Between Truths and Lies

by ErisLuna35

Shizuke Midorikawa was just an average boy who lives in an apartment above a flower shop with his grandmother. Blair Crawford was a fairly famous girl who models part time with her brother but dreams to be something else. They had nothing in common… Until a monster attacked their school and they received magical jewelry that allows them to transform into superheroes.

19. 4-3 Slumber

CHAPTER 19: LATE NIGHT TALKS

Notes:

Trigger Warnings, mild depiction of someone having PTSD flashbacks and mentions of blood.

0-0-0-0-0

Chat Noire

"Bonjour, Ladybug! You made it just in time for the finale!" with my signature cocky grin, I handed him the black book that's radiating that familiar corrupted energy of an akuma. "Here's the possessed item by the way."

Behind me, the akuma - who looked like a crazed neon colored playwright - was squashed underneath the rubble of what was once a stone pedestrian bridge hanging over the main road. I used up Cataclysm half an hour ago, which was plenty of time to recharge and stick around to wait for Ladybug to get here. Gotta make sure the bug does his job right.

"What just happened?" Ladybug said through gritted teeth, trying so hard to hide how out of breath he really is.

For all his bravado, Ladybug looks like he hasn't slept in days. His posture is wobbly, like a slight breeze can topple him - far from his usual sturdy stance that's as stubborn as he is. His mask couldn't conceal his now prominent eyebags. And if I were to guess, his fuse is at an all-time short.

"I saved the day?" I flipped my hair in a show of confidence, which I know does wonders to his temper. "And I did it all on my own.~"

"You destroyed public property!"

Be nonchalant. It'll piss him off even more. "Nothing Miraculous Ladybug can't fix."

"The akuma-"

"He's fine," as I said this, the akuma thrashed but couldn't pull himself out of my improvised prison. "See how lively he is?"

Ladybug let out a frustrated groan and waved his arms around like a temperamental toddler. "Someone could've been hurt!"

Shrug casually and smirk as smug as possible. It doubles my mocking power. "That's what the Ladyblog is for. Warns people to evacuate and stuff."

At the mention of the Ladyblog, Ladybug quickly looked around for any signs of orange plaid. "Where's the Ladyblogger?!"

Typical Ladybug, always prioritizing the safety of citizens like a goody-two-shoes. One time, keeping Keagan away from an akuma took so much of his attention that by the time he came back, I've already taken care of the akuma solo.

"No need to worry. Monsieur Ladyblogger and his little lady friend are safe right over there," I pointed to a phone booth.

Keagan waved excitedly from inside the phone booth's soundproof glass doors. His mouth is moving, probably yelling a greeting at his favorite bug hero. Fiona jabbed Keagan on the rib with her elbow, also trapped in the cramped phone booth.

It was a flash of genius really. If Monsieur Ladyblogger won't stop running towards akumas, I should just trap him somewhere he can't leave and make sure the akuma stays away from there. If Fiona's there, I'll trap her with him.

Next to me, Ladybug is fuming red. Like a kettle reaching its boiling point, I'm half expecting him to scream any minute now. At his angry constipated expression, I shot him a taunting smirk.

And for the finisher: order him something he can't refuse.

"Now do your thing, Bugsy.~"

If he refuses and blows up at this, he'll look bad for not wanting to do his job out of spite. If he does it anyway, it'll look like I'm in command and it'll sting his fragile ego. With the way I stoked the fires of his temper, I was expecting the former rather than the latter.

What I got instead was a scowling, fist-clenched Ladybug who accusingly asked, "Okay Cat, what game are you trying to play?"

Even when I'm trying to manipulate him to blow up and expose his temper to put a stain on his public image, Ladybug finds a way to throw a wrench into my schemes! Why does he chooses the worst times to use his brain?!

"What ever do you mean, M'Lady?"

Oh no he wouldn't dare…

He dared.

"Don't play dumb with me! I told you to leave yet you've done the exact opposite! You said-"

I pounced on Ladybug, clawed hands squeezing his mouth shut. With Ladybug quiet in my hand, I scanned the area to make sure no one can hear us. With what he was going to say, he would've taken me down with him. I shot the annoying bug an acid green glare.

"You wanna talk? Fine. Meet me tonight at the old warehouse where we used to spar," I let go of his mouth so I can pull him down so we're face to face. My throat letting out a low growl as I hissed just low enough for only him to hear, "Just don't broadcast OUR problems to the entire friggin' city. Got it? Your oh-so-precious citizens don't need the extra stress over this."

We had a glaring contest before I let him go so he can do his thing. Ugh. I just can't win with this guy, can I?

He called out his Lucky Charm. As soon as it fell into his hand, he tossed it into the air to summon his swarm of magical Ladybugs to fix everything. Finally, he went over to the purified ex-akuma to do his wannabe-therapist shtick.

With everything fixed, Keagan and Fiona were now free to go from their telephone booth prison.

Monsieur Ladyblogger meekly approached me and asked, "So, uh… Did you guys finally kissed and made up?"

I gave him the mother of all deadpan looks.

"Miraculous! Simply the best! Up to the test when things go wrong!~"

Off went Keagan's phone. I peeked over from Keagan's side and saw there's an akuma alert. Not surprising, really.

On the first week after our team's break up, there has been a decline in akuma attacks… then on the second week, there's been an onslaught of akuma attacks one after the other. It's worse than our first week! I've been patting myself on the back for making the wise decision to ditch Ladybug's rigid patrol schedule and training regimen. I'd be dead on my feet by now… Like Ladybug.

"Don't even think about it," Fiona glared at Keagan.

"But Fiona…" Keagan whined.

"Haven't you already seen enough action for today?"

I stepped away from the bickering pair and pulled out my baton, readying myself to leave while they're busy arguing. Before I can vault away, Ladybug called out.

"Just where are you going?!"

"There's an akuma at Xyril Tech. I'll handle it. You just take your time to recharge and I'll wait for you there," I winked at Ladybug to further annoy him before going off, leaving him, Monsieur Ladyblogger and Fiona behind.

I hope the guardian's seeing this. I can totally handle everything on my own. The fact that I can't purify akuma is the only thing holding me back. It's only a matter of time before the bug falls.

0-0-0-0-0

Ladybug

I swung as close to the school as I can before my timer ran out. The last akuma was half way across the city. I can rest easy knowing if I take care of the akuma fast enough, Kaji won't make it in time to put himself in danger trying to film akumas again. My timer ran out and dropped my transformation as I ducked behind a billboard.

"Okay Tikki, we better hurry before Chat Noire goes ahead and takes all the credit."

Tikki nodded as she munched on a cookie I gave her.

From where I'm perched, I could oversee the school grounds. Nothing seems out of place at first until you notice it's too quiet at this hour. Students should be milling about, dismissed from class to do as they please or participating in clubs.

A streak of black and red streaked by from the corner of my eye. It turned out to be Chat Noire. She jumped on the school fence, scanning the area before jumping into the main administration building.

I hate to admit it, but the cat's always had good sense in finding the root of the problem. If only she wasn't so aggravating to work with, with her tendency to show off, her penchant for biting sarcasm, her destructive maneuvers that could potentially endanger civilians…

A yawn broke me out of my thoughts and I shook my head. No, this is not the time to rest! Not even my anger is giving me much energy to power through. I slapped myself, hoping the light shock of pain would help me wake up.

"Are you okay?"

"We've got an akuma to take care of. I have to be okay."

Tikki couldn't argue with that one.

I took a deep breath to calm myself down and focus on the mission at hand. As soon as Tikki finished off the last of the cookie, I called on my transformation and jumped after the black cat.

0-0-0-0-0

Xyril Tech was eerily quiet. Inside the administration building explained everything. Students and faculty members alike are all sprawled on the floor, fast asleep.

I carefully walked around a janitor sleeping on the floor hugging his mop like a lover, swung over a teacher and her scattered papers, moved a student away from a door so I can pass through… Holding the student up, I saw golden specks of sand falling from her eyes.

Just my luck that the akuma of the day has sleep-based powers.

The sounds of a scuffle can be heard just beyond the door. I carefully set aside the student and made my way through the door. The administration building has a courtyard in the middle with a garden that can be viewed from any of the floors above… But now that garden looks like a desert.

Running across the open hallways overlooking the garden was Chat Noire. Try as she might to get near, she's forced to go from pillar to pillar to shield herself from the sleep-inducing sand.

I can't help but smile to myself. Finally! An akuma that arrogant cat can't handle! While the akuma was preoccupied with attacking the cat, I summoned Lucky Charm - a pair of goggles, their purpose is obvious. I put the goggles on and charged at the akuma.

The akuma of the day looks to be a boy around my age. He's pale gold from head to toe, with a white night gown and a white sleeping cap. Every wave of his arms lets him move the sand. Something about him looks familiar but I can't dwell on that for too long as he turned around and narrowly dodged my grasp.

A glowing outline of a butterfly mask appeared over his face. I was expecting the akuma to retaliate, but instead he stepped away from me shaking his head in denial.

"No Hawkmoth! I don't want t-this! I just w-wanted to sleep! I-"

Little crackles of purple energy flowed all over the akuma, who held his head as he cried in pain.

The horrific sight froze me in place. My mind flashed back to a different akuma… A far more deadly akuma being forced to do things against his will. The sand replaced by fire. The gold replaced by black obsidian engulfed in flames. In the akuma's place, stood Scorch - the first akuma.

People were screaming. The smell of smoke and burnt leaves invaded my senses. Kaji's screams… The fear in Fuyu's eyes… An arm reaching out but instead fired an attack…

"Ladybug! Watch out!"

Chat Noire's voice barely registered as she pulled me out of the way. I closed my eyes and shook my head to bring myself back to the present. What I saw as a ball of fire was actually a stream of golden sand.

"I am Slumber! And if people won't let me sleep, I'll put everyone else to sleep!" the akuma yelled, succumbing to Hawkmoth's control.

A salve of sand blasted at Chat Noire, but the black cat was too quick, even while lugging me around like a sack over her shoulders. She pulled me up a balcony of a private office, hidden from the Slumber's view.

"Jeez, not even hit by sand and you're already half-way to dreamland," Chat Noire snatched the goggles off my face, putting it on herself.

"Hey!" I made a move to take it back but she slapped my hand away.

"We don't have much time to argue," she pointed at one of my cufflinks, which beeped to prove her point. "You're too vulnerable to fight this akuma. Leave this one to me."

I wanted to deny her claims, but all that came out of my mouth was a yawn. Chat Noire's smug smirk says it all.

"When I give you a signal, prepare to capture the akuma. Got it?"

Not giving me a chance to argue, Chat Noire jumped off the balcony.

"Hey Slumber! Come and get me!"

A sandstorm started up and blocked my view of their ensuing fight. I clenched my fists, nails painfully digging into my palm to help me stay awake. There's gotta be something I could… That's when I spotted it. Through the office's sliding glass door was a coffee machine.

I tried to open the door but it wouldn't budge. Locked. Miraculous Ladybug will fix this later, I repeatedly told myself as I grabbed my yoyo, raised it up… I saw my reflection in the glass. Tense, shaking, and haggard. If I go down there, how much help would I be?

"Cataclysm!"

No time to waste. I steeled my resolve, smashed the glass and grabbed the coffee pot. The caffeine quickly flooded my body with extra energy.

With my eyes closed, I plunged myself into the sandstorm. Caffeine and adrenaline are the only things keeping me awake now, but I doubt I'd last much longer if I let the sand get into my eyes.

My Miraculous beeped, signaling I only have three minutes.

Instincts urged me to move, just in time to dodge a stream of sand.

"Ladybug! So glad to see at least one of you isn't a coward!"

I swung my yoyo into a makeshift shield. I can't let my guard down around this akuma. I have to get close to him without opening my eyes.

"Y'know, I like you. You make my life easier. Instead of hiding away like a certain cat, you show up ready to hit the sack with your Miraculous on a silver platter!"

Don't listen to the akuma, Shizuke. He's just gonna say things to get you off balance… Wait, I can use his voice to find him!

"Slumber! Why are you doing this?!" I said, carefully deflecting the sand thrown my way with my spinning yoyo.

"You wanna know why I'm doing this?"

"That's why I asked!"

The sandstorm around me got stronger, pelting me with sand at every angle. All I can do for defense is cover my eyes and hope none of the sand can get through.

"Fine! I'll tell you! The teachers are dumping us students with too much homework nonstop! As if that's not bad enough, they made Saturday a school day too!"

Focus! Follow Slumber's voice beyond the sandstorm raging on.

"And it doesn't end when I get home! Oh no. My parents would then get a tutor to make sure I'm keeping up! I haven't slept properly in days!"

His general direction seems to be at my one o'clock.

"So many adults telling me what to do. It never ends! Now I've got Hawkmoth ordering me around too!"

Around three meters away.

"This is all because YOU couldn't stop Hawkmoth!"

My blood boiled at the accusation.

"No! It's all because HAWKMOTH won't stop terrorizing our city!"

Having a good estimate of his location, I charged at the akuma.

Slumber fought back and threw streams of sand my way. Each burst of sand sapped away some of my energy, but I powered through until I managed to grasp Slumber by the arms. The sandstorm died down.

Taking a chance, I opened my eyes. This close to the akuma, I can recognize him as one of my classmates.

His name is Jake Falkner. While he's a lazy sleepyhead who constantly ignores the school's dress code, he's not actively looking for trouble. In fact, he's hardly active at all! He's the most unmotivated person I've ever met! His parents paid well to get him into Xyril Tech, but not a day goes by where he doesn't complain about being here. My complete anti-thesis as Kaji would describe him.

Being an akuma hardly changed that. Without Hawkmoth ringing in his ear, Slumber lost all aggressiveness. He's not even trying to escape my hold. It's almost like he's back to himself.

Maybe I can reason with him.

"Listen," I said in my calmest voice. "I'm here to save you. You have to snap out of this and let me help free you from Hawkmoth."

Slumber looked at me with a blank expression. "Urgh, there you go again with your goody-goody speech…"

"This will be quick and effortless."

That got his attention, as expected.

"Just give me your possessed item, and I'll do the rest."

Slumber nodded and pulled out a piece of paper - a detention slip? - from his pocket… Then he shoved me away from him and with his arms free, the sandstorm started up again.

The sinister glowing butterfly mask outlined Slumber's face and crackles of purple energy came all over him once again. But this time, Slumber endured the pain, he didn't attack…

And then he fell through the ground in a cloud of sand.

I swung my yoyo into a shield, ready for an attack. A pair of red black-spotted goggles flew out of the sand dust and hit me in the face. Ow! I rubbed my aching nose and glared at the culprit.

The dust cleared to reveal Slumber buried up to his neck in the ground with Chat Noire standing over him, holding Jake's detention slip in her clawed hand.

"What are you waiting for?" Chat Noire tore apart the detention slip, releasing the akuma. "Do your thing!"

Not bothering to argue with the bossy cat, I pulled out my yoyo and captured the corrupted butterfly. Opening my yoyo, a pure white butterfly fluttered out and disappeared into the orange sunset sky.

Then I picked up the discarded goggles and called out the miraculous cure. Swarms of magical ladybugs flew around fixing everything. The sand disappeared to reveal the courtyard's garden. Jake was now normal and lying on the grass - right next to the 'Don't step on the grass' sign. The sounds of groaning and yawning filled the hallway.

The miraculous cure wasn't quite done. The swarm was flying straight towards… Me?!

All of a sudden, I felt all my energy drain away. Why? Then the swarm flew over a balcony to fix the office I broke in and drunk a pot of coffee… Oh. Right. I guess the miraculous cure puts everything back to where they belonged, even the caffeine I stole to stay awake. My mind and my body felt light and the world was shifting. The last thing I saw before I blacked out was the golden bell around Chat Noire's neck.

0-0-0-0-0

Chat Noire

"What the hell, Bugsy?" I huffed from my place on the grass.

Right after purifying the akuma, Ladybug collapsed… Taking me down with him when I tried to catch him. Now here we are, sprawled on the floor with his face cushioned by my chest. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he did this on purpose. Ladybug is a lot of unflattering things - a nag, a killjoy, a cranky pants - but he is not a pervert.

Then there was the sound of footsteps and a door creaked open. I turned just in time to see Keagan gasping audibly with his phone out, 'shipping grin' spread from ear to ear, barely suppressing a squeal.

I glared at him and hissed in my most threatening voice, "Take one picture and I swear I'll Cataclysm your phone."

Keagan promptly closed his mouth and put away his phone like a good little boy. Then he got tackled from behind by none other than Fiona.

"You're not getting any further than this, idiot!" she yelled while restraining Keagan.

"Calm down, Fuyu! See? Jake's purified!"

I ignored the bickering not-a-couple and the snoozing ex-akuma as I carefully moved Ladybug off of me. I tried to wake him up but the stubborn bug was sleeping like a log. Good thing he managed to hold on long enough to purify the akuma.

"Scorch…" Ladybug mumbled in a groggy voice.

At the mention of the akuma's name, Keagan and Fiona froze.

A quick check confirmed that Ladybug is still asleep. Yep. Figured he'd totally be the type to sleep talk.

"... M'sorry."

The apology gained contrasting reactions from the other two: Keagan's head drooped down and looked away while Fiona's tense shoulders relaxed as she let out a sigh.

His Miraculous beeped, showing two spots - two minutes left.

