the Ladyblog for a moment longer, before flipping back towards the main news: still no sign of Ladybug.

"How am I supposed to figure out which one is them?" Alya muttered, watching as a horde of Sapotis ran past her. It was horrible enough that her sisters got akumatized, but now she wasn't sure where they truly were. Under Hawk Moth's control or not they were still here sisters. "Ella! Etta!"

"Alya."

"Eep!" Alya couldn't help but jump at the close voice– wheeling around to find herself face to face with Ladybug.

Hazel eyes widened, excitement rushing through her as she realized the city's hero was right in front of her– not that this was the first time; she had gotten many interviews with the hero since Ladybug first appeared. Not to mention the times Ladybug had saved her when she had gotten just a bit too close to the villains, and then carried her to safety in her arms, and–

"Seems you still like approaching super villains, hmm, Ladyblogger?" Ladybug asked, a smile on her face and a hand on her hip. Those blue eyes sparkled as she watched her, and Alya couldn't help but give a small nod, swallowing.

She had loved the idea of superheroes ever since she was young, and when one had actually appeared in Paris she knew it would be nothing but amazing... but Ladybug had turned out to be so much more. At times Alya felt like she almost knew the hero, though she felt like it would be wrong to make such a claim– heroes were supposed to stay distanced from the city they protected– that's how it always was in the comics.

That didn't stop Alya's heart from racing every time the girl got close.

"My sisters were akumatized," Alya said, realizing that Ladybug was waiting for an answer. "I couldn't just stay back, I had to do something! See– my phone isn't even out."

Ladybug's smirk softened. "I understand it's hard to stand back when those you love are in danger." Ladybug looked out at the chaotic streets, cars swerving and crashing as the Sapotis ran wild. The hero closed her eyes, gaze turning serious. "Come on, it isn't safe here."

Alya had to hold back an excited squeal as Ladybug held out her arm towards her, and she carefully placed her hands against the spotted ones. Then with a small tug Ladybug pulled Alya in close, an arm wrapping around her waist as she threw her yoyo– sending them flying up into the air. Alya let out a small gasp, looking down as the ground vanished beneath her feet. She then looked up at Ladybug, whose gaze was locked and focused as they landed on the rooftop.

Peering out from under her mask Alya noticed faint freckles on her cheeks, and Alya couldn't help but find it adorable– it was like an actual Ladybug!

"I think we'll be safe here," Ladybug muttered as she pulled them into a small alcove, looking about.

"'We'?" Alya echoed as she was set on her feet, Ladybug retracting her yoyo. The hero turned to face her, expression still serious– but not running off to fight like she always did once she got Alya to safety.

"I can't win this fight alone," Ladybug said, those stunning blue eyes locking onto Alya. "I'm going to need some help."

"M-my help?" Alya asked in disbelief– but she wasn't sure what else the hero could be implying. "I– what could I even do?"

"Can I trust you, Alya?" Ladybug asked, voice becoming quiet– her gaze nothing but intense.

"Of course you can," Alya breathed, not sure how she could help Ladybug– but the mere idea was a dream come true.

"Can I trust you not to tell anyone what I'm about to say to you?" Ladybug continued, eyes not leaving hers. "Not your friends, not your family, and not a word about this on your blog."

Alya's mouth was dry, and she nodded. Ladybug smiled, before pulling out a small wooden box. It was carved with red symbols– Chinese, if Alya had to guess– the hexagonal box managing to look both ancient and new. Ladybug held it out towards her, and Alya carefully reached for it.

"When the battle is over you must return it to me," Ladybug said as her hands touched the box.

"I will," Alya whispered, not knowing what was inside– but she could feel something within. It was impossible to describe, the sense not one natural to humans. The box seemed to pulse beneath her fingertips, humming with an energy as she clasped the wooden box in her hands.

"Alya Césaire," Ladybug said. "This is the Miraculous of the Fox, which grants the power of Deception. You will use it to help me save your sisters from Hawk Moth's control, then return it to me."

Alya's head was spinning, this the realization hitting her hard. A Miraculous– Ladybug was giving her a Miraculous. What granted her powers, and Hawk Moth powers, it was what made Ladybug a hero– Ladybug was giving her the chance to fight alongside her as a superhero.

There were so many things she wanted to say, but they jumbled up on her tongue, so instead with shaky fingers she carefully opened up the small box in front of her, giving her a few seconds to glimpse the orange pendant inside– when a bright golden light surged up from it. Alya jumped slightly as it swooped around her, startled– but for a magical object bright lights were a completely fair thing to happen– the aureate orb settling in front of her.

Eyes widened at the small creature that was hovering as the light faded, a small black paw on a hip, long orange tail swaying behind them. Bright violet eyes regarded her, small fangs visible in the Fox-like creature's mouth.

"Yes, about time another one of us was sent out!" the Fox said, doing a flip in the air. He then zipped closer to Alya, studying her. "So, you're my new kit then, huh?"

"Wh-what are you?" Alya stuttered out, fascinated and awed. "Wait, no– are you what grants heroes their powers?"

"Not bad," the Fox said, flashing a smile back at Ladybug.

"She's a natural," Ladybug replied in a fond tone. "But this isn't going to be permanent, Trixx, just for this fight– okay?"

Trixx stiffened up. "You mean you're still going to be running solo?!"

"If you want to help, Trixx, then now's the chance," Ladybug's voice was now more pleading. "The longer we wait the more difficult this akuma's going to be– let's worry about this later."

The Fox seemed a lot less happy as he turned back to Alya, who had carefully slipped the Fox Miraculous over her neck, heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't help but notice the necklace had changed, the curl of the fox-tail now more like a spiral, the pendant now pure orange, still resembling the fox-tail, but would probably be unclear to the passing eye– and in excitement she realized her theory of Ladybug having a way to hide her Miraculous when not transformed was probably correct.

"The name's Trixx," the Fox offered, the frustration in his voice clearly not directed at her. "I grant the power of Deception. By saying 'Mirage' you can summon illusions, and using your flute you can manipulate them and change them as much as you like– but if the illusion is shattered by anything, then you're out of luck. Either way, though, you get roughly about five minutes until you turn back– the Miraculous will give you a warning."

"Got it," Alya muttered, heart pounding– she was about to become a superhero! "How... how do I transform?"

Trixx gave her a toothy grin. "You just gotta say 'Trixx, let's pounce'."

"Trixx, let's pounce!" Alya cried, barely able to keep in her excitement, and the Fox once more turned into a burst of orange light. He zipped right towards the necklace, once more turning it back to the fox-tail trimmed with gold. The orange energy then began to spread across her– burning, but yet not painful. She felt herself changing, energy humming around her, and she closed her eyes at the blinding light.

When it was over she couldn't help but look over herself, a laugh in her throat as she studied her costume– a mask resting across her face, hair done up in a high ponytail, a cape-like coattail flaring out from her lower back with the pattern of a fox-tail. The energy she had sensed before she could still feel– but now it seemed to be coming right from her. She looked over her hands, the cloth a deep black, running up her arms like gloves.

"This... this is amazing," Alya breathed, looking up at Ladybug. The heroine was watching her with an expression she couldn't quite read, and Alya couldn't help but feel a little self conscious. She watched Ladybug, waiting to see what she would say.

Ladybug's eyes flickered up to meet hers, and she smiled. "Ready to go, partner?"

Anything Alya was about to say vanished from her mind in that moment– the new superhero feeling like she was about to melt right where she stood at those words. She swallowed hard, and gave a single nod.

She didn't know why she was so surprised– she had been a goner since Ladybug's first appearance.

Adrien couldn't help but hold back a startled gasp.

There was a new hero.

He stared at the image of the Fox hero in excitement, the news report claiming her name was Rena Rouge– which Adrien instantly committed to memory. He jumped over to the Ladyblog, and was rewarded instantly with footage of the hero from the battle last night. Not recorded by the Ladyblogger himself, rather it was a compilation of several submissions, with a note saying that since her sisters had been the ones akumatized, that Alya's priority had not been on getting any recordings.

"Wow," Adrien muttered, watching as Rena Rouge ran alongside Ladybug across the rooftops. "This is amazing."

Two heroes in Paris– that meant that Hawk Moth was outnumbered! Or perhaps the numbers were even, if you counted the akuma and Hawk Moth. Either way though, it just made Adrien excited. Sure, akumas were his father's current favorite reason for why he couldn't go to school, that didn't mean that he loved watching the heroes from behind a screen– happening right in his own city!

Not that he had anyone to share it with.

He could text Chloe, but she'd probably go on and on about how she had been able to meet Ladybug in person, and tell him about all the times she showed up at her school, and while he knew that Chloe wasn't doing it on purpose, he couldn't help but feel jealous of his friend– and then in turn guilty for feeling that way. It didn't help that he hadn't been able to see Chloe in person in ages... and it all just made her feel more distant. He could try to call up Felix as well, but his cousin had become distant ever since his father had forbidden him from going to his uncle's funeral. In the end Adrien was left with very few options on who he could reach out to. His father had never entertained conversations about the heroes, and Nathalie always put her work before anything else.

Adrien pushed himself to his feet, heading towards one of the doors to his room. There was one person who never turned him away when he wished to talk, though a conversation was something he couldn't really carry on with him. Adrien pulled open his door, knowing that Nathalie would probably tell him off for bothering Ezra while he was working, but his bodyguard didn't seem to mind. Adrien headed down the steps, heading towards the security room, where 'the Gorilla' worked when not chauffeuring them about.

