Chapter Fifteen
"I don't get why you're panicking."
"It's only two weeks away!" Marinette cried. "My hat being in an official Gabriel show! And now the Audrey Bourgeois is going to be there, and if Chloe has told her horrible things about me she's going to hate the hat right away and then my fashion career will be over before it even started–"
"Alright, girl, that's enough from you." She shook her head. "I think you're forgetting the fact that Gabriel Agreste himself chose out your hat, and plans on having his own son and face of the brand modeling it– I don't think he'd do that if he didn't like the hat."
"What if he changes his mind," Marinette whispered, eyes widening, and Alya had to yank Marinette out of the way of people passing them on the sidewalk. "And he realizes how horrible it is compared to everything else in the show. And then it all falls apart and he hates me and blacklists me from the fashion world–"
"Considering this whole show will be made up of designs of students and up and coming designers, I think the playing field is pretty even," Alya gave her a pointed look. "Besides, I don't think most people there have been commissioned by Jagged Stone himself. And finally the most important thing you're overlooking is that you've already won the contest! Months ago! The show shouldn't be pressuring at all– it's the reward for your hard work! There's nothing to worry about."
"Yeah, I guess," Marinette said slowly, the two of them pausing near a crosswalk as they waited for the traffic to clear. "But... but what if–!"
Alya threw an arm over her shoulder, another hand held out dramatically. "What if you tucked those worries away, and embraced the fact that you, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, won a contest hosted and judged by Gabriel Agreste themselves– and now have the opportunity, no, the guarantee to be in one of his fashion shows."
"But–"
"Nope! No buts!" Alya said loudly. "This is a perfect opportunity for your career. You're going to wear a few Marinette-originals there, so all people within the fashion business that will be there will see more of what you can do! You got your foot into the fashion world as a teenager, and you're not going to drop it– you're going to walk in and own it!"
"Or melt into a puddle of nothingness," Marinette muttered, walking out into the street as the signal changed.
"Maybe when you meet a few cute models," Alya said teasingly, winking. "Isn't Agreste Jr. modeling your design? He's a hottie."
"I'm not into guys, Alya."
"You never know..." Alya said dramatically, leaning against Marinette's shoulder. "I thought I was straight once... but things didn't pan out that way." She grinned. "I'm sure there'll be plenty of pretty girl models too."
Marinette's eyes flickered towards Alya. "Well... my type does pretty well in front of a camera."
If Alya had a reply, she didn't get the chance to say it. They had reached the other side of the street just as the walk signal changed once more, but not apparently everyone got that message. An older man had just begun to hobble out into the streets, cane tapping in front of him as he stepped onto the asphalt. Alya leapt forward, grabbing his shoulder and pulling him back as the stopped cars began to speed forward.
"C-careful!" Alya cried, having pulled a bit too hard, and nearly sent the man toppling backwards. He was short though, and so she managed to both catch and support him, carefully helping him get his balance back.
"Oh dear," the man said, the voice being just a bit too familiar, and Marinette's eyes widened as she studied the older man's face. He leaned against his cane as he found his footing, staring out at the now-busy street with wide eyes. "That was way too close for comfort. Thank you, young lady."
Marinette had to bite her tongue to keep herself from blurting out 'Master Fu?!' as she stared at the man. But sure enough it was her mentor and the Guardian that was standing there, leaning up against a cane he didn't need. On one hand was a simple panja bracelet, the Tiger Miraculous disguised in his grasp.
"Didn't you see the signal change?" Alya asked in worry, not noticing that her friend was glowering at the old man.
"Afraid these eyes ain't what they used to be," he said, grinning in Marinette's direction. "But you saved my life, young lady, thank you."
"No problem," Alya said easily, and Fu began to fish around in his pocket.
"Ah, here we go," he said, pulling out a piece of paper from his pocket. "Got this 'bout a week ago– free dinner for two. But as you see I have no companion to take with me, perhaps you two ladies could make use of it."
"Oh no, we couldn't take that from you–" Alya began, but Fu pressed the voucher into her hands anyways, patting the top of her hand.
"I insist," Fu said, smiling sweetly at them. "I have no use for it, and it would be a shame to see it go to waste. 'Sides, you just saved my life– it's the least I can do."
"Well, if you insist," Alya said, before pocketing it. "Thank you, sir."
"No, thank you for everything you did," Fu said, smiling sweetly, before he began to hobble down the street. "You two girls enjoy your date."
"Of course– wait, what–?" Alya stuttered out, but Fu had already merged with the crowd, leaving the two of them standing at the street corner. Alya was gawking at where he had been, while Marinette was glowering.
"I can't believe that man just gave away a free meal from the place," Alya said, eyes closed as she took a bite of the meal– which was as good as her mother's cooking. That was saying something too, since her mother was a professional chef, and there were very few foods that could top what she made, in Alya's opinion.
"I can't believe he keeps walking into rushing traffic like it's no big deal..." Marinette muttered under her breath.
"Huh?" Alya asked, blinking, having not quite caught the words. The girl's eyes widened, and she scratched the back of her head, giving an uncertain smile.
"I was just saying that I can't believe it either," Marinette said in a rush. "I mean, like, this place is amazing? Like I can't imagine just coming here casually but I'm glad we were able to. And to think we were just going to grab some crepes or something for dinner, but this is really good too–"
Alya shook her head slightly, but she was used to Marinette's rambling by now. It surprisingly hadn't been quite as awkward to invite Marinette to share the voucher with her, even after the man had implied it to be a date. Marinette hadn't commented on his assumption, and seeing how the man had intended it to be for the two of them it hadn't seemed right to save it for someone else. Not like there was anyone else she'd bring– Marinette was the closest friend she had in a long time.
The only other person that came to her mind was of course Ladybug... but that wasn't going to happen. Either a date or convincing Ladybug to just walk into a restaurant without an akuma about.
Her eyes flickered towards Marinette as she thought about Ladybug, watching as she took a drink. "So, are you going to finally tell me who your crush is?"
Maybe that was a bad time to ask Marinette, because her eyes widened, and she started choking on her drink. She slammed her cup against the table, coughing and hacking, and Alya quickly rose to her feet– only for Marinette to hold up a hand to signal she was okay. As okay as one could be with their face bright red and they coughed and coughed.
A few people were looking over at their table in worry as Marinette took in a loud gasp of air, before chugging some more water. She was panting slightly as she leaned back in her seat, smiling an embarrassed smile.
"I didn't think I'd catch you that off guard," Alya said, letting out an uncertain chuckle. "Are you okay, girl?"
"Yeah," Marinette said swiftly. "Heh, clumsy old me, can't even drink some water right..." She cleared her throat. "So, um, anyways... what were we talking about?"
"Your crush."
"N-no, before that."
"You never answered my question," Alya replied, crossing her arms. "You've never told me who your crush is. All I know is that she exists."
"Well to be fair, I've never really told any human," Marinette said with a shrug.
"'Human'?"
"I'm afraid stray cats and random bugs know more about my little crush than you do, Alya," Marinette said, smirking slightly– and she narrowed her eyes at her best friend.
Marinette was going from flustered to mischievous, meaning that she probably intended on changing the subject. "So you don't trust me?"
Marinette watched her for a moment. "Of course I do."
"Yet you won't even tell me where your heart lies," Alya said dramatically, hand over her heart. "And here I thought we were besties, that nothing could come between us." She leaned towards Marinette. "Come on, it can't be more embarrassing than mine– I'm the one crushing on a superhero."
"So am I."
"Just tell me who– wait what?"
"...My crush is a superhero as well," Marinette said simply, shrugging.
"Wait– you like Ladybug too!" Alya exclaimed, eyes widening. "Is that why you wouldn't tell me, because I had one on her as well? That didn't mean you couldn't say anything–"
Marinette shook her head. "I never said it was Ladybug."
"But–!"
"Now that I think about it, I have technically told you before," Marinette said, tilting her head. "Or at least I've been pretty obvious about it. I have a crush on Rena Rouge. Or Abeille as she's called now."
"But that doesn't add up," Alya said, pointing a fork accusingly at Marinette. "You've had a crush on someone long before Rena or Abeille showed up."
Marinette shrugged. "Well, that's my crush, take it as you will."
Alya could feel her cheeks heating up slightly, because her best friend was unknowingly saying that she had a crush on her. "B-but you've never even met Rena Rouge, and you've definitely talked about your crush like they were someone you've met and talked to before."
"Who says I haven't met Rena Rouge before?"
Me– because I've never ran into you while in the suit before! Alya thought, but of course she couldn't say that. "B-because you would have told me in a heartbeat– you know I love everything about heroes."
"Maybe I wanted to keep my midnight rendezvous with the Fox a secret," Marinette said, winking.
"I kn-know you're just teasing now," Alya huffed, crossing her arms. "You have not run into Rena Rouge or Abeille."
"Says who?"
"S-says me!" Alya cried.
Marinette grinned. "Well, you couldn't prove that unless you were there too. Have you been stalking me 24/7? Can you say with a hundred percent certainty that I have never encountered the Rena Rouge?"
Yes. Alya looked away. "N-no?"
"That's what I thought," Marinette said gleefully, sounding just a bit too smug about this, and she leaned forward. "And I don't see what the big deal is, Al, how is my crush on Rena Rouge any different than your crush on Ladybug?"
Because apparently you're crushing on me– and you'd probably change your mind if you knew it was me under her mask! Alya thought with a heavy heart.
"W-well for one I've at least talked to Ladybug a few times. In fact she's even carried me in her arms!"
"You and every other civilian she's saved..." Marinette said in a light tone just to taunt Alya– and she wasn't sure if she should be flustered or annoyed.
"I bet you she's done it more with me than any other civilian!"
"Well if you're special to Ladybug then maybe I'm special to Abeille," Marinette said cheerfully.
"You've never met her before!"
"You can't prove that~" Marinette said in a sing-song voice.
"I... I'll– asked her!" Alya said, swallowing. "Next time I interview the heroes, I'll ask her if she's met you."
Not that she could interview herself anymore with the Fox Miraculous missing...
She thought this would get Marinette to relent or to drop her little joke, but instead Marinette's grin widened even further. She leaned forward, blue eyes gleaming as she smirked. "Alright then," she said, and Alya couldn't help but swallow. "You do that– record it too, you and Abeille both on tape, I'd love to see that video."
"I w-will," Alya managed to stutter out, and she didn't know when she had started stammering in the first place. "You'll see."
Marinette grinned, eyes shining. "And I wish you all the luck you got."
With that Marinette turned her focus back to her meal, looking cheery as ever, and Alya's heart was hammering in her chest. She watched Marinette for a moment, whose gaze flickered back to her. Her friend regarded her, before giving a small wink.
Alya closed her eyes, swallowing, eyes glued to the table as she continued eating.
"I wasn't joking, you know," Marinette said softly, and Alya's eyes flickered back up to her. "When I said that my crush on Rena is like your crush on Ladybug... it's exactly the same. I promise."
"I– I know?" Alya whispered, not sure what to say.
"Do you?" Marinette asked easily, and Alya didn't have a reply.
The akuma alert that went off a few minutes later didn't help either– both she and Marinette managing a few words to each other as they bolted off in separate directions, but Marinette's soft smile lingered in her mind as she headed out of the restaurant, knowing that she should be making her way to the nearest alleyway in case Ladybug needed her, but she found herself lingering on the streets instead.
She was snapped out of her thoughts by the zip of a wire, and something wrapping around her waist. Alya barely had time to process what was happening as Ladybug picked her up, swinging them up onto a secluded rooftop.
"Ready to go?" Ladybug asked, a familiar box in her hand.
"Um," Alya swallowed. "Yes, just give me a second– wait, I mean–"
Ladybug smiled, holding out the box with the Miraculous. "Here, I'll go on a head– sorry for just grabbing you like that without warning."
Alya carefully took the box. "Sorry for not finding somewhere to hide sooner."
"Don't worry about it, it actually made it easier to find you this time," Ladybug threw her yoyo, giving a small salute. "See you on the battlefield."
Then just as quickly as she had come, Ladybug was swinging off, leaving Alya alone on the rooftop– and she couldn't help but wonder, how did Ladybug find her each time? The city was a big place after all...
The reporter took in a deep breath, trying to get her mind to focus on the fact that there was an akuma about, and she was needed in battle. She opened up the small box, greeted with what was slowly becoming a familiar flare of bright yellow light.
She missed Trixx's golden glow.
"Hello, my queen!" Pollen greeted as always, going into a slight bow.
"Hello, Pollen," Alya said softly, carefully tucking the comb into her hair. "Are you ready to transform?"
"I'm always happy to," the kwami said brightly, beaming. She was a sweet little creature, which only made Alya feel guilty wishing that it wasn't the Bee Miraculous in her hands.
She had the chance to be a hero, to use magic– but yet she was ungrateful with the powers she was handed? Just because it wasn't what she was used to? That the weapon wasn't one she had a lot of experience with? That the little being within the Miraculous wasn't the first one she had met?
"My queen?" Pollen asked, drifting closer. "Is everything alright? You seem on edge."
"Just– just a lot on my mind," Alya said, forcing a smile.
Pollen's antennae fell. "I'm sorry I haven't been a suitable choice of a kwami for you to wield."
"Wh-what?" Alya stuttered out. "Why would you say–?"
"I share all senses with you when we transform, Mlle. Alya," Pollen said, tilting her head slightly. "That includes your emotions. I know that you are not as happy with me as you were with Trixx, and I can feel that our auras don't mesh well. I am sorry."
Alya stared at the kwami for a moment, blinking, the Bee just looking at her apologetically. "No– no no, don't apologize, you have nothing to apologize for," Alya said swiftly, taking a step closer. "It's not you, Pollen, it's just... I'm not used to your powers, that's all. I was just so used to Trixx, and I've been worrying about him– I didn't mean to make you feel like–"
Pollen smiled sweetly. "I'm afraid it would take quite a lot for you to get used to my powers, Alya, as my concept does not naturally align with you. It is completely natural for you to struggle with adjusting, and there are probably other kwamis you would find yourself working better with than with me."
She swallowed. "I'm sorry–"
"Please don't apologize, my queen," Pollen said, drifting closer. "I understand. Trixx was a negatively aligned kwami, while my energy leans more towards positive energy. Our two energies are very different, and I understand how that can be jarring."
"Negative? Positive?" Alya asked, blinking.
"All Miraculouses align with negative, neutral, or positive energy," Pollen said, before pausing. "It's complicated, and I don't know if we have time to fully explain it. Ladybug is waiting for us, after all."
"Crap!" Alya said, eyes widening. "Um– buzz on, Pollen!"
She closed her eyes as Pollen turned into a burst of light, the energy washing over her as she transformed. A few moments later Abeille was fumbling for her trompo, rushