Chapter Ten

Trixx was a bit surprised when he didn't awake inside the Miracle Box, nor when he wasn't greeted by a blinding room of pink.

Typically his Miraculous was either returned straightway to the Miracle Box, or Marinette would let him out in her room if she couldn't take him back to the Guardian right away. However, seeing that neither of that was happening at the moment, it seemed that Master Fu wanted to talk before sending him back to the Miracle Box. Seems his comments about always being sent back were finally making an impact– which meant that perhaps they could have a proper conversation with each other.

Trixx wasn't in a hurry though, yawning and stretching as they fully materialized from their golden aura, flicking his tail behind him. "So, not going to lock me straight back into this Miracle Box this time, hmm?"

Silence.

Trixx snorted, before turning to face the old guardian, but as he twisted about he was becoming aware that this room didn't look at all like the massage parlor the Guardian had been bunkering in for the last few years. The spike of unease instantly rose to one of horror as he found himself looking at an unfamiliar face, his Miraculous clutched in the boy's hand as he stared up at the Fox.

Trixx didn't let his expression shift, even as he felt a wave of fear wash through him. He spared a quick glance at the human– young, and looking uneasy– so not an immediate threat. So instead he scanned the room, which was a smaller bedroom. Though not exactly like Marinette's or Alya's, it definitely seemed to be a teenager's room. There was no one else around, and so he let his eyes lock back onto the boy.

Had... Had he been given to a new holder? That seemed like the most logical explanation... except for going straight from Rena to a new holder didn't make any sense. Yes, it was hard to keep track of a sense of time when in the Miraculous– but for no one to talk to him or for him not to be placed in the Miracle Box in between that... he was instantly on edge.

"You're... a kwami, right?" The boy said slowly, amber eyes hesitant, and Trixx's tail swished.

"I am. And you are...?"

"Er, Nino. Nino Lahiffe," Nino replied, shifting uncertainly.

"Is there an akuma about?" Trixx asked, keeping his expression neutral.

"Um," Nino swallowed. "No–"

That was all Trixx needed to hear. Master Fu wouldn't let him be in anyone's hands outside of an akuma attack, and he greatly doubted that Marinette would break any of his rules– let alone let his Miraculous near someone that wasn't Alya– and so he knew that this boy wasn't supposed to have his Miraculous. He didn't know how he had come into this Nino's hands– and the fact that the boy had known he was a kwami was even more alarming– but right now his main focus needed to be on getting the Miraculous out of the boy's hands.

Trixx sped towards Nino as an orange blur, zipping down and wrapping his paws around the golden chain, twisting and giving a sharp tug as he angled himself towards the window. Nino let out a yelp as the pendant was pulled from his hands– and Trixx rushed forward as quickly as he could.

"Wait–!" Nino cried, but Trixx didn't pause to listen. He phased into the lock, the necklace unable to pass through with him, but his magic was able to shift the latch on the window. He pulled back, ready to dart under the window and nudge it open so he could slip out– but the human had recovered from his shock– leaping towards him.

Nino's hands grabbed the fox-tail pendant once more, and Trixx twisted, maw opening– certain that a well placed bite would loosen his grip– but his next words made the Fox freeze up.

"I order you not to leave?" Nino blurted out, and Trixx instantly tensed up, violet eyes widening in horror. Though the command had no effect on taking the Miraculous from the boy's hand, the mere fact that an order had been given was enough to startle the kwami. The Miraculous was pulled from his paws, Nino stumbling back to support himself on his desk, the both of them panting as they stared at each other.

Trixx twitched, the desire to phase through the window overwhelming, but he couldn't move with that desire in his mind. He gritted his teeth, and instead drifted towards Nino, a growl in his voice.

"Who are you?" He snarled in a low tone. "And how do you know–?"

"What you are?" Nino said uncertainly. "O-or the order thing...?"

Trixx gave a sharp nod– he needed answers to both. He knew that neither Master nor Marinette would tell another that kwamis were bound to orders– even if they would hand a Miraculous to someone they trusted. So Nino was neither someone they would have told– or someone that should know.

"Um," Nino swallowed. "Er... Blue Wing told me?"

Trixx's fear became confirmed with those words, his tail curling about him. So... this was happening again. He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. He wasn't sure what had happened between since Ladybug had retrieved him from Rena and now, but he was in the hands of an enemy once more. He had hoped this fate would never come upon him again... but here he was.

He looked back at Nino, purple eyes burning as he studied his new... his temporary holder. Young, uncertain... it could be worse. Children were young and impressionable, and couldn't fully support the magic of a Miraculous. He would be limited, on a timer– and if Trixx approached this right he might be able to wiggle a few words into this kid's mind. Then again... Hawk Moth could probably do the same. He let out a long breath, but right now was not the time to flee– that would only lead to tighter restraints. Right now he needed information.

"Blue Wing?" Trixx echoed the boy, ears back– and right away answers began pouring from the human's mouth.

"I– I know that probably doesn't sound too good," Nino stuttered out. "But I promise you it isn't as bad as it seems–"

Words to be expected, corrupted holders trying to twist things their own way, to attempt to appeal to the kwami within the Miraculous. Trixx didn't know why humans even bothered, especially the ones that knew they could simply order them to do whatever they please– they seemed to have a desire to justify themselves in another's eyes.

"I... I just need some help," Nino continued, seeming to not even be sure where his own rambling was going. "Blue Wing... he's not a bad dude, and I need to talk to him, and if you could just help me– I'd give your Miraculous back right afterwards– I promise–"

False promises were something a kwami should always expect in the wrong hands, and Trixx was already preparing to tune the teenager out until he said something useful... except for he couldn't help but pause to listen as the boy spoke.

Trixx was the kwami of Deception– and as such he wasn't one to be deceived. He wasn't like the kwami Verriti, able to easily sense truth from lies– but he could tell when someone's words were meant to trick or deceive.

And with Nino he heard none of that.

...Which meant the thief did intend to give his Miraculous back?

Well, that definitely didn't add up.

Trixx's ears flicked towards Nino. "And how do I know you'll keep your word?"

"Um, I, um... I order you to not have to obey my previous order?" Nino said uncertainly, and Trixx felt some tension leaving him as the magic about him was loosened. "I'm... I'm sorry I did that, I– I needed to talk to you– and Blue Wing said kwamis had to obey, so I just– I just–" He closed his eyes, one hand dragging his cap down. "Gah, this is so messed up. Why did I do that... Why did I do that...?"

"How about we start at the beginning," Trixx said, slowly drifting closer, tempted to take his Miraculous and flee again– but he didn't want more orders given to him, and his curiosity had been peaked. He could sense that Nino's words weren't meant to lower his guard. "Like how you even talked to Blue Wing– or got my Miraculous in the first place."

Nino didn't hesitate in telling the kwami everything. He didn't know if it was because he needed someone to talk to that much, or just the fact that there was someone who understood– but there was quite no relief like being able to tell about all that had happened without trying to keep it all in.

He told him about Papillon and his plea, about being akumatized but remembering, Papillon's visit afterwards and the bitter note he had left on.

"This is a lot to take in," the kwami said, paws against his temples. "So Blue Wing has used the Butterfly Miraculous too, he's Hawk Moth's kit, and we've had an actual proper champion running about too?"

"Champion?"

"That's what the Butterfly Miraculous is supposed to create!" the Fox cried. "To grant selected champions powers and to then fight alongside the Butterfly user! They aren't supposed to be twisted akumas or forget everything– the only reason I can think of as to why victims don't remember is because of Nooroo's Generosity!"

"Generosity?" Nino echoed. "Nooroo... that's the Butterfly kwami, right?"

"Yeah," he said, looking away. "He embodies Generosity, so he probably has the akumas forget so they don't have to remember what they were forced to do. He... he's never been used for evil before. It didn't seem to be possible with the nature of his powers."

"...You're telling me that Hawk Moth's powers represent Generosity?!"

The kwami flashed him a glare. "That monster of a man represents nothing."

Nino snorted. "Well, I'm glad we can agree on something. That man is a monster."

The kwami narrowed his eyes on Nino. "Yet you willingly played the role of akuma trying to take Ladybug's Miraculous."

"Emphasis on role," Nino said, crossing his arms. "I wasn't trying to win, I didn't want to. I... I just didn't want to leave Blue Wing alone to deal with Hawk Moth if he did fail to akumatize someone..."

The kwami's tail wrapped around himself. "Well, you aren't lying, so I guess I have to believe you."

"Wh-what do you mean I'm not lying?" Nino stuttered out.

"...I'm Trixx, the kwami of Deception," Trixx said after a moment. "As such I cannot be tricked or deceived, and trust me, I've had more than plenty of thieves for holders who've tried to weave stories to gain my trust."

Nino's mouth was dry. "This isn't the first time your Miraculous has been stolen?"

Trixx sneered. "Let's just say the idea of illusionary powers is appealing to those who wish to sneak about and stay hidden. Any Miraculous is powerful, but mine has been sought after by less than favorable crowds."

Nino swallowed– it wasn't just an object that was taken with a stolen Miraculous– but an individual as well. "I'm sorry I took yours. I won't keep it, I promise. I... I just want to help Blue Wing, I just want to talk to him one more time."

"...And I see no issue with that," Trixx said, sighing and closing his eyes. "In fact, I'd be more than happy to be a fly on the wall for that conversation, never know what you might learn."

Nino shifted, and Trixx's gaze softened slightly.

"I don't blame the kid," the kwami said swiftly. "It sounds like he's in the same situation as the captured kwamis– forced to fight a battle they don't wish to be a part of, with no escape."

"That's the thing," Nino said. "He... He said his goal was the same as Hawk Moth's– but yet he seems to hate the idea of what they're doing! He didn't want to akumatize anyone... what would he even get out of having the Ladybug Miraculous?"

Trixx said nothing, and when Nino glanced at him the kwami's gaze hardened. "If you force an answer out of me, I will make you regret it."

Nino hesitented, but with the way those violet eyes burned... he'd rather not upset the angry magic being. "Um... do you know why they want the Miraculous? Or is that something you don't want to say either?"

Trixx considered for a moment. "...I have no idea what their goals are, but I am quite confident in what they're after. I don't know how much Blue Wing knows, but the less who know, the better."

"...Okay."

"Really? Accept that answer that easily?"

Nino shrugged. "You know all this better than me."

Trixx snickered. "What a curious thief indeed. You know, kid, I think we might be able to make this work. You've given me some valuable information, knowledge that will probably help both Ladybug and your little Peacock friend. The fact that there's a hesitant member of Hawk Moth's circle... is important." Trixx drifted forward. "If you want to transform to go speak to your friend, I have no issue with that. I need to be returned afterwards– like you promised."

Nino's throat was tight, but he nodded. "I understand."

"Just one last thing I want to know," Trixx said, floating closer. "How exactly did you manage to lay claim to my Miraculous anyways?"

Nino looked away. "Um..."

"I already know you stole it. Tell me what happened."

"So, um, sometimes I go out and chill on my fire escape?" Nino said uncertainly, gesturing towards the window. "And lately... I've been kinda camping out there in hopes of finding Blue Wing... and not too long ago I caught sight of him?"

Trixx's ears flicked up, curious, and Nino swallowed before continuing.

"I saw him duck into this alleyway, and he never came out. I went down there to look for myself but I didn't see anyone, and I figured he must have detransformed and slipped away... so I thought if I hid in there during the next akuma fight I might be able to properly run into him afterwards."

"But?" Trixx asked, sensing the word on Nino's lips.

"So I went and waited during the next akuma fight after that... but it wasn't Blue Wing that decided to detransform in that alleyway... it was Ladybug. I was hidden and I didn't even dare move, and I noticed the box she had in her hand was still there before and after she detransformed..."

Trixx stiffened up.

"And I've always noticed how Rena Rouge doesn't just appear like Ladybug does– Ladybug always brings her into battle, and leads Rena Rouge away– and after that she's always seen leaving with Rena Rouge nowhere in sight. It was quite clear that she had to be ferrying the Miraculous back and forth, and that had to be what was in her hand, and I had the element of surprise... so I dumped my water bottle on her and grabbed the box and ran?"

His last words were rushed, flushed with embarrassment, and Trixx was just staring at him in horror.

"I know it wasn't the right thing!" Nino cried. "You have no idea how much this has been eating me up inside! I wasn't thinking in the moment, I just grabbed the box and bolted, and I swear it wasn't until afterwards that I realized what I was doing." He tugged his cap over his eyes. "I mean what kind of person steals from Ladybug!"

"...You saw Ladybug detransform?" Trixx whispered, and Nino then realized that it wasn't the theft that Trixx was so horrified about.

"It was kind of unavoidable?" Nino said uncertainly. "I was too startled to even react, I was just hiding and staring..." He looked away. "Even after a few days it's kind of hard to realize that Ladybug was Marinette the whole time. Makes me feel even worse, stealing from someone I know..."

Trixx's panic rose even more. "Y-you know her? You know her name?!"

"W-we're classmates?"

The kwami started zipping back and forth through the air, as if he were pacing. "Okay, um, okay, we can work with this... this is fine– oh what am I saying– this is far from fine! This ruins everything!"

"What do you mean?"

"Her identity is supposed to stay a secret!"

"I'm not going to tell anyone!" Nino protested. He... he would never. Maybe he hadn't exactly been as loyal to the hero as the rest of the city– but he would never put Marinette in danger!

"That doesn't matter!" Trixx cried. "No one is supposed to know her identity! I mean it's a stupid rule and limits her support system... but the Guardian's rules are final!" Trixx closed his eyes. "That means as soon as I'm back into his hands he's going to ask me everything about the theft– including if her identity is safe! And if he forces me to answer truthfully and he knows you know..."

Nino had no idea who or what this 'guardian' was, but it definitely sounded like the head honcho to all of this. "...That wouldn't be good?"

Trixx sneered. "To say the least! He'd take Ladybug's Miraculous away! He'd find a new holder, one with no experience fighting Hawk Moth! He'd think he was doing the right thing but honestly he'd just be putting the Ladybug earrings in more danger!"

Nino's mouth was dry. "Someone would just take her Miraculous from her?"

"To protect her? Yeah, he would," Trixx's eyes fell to the Miraculous in Nino's hands. "If I were to go back... that'd just make everything worse in the end." The kwami's gaze hardened. "...Well, I wanted a permanent holder anyways... and besides, maybe this will be a wake up call for the old man to give Rena Rouge the proper Miraculous she needs."

"H-huh?"

Trixx drifted around him. "I mean, you're probably not the first person I'd pick as a Fox, but your intentions are good, we could make this work. Besides, you wouldn't be the first good rogue holder I had."

"What?" Nino squeaked, confused and voice higher than he cared to admit.

The kwami was now hovering right in front of his face. "Let's make a deal, shall we? You want to save your friend from Hawk Moth, and I want to save mine. You be my new holder– and we work to take down Hawky together."

Nino stared at him. "You want me to keep your Miraculous?!"

He shrugged. "For now."

"B-but Rena Rouge, Ladybug needs an ally she can trust–"

"There's other Miraculouses she can use. One that would be better suited for her," Trixx's ears went back slightly. "Rena was a good kit, but I know she wasn't supposed to be my kit." Trixx zipped closer. "Sending me back means that Marinette loses her Miraculous– is that what you want?"

"Of course not!"

"Then there should be no issue in me sticking around them, right?" Trixx asked. "This could be your one chance to help Blue Wing."

Nino hesitated. "...If we do this, I am going to help Blue Wing. That... that means making sure he isn't hurt. That he can get away. From Ladybug."

Trixx shrugged. "As long as the plan is to take down Hawk Moth and get the Miraculouses back, then I'm game."

Nino closed his eyes, feeling the Miraculous is his hands. This... this was a lot to take in... but when his mind turned to the look he had seen in Blue Wing's eyes, the emotions he had felt from Papillon, the mere hints he had gotten about the type of father Hawk Moth was... well, there was really only one answer to give.

Nino slipped the Miraculous around his neck, and he was surprised as it changed as he wore it. It still remained on a golden chain, which wasn't quite as fine as before. The large fox tail pendant turned from orange to gold, shrinking down to a small music note-shaped charm. If one looked closely they could see the golden pendant shifted to a jagged bronze near the end, the faint pattern of the end of a fox tail.

"...You have a deal, little dude," Nino said softly. "Let's help Blue Wing, and your little kwami friends."

Trixx grinned. "Sounds good to me."

Nino hesitated. "...Just like that– accepting a thief for a holder?"

"You're not the first one I've had, and you're not the first one with good intentions either," Trixx replied, tail swaying. "Like Robin Hood! That little kit of mine stole plenty– but it was all to help the people under a corrupt monarchy."

"...Robin Hood had the Fox Miraculous?"

"Yep!"

"Are you kidding me?"

Trixx looked offended. "What's wrong with Robin Hood being a Fox?"

Nino sighed. "...Have you ever seen any Disney movies, little dude?"

"Can't say I have," Trixx's eyes gleamed. "But if that's an offer, it's been a while since I've seen any of your human movies."

After ten chapters, Nino finally has Trixx.