He paused as he made his way across the foyer though, sounds of shouting reaching his ears. Instantly, chills ran through him as he heard his father's raised voice, the atelier open– which he would have to pass to reach Ezra. His heart started thumping, knowing that he did not want to encounter his father when upset.

But he also didn't want to be alone in his room.

Adrien took in a sharp breath, taking a few steps close to the atelier. The double doors weren't wide open, just that one of them wasn't fully closed. It wasn't as if Nathalie or Father would be lurking right there, staring out the crack to see if anyone was going to walk pass. Father was probably upset with something that had happened with the company, and wouldn't even be focusing on him. He was fine.

He was just fine.

So mustering his courage, Adrien slowly moved forward, the presence of the open door feeling almost consuming. The shouts coming from inside had quieted down, but the frustrated growls sent the same chills through Adrien, the words becoming more clear as Adrien moved closer.

"–Blasted Fox Miraculous showing up from nowhere–!"

Adrien couldn't help but freeze at the mention of a Miraculous– he had been expecting to hear something related to the company. Shouts of wrong material or inconfident workers or poor sales.

"This was a possibility we were aware of, sir," Nathalie said, her voice much calmer.

"I don't want the Fox!" Gabriel snarled. "I need the Black Cat!"

A morbid curiosity had gripped Adrien, a part of him knowing that he shouldn't be listening– not because it was something he was overhearing, but rather a dread that told him he didn't want to stay here. Heart pounding, he found himself moving closer towards the door, moving closer to the wall instead of giving the room a large berth like he had intended.

"We can worry about the Black Cat Miraculous later, sir," Nathalie replied. "Our focus does not need to change– we try to get the Ladybug Miraculous, like always."

What?

"The Fox came to her rescue," Gabriel muttered with a snarl. "It was supposed to be the Black Cat, they're linked, they're supposed to come together–"

"Think about it this way, sir," Nathalie offered. "We know that there has to be a guardian from what Nooroo has told us– if the Fox is now active that must mean that this 'guardian' is close– along with all the Miraculouses he guards."

"Meaning they're here in Paris," Gabriel murmured.

"Alongside the Black Cat Miraculous," Nathalie confirmed. "If anything, we're closer than ever."

"That just means I'll have to become more active as Hawk Moth," Gabriel murmured. "Transform more, show that we're not backing down."

Adrien couldn't hold back the loud gasp that escaped him– not that the words before hadn't brought that horrible possibility to his mind– but hearing his father confirm those thoughts was nothing but sickening.

The atelier fell silent, and with a sinking feeling Adrien realized he had been heard. Instincts told him to move, to run, but he dizzily remained frozen to the spot as he heard footsteps heading towards the open door. Wide green eyes stared in horror as it was fully pulled open, his father glowering down at him as he stood in the hallway.

"And just what," Gabriel growled down at him. "Do you think you're doing?"

Adrien felt himself start to shake, because like anyone, the sight of his angry parent filled him with fear– but right now he felt nothing but pure terror. He couldn't even make an attempt to reply, the horrible reality of what he had just heard striking a terror into his heart.

His father was Hawk Moth.

"I– I'm–" Adrien attempted to stutter out– but Gabriel didn't give him a chance to reply, Adrien falling silent as his father stormed out into the hallway, his hand clamping around his wrist, dragging him towards the atelier. "No, wait–!"

"Gabriel?" Nathalie asked, looking up from her tablet as Adrien found himself pulled into the atelier. She frowned at him, but had long stopped being surprised when his father brought him into here.

"Someone," Gabriel snarled, shoving Adrien in front of him, the boy stumbling forward as Gabriel slammed the door behind them, making sure to lock it. "Decided to listen in on our conversation, as if we didn't have enough to worry about."

"I didn't mean to!" Adrien cried, holding his hand close to his chest, where red marks were forming on his wrist from where his Father had grasped him. "I was just going to see Ezra–"

"How much did you overhear?" Nathalie asked, those cool blue eyes regarded Adrien, who was finding himself shaking slightly. Nathalie had always been a cool and stoic woman– but never had Adrien been afraid of her. But now with the knowledge that the attacks on the city had come from those in this room, he found himself trembling.

Father was Hawk Moth. Nathalie knows. They know that I know. Father's Hawk Moth, he's Hawk Moth–

Adrien didn't know what was happening, because the next thing he knew he was struggling to take in a breath of air, tears streaming down his face. Someone was grabbing his shoulder, words being thrown in his face that he couldn't comprehend, as he was once again dragged forward, towards the large painting of his mother.

"I'm sorry!" He blurted out as he tried to pull himself from his father's grasp, but Gabriel's grasp didn't relent, two hands grasping his shoulders as he was forced to stand in front of the painting of his mother. The tears wouldn't stop coming down his face, everything telling him to run– he didn't want to go through this again!

Nathalie let out a long sigh, before placing her tablet down, heading over to the painting. Her hands moved across it, revealing hidden buttons in the image that Adrien had never noticed before. He barely registered the click as they were pressed, rather letting out a large gasp as the floor below him shifted– he and his father sank down into the ground. Adrien stumbled back into his father's chest, who's hands still held him tightly.

He didn't dare to say a word, watching as the narrow elevator gave way to glass, allowing Adrien to see into the cavern-like room. Metal walkways suspended above water, linked to metal supports that run up the cement walls. Straight ahead was a large glass window, what appeared to be sunlight filtering in, illuminating a large circular platform where a tree seemed to be growing– roots spreading out across the grass on the platform, weaving down to the waterway below. Vines and flowers sprouted up in the midst, all surrounding an ivory machine in the center of it all.

The elevator came to a stop with a slight hiss, the glass doors opening up, followed by a golden gate surrounding the entrance. Adrien's eyes were wildy darting around the basement room, before he was shoved forward into it.

"F-father–!" He attempted, only for Gabriel to briskly walk past him, his hand seizing his wrist once more, dragging him across the walkway.

Adrien stared down at the watery depths below, and even with the metal railings barring each side he felt his stomach turn. He was dragged onto the opposite platform, lush verdure under his feet as his father hauled him in front of the machine.

He stared at the cylinder container, the metal ivory in color, laced with a gold motif. It made a low hum, showing that whatever it was it was working away. Large wires vanished down into the floor, looking at one with the roots and the grass. Green eyes flashed towards Gabriel, who was stoically staring down at the device.

"Father?" He dared to whisper, but couldn't help but flinch as gray eyes flickered over towards him. "Father... wh-where are w-we?"

Gabriel's eyes shifted back towards the machine, and Adrien's gaze followed. He took a step back as the machine began to whirl, the top of it sliding open to reveal what was inside. Adrien stared as he found himself staring at the glass coffin, insides padded with white, feeling as if he had been struck when he saw the body resting inside.

Long blonde hair, pale skin, eyes closed as if she were merely sleeping– and Adrien choked on air. "M-mother?"

His father said nothing, though his expression seemed softer as he looked down at Emilie. Adrien felt more tears stinging his eyes, coming swifter than they had before. He couldn't help but lunge forward, horror and sorrow building up in his chest as hands pressed against glass, a sob being ripped from his lips.

"Mother!" He cried– and if he thought his world had been shattered before, then that was just the beginning. He spun around to face his father, heart racing. "What– what happened to her! Wh-why– why is–?"

"This is why I became Hawk Moth," Gabriel said, his words falling causing Adrien to fall silent. "I'm trying to save her, to bring her back to us."

A sob forced itself from his chest, and again his eyes turned back to his mother. He had always wanted to know what had happened to her, to have some closure to how she vanished, but seeing her body... this, this was too much...!

"Your mother unknowingly used a dangerous magic," Gabriel said, placing his hands on Adrien's shoulder, who couldn't help but cringe as his fingers laced bruising skin– but this time his grasp was much gentler. "She was sent into this state through no fault of her own, and the only way to save her is if I can get my hands on the right Miraculouses."

"The L-ladybug," Adrien stuttered out– the whole city knew what Hawk Moth's goal was. "It... it heals! You mean, you mean it can–"

"The Ladybug is only half of what we need," Gabriel said, his fingers curling around his shoulders. "But the Black Cat Miraculous is still in hiding. But the Fox came out yesterday, which means the one who guards the Miraculouses is near– the very things that can save your mother."

Adrien felt his breath get caught in his throat.

"It didn't have to come to this, but I was left with no other choice," Gabriel continued. "Ladybug will not give her Miraculous up, so I must take it by force. Perhaps that means attacking the city... but all can be reversed with the Ladybug Miraculous. No lasting harm is done."

Adrien didn't know how to reply, so he just listened in silence, heart hammering away– but now it wasn't just a fear lingering there, but something he hadn't felt in such a long time:

Hope.

"I did not want to get you involved," Gabriel said, forcing Adrien to turn so he was facing him. "But after what you heard, I had no choice but to show this to you. I need you to understand."

"W-we can save her?" Adrien whispered, voice small.

Gabriel smiled warmly, and Adrien thought the expression looked so foreign on the man. "Yes, we can. You're going to bring your mother home, son."

I changed the Fox Miraculous from Illusion to Deception simply because I think it suits it better. There may be a few other Miraculouses in this story whose concept is changed, though the actual powers will remain the same.