CHAPTER 15: BEHIND THE MASK
Notes:
For this chapter, 'Blair' and 'Chat Noire' POVs count as separate characters until the akuma is finally cleansed. And no one will get stabbed this time, just a few unfortunate objects.
0-0-0-0-0
Blair
"Mom said she'll wait for us by the exit. Then we'll leave Aurelio Land and wait for Senior Gonzalez to contact us," Vincent said as soon as he got off his phone. From the rear view mirror, his piercing gray eyes staring pointedly at me. "So no more disappearing acts, okay?"
I rolled my eyes. "Sure, Vince."
Not like I need to go anywhere. There's a Chat Noire running around somewhere. She may be the half in desperate need of a chill pill, but she still has the Miraculous. She'll just have to cope. She better cope.
"... Are you okay?" on my right, shy-Blake asked with a meek voice. He's making himself as small as possible to make more room for me.
"Yeah, you had this look on your face like you wanna slap someone," on my left, playboy-Blake stated without looking at me.
He's too busy waving at some random girls through the window. Some of them fainted when Blake smirked at them, making him snicker. Okay, this is officially the weirdest thing I've ever seen.
"I'm okay. I'm not the one who got split in two," a brief pause, before I decided to ask him, "How does it feel being split?"
Not that I wouldn't know from personal experience, but it never hurts to hear another take on the same thing. It might help me better understand…
"I feel like I lost a part of myself," shy-Blake elaborated, hugging himself.
"I feel great," playboy-Blake filled that last word to the brim with sarcasm.
"I feel like I'm driving with triplets," Vincent said, amused.
"It's not funny!" both Blakes said in contrasting tones and facial expressions. Shy-Blake was all red faced-verging-on-crying, while playboy-Blake just looked annoyed.
I looked back and forth between the two Blakes. It seems for people who don't have superhero alter egos, the split provides a different set of clothes for your other half.
Playboy-Blake was wearing what Blake was wearing when he got split: a black leather jacket covering a black and lime green striped zip-up shirt, paired with torn black denim pants. A well-coordinated outfit a professional fashion designer put together specifically to bring out the green of his eyes without clashing with the red of his hair.
Shy-Blake was wearing what I'd expect from my fashion-blind twin: a faded orange band shirt under a brownish-gray jacket with a pair of deep purple pants that had some grass stains on it. It's like he put on the first clothes he can grab that smelled like fresh laundry detergent. He doesn't care if it didn't match as long as he doesn't smell bad.
It was clear to see how Blake's divided.
"Everyone would love the real you more than the fake!"
A gentle soul with the public image of a heartbreaker. The clothes indicate which side of Blake they're supposed to represent.
It made sense… But then, how does this explain my situation? I act more or less the same on both sides of the mask. Chat Noire is basically me - confident and level-headed me - with puns and superpowers.
Why am I not the half with the Miraculous?
My phone's ringing interrupted my thoughts. I opened it to find I got a message from Keagan.
Blair, Ego Split might come after you!
Can you tell me where you are?
Please be careful.
The two Blakes each took hold of one of my shoulders, both had their faces set in grim determination. Looks like Keagan messaged them too.
"Ego Split's after Blair! We need to get out of here!"
The car suddenly sped up, nearly throwing me off my seat had the two Blakes not held me back in time. At the driver's seat, Vincent was holding onto the steering wheel in a death grip. Aurelio Land's exit is within sight. Just one last push and we'll be out into the city with more places to hide in.
A quick glimpse of glowing red was my only warning before a loud thump resounded from the roof of the car. Playboy-Blake pushed me towards shy-Blake and we squeezed to the sides. Then a glowing red blade stabbed through the car's roof, right where I was sitting. Yikes.
"Found you, Blair Crawford!" yelled Ego Split.
"Oh c'mon! I just got this!" Vincent complained.
The red blade swung like a pendulum, trying its best to reach me. Like getting stabbed through the chest wasn't painful enough, but through the head? I don't care if it's not lethal! That thing hurts a lot more than a sword has any right to! Besides, I've already been stabbed. I don't wanna know what happens if I get stabbed again. With Ladybug recharging somewhere and Chat Noire being useless, it looks like it's up to me to rescue myself.
"Vince! Go faster!" I ordered, hamming up the panic in my voice.
Vincent quietly nodded and stepped on the gas. His steel gray eyes were glued to the road, keeping the car from crashing. Me and my twins braced ourselves for the bumpy ride. The car swerved dangerously at every sharp turn he made, but Ego Split couldn't be shaken off.
She dug her sword into the car even deeper until the full length of it is dangling dangerously at our faces. Me and the Blakes inched as far away as we can from the glowing red blade. This close, I can feel it humming that same static-like energy… Feeling my bag digging into my side, I pulled it to my front and felt up a water bottle.
Hmm… Static… Water… I wonder…
"Blair, w-what are you doing?" shy-Blake questioned, but was too timid to do much else to stop me.
Playboy-Blake noticed it too and was more expressive with his disapproval. But with the red blade between us, all he could do was shake his head vigorously.
I can only offer them both a smile.
Once I'm sure the car isn't about to make a sudden turn, I squeezed the bottle as hard as I can and made a small jet of water squirt out through the hole the blade made on the car's roof. There was a yelp and then we saw Ego Split fall off behind us.
Shy-Blake cheered and we fist bumped.
"Way to go, Blair!"
Playboy-Blake was playing it cool, not saying anything. But there's a relieved smile on his face.
"Glad that's over," Vincent sighed.
"Don't stop now! Make sure we lose her," I said.
And so, Vincent didn't let up on the speed and took as many turns as he can until Ego Split is well and truly left in the dust. We were all about to breathe easy when the car started to slow down.
"Out of gas?" I asked, completely rhetorical.
"Do you know where I can get a refill?"
0-0-0-0-0
As it turns out, cars aren't allowed into Aurelio Land without a permit. That means, not only are there no gas stations within the premises, but we're in trouble. Vincent cried when they towed away his car and said they'll be taking him in for not having a car permit, reckless driving and property damage. Never mind that all property damage will be fixed by Miraculous Ladybug cause it all involved Ego Split. Whoever is in charge is probably a bigger stick in the mud than Shizuke and Ladybug put together.
Us Crawford twins get off scott-free because we're minors who can't drive. As security was taking Vincent away, shy-Blake hesitantly approached our weeping foster brother, but it was playboy-Blake who spoke up.
"I'm sure Mrs. Liung can bail you out. You only really need to worry about the lack of permit thing. The reckless driving and the property damage can all be blamed on the akuma."
Even as a playboy, Blake is a bro.
"That's right," I added. "Then Miraculous Ladybug will fix everything up so your charges will be dropped. You'll be free to cruise in your hole-less car in no time."
"That's not what I'm worried about!" Vincent cried. "Will you three be alright on your own?"
That made me pause. Vincent, while clingy and a little overbearing, always had good intentions. He really meant it when he welcomed us into his family.
"W-we will," shy-Blake finally spoke. "I'm sure it won't be long before Ladybug and Chat Noire stop Ego Split."
"Yeah," playboy-Blake said. "Have a little faith in our heroes. They'll be done before you know it."
With that last reassurance, Vincent was pushed into a car and was driven away. With Vincent taken in for custody, the Blakes decided it'll be best to go back to meeting up with Mrs. Liung like we originally planned. The three of us kept away from wide open roads and stuck to the shadows, wary of any sudden appearances from Ego Split. But I'm not worried.
When the chips are down, I know I can always count on Ladybug. Even moreso now that the pathetic part of me is wielding my Miraculous. If only I was Chat Noire, I could've at least helped him out… But I'm a civilian. Logically, there shouldn't be much I can do to help.
Yet there's this niggling part of me that still wants to go anyway.
With two sets of eyes on guard, it'll be tough to get away.
Luck finally shone my way when I saw a certain girl with sandy blonde hair by the boutique. I pulled on playboy-Blake's sleeve to catch his attention then pointed him towards Natalia. With a smirk, he sauntered over to the blonde and laid it thick with the bad boy charms. Out of mortification, shy-Blake ran over to stop him.
With that distraction, it was easy to sneak off. I rented out a bike and zipped away. Blake will be safer without me around.
I'm the target, after all. Where I go, danger will follow.
0-0-0-0-0
Shizuke
When neither Blair nor Blake responded to Kaji's messages, there's only one thing the young heir to the Aurelio-Ashworth family could do: remind people he owns this place.
It's amazing how many people would report to Kaji's call. The Crawford-Liung siblings were hard to miss after all the commotion they made: Driving a car into the premise without a permit and using it to send Ego Split flying, using the twins' fan club to look for Blair, and finally, a car chase where they managed to shake off Ego Split.
"There's Aphrodite's Boutique! They should be around here somewhere," Kaji said.
The security caught them when they run out of gas and towed away their car. They only took in Vincent while the Crawford twins are free to go. It's only been a few minutes. They couldn't have gotten far on foot. We know our way around this theme park better than anyone else. They can't outpace us.
"This would've been so much easier if the security took them ALL in like you told them to," Fuyu grumbled.
"That's father for you," Kaji rolled his eyes. "No one's allowed to overrun protocol. It'll ruin the park's rep if anyone can break it on a whim."
For all the rules the twins were involved in breaking, they still counted as innocent for not being the ones who drove the car. That's what security said to explain why they didn't go along with Kaji's request.
"We should hurry. They're supposed to be on the run from an akuma. I don't think they'd wanna linger anywhere for too long," as I said this, I can't help but wonder if there's some kind of ploy to this.
While Ego Split's powers are nonlethal, she's not to be underestimated. Hawkmoth typically uses two types of akuma: brute force types who demand our Miraculous and those like Ego Split. With her power to split alter egos into two, her fencing skills and her goal aligning with Hawkmoth's desires, Ego Split is uniquely well-suited to exposing our secrets. She is by far the strongest we've had to face of the exposure types.