While I don't like the bug and fully intend to have him replaced, I can respect his work ethic and his desire to not screw things up. He doesn't deserve to have his identity exposed. I wouldn't want Hawkmoth hunting his civilian butt down just cause he's a potential lead.

I picked up Ladybug and shifted him behind me until I was carrying him piggy back style. He better not drool on my hair.

"Mind if I ask where are you carrying him?" Keagan asked.

"Somewhere safe."

I took out my staff vaulted away, Ladybug's beeping Miraculous urging me to go faster.

0-0-0-0-0

Because time is of the essence, I took a shortcut through the most secluded area I know of: Gemini Street.

The Zodiac District is a series of twelve streets lined up and connected into a circle forming something like a residential belt around Xyril Tech. Just like in the Horoscopes, Gemini Street is located between Taurus Street and Cancer Street at the Easternmost side of the belt.

Because of a disastrous event seven years ago, Gemini Street has since been abandoned.

One of every three street lamps flickered to light up the lifeless street. The air is filled with dust and decay, not a sound to be heard. What used to be carefully pruned trees that lined the road have now lost their shape. Their branches lost all green leaves and grew into claw-like tendrils spreading out, roots breaking away from their designated pots and further ruining the cracked sidewalk. There are two rows of crumbling houses with doors and windows either shattered or boarded up. Dust and overgrown ivy vines have completely covered the surface of their terracotta brick walls. Broken glass and shreds of a wooden sign were left scattered in front of what used to be Old Magnolia's Ice Cream Parlor…

I sped past all that.

At the very end of the street was the abandoned warehouse where Ladybug and I used to spar. Ladybug found this relatively empty warehouse. Because of the uninhabited location and the fairly wide space, he decided it would be the perfect sparring area for us – that is, after a quick inspection to see how stable the building is and clearing away all the clutter with a Cataclysm. There's a nice loft Ladybug painstakingly set up with some furniture he salvaged. For now, it served as the perfect place to hide my soon-to-detransform ex-partner.

I laid Ladybug down on an old dusty leather couch and covered him with a dusty quilt just in time for his Miraculous let out five quick beeps and a flash of pink light. The shape of the boy under the quilt didn't change but I know there's a kwami under there somewhere.

"We're the only ones here. You can come out now."

Big blue eyes cautiously looked around before the Ladybug kwami fully revealed themself. I don't know what to expect the Ladybug kwami to look like, but this isn't quite it. They're red with black spots and two little antennae, like a garden variety ladybug. They have long eyelashes making me think 'girl' but Plagg never called them a 'she'… Strangely, they have no wings or extra arms. And what's with that tail? Are all bug-type kwami as stylized as this?

"Hi?"

"Hello to you too, Chat Noire," Tikki said in a tone that reminds me of a disappointed kindergarten teacher about to give me a lecture.

We silently stared at each other, like two opponents sizing each other up rather than two allies meeting each other for the first time. Tikki perched over Ladybug's unconscious form like a protective mother hen. This is when I remembered one little detail about kwami: they can more or less sense what's happening while their wielders are transformed and Tikki here probably sensed all the verbal potshots I've thrown at Ladybug.

"… This is awkward."

"So you do have some shame after all. I was beginning to wonder."

I felt a surge of indignation rise up to my chest. As I was about to speak up, my Miraculous made its last warning beeps and dropped my transformation. I held out my palm to catch Plagg.

"Bl-" before Plagg could even sound out the first syllable of my name, bubbles came out of his mouth.

"That's new," I said.

Curious, I popped a bubble only to cringe at the smell it released. Should've known it would smell like Camembert.

"Oh right, there's a spell that prevents me from saying your name around-" Plagg's eyes widen and his eyes quickly found- "Sugar Cube!"

Tikki's face quickly went from 'elated to see their long time life partner' to 'stone cold bemusement'.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?"

"Any number you want, but that's not gonna stop me,~" Plagg gave them a shit-eating grin.

"Hold up a minute!"

That got the kwami's attention back to me. I turned to Tikki and pointed to my face.

"See, I'm a famous model and my face is kinda plastered all over Helios -"

Plagg snorted with a muffled 'don't flatter yourself', earning himself a quick stink eye before I refocused on Tikki.

"The point is, you probably know who I am, right?"

Tikki nodded. "And?"

"What's the point censoring Plagg from saying my name if you already know?"

Plagg rolled his eyes. "Yeesh. Ever heard of 'curiosity killed the cat'?"

"Yes. And just like the saying 'cats have nine lives', it's so not true."

"It's magic. Yeesh. Just roll with it!"

Before I could retort, Tikki cuts in and said, "You're more cautious than most of Plagg's wielders."

"Thank you."

"To answer your question, it's because my current wielder doesn't know you're Chat Noire," Tikki patted on the quilt where Ladybug is snoring away. "Until you tell him, Plagg can't say your real name in the same context as Chat Noire around either of us."

"That's nice, but what I really want to know is if you can be trusted not to tell him," I tilted my head in Ladybug's direction.

"The spell works both ways. We've sworn to keep our wielders' secrets until our wielders choose to expose themselves. You don't have to worry about us kwami exposing your identity to anyone you haven't revealed your secret to."

"Good."

"Now that that's settled," Plagg zoomed into my face. "Where's my Camembert?"

"Ugh. Here's your disgusting crud," I pulled out a slice of Camembert from my purse and shoved it into Plagg's mouth to stop his incoming retort about insulting his beloved.

As Plagg floated off to savor his cheese, I went over to Tikki to pass them my honeylemon breath mints.

"I don't have any sugar cubes on me, but will this do?"

"Actually, I prefer cookies. But I'm fine with anything sweet," Tikki said before they threw a mint into their mouth.

I eyed Plagg with annoyance and stage whispered to him, "Why can't you be more like that?"

"Mhm?" Plagg isn't even bothering with basic manners as he showed me his mouth full of cheese.

"Eww."

For a few minutes, we just stayed in silence. The two kwamis took the time to recharge as I sat by on the leather couch's arm rest, right next to where Ladybug's head should be. Better keep an eye on him in case he wakes -

Ladybug shifted.

