Chapter four, everybody! This one is a little shorter (which was a product of me not being in the zone again and recovering from semester exams and the like at the time), and a special something is coming next chapter! No one is going to want to miss that (fun fact: it came out on Valentine's Day)! Enjoy!
Chapter Four
Final Strike and Aftermath
Snake Noir watched in shock as the drakumas fluttered closer. Dragon Moth was grinning maniacally.
"Yes, yes! Finally, I have won!" His premature declaration of victory was interrupted by Dragon Bug snatching the two drakumas out of the air, purifying and releasing them, and crushing the two butterflies. Dragon Moth felt the color drain from his face. Scarlet Dragonus laughed darkly. "Oh, she's mad, alright. Good job, bugbrain. You've created a monster who kills innocent bugs for no good reason," he said. "I can't wait to see how you get out of this one."
"I'll get you next, Hawk Moth," Dragon Bug spat. "I have to have some words with my beloved partner first."
Scarlet Dragonus cackled again. "I've been bored all day," he commented, throwing a glance at Dragon Moth. "I need some entertainment. Once she's done with him, we'll take care of her."
Dragon Bug paid the scarlet villain no attention as she dropped the Lucky Charm, drew her sword and spun her yoyo, then launched herself at Snake Noir, a snarl across her blackened lips. Snake Noir barely had enough to deflect the strike from the red blade with his staff and smacked the yoyo away from him with the lyre. Switching weapons in one hand to fight was going to cause problems, what with his Cataclysm in his right hand. An idea struck him as she lashed out with her sword again. He caught the blade in his hand, the red metal rusting and crumbling in his corrosive touch.
"Not bad, kitty," Dragon Bug said sarcastically. "I'm almost tempted to let you keep your Miraculouses, despite the failure you are." Snake Noir tuned out the insults. "You're not yourself, m'lady. Please, try and fight it!" he pleaded.
Dragon Bug snarled. "I have been fighting it. Fighting every urge to just cut loose and tell you what I really think of you. But now…" a dark smile crossed her face as she twisted her yoyo around her finger like a garrote. "I don't have to keep them back. I had wanted the sword so every attack would have the word behind it, but you know what they say. Beggars can't be choosers."
Dragon Bug whipped out with the yoyo, forcing Snake Noir to block. "Loser," she said with a snarl. Another strike. "Failure." Another strike. "Meat shield." Another strike, another insult. Snake Noir didn't even try to fight back. The insults began to worm their way under his skin. Then a beeping caught his attention. A spot on Dragon Bug's earring flashed and faded.
"You'll lose your powers before me," Snake Noir commented. A screeching snarl erupted from Dragon Bug as she lashed out again, forcing Snake Noir to leap back. Another strike he batted away with his staff. Quickly, Snake Noir pulled out the lyre and strummed a few intentionally discordant chords, making Dragon Bug clutch her ears and making the other villains wince.
"And another thing!" Dragon Bug yelled. "You're so dumb to think a few bad notes will stop me for long! No wonder Fu trusted me over you!" She leapt at him, limbs flailing, yoyo whipping wildly, like a marionette off its strings.
"Sheesh, you'd think she thought he was thinking of leaving her at the altar," Scarlet Dragonus remarked. Dragon Moth glanced at him in confusion. "What?"
Scarlet Dragonus chuckled. "Oh, nothing you would understand." The passing remark made no sense to Dragon Moth, who turned his attention back to the battle. "This is certainly ironic. My greatest enemy, the one who declared they would never fall, fell to her own rage."
Scarlet Dragonus smirked behind his mask. "I think I'm going to call her 'Hypocrite-Bug' from now on. Let's see how much it annoys her!"
Dragon Bug's yoyo came racing towards Scarlet Dragonus's face, shattering his crimson visor, while he yelped in surprise as he recoiled. Quickly, he shook the remaining fragments out of his helmet, carefully not poking his golden eyes, which were narrowed and flared orange with rage.
"Drago-!" was as far as he got before Dragon Moth caught his rising hand. "Are you alright?" the older villain asked calmly. Scarlet Dragonus snarled and pulled his hand away. "Everything except my pride and visor. She deserves a little destruction. No one attacks me with impunity." Dragon Moth exhaled in amusement. "I'm going to assume it annoyed her greatly," he replied. Scarlet Dragonus scoffed. "No, I think she liked it."
Snake Noir heard his ring beep a second time. He clenched his teeth, knowing time was running out. He knew he wasn't as good at planning as his partner, but he knew he had his own wits and reflexes to rely on. A thought crossed his mind as he deflected another furious strike. Dragon Bug telling Turtlequine a kiss broke the curse. Of course. The only problem was getting close enough. A grin crossed his face. Maybe he needed to pre-occupy her.
Snake Noir strummed a chord on the lyre, and winced. The music didn't sound half as good as Viperion's, but it would have to do. He'd only gotten a couple guitar lessons from Luka, and on one occasion, Andrew. The first songs he had insisted on learning were love songs, and now, he played a familiar one. Dragon Bug faltered at the music, recognizing the tune. She growled as Snake Noir advanced, but didn't attack.
"Wait a minute," Scarlet Dragonus said slowly. "What is he doing?" Dragon Moth growled. "He's lowering her guard! Evilize her! Now!" His command came too late. The two heroes were together, eyes closed, hands locked as the curse wore off. They broke apart a second later, Snake Noir flushed red.
"Thanks, kitty," Dragon Bug replied. "But don't you have your Second Chance?" Snake Noir gave her a Chesire grin as he used the snake power to turn back time.
And he was back, about three minutes before he left. Quickly, he took in the surroundings. He knew Dark Cupid was behind them, waiting to strike. He knew Scarlet Dragonus was masquerading and Dragon Moth was behind them. But he had to time it all perfectly.
"It's too late for you," Dragon Bug said, almost sadly. "I had thought you could've been a hero with us, but you've gone too far." Then she noticed the reflection in the box, and quickly pushed Snake Noir out of the way as she caught the two drakumas. Just as fast, he shattered the real Dark Cupid's pin, and Dragon Bug caught Kim and deposited him to safety.
"No!" the two Dragon Moths roared, the one they had talked to shifting out of his nanomachine cloak and back to Scarlet Dragonus. "You both are cowards!" Dragon Bug yelled. Snake Noir nodded as his staff boomeranged back to his hand. "You two have gone too far! It ends today!"
"I agree," Dragon Moth said with a sneer. "It ends today." Scarlet Dragonus bounced on the balls of his feet. "You get the bug, I'll get the cat. Finish 'em before they know what hit them." And with that, the two villains lunged, Scarlet Dragonus splitting his sword at the handle into two identical blades.
Dragon Bug and Dragon Moth locked themselves in a sword duel, cane against saber, with Dragon Bug's yoyo striking from the side. Realizing he was at a disadvantage, he drew the sword blade from the cane and used the empty sheath to deflect another yoyo attack. He lunged forward with the swordstick, forcing Dragon Bug to dodge and parry with her own blade. Striking out with the yoyo again, she forced Dragon Moth back as she spun the yoyo into a shield. Dragon Moth grinned and lunged, Dragon Bug riposting his attack.
Meanwhile, Scarlet Dragonus and Snake Noir engaged in a fierce duel of their own, Snake Noir mostly dodging every attack the red villain threw at him. Scarlet Dragonus moved faster than he did with his regular sword, slashing twice per second and looking almost like a human blender, spinning while he struck. It took everything Snake Noir had to block even one of the crimson blades. He wasn't even entirely focused on the battle, looking for anything that might be what was empowered to get Dragonus into his Scarlet form.
Then he spotted it. As Scarlet Dragonus went for low slashes, trying to take out Snake Noir's legs, the fused hero leapt over Scarlet Dragonus and spotted an all-red scepter strapped to his back. But as he reached out to destroy it, Scarlet Dragonus spun around and almost sliced off Snake Noir's hand.
"It's the scepter on his back!" he yelled over to Dragon Bug. She grunted in acknowledgement as her shield took another blow from her opponent's sword. "Let's switch!" she yelled. "I've had enough of Dragon Moth for one day!" Right when the two villains slashed at their enemies, the heroes backflipped and swapped places, Dragon Bug fighting Scarlet Dragonus, Snake Noir fighting Dragon Moth.
"I've fought with swords for five years, Dragon Bug!" Scarlet Dragonus yelled as he parried her strike with one blade and lunged with the other. "You're outclassed!"
Dragon Bug spun up her shield and deflected the stab. "Maybe, but your swords are useless at long ranges!" She leapt back, lashing out with the yoyo. Scarlet Dragonus smacked the end of the yoyo away, then rushed toward Dragon Bug. Right as he closed the distance, she smirked and leapt over him, snagging his scepter, then threw it to Snake Noir, who had pushed Dragon Moth back. The fused hero caught the scepter, the red metal rusting under his corrosive touch.
"No!" the two villains yelled as their upgrades vanished, Dragonus returning to his golden color and Dragon Moth losing his physical enhancements. All around Paris, butterflies flew from civilians as they were released from Dragon Moth's control.
"Do you know how long it took me to get that!?" Dragonus yelled, his voice shrill. Hawk Moth readied himself for combat again. "We still have our weapons and they're nearly exhausted. This should be easy," he said calmly. Dragonus snarled. "I get first dibs on hurting them." The two villains charged, the heroes lunging towards them.
At the lair, Catalyst seethed. Quickly, she took the elevator and went to her personal room of the house, where she picked up a small tail-feather brooch. A dark smile settled upon her lips as she broke her tablet, releasing the akuma. The purple smoke dissipated, returning Catalyst to Nathalie. Quickly, she put the infected butterfly in a small jar, preventing it from escaping and multiplying. It worked last time, she thought to herself. Why not this time? She pinned the brooch to her jacket, and in a ball of blue light, Duusu materialized.
"Ms. Nathalie," the blue kwami said. "Are we going out again?" Nathalie shook her head. "No, Duusu," she replied. "We need a sentimonster. Duusu, spread my feathers!"
The fight didn't go well for the heroes. Hawk Moth fought with an unparalleled fury, and Dragonus was a tornado with his swords, both slashing and slicing without giving Dragon Bug and Snake Noir a moment to breathe. The heroes had fallen to the ground, their Miraculouses beeping as they struggled to rise.
"I knew this day would come. You only delayed the inevitable, but your luck has run out, young superheroes," Hawk Moth said sinisterly. "At long last, I have finally-"
"Will you quit gloating and finish them?!" Dragonus interjected. "No wonder you haven't gotten anything done. You spend too much time talking and not enough doing!" Hawk Moth growled at the golden villain, then turned back to Dragon Bug and Snake Noir, in time for Turtlequine's shield to hit him right in the chest.
"Need a hand?" Rena Singe asked as the shield boomeranged back to Turtlequine. Quickly, Dragon Bug rose and formed a cage around the Eiffel Tower. "You're not escaping this time!" she declared. "This ends. Today!" The two villains growled, Dragonus recombined his sword and spun it into a shield. "We can take them. Two against five, and the dynamic duo is about to transform back, anyway. We threaten them, their little friends will surrender."
"Venom!" Mousperia called out, the stinger forming around her hand. Hawk Moth sneered. "Do you still think we could defeat them if one of us is paralyzed?"
Dragonus looked around, then inhaled. A smirk grew under his mask as the smell of cloves filled his nostrils. "No, but we don't need to. Give me a second," he replied quietly as he twirled his sword and slung it onto his back.
"Alright, you five, you've done well. You managed to catch us," Dragonus began. The heroes inched forward. Dragonus smirked under his mask. "Of course, you only have one paralysis charge. And two villains. I can understand that there is a dilemma here. On one hand, you have Hawk Moth, your longtime nemesis and he frequently breaks several international laws. He deserves justice, yes?"
Hawk Moth stepped back in shock. What is his plan?
"On the other hand, you have me. We haven't known each other as long, but I have something far more personal to deal with," Dragonus continued. "I won't rest until you all have finally experienced my vengeance. I have things planned that will make you terrified. So, who's it gonna be, Dragon Bug? The one who has caused terrible tragedies and will continue to cause them, or the one who could unleash something even worse?"
Dragon Bug's eyes flitted between the two villains. She hadn't expected Dragonus to be willing to sacrifice Hawk Moth, but he did have a point. If they paralyzed Dragonus, Hawk Moth could fight back and maybe get away. If they paralyzed Hawk Moth, Dragonus would certainly fight back and get away. She was about to make her choice when she heard Dragonus laugh. "What's so funny?" she asked. Dragonus's laugh quieted to a low chuckle. "Too long. Mayura's already made the choice for you. Neither."
The butterfly sentimonster materialized behind Hawk Moth and Dragonus, and with a beat of its mighty wings, sent the five heroes flying, Dragon Bug last of all. Quickly, she swung out her yoyo and wrapped it around the stinger. Pulling herself closer, she could only watch as Dragonus transformed into his dragon form, grabbed Hawk Moth and began flying away. Her vision turned red as she broke off her attack on the sentimonster and lashed out at Dragonus's tail, wrapping her yoyo around it. Dragon Bug began retracting her yoyo, bringing herself closer to the main body. Her determination turned to terror as Dragonus looked behind him, saw her on his tail, and with an angry glint in his eye, blasted fire at her. Dragon Bug unwrapped the yoyo and let go of Dragonus. Quickly, she summoned her Wind Dragon power and flew to safety, watching as Dragonus and Hawk Moth got away.
"We'll get them next time, m'lady," Snake Noir assured when he saw her down expression. "They'll show their faces again sometime soon. But I think you should check out what Mousperia found." The two heroes moved towards where Mousperia was crouching, a half of the broken scepter in her hand.
"This is definitely a royal's design," she said. "But, somehow not, at the same time. It has the jewel and main staff part, but the jewel is almost being grasped by the staff." She handed it to Dragon Bug. "It does look somewhat familiar," she commented. Snake Noir took a look at the broken half. "Wait a minute. Dragon Bug, remember when we fought the sentimonster Master Fu had made? Didn't the staff inside look something like this?"
Dragon Bug's eyes widened as the realization struck her. "It's a Guardian staff! No wonder it looked familiar!" Another, more startling thought came into her mind. "What if Dragonus is trying to become a Guardian? So he can have all the secrets to the Miraculous?"
Rena Singe and Turtlequine moved closer to the group. "If he is, that's more bad news for us. Maybe we can use this to track him?" Rena asked. The scepter vibrated painfully in Dragon Bug's hand, forcing her to let go and drop it. Both halves of the scepter, almost like some force was pulling it, shot off like a rocket into a golden portal.
"Guess not," Turtlequine replied. Several beeps came from all of their Miraculouses. Dragon Bug smiled and called for the cure as she threw the box in the air. The magic ladybugs dispersed, healing Paris of all its wounds. Three heroes went one way, two went another.
"Xuppu, Trixx, Divide. Trixx, Let's Rest," Alya said as her transformation fell. Nino called for his kwamis to de-transform at the same time. They gave the four Miraculous to Dragon Bug.
"Thank you," Dragon Bug said gratefully. "Both of you." The couple nodded. "Glad we could help."
"Mullo, Pollen, Divide. Pollen, Buzz Off," Amber commanded, dropping the transformation. Snake Noir took the two jewels. "Thanks for your help," he said. "I think you should let your cousin know you're fine." Amber nodded. "I will. See you!" The blonde girl ran off. Quickly, Snake Noir rushed to where Dragon Bug was waiting and handed her the Bee and Mouse Miraculouses.
"Sass, Plagg, Divide," he said, returning to his Cat Noir self. He gave the Snake Miraculous to Dragon Bug. "So, m'lady…" he began. "The plan is still on for tonight?" Dragon Bug nodded glumly as she stowed the jewels in her yoyo. "Yeah, kitty. Still on."
Cat Noir inclined his head. "What's the matter, m'lady?" Dragon Bug sighed. "I was right there. I could have stopped them. I could have kept them from getting away."
Cat Noir smiled softly. "It's over, now. We'll have more chances, and I know I'll be there all the way." His ring beeped again. "Gotta go. See you later, Bugaboo!" He vaulted away. Dragon Bug smiled. "See you later, kitty."
"We've failed," Hawk Moth said darkly. Dragonus groaned. "Quit your moping. There's plenty more time to get them." Hawk Moth turned to Dragonus and growled. "You don't understand! I'm running out of time! If something isn't done soon, it will be too late!"
"Whoa, whoa, back up," Dragonus said. "So you have a deadline for this?" Hawk Moth winced.
"Refrain from that word, if you could," he began. "And yes, I do. If I don't revive her within two years of the coma taking effect, she will die. I don't want to think of the effect that would have on her psyche."
Dragonus cracked his knuckles. "Let me see," he said. "I might be able to stabilize her condition, give her a little extra time." Hawk Moth growled lightly, then relented. "Fine. But so much as lay a claw on her the wrong way, I will make you regret every moment of your life." To his surprise, Dragonus laughed. Then lashed out, grasping the adult villain's neck.
"You watch your tongue," he growled. "I won't be threatened by a man who spends half the day declaring victory before he's won and the other half moping because his pigeon-whisperer lost." Dragonus calmed down, released Hawk Moth and opened a portal down to the mausoleum part of the house, and the two stepped right in front of Emilie's pod.
"Cryogenic stasis pod, very nice," Dragonus commented. "The only real way to ensure someone's life during a magical ailment. If you will." Hawk Moth opened the pod, revealing Emilie. Dragonus hummed. "She just looks asleep." Hawk Moth sighed. "She might be dreaming. I don't know. Do what you need."
"Siphon," Dragonus muttered quietly. Golden power charged in his hands, and he pressed his palm right on Emilie's forehead. Her flesh was cold to the touch.
Visions filled Dragonus's head. A sinister smirk when no one watched. Plans within plans, plotting constantly. How to get more and more power. Masks, false identities. Screeching demons within, and something pounding to be released.
Dragonus recoiled in surprise and distress, panting. He had not expected any of that. It was no wonder everyone thought Emilie was so sweet and kind. She was a professional actress, and completely crazy. I know I need to remove Gabriel and Nathalie from this for now, but Emilie would be a problem in and of herself. Unless… He smirked behind his mask.
"Is everything alright?" Hawk Moth asked. Dragonus cleared his throat. "Yeah, yeah, totally. Nothing to be concerned about. I told you I don't like the cold." They both noticed Dragonus's accent seemed far more pronounced than it had before. And he sounded nervous.
Dragonus cleared his throat again. "Well, as it turns out… I can help her. However, I need something very specific. The spellbook associated with my Dark Miraculous has a spell to revive people from comas. I need that to get the spell."
"How long will that take?" Hawk Moth asked. Dragonus rolled his hand. "About… a month, give or take? Six weeks? It'll be a while." Hawk Moth thought about it for a moment. "Fine," he said finally. "But if I get their Miraculouses before you get what you need, I'm using them." Dragonus shrugged. "Fine, whatever makes you a happy Hawk Moth. I need to go. Busy work and the like." He opened a portal and flew through, leaving Hawk Moth behind.
The adult villain transformed back to his civilian self. Gabriel closed the pod, then looked at Emilie. "I promise, my love," he said. "You will be back with us, one way or another."
"Today was just too ridiculous," Marinette said as she flopped on her lounge. Tikki nodded as she munched a cookie. "I think Dragonus and Hawk Moth won't work together again after this," she said confidently.
Marinette looked at the kwami. "What makes you say that?" she asked. Tikki smiled. "The few times I knew Vorath's wielders, they were often headstrong, prideful, and hated being told what to do. If his current wielder is anything like his past ones, Dragonus's partnership with Hawk Moth is going to crumble."
Marinette wished she could share Tikki's confidence in that. Even if they end up butting heads, she thought to herself, they still had accomplished some big things together. Maybe they would enter a permanent partnership. Her phone buzzed, Alya's icon filling the screen.
"We're all at the park," Marinette read aloud. "Don't worry; we brought stuff." Marinette sighed. "I had almost completely forgotten about that," she told Tikki, who giggled. "Go on, I'll catch up," she said. Marinette nodded and left her room.
Tikki, waiting until she heard Marinette run out the door, sighed. "This has gone too far, Vorath," she said solemnly.
She flitted over to the Miracle Box and went inside the pocket dimension. The cheerful greetings of her kwami friends were drowned out by one thought: what would happen next? She had the feeling Dragonus was going to do something terrible, like a stone in the bottom of her stomach. Tikki guessed Vorath had felt when the Temple was brought back; not only did he have a connection with his ultimate power of resurrection and would be able to tell when mass death was undone, he would also sense the massive amount of creation power being unleashed when Marinette restored the Temple after Feast's destruction. A light chuckle escaped her; a Dark Dragon wielder would have likely been the only one other than a Peacock wielder to destroy the sentimonster's amok.
A voice called out her name. Briefly, Tikki wondered if it was Vorath. She turned, and saw Wayzz behind her. "I know you're thinking of Vorath," the turtle kwami said. Tikki nodded. "I just remember what I said to him the last time I saw him. If I could take it all back, I would."
Wayzz sighed. "He made his choices, he allowed his wielders to do what they did. Part of me wonders if his wielder is after all of us so Vorath can get his revenge." Tikki nodded glumly. "Or maybe his wielder has some big plan and needs all of us. The important thing is that we make sure Marinette is safe. Since Dragonus knows her identity and she's the Guardian, she's at twice the risk of getting attacked."
"Maybe you should be with her, then?" Wayzz suggested. Tikki nodded. "I'll go right now." And with that, Tikki flew out of the Miracle Box and out the window, where she saw Adrien sitting next to Marinette. Tikki smiled as she quietly phased into the pink purse.
Marinette felt her face flush when Adrien sat next to her. Technically, it was between her and Nino, but he still did it without Alya trying to move him. She smiled as she looked around. Almost the whole class was there, minus Andrew and Lila, but since he was sick and she was likely moping about it, Marinette didn't really care.
"I'm glad I was able to come," Adrien said. "My father ended up canceling my appearance at the charity gala for some reason, so I have time to be with you guys." His eyes rebelliously glanced at Marinette, who noticed and blushed further. "And, since I'm next to our everyday Ladybug, this makes it all the better," he added, a small smile playing on his face.
"Well, uh, it's cool you could be here, too, Adrien," Marinette replied, her voice much higher-pitched than before. She quickly cleared her throat. "I'm so thankful you guys are always willing to come and help. Even when things seem not in my favor." Like when it comes to Lila, a small voice added spitefully. She quickly silenced it.
"That's when we always have to stick together," Alya replied. Everyone nodded, even Chloé after a minute. "Anytime you need us, we'll be here," Nino added. Marinette smiled. "Thanks, guys. You're my heroes." Quickly, she pecked Adrien on the cheek. "Especially you."
Meanwhile, Dragonus had teleported home after his conversation with Hawk Moth. After an indignant Double muttered a greeting, he shrank Double down to his minifigure size and placed him on the temple set. He quickly transformed back into his civilian self and checked his phone. A small smile crossed his face as he saw the text messages his classmates sent, wishing him well. A small bout of fatigue crossed him, and he shook his head. The day's events had definitely drained him.
A knock came from his door. "Come in," he said. His dad's assistant, Clover, came in. "Well, then, looks like you're feeling better," she said, her blue eyes sparkling playfully. Andrew smiled. "Yeah, I am," he replied. Clover smiled back. "Your dad told me to tell you dinner's ready, and it's your favorite."
"Pork tenderloin with butter rice and sauteed green beans?" he asked hopefully. Clover nodded. "If you're up for it, come on down. If you want to stay up here, I'll bring it up." Andrew cracked his knuckles. "I'll come down in a minute," he promised. Clover nodded. "We'll be ready." She left the room.
"Shouldn't we leave soon?" Vorath asked. Andrew shook his head. "We have plenty of time, and I'm not entirely at a hundred percent. Dinner will definitely be helpful. If you're quiet and sneaky enough, you can snag a piece of tenderloin from the kitchen." Vorath thought about it for a moment. "Alright. I do like tenderloin!" With that, Vorath zipped inside Andrew's jacket, and the two bounded downstairs.
An hour later, Andrew transformed, reactivated Double, and opened another portal to a mountain in Tibet. A dark smirk played upon his face under the faceplate. Finally, he thought to himself. They will be freed, and I can begin the next phase of my plans. Get ready, Ladybug. Nothing is going to be the same again. I will no longer be alone in this fight. And neither you nor Hawk Moth can do anything to stop me.
So when I first posted this, I said I subscribe to the "Evil Emilie" theory and I will defend it until I die. In hindsight... yeah, she's evil. No doubt.
I also have a theory that Lila brainwashed everyone except Marinette and Adrien b/c they were being heroes while she was doing it (which was the plot of my first April Fool's fic!). Answers a lot of questions when you think about it.
Crazy tangent aside, tell me what you think, ask some questions, try and guess a sneaky reference I planted, and as always, stay safe, healthy and I don't know, I'm updating this near the end of the 2021-2022 school year, so enjoy life I guess. Cya next week!