Now she's after Blair. And somehow, she managed to get Ego Split off her trail. How did that happen? What does this say about Blair being Hawkmoth?
When we finally reached the boutique, we were greeted by a strange sight.
"Hey Natalia.~"
There was Blake, in a black leather jacket and torn up jeans. He was leaning over the aforementioned blonde girl, who's face was turning redder by the second.
"I heard there's gonna be a parade later on. Wanna come with me?~"
Natalia could only turn away from Blake's intense gaze as he inched closer and closer.
"Y-you mean with you and your sister? Like friends hanging out?"
Natalia squeaked when Blake put a hand on her chin and forced her to look back at him.
"No, I mean with just the two of us. Like on a date.~"
"B-but I have a b-b-boyfriend and-"
They were nose to nose now.
"Who cares about him when you can have me?~"
Blake leaned in for a kiss. Before his lips could make contact, another redhead covered Blake's mouth with a hand and pulled him away from the flustered blonde.
"STOP!!!"
"Another Blake?!" Natalia screamed.
The flustered Blake in the mismatched outfit awkwardly waved at Natalia.
"Hey, 'Talia. I'm just gonna… uh… BYE!!!"
Blake dragged his flirty counterpart away from Natalia, but he only managed to get two meters away before he bumped into us. Blake paled in shock.
"H-how much did you saw?!"
Taking advantage of his doppleganger's surprise, the playboy pried himself out of the shy boy's hold… And went over to Fuyu?!
"Hey Fiona.~"
None of us made a move when he took Fuyu's hand and bowed down to kiss it. Not even Fuyu. We're all too weirded out seeing the guy who had trouble talking to his crush last week turn into a bigger flirt than his twin sister.
"You're cute as ever. How about we ditch your friends and have some real fun?~" Blake winked.
Fuyu's face remained blank. She said nothing when she punched him in the gut, instantly knocking him out.
Natalia is the one who caught the leather-clad Blake. The blonde girl glared at Fuyu and held him close to her defensively.
"Fiona! What the fuck?!"
"Merciless," timid Blake winced from second-hand pain.
"Believe me, I've seen Fuyu when she's merciless. This isn't it," Kaji flatly said.
Remembering that Spanish photographer's complaints about what Fuyu did to Leo, I'm inclined to agree with Kaji. Natalia didn't believe us and held the playboy closer to her. The timid Blake is getting flustered just watching them. I can understand the feeling. I would be too if I ever see Chat Noire care about any side of me.
"Anyway, where's Blair?" Kaji asked.
Like a flip has been switched, the flustered Blake found his composure. He looked dead serious, like how he usually does.
"She ditched me, as usual."
With everyone focused on Blake, I decided now would be a good time to sneak off and transform. With everything I learned, I hope Chat Noire and I can come up with something to lure out Ego Split and finally end this.
Squeezing my way between the buildings, I got into one of the many empty little pockets within Aurelio Land. It's just behind a storage house, so there aren't many people milling around this place. I was about to call out Tikki to transform when a loud clang resounded further ahead. My hands flew up to cover my screaming mouth lest I alert everyone of where I am. Across a narrow alley, the culprit gaped at me with wide emerald green eyes.
0-0-0-0-0
Blair
This feels like shoplifting. Sure, there's no one around and Miraculous Ladybug will put this all back in the end but I didn't pay for any of this. I'm rummaging through the pile of costumes from the shop Ladybug and Ego Split fought on and pulled out a witch's costume. Not the best disguise, I know, but at least Ego Split wouldn't make a beeline for me. I could blend in with the costumed employees. A knight's armor would've been better though.
I fished out my phone to check on the Ladyblog. No updates. Ugh… So Ego Split's hiding again. Scrolling down my notifications, I came upon Keagan's message from earlier. He was right about Ego Split coming after me. Thanks to that warning, I kept my guard up and was able to avoid getting stabbed when she targeted me… Wait a minute. I could use this!
Checking my surroundings, I find that I'm surrounded by fun houses: a haunted house, a hall of mirrors, and everything in between. I looked back at the costume shop, the long red wigs and the mannequins catching my attention. Next to me is one of those high-tech holographic guides.
A flash of inspiration came to me.
Ego Split is gonna need to do more than turn me into a civilian to completely sideline me. Stuffing the witch costume into my bag, I went out and made a few calls…
0-0-0-0-0
Chat Noire
From what my ears can gather from the rumor mill, Ego Split has gone into hiding right after attacking other-me. If I hadn't stood around inside my trailer like some scaredy cat, I could've intercepted her! No composure, no plan, no Ladybug… Five minutes in and I'm already screwing up! All because the thought of Ego Split and her flying light saber makes me freeze up! As for other-me, I heard she managed to shake off Ego Split. Not even having a Miraculous, yet she still handles akumas like a champ.
After wandering around aimlessly, I found myself in an empty part of the theme park. They must've evacuated the park by now. Even civilians are doing their job better than me. I kicked down a trash can in frustration.
There was a yelp further into the narrow alley.
Standing there was Shizuke, hands covering his mouth and staring at me with wide brown eyes. He's alone. Did he run off on his friends again? Calm down, me. Play it cool. It's just the nerd…
"W-what are you doing here?!" I squeaked.
How is it that whenever I'm having an uncool moment, this nerd is always there to see it?
"I uh, I got lost?" he said, looking at everything but me.
"Uh huh. And you're not childhood friends with the boy who lives here. Don't think I'm not aware Monsieur Ladyblogger has friends besides the pink haired punk girl."
For a second there, Shizuke looked sheepish at getting called out for his lie. Then his demeanor changed when he stared intently at me.
"... Is everything alright?"
"Yup. Cest magnifique."
Shizuke didn't look convinced with his skeptical frown and furrowed brows. I suppose it could've been more convincing if I could just stand a little straighter and hold my head a little higher. This is just sad. I used to be able to lie circles around anyone. Now, I can't even convince the one guy who would put so much faith in me as a superhero.
"Ladybug's still out. It's only a matter of time before he finds the akuma and everything will be back to normal."
I thought mentioning Ladybug would put him at ease. People tend to respond well to Ladybug.
Shizuke looked like someone stepped on his foot.
"Then shouldn't you be out there helping him find Ego Split?"
I waved him off, doing my best to feign confidence even if my leather ears are giving it all away with how I can feel them fold down on my head.
"Psh. Have a little more faith in Ladybug! He can totally handle her. It doesn't matter if I'm there or not."
Which is true. Ladybug did just single-handedly took down Ego Split. If my secret identity weren't in danger, Ego Split would've been purified by now. If I can't count on lying, I can always fall back on stating facts. Surely, this solid fact will be enough reassure anyone.
"I'm sure it'll matter to Ladybug," he said in a gentle voice.
Great. My biggest fan is now trying to comfort me. I'm supposed to be this larger than life hero! How pathetic can you get?
"Chat Noire, are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
As fine as a split person can be anyway. Shizuke sighed before standing a little straighter to properly fuss over me like the mother hen he is. Ugh… This is beyond pitiful!
"Okay. I won't force you to tell me if you really don't want to. Just know that if there's anything you want to talk about, I'll always be willing to listen. I just want to help you."
There's something about Shizuke that puts me in a more honest mood… Probably cause he's honest himself. Combined with my missing self-control, it wasn't long until I found myself taking him up on his offer and spilling my heart out. Well, some of it anyway. Ladybug worked so hard to protect my secret identity. I'm not about to undo all his efforts by telling some rando my life story.
"... I've always been a good actor. I can play the role of who I need to be at a drop of a hat. Sometimes, it feels like that's the only way I was able to cope with anything. Like being a superhero…"
… Loosing my parents, the foster system, schmoozing with other models to get ahead in showbiz… Ugh, even Blake's stupid love life! Hardly anything goes my way!
Not wanting to see the pity that's likely on his face right now, I turned away from Shizuke, only to be met with a wrinkled poster of me and Ladybug. The Chat Noire in the poster stood proud with her hands on her hips and a smirk that makes her look invincible. I reached out to her with my claws, tracing her face like it would somehow pass on some of her confidence into me.
"I worked so hard to build that girl up and get rid of all that's unnecessary. Fear, discomfort, anger, insecurity, self-pity… Those feelings never helped anyone. With Hawkmoth on the prowl, it's even better if I don't feel those. It's better to pick yourself back up and focus on the task ahead… Stay in control of myself. It's the one thing in life I can control."
Now that I'm split, I don't even have that.
"W-well," Shizuke stuttered. "I don't think there's anything wrong with feeling any of those things. Thousands of people feel those things every day. Hawkmoth can't akumatize them all. I'm sure you'll be fine even if you let yourself feel those every once in a while."
Of course Shizuke would say that. He couldn't put a lid on his feelings to save his life. When he's not yelling about his feelings, it'll be written all over his face. Surprisingly, this guy's never been akumatized. I could see there's some merit to what he's saying…
"But I can't take chances with Hawkmoth. Unlike most people, I've got a Miraculous."
"I'm not telling you to give in to those feelings. You're strong for resisting that. All I'm saying is that having those feelings at all doesn't make you any less of a hero."
"A hero, you say?" I let out a self-depreciating laugh. "If anyone's a hero around here, it's Ladybug."
I remember Ladybug once said the same thing about me. If he knew who I really am, he'd take it back. In retrospect, Ego Split is my fault. I may not be the one who yelled at Alicia, but I could've at least eased the blow.
"Being a hero isn't just about taking down villains. It's also about helping others. Compassion. That's the side of the job I've always struggled with… Even after months, I haven't improved much. Not surprising. Compassion requires feelings and I spent years believing feelings only get in the way of what needs to be done."
Looking back at the poster, my eyes drifted towards my partner. This is one of the first posters they've released of us. While I was ready for the cameras, Ladybug was struggling to look cool. It took a while to get him to look the part of a hero… Yet when it comes down to the important stuff, he always knew the right thing to do and does it without hesitation.
"It comes so naturally to Ladybug."
If he were in my position, he would've gone after Alicia and prevented her from getting akumatized. Heck, he'd probably yell at Senior Gonzalez for being so harsh. Yeah, he's not the sort who'd last long in showbiz. But he wouldn't have caused an akuma.
"He's come so far from the newbie he was last year. Being a hero is his true calling. Can't say the same for me."
My lips curled to a rueful smile. It's all I can do so I don't end up crying. Not in front of some random classmate I couldn't even call my friend.
"I'm just a girl lucky enough to wear the mask of a cool superhero."
And there you have it. The hero you've always looked up to is just a loser wielding a Miraculous. I kept my gaze on my toes, waiting for Shizuke to let go of his hero worship and leave. I don't wanna see his pedestal of me crumble.
"As important as compassion is, I for one don't think it's enough to be a hero."
The way Shizuke said it with such certainty made me look back up to him. In all the months I've been in the same class as him, I've never seen him look so fired up… And this guy's one of the most hotblooded guys I know. But there's something about it that feels more controlled than his usual outbursts.
"I think your strong rationale is a good trait for any hero to possess. You're always able to think on your feet and get things done. As much as we all want someone to understand us, it's just as important to have someone there to stay calm and yank us away from danger."
Shizuke took this moment to breathe, like what he's going to say next hits closer to home than everything he's said so far.
"Believe me… Staying in one place, thinking about hurt feelings and hoping for the best never made anything better."
Welp. Will you look at that. It did hit close to home.
"You won't get anywhere if you don't take any steps towards it?" I said, with a half-hearted attempt at my usual smug smirk.
For the first time ever, Shizuke smiled at me.
"That's right!" then, his gaze softened. "So don't think you're any less than Ladybug. You have your own strengths. You're his equal. His partner! And… And well…"
Shizuke hid his face behind his hands and turned away from me. I can see his ears turning a bright shade of red from here. My ears managed to pick up what he's mumbling to himself anyway.
"That cool superhero wouldn't exist without the girl wearing the mask."
Okay, I can understand why he'd get so flustered over saying that. It's cheesy, almost like a pick-up line… Yet he meant every word of it.
"{Hey there, Ego Split! It's me. Ya girl.~}"
Our little moment was interrupted by the sound of my own voice. We made our way out of the secluded alley and back into the main street. On the podiums, my face can be seen winking at anyone who cares to look at my announcement.
"{You know, I always wondered what it'll be like to have a twin sister. Maybe I should give splitting a chance. It could be fun.~}"
"What is she doing?!" Shizuke hissed.
"{So I'm just gonna hang around Chateau de Lucia. I'll be waiting!~}"
With a flip of her hair, my holographic face flickered out. Shizuke is fuming at my side.
"She's gonna lead the akuma straight towards her! What is she thinking?!"
That's when it clicked.
"She's playing bait."
I pulled out my baton and twirled it to a staff. Knowing other-me, she totally has a plan. Even if she didn't design it with me in mind, I'm sure Ladybug would rather I'm there anyway. I gave Shizuke a two-fingered salute.
"Welp. I better go save her. Thanks for the pep talk, Shizuke!"
Then I vaulted away. I may just be an emotional mess of a girl wearing a mask, but this girl has the foundation of a cool superhero. I'm just gonna have to build her up again.
0-0-0-0-0
Shizuke
"Tikki! Cat knows my name!"
"Well, you did yell your entire profile around her that one time she went in your room, remember?"
It feels like all the blood I have is rushing to my face at that memory.
"She remembers me!"
Tikki zoomed right to the tip of my nose and yelled, "Shizuke! Focus!"
That snapped me out of my flustered haze. Right. Blair is luring Ego Split her way and is most likely expecting us heroes to rescue her. In Chateau de Lucia… The haunted house. BLAIR. She planned all this.
"... This could be a trap."
"Shizuke!"
"Okay! Alright! Innocent 'til proven guilty! I get it!"
I transformed and hesitantly made my way to the haunted house. Of all the places, why did it have to be there?!
0-0-0-0-0
Chateau de Lucia is one of the most popular attractions in Aurelio Land. It's based on the local legend about a witch who lives alone atop a hill. They say the actual mansion can be found somewhere in Lucia Park - which is why the park is named after her - but no one's actually found it. The attraction itself is a dome-shaped structure that looks like a little hill with the house sat atop of it.
I've only been here once, so I remember the layout. Inside the hill is a graveyard, the dome giving the illusion of nighttime. There's a flight of stairs that leads up to the house proper. Holograms, animatronics and other machinations are hidden at every dark corner triggered by censors to scare off any visitor. They save the scariest of scares at the mansion itself, but it's at its best form at night - at least, that's what Fuyu and Gav said.
When I got there, I saw how altered it was. It's like the haunted house has combined with the hall of mirrors.
"Blair! Come out already!"
Ego Split was there under a spotlight. At her feet was a broken mannequin with a red wig. Ego Split stepped back only to bump into a grave stone. A red haired figure popped out of a coffin next to it, which the akuma immediately seized. Once again, it was another fake with a red wig. There was a flash of red and Ego Split lunged at it… only for her sword to bounce off the surface of a mirror.
"What in the world?"
Sensing someone lurking behind me, I quickly grappled them by the wrists and pinned them to a wall. Before I can question them, a light (a phone) coming from one of their hands shone to reveal the person was Kaji.
"Hi. Please don't yell at me. The akuma might hear you."
I let go Kaji and he led me behind a pile of FAKE skeletons. This is all FAKE. This isn't like Gavril's horror movie collection at all!
"Is Chat Noire…?"
"She's not here yet. But we can't wait for her."
Kaji pointed at Ego Split, her glowing red sword giving away her location even in the foggy darkness. A flash of red dashing past behind Ego Split in the fog, making the akuma attack their reflection in the mirror. A closer look reveals it's actually Fuyu with a red wig. Another figure, this time a tall guy with the same long red wig, stole Ego Split's attention. There are a few more people running around with red wigs, each covering for each other as they weaved around Ego Split in a complex formation.
"We can only stall the akuma for so long. While she's not actively trying to stab you-"
"I should use Lucky Charm and finish her off."
No matter how much I'd rather wait for Chat Noire to come around, people are depending on me. I can't let them down. I'll do this with or without her.
As quietly as possible, I called out my Lucky Charm. Careful to hide the flashing lights that come with summoning Lucky Charm, I quickly took hold of it to prevent it from clattering. It's a tall rectangle shape with a ladybug-pattern frame, not very heavy and cold to the touch…
"Don't we have enough mirrors?" Kaji asked.
Holding up the Lucky Charm, I can still make out Kaji from the other side.
"This is a two-way mirror."
"What's it for?"
A plan is forming in my head, but it requires two people. With Chat Noire still not here, I look to Kaji. He was looking at me like an overeager puppy. I don't want to encourage his bad habit of getting involved in akuma battles, but time is of the essence. Kaji's my best choice. He's a trained fencer, so he can anticipate Ego Split's moves. He's agile and good at dodging, moreso than even Octavia. If anyone can weave through Ego Split's attacks and get close to her, it would be Kaji. Swallowing the last of my hesitation, I handed over the mirror to Kaji.
"I'm going to need your help."
0-0-0-0-0
Blair
All's going according to plan. With Keagan's help setting things up with his money and hacking skills, we managed to trap Ego Split in the haunted house. I've been sitting in the surveillance room, directing everyone via headsets to make sure they don't get caught by Ego Split. We've been stalling her for six minutes when Ladybug arrives and Kaji, posted by the entrance, quickly directing him out of sight to put him up to speed with my plan.
A message from Keagan told me Ladybug has summoned Lucky Charm and has a plan; but it needs two people. One of them has to go after Ego Split's earrings - Ladybug's pretty sure that's the possessed item. Keagan's giddy about Ladybug asking him for help, which is fine by me. Not like Ladybug's gonna get better back up.
"Figured you'd be here."
I hopped off my chair to face my double, mentally preparing to tell her off when I noticed something's different about her. While not quite confident, she's holding her head higher. Her feral green eyes were glowing with determination. What's changed?
"I know you're up to something, so I want in on it."
"You sure you're up to it?"
Chat Noire didn't waver.
If there's anything I've learned from observing the two Blakes, the splits work like two sides of the same coin: two different facets, ultimately one and the same. A playboy and a shy boy both make the same caring brother.
Perhaps she and I aren't so different. Maybe she's worth considering, especially now that I've figured out how to beat Ego Split's pesky sword. I'd kick myself for not thinking it sooner but that wouldn't fix anything. Chat Noire had no qualms kicking herself when I told her.
0-0-0-0-0
Ladybug
With the cover from the fog machines, Kaji made it into position. I feel uneasy with this plan. One beep from my Miraculous reminded me that time is running out. The other people stopped running around and a spotlight shined on me. That caught Ego Split's attention. There's no backing out now.
"Ladybug! Don't think I forgot about freeing you too," Ego Split said with a grin.
Our duel started as soon as Ego Split lunged at me. I dodged around her blade, carefully leading her to where the two-way mirror is standing like any other mirror. Ego Split charged one more time, sword-wielding arm outstretched towards me. That's when Kaji dashed in front of me, holding the mirror like a shield. Just like earlier, the sword bounced harmlessly off its surface. Through the two-way mirror, I can see that the impact stunned Ego Split for a second. I threw my yoyo at an angle around the two-way mirror, making it weave around the akuma before I pulled my yoyo string taught, trapping the akuma in a web of strings.
But before she could be completely restrained, she tossed aside her sword.
The glowing red blade zipped through the air. Without its wielder, the sword isn't as quick on its own. It's how I was able to keep dodging it while chasing after Ego Split. Kaji bravely kept the mirror up to defend me as I inched closer to Ego Split. It was supposed to be Kaji who's going to retrieve the earrings while I hold the akuma back! My plan is falling apart fast.
Kaji's yelp in pain made me look his way. I only saw the blade flying towards me for a second before it stopped just a few centimeters away from me. On the other end of the blade with her claws on the hilt was Chat Noire.
"Cataclysm!"
With a surge of black energy, the sword disintegrated into ashes.
At the same time, there was another girl dressed in a witch's costume, with the long tattered black dress and the wide brimmed hat covering most of her face. She went straight for Ego Split's earrings and threw them at my feet. I stomped on them and released Ego Split - now Alicia - so I can purify the butterfly that tried to escape.
Kaji passed me my Lucky Charm. He insists that he's not seriously hurt and the blade only jolted him a little. I called out Miraculous Ladybug, calling forth a swarm of magical ladybugs to fix everything. Whether Kaji's bluffing or not, he'll get healed with this.
From the side, I saw the witch girl disappear into the swarm as it passed her, which then flew over to Chat Noire. Wait, does this mean her civilian form was here helping me out this whole time?!
When the swarm left Chat Noire, the change was noticeable. She was dancing in place, cackling in relief. She stood straighter, spoke louder, and smirked more.
It's good to have her back.
As nice as it was to see a more honest side to her, she wouldn't be completely her without her confidence and self-control. Both sides of her saved the day.
Chat Noire sauntered over to me and offered her fist.
"Pound it?"
I connected my own fist to hers.
"Pound it."
Next to us, Kaji was squealing. Oh right. He's still here.
"C'mon. You can join in," I stepped a little aside to make room for him, offering him a smile.
All excitement fell from Kaji's face as he nervously glanced at our fists. He took a step back and shook his head like he's unworthy.
"You don't mean…"
"You helped us out," Chat Noire pointed out and flashed him a self-assured smirk. "You earned it."
With some hesitation, Kaji timidly reached out and linked his fist with ours. My Miraculous' frantic beeping ended our moment. No, I'm not using this as an excuse to finally leave this haunted house.
"I better go. Bye!"
With that, I left, entrusting Kaji and Chat Noire to help out the latest akuma victim. I pretended not to hear Kaji's whines about needing to interview me. Chat Noire did say she's been working on her compassion, might as well give her a chance to practice.
0-0-0-0-0
Chat Noire
It's great to be back to normal! And with returning into a single amazing being, I gained the memories of both my halves… And how one of them has come to an epiphany.
Alicia was holding her head, observing her surroundings anxiously. I gave her a hand and helped her up. One look at me and it dawned on her what had happened. Her hazel eyes widen and her hands came up to her mouth.
"W-what have I done?"
I patted her on the shoulder.
"Whatever happened, it wasn't your fault. Got it?"
Alicia just nodded at me dumbly.
My attempt at comforting once again came out like a command. I scrunched my nose at that. This isn't working. My Miraculous beeped, reminding me I have to make this quick. I scratched the back of my head as I wracked my brain for solutions. How did Shizuke managed to get through to me? He twisted my own words and gave it a positive spin.
"It wasn't the real you who did all that. You know who you really are, what you wanted… Hawkmoth just twisted all that to make a fake version of you to hurt others. Nobody blames you for any of it. Okay?"
Alicia's lips curled up to a wry smile.
"Okay. I get that."
I gave her a thumbs up. That went better than my past attempts at playing comfort cat. Still awkward, but an improvement nonetheless.
"So," Keagan not-so-subtly interrupts. "About that interview…"
"Yeah, I heard you the first time. I'll talk to Bugsy about that later."
I sent him a finger gun and ran off. Behind the haunted house, I dropped my transformation and caught Plagg as he zipped out of my ring.
"That was one heck of an experience," Plagg said.
"You don't have to tell me twice," I muttered.
I tossed out a slice of Camembert, which Plagg caught in midair. Wonder how it was like for him when I was split. Unable to pull out my Miraculous or detransform…
Back when I was split, I wasn't quite sure if I could still use Cataclysm at all. Good thing other-me thought ahead and decided to go get Ego Split's earrings while I held back the sword. If only I'd thought to Cataclysm that sword as soon as Ladybug disarmed her the first time, we could've avoided all this…
No use use crying over spilled milk. I'm just gonna have to do better next time. Plagg hid into my backpack when I heard someone calling out for me.
"Blair! Where are you?!"
Running towards Chateau de Lucia was Mrs. Liung. She looked like a mess. Her suit was wrinkled, her jacket was off and draped over her arm. Her heels were replaced with a pair of flip flops. Her makeup's the only thing left that's still impeccable like earlier morning, only because she uses the high quality water-resistant stuff.
"Mrs. Liung!" I called out as I approached her.
I only got five steps when she closed the distance with a hug. Mrs. Liung was trembling and sweaty. I really worried her this time, hadn't I?
"I'm sorry…"
"As long as you're safe, Blair. That's what really matters to me."