For a moment, I tensed, ready to call out my transformation phrase… But Ladybug didn't get up. He just moved around under the quilt until his hand got out and touched the floor. After that, he settled into his position and his breathing steadied.

It's just a hand. It's hardly a hint of who he is. So what if I learn Ladybug wears button up shirts? Everyone knows he uses the Ladybug Earrings as cufflinks. Gotta give the bug some credit where it's due, black stud cufflinks on a black button up is a smart idea. No one's gonna notice unless they knew what to look for.

I made a move to put his hand back into the quilt…

"What do you have against my wielder?"

Tikki's question made me pause. There are many answers to that, I'm just having trouble picking one. Tikki didn't have the patience wait for my answer.

"I know my wielder isn't perfect but he tries his best!"

"Sugar Cube…"

Plagg flew over to Tikki and made an effort to calm them down but they shrugged him off and refused to back down.

"You put him down every chance you get. You know his self-esteem is fragile!"

"All the more reason for him to toughen up," I said with ice in my tone, eyeing his unconscious form critically. "The life of a hero is a life of no mercy. It doesn't care how hard you work or how much heart you put into it. If this is the best he can do, then he's not cut out for it."

"And yet he's the one the city would trust. Just a few minutes ago, he managed to talk an akuma into surrendering his possessed item – something you weren't able to find until Ladybug jumped in."

"That was a fluke," I said with a click of my tongue. "Akumas are highly emotional. If you know the right buttons to push, you can manipulate them however you want. Taking them down after that is a simple matter of learning how their powers work and how to shut those down."

Tikki's antennae reared back and their eyes sharpen into a glare.

"Not every chosen has the same advantage you have! You knew more about the Miraculous than most wielders when they start out but you didn't share that knowledge to help your partner!"

I scoffed and gave the kwami a sharp fanged smirk. "Who says he's gonna be my partner for long?"

Tikki growled, looking like they were gonna say something when Plagg cuts in. By flying into my face with a devious smirk, he blocks my view of the angry bug kwami.

"If you truly believe he doesn't deserve to be Ladybug, why don't you take his Miraculous?"

"Plagg!" Tikki hissed.

Plagg waved them off. "We kwamis aren't the ones to decide who gets to wield us. If that were the case, Hawkmoth wouldn't be a problem."

"But what about the Guardian?" as tempting as it is, I prefer to cover as many factors into this as possible. Wouldn't wanna deal with unforeseen consequences later.

"The Guardian chose you two to protect the city from Hawkmoth. But if you guys can't cooperate, maybe a change in management is in order," Plagg smirked at Tikki.

Tikki glared at Plagg, folding their little arms and they had a stare off. They made faces at each other like they're silently communicating. Then Tikki shot one last glare at Plagg before facing me. Looks like Tikki's gonna keep defending Ladybug's honor...

"Plagg's right."

"Now Tikki, maybe you should consider what Plagg is say - Wait, what?!"

"The mission is more important. If you think it's for the best, I won't stop you…" Tikki looked over Ladybug like this may be the last time they'll see him, even if he's covered in a quilt.

Guilt shot through me as I realize what I'm trying to make Tikki do.

"Are you sure you'd be alright with this?"

"All Ladybug wanted was to keep everyone safe. If you know someone who can do it better than him, I'm sure he'll understand."

I turn back to look down at Ladybug's Miraculous.

This is it. I could take the Ladybug Miraculous and choose my own Ladybug… I could give it to Blake… Or I could be the new Ladybug with him as my Chat Noir. Us twins could be hero partners, just like we always wanted…

I held up Ladybug's arm, turning his wrist so I can see the Ladybug Miraculous used as a cuff link.

And Ladybug… whoever he is under the mask… He could finally rest properly. He wouldn't need to push himself beyond his limits. He could live the life he truly wanted. I know for a fact he never intended to be a hero to begin with.

"Now's your chance to pick a true hero for a partner," Plagg said.

Without meaning to, my fingers brushed against his hand… His skin is rough but firm. Full of callouses. The hands of a hardworker. I never doubted that about Ladybug. I traced my finger around the Ladybug Miraculous…

"No!"

Ladybug's sudden shout made me drop his hand and jump away from him. He shuffled some more, but once again, he didn't sit up. He mumbled under the quilt but I'm pretty sure he's still asleep. A groan from under the quilt made me tense until Ladybug started sleep-talking.

"I'm sorry I couldn't... Please don't die…" he sobbed.

Those words felt like a bucket of ice cold water splashed down on me. I stepped back and looked over the struggling boy hidden beneath the quilt.

Ladybug is a lot of unflattering things… but he doesn't deserve to lose his Miraculous like this. Not after everything he's done.

"Plagg, claws out!"

As soon as my transformation is complete, I vaulted out of the warehouse leaving Ladybug and his Miraculous alone. All month, I've been trying to show the city, the guardian, that Ladybug doesn't deserve the Miraculous… That he's not a true hero.

But I can't even convince myself.

0-0-0-0-0

Shizuke

Red.

Of all the colors I could pick out with the stained glass moonlight, it was red that stood out the most.

The red of my Lucky Charm, a useless jar of glue shattered by my feet.

The red of Chat Noire's fiery red mane, glowing under the moonlight as she lay still on the floor.

The red of blood, spreading like an infection on the marble tiles… leaking out of my partner's body.

Heels clicked as a shadow grew, shrouding me and Chat Noire in its darkness. A woman with a butterfly wing shaped cape sauntered over the circular stained glass window. Around her neck was a butterfly shaped pendant. In her hand, a sword gleamed silver, dripping with blood.

"Not even your Lucky Charm can save her, boy."

Hawkmoth's cold dark eyes observed us, her lips curled in a malicious smile.

My eyes open and I was greeted by darkness. No colourful moonlight streaming from stained glass windows. That was comforting. I took a deep breath. Things didn't happen the way it did in my nightmare.

I sat up and got off my bed… but instead of the familiar linens, I felt leather. I clutched my sheet which felt thicker than what I'm used to and pulled it off to breathe in fresh air – only to be disappointed that the air felt musty.

Wait, this isn't my room.

Looking around, I recognize the place as that abandoned warehouse I use for training with Chat Noire.

"Where is that cat?"

"Chat Noire just left."

A voice by my side made me jump. I let out a strangled yell when I realized it was Tikki – which means I'm not transformed. And Chat Noire was here – which means she saw me detransform!

"Calm down! She saw nothing!" Tikki shouted, managing to stop me from having a meltdown. She floated down to the quilt I dropped. "She covered you with this before you ran out of time. She didn't take a peek."

That calmed me down. I picked up the quilt in wonder.

"Your secret identity is safe."

"I thought she hated me."

"If she did, she would've taken your Miraculous."

At that thought, I clutched my wrists – my cufflinks – close to my chest as though that would've prevented Chat Noire from taking them.

"But she didn't," Tikki smiled wryly, eyes lingering on my cufflinks. "Sometimes people say things they don't really mean when they're angry or scared…"

A yawn escaped me.

"Or when they're sleep-deprived."

Somehow, I get the feeling Tikki isn't only talking about Chat Noire.

Twisting my wrist, I look down on my Miraculous. It's only because of Chat Noire that my identity is safe and these are still in my possession. The proud cat saved me once again. From day one, regardless of how she felt about me, she's always there to pick up where I messed up.

"She gave you another chance… I think it's about time you give her one too, don't you think so?"

I guess it's my turn to set aside how I feel and apologize to Chat Noire.

0-0-0-0-0

Blair

I dropped my transformation in an empty alleyway near the Liungs' apartment, only to be greeted by Plagg's smug grin.

"I knew you wouldn't take his Miraculous."

Being on the receiving end of a smug grin for a change did wonders to worsen my mood.

"Tell me something else you know."

"Where's the fun in that?" Plagg cackled. "A little introspection could be good for you."

"Some guide you are. I thought you kwamis are supposed to help with that."

"We do. We just have our own styles. I for one prefer the hands-off approach."

"That's like no help at all."

"It's not my fault you're so keen on doing things your way, Ms. Know-It-All."

I shot him a withering look before walking to the end of the alleyway. After that, it should only be one quick turn to the Liungs'.

"I'm sure you'll figure out what you need to do from here on out. It comes with the territory of being a vixen's daughter."

Vixen's daughter… It's been a while since anyone acknowledged that part of me.

With how naïve Ladybug is about how being a superhero should work, it's clear Ladybug and I aren't the same in that regard. Tikki pretty much confirmed it. He was only doing his best with what little he knew. As much as it pains me to admit, he had a point. His compassion got him this far… but he has to understand having a Miraculous doesn't make him invincible.

If it did, mom would still be here.

We've got a lot to talk about, that's for sure. We just have to approach this from another angle, and hopefully, we won't end up butting heads again by the end of the night.

But before that…

"Hey, Plagg.~"

"Wha-"

I shoved a breath mint into his open mouth.

Plagg spat out the mint and snarled at me like an angry cat.

"What was that for?!"

I shot him a smug grin. "You needed it."

0-0-0-0-0

Ladybug

After dinner with grandmother, I went back to the warehouse at our usual meet up time. I wasn't sure if she'd actually show up but before Slumber happened, she told me to meet her here tonight. Just a few hours ago, I would've thought the mood would be different; more shouting, less actual talking.

I heard the familiar clicking of a metal baton a few seconds before I saw flaming red hair flying by. Then, a black clad figure did an acrobatic leap through the warehouse's open window.

Chat Noire is such a show-off.

"You came," I flatly said.

The cat smirked. Not her usual arrogant smirk, but one that's half-hearted. Almost self-depreciating.

"Is there anywhere else you'd rather I'd be?"

There was an awkward silence. Even the snarky cat doesn't know where to start. Steeling my nerves, I decided to be the first to apologize.

"I'm sorry!" we said at the same time.

Apparently, Chat Noire had the exact same idea.

We went on speaking over each other with phrases like, "No, I should be the one to-" and "This isn't your fault, I-"…

"Let me apologize to you, Cat!"

"Dammit, Bugsy! That's what I'm trying to do here!"

I took a deep breath to calm myself down. It wouldn't do to lose my temper now. I'm trying to apologize, she's trying to apologize…

I raise my hand in surrender. "Let's not argue over apologies, please."

"Yeah, let's not," Chat Noire crossed her arms over her chest… her rather ample chest… the things that cushioned my fall just a few hours ago.

I looked away as I felt my face heat up and tried not to think about that. Now is not the time! I need to think of something else… but what? Looking around the room, I begged every deity I know of to give me an idea, a sign… Before I knew it, I was already pacing around the warehouse.

"Hey, wanna play a game?" Chat Noire twirled around her baton in one hand.

"What game?"

"Let's call it, Tsundere Stick," Chat Noire smirked and proceeded to explain the game.

'Tsundere Stick' isn't even what it's really called, but she's calling it that for 'Secret Identity' reasons. Yet she felt safe enough to say her mother came up with it.

The rules are simple enough. For every insult you say, you balance it out with a compliment. Who gets to insult-compliment who is decided by passing around a 'tsundere stick'. When you get the stick, you need to insult-compliment the person who gave it to you. Like a tsundere, hence the name. This makes me wonder what this game's originally called.

"It's basically like Truth or Dare, but without the Dares and twice the Truths," Chat Noire offered me her baton. "You start."

Hesitantly, I accepted her baton with narrowed eyes. She could be up to something… But she didn't just take my Miraculous when I was vulnerable. She deserves a chance.

Chat Noire didn't bother getting up from the leather couch and crossed her legs, her lips curling into a smirk.

"I hate your smirk. It's annoyingly smug… Not that it isn't justified. You're also annoyingly good at what you do."

Somehow, her smirk got even smugger. "Was that so hard to admit?~"

I groaned and offered her back her baton. "Your turn."

She twirled around her baton, making a show of contemplating. "Hmm… what should I go with first… There's plenty of options…"

"Careful Chat Noire…" I tapped my foot impatiently. "You're giving me plenty of things to fire back at you..."

"You are such a major stick in the mud," her baton extended until it nearly hit me in the nose. I fell on my butt in my effort to dodge.

"Cat! Take this seriously!"

The aforementioned cat heroine just snickered at me. "With that attitude, I wouldn't be surprised if you don't have a girlfriend in real life."

"That's TWO insults!" I raised a shaking fist.

"No, that's just one insult given an expansion," she looked down at me slyly. "As for your compliment, your overreactions can be funny."

As soon as I got up and took the baton from her, I answered without hesitation. "You always joke around, even when it's not appropriate."

Chat Noire rolled her eyes, muttering 'killjoy'.

I clenched my fist and summoned all my patience to say what I need to say.

"But you have a way with commanding attention. Whether it's answering questions from fans or battling akumas, you never lose your composure. You always kept a level-head," I swallowed my nerves and quickly muttered my next words, hoping she doesn't care enough to make me repeat it.

"What did you say?"

This cat must love causing me misery. Unable to face her, I told her, "I wish I was more like that."

Thankfully, Chat Noire didn't laugh nor made any snide commentary this time. This reminded me that Chat Noire can be nice sometimes.

I quietly passed the baton to Chat Noire without looking back at her.

"You're stubborn and don't know when to quit. Seriously, Bugsy! You need to know when to stop. I hope today taught you something about physical limitations. Our Miraculous may grant us powers, but it doesn't mean you can neglect your basic human needs!"

Her voice sounded stern, not like the mischievous cat I've come to know for the past month. I always knew there was more to her than the cocky heroine wannabe she presents herself to be.

"… But you always come through in the end. Just… Just try not to overdo it next time."

My eyes widen. She's admitting this?! After all the insults - I sensed rather than saw her throw the baton at me. This time, I caught it before it could hit me.

"Huh. 'Spider-Senses' really is a thing."

"When it's not puns, it's superhero references with you."

"Is that your insult for me?"

I shook my head. "No. What I really find annoying about you is how you just do whatever you want! Always going off on your own, doing something dangerous, not discussing your plans while expecting me to just go along with it… What's the point of being a team if you won't cooperate?!"

Clenching my fists, I reigned in my temper. Thinking of what I'm going to say next helped.

"For all you say about how you don't care about the people, you kept doing right by them. You save what you can in your own way with your less than ideal powers… Even with the right equipment, I'm barely keeping up. Hawkmoth would've won a long time ago if it weren't for you."

Chat Noire's mom had the right idea with this game. I can throw all my grievances at Chat Noire, but having to think of anything nice to say afterwards felt like throwing a bucket of water on what could've grown into a full blown house fire.

"If anyone's a real hero around here, it's you."

It was Chat Noire's turn once again.

"… You have no control of your volume."

I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from proving her right. It's an insult, but it felt half-hearted… Like she just said it because the rules of our game said so. It's not worth reacting over.

She let out a sigh that sounded regretful. "You help out as many people as you can with genuine compassion. You had a point about that. Our enemy takes advantage of our emotions and what better way to combat that than compassion? Just today, Slumber resisted Hawkmoth's commands just because you heard him out. No wonder people trust you more."

When I chanced a look at her, she had her arms crossed with a pensive frown.

"It didn't matter to them that I was the better fighter. They trust you over me. Not that I care or anything."

"… What a tsundere thing to say."

"I mean it, Bugsy. I don't care what they think about me," Chat Noire pushed herself up from the couch and stepped over in front of me so she can face me eye to eye. "You shouldn't either."

"But they're the ones I promised to protect! Their opinions-"

"Are just opinions. One minute, you're the city's hottest topic. The next, they'll drop you like last season's magazine. Like fashion trends, it'll pass," Chat Noire placed her clawed hands on my shoulders… Just like she did after I let Hawkmoth get away. Staring into her feral green eyes felt like finding something firm to hold onto in the middle of a storm. "You shouldn't let anyone decide if you're good enough. Not them. Not even me."

She let go of my shoulders and took a step back. I couldn't explain it. It felt like she took back some of the warmth when she did that. Chat Noire ran her hand through the back of her fiery mane in an uncharacteristically awkward way.

"What I'm trying to say is… If you wanna be a hero, who am I to stop you? Just remember that you're a true hero… And that I'm here too."

No, my heart did not skip a beat just then. I better say something before this gets any more awkward.

"Well, I suppose the same applies to you… Not that I can! Make you quit, I mean. You wouldn't have listened to me anyway. Not that that's a bad thing! I just mean that you already set your mind to this. You know! Clearly you were always a huge nerd with the whole superhero thing – Oh no! That came out wrong! What am I even saying?!"

Chat Noire is laughing at me. It doesn't sound mocking in any way… More like, she just found something funny. So funny, she's holding her stomach while rubbing out the tears in one eye. She's actually kinda cute…

Feeling heat rushing up to my cheeks, I faced away.

A clawed hand gently grasped my shoulder and made me turn back.

"Sorry!" it took a few more seconds for Chat Noire to reign in her laughter with a cough. "Sorry. I just… It's been a while since I laughed."

Refusing to make an even bigger idiot out of myself, I kept my mouth shut and nodded.

The moonlight streaming down on her made her red mane look like fire, her emerald eyes gleaming with mirth, and her pearly white smile was a small light in the dark… Come to think of it, I hardly ever see her smile. It's always smirks or grins, rarely something like this. Even rarer when it's directed at me.

She should smile more.

"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

She's a dork. But a beautiful dork…

"NO WAY!"

Unfazed, Chat Noire let go of my shoulder and walked over the open window.

"Listen Bugsy, it's been a long night. Let's call it quits for now."

This can't be happening!

"We'll discuss our plans for patrol and training tomorrow, or maybe the day after. We could use a break after that akuma rush this week. It wouldn't do if we collapse on the job, right?" she winked.

Just no – she's not even my type!

Chat Noire put her hands on her hips. "You clearly need more sleep if you keep zoning out like this."

"I'M NOT ZONING OUT!!!" I slapped a hand over my mouth and took a deep breath to calm down. "But sure. You've proven your point today about me wearing myself out… It's time to ease up on patrols and training."

Chat Noire flashed me a smug grin. "Told you so.~"

I couldn't even find it in myself to be mad.

"Welp," she twirled her baton until it extended into a staff. She did a two-fingered salute. "'Til next time, Ladybug.~"

And off she vaulted through the window and out of the warehouse. I was left alone with the silence of the warehouse and the loud beating of my heart.

She's right. I really do need to rest. I'm starting to have crazy thoughts.

All will be well and clear in the morning.

0-0-0-0-0

???

"The team is back together, even stronger than before," Tikki ended their report.

Plagg snickered. "Yeah, especially on Ladybug's side."

Tikki made a face. "He's still in the denial stage."

"What can you say about that, Master?" Plagg's gleaming green eyes were full of mirth.

I rubbed my forehead. I knew picking those two, a clash of methods would eventually break out. But this resolution is just…

"I didn't think his feelings towards her would shift that drastically."

Tikki floated over. "Master, I believe his feelings for her had been building up since the day they met."

"It's not my wielder's fault she's attractive," Plagg looked too amused with this situation.

If I remember my history lessons correctly, whenever the Ladybug and the Black Cat wielders become a couple, the Black Cat tends to fall for the Ladybug first. Though there was this odd case where the Black Cat fell for the Ladybug just as the Ladybug as a civilian fell for the Black Cat as a civilian on the same day… It was one confusing situation that eternally baffled the historians and the scholars of the Order. On a technicality, it was still the Black Cat who fell first. I can see why Plagg would be smug to have it the other way around for once.

"That's not what made my wielder fall for her," Tikki said, determined to protect her wielder's honor.

"Oh right! Didn't he fall face-first on my kitten's chest just a few hours ago?" Plagg said, not quite succeeding at holding back his snickers.

"It was an accident and even your kitten acknowledges that!"

"This better not distract him from his duties," I took a long sip of my tea. I could still feel the headache coming. I should've gotten something stronger.

"It won't. I promise I'll keep him focused," Tikki said.

Opening a drawer, I pulled out an old picture. In it stood four people dressed like superheroes.

"As the Guardians taught, emotional attachment is never good for judgement. It either blinds us from someone's potential or attaches us to the wrong choice…"

A nervous young man in yellow spandex with black stripes stood hunched. There's a pair of translucent wings visible on his back. Big blue aviator goggles concealed most of his face above his flushed freckled cheeks. Two strands of black-tipped hair stood prominently from the rest of his long wind-swept golden strawberry hair. A Bee Comb kept it out of his face.

Dragging the nervous bee into the picture was a jovial man with wing-shaped visor covering half of his face. His hair was spiked up, tipped with cyan. His blue suit had gradients and patterns reminiscent of a peacock. On his back, his cape that doubles as his wings resembled a peacock's tail was spread open. A Peacock Pin held it together.

On the other side of the picture was an aloof raven-haired man in flowing purple robes. While his hair was swept back into a neat braid, a cloth mask wrapped around his head protected his identity. He kept his jewelled staff close to his chest. He's the tallest of the four, but his presence is the most subdued. A Butterfly Brooch was placed over his heart.

In the middle, keeping the three men together was a woman wearing a domino mask reminiscent of a fox. Long blonde hair was tied at the end like a fox's tail, crowned at the top with a pair of fox ears. Her suit was a bright shade of orange, save for the white in the middle. She has a sash around her waist, fashioned like a tail. One of her emerald green eyes winked back at the camera with a mischievous smirk. Around her neck was a Foxtail Necklace.

Setting that photo aside, I pulled out a folded green fabric with tortoise shell patterns all over - my haori, the same one I wore the day I tested Ladybug and Chat Noire. Hidden within the seams were runes imbued with glamour magic. Creating magical clothing like this is one of the many things the Great Founder taught my generation of guardians.

"In the end, all we can do is hope we chose right."

Further within the drawer was a pentagon shaped box - made of glossy dark wood marked with runes of protection so that only I and my chosen heir can open it. I've learned to be more careful since that incident. I opened the box to reveal three pieces of jewelry: a Bee Comb, a Turtle Bracelet, and a Foxtail Necklace.

"When the time is right, they will be ready to fight alongside…" I shook my head. No personal attachments. "… alongside Ladybug and Chat Noire."

"In the meantime, our chosen will continue kicking akuma butt," said Plagg.

"They both show promise. Have more faith in them," reassured Tikki.

If it were up to me, I wouldn't have chosen either of them.

0-0-0-0-0

Notes:

So, I ended up adding a bonus scene for Chapter 16/Ego Split P4. I wasn't planning on it, but inspiration struck and it's the only point in the story I could think of to put that scene in. YouTube is a weird source of inspiration.

Trivia time; a haori is some sort of Japanese outerwear. If any of you watch Kimetsu No Yaiba (I highly recommend it btw), it's that robe-like thing practically every relevant character wears over their uniform. Yeah, for those who already read Scorched Origins, I'll admit this is one of my new additions to the guardian's outfit. Magical clothing was always in the plan, but I belatedly realize making it a kimono would be kinda inconvenient for plot reasons I can't explain 'cause spoilers. Sealing up plot holes as I go wahaha. The Slumber arch is easily my most heavily edited episode yet. So many little details I wanted to dump in one episode, both foreshadowing and callbacks… Just one more chapter to go! 'Til next week