Mrs. Liung pulled away to recompose herself. It's amazing how she can go from worrying sick about her kids to a cool pro cutting straight to business. Mrs. Liung looked over me worryingly, as if Miraculous Ladybug somehow failed to fix anything.
"Are you alright? You're looking a little pale."
Today feels like my feelings went through a wringer.
"I'll be fine. Just a little tired, that's all."
"Should we cancel your shoot for later? Leo called in that he can't make it, so they might let you resched if we ask now."
"We still got five hours before that starts. Plenty of time for me to sneak in a nap."
Mrs. Liung still looked over me with worry.
"I'll be fine!"
With some reluctance, Mrs. Liung finally agreed to let me go.
"If you insist… But don't think you're off the hook, missy," Mrs. Liung narrowed her eyes and scowled sternly at me. "We'll still talk about your absences," Mrs. Liung's face softened. "But seeing as you're tired, I suppose that can wait. Are we clear on that?"
"Yup."
I better come up with a really good lie by then. That interrogation's gonna be tough to talk around.
"For now, we should get Blake and fetch Vincent from security."
Together, we went met up with Blake who got Miraculous Ladybug'd all the way to where Natalia was. Then we made our way to Vincent. Hopefully, we won't need bail money now that the property damage has been fixed.
The Liungs may not be my real family, but they truly cared. Always have.
All the more reason why I can't back out of modelling. The Liungs have given Blake and I so much when they didn't have to - when they were grieving over their own loss. Mrs. Liung and Vincent had a lot on their plates, but they tried their best to treat Blake and I like family instead of the burdens we were.
The least we could do was ease their burdens wherever we can.
0-0-0-0-0
When the time came for the second part of the shoot, it turns out Fiona's the reason Leo couldn't make it. I shook her hands in gratitude.
"Fiona, you are my hero."
"You're welcome," Fiona grinned. "If you need someone to kick Leo in the nuts, feel free to call me."
"Will do."
I think Fiona and I just built a friendship from our mutual hatred of Leo. Well, what do you know. The blond is finally good for something!
The aforementioned blond's nicer look-a-like strode in, his phone playing a drum roll as he's doing jazz hands at the trailer door.
"May I present to you, your new modelling partner…"
Kaji's announcement was cut off by the teenaged boy covering his reddening face with his hands.
"This is embarrassing."
I went over and peeled his hands off his face to see who it is.
"I always thought you'd clean up nicely, but wow," I whistled.
"Shut up," Shizuke grumbled.
Shizuke does cut a nice figure now that he's wearing more flattering clothes. He's more muscled than the sweater vest would lead you to believe. Must be the Judo club's doing.
He's currently wearing a red leather jacket that emphasizes his broad shoulders, a nicely fitted black shirt with Ladybug's logo, a pair of black skinny jeans and bright red sneakers. His usually neatly combed hair is ruffled in a stylish loosely windswept way. On his ears are what I assume to be clip-on studs - pretty sure he doesn't have his ears pierced.
The best part are his eyes. Those doe brown eyes are no longer hidden behind those square glasses.
"Nothing to be ashamed of, Shizu. You look great," Fuyu reassured.
Keagan draped his arm over my new model partner.
"I'm glad we're no longer the only ones who notices Shizu's appeal. Senior Gonzalez said you'd make the perfect 'Ladybug'."
"Kaji…" Shizuke said in a warning tone.
I smirked and draped my arm over Shizuke from his other side.
"Ever consider working for Aphrodite if that scholarship doesn't work out?"
"This is a ONE. TIME. THING," Shizuke shrugged us off and stepped away from me with his arms crossed close to his chest.
If I didn't know his only reason for hating me is because he thinks I'm Hawkmoth, his attitude would've upset me. Instead, I remembered everything he said to Chat Noire.
"That cool superhero wouldn't exist without the girl wearing the mask."
This guy can look at that pathetic side of me and still see a hero.
"Okay then. Just for today, I'll let you be my Ladybug.~"
Shizuke flustered at my wink. "W-whatever! Let's just get this over with!"
He stumbled a bit as he made his way to the set where Senior Gonzalez is ready with his camera. I followed him shortly after.
There's this giddy feeling bubbling up inside me that I can't explain. Welp. It doesn't feel like a negative thing… I'm sure it'll be fine to keep feeling this.
0-0-0-0-0
Notes: Finally! I'm done with the main story for this episode! This took longer than I thought. I hope it's worth the wait! Speaking of waits, the next chapter is the bonus chapter but as of now it's barely got the skeletal frame of a chapter. With OC-Inktober on, I'm afraid it'll be a while before I finish that. So in the meantime, I recommend you guys to check out my tumblr (also named ErisLuna35) to see my works. There's gonna be some art for this story as well.
Also, I got two new reviews! I'm happy to hear there are people enjoying this story. I know OC stories don't fetch a lot of readers, so it always brightens my day whenever I see a review. Lets me know I have an audience, however small it is. So thank you so much! 'Til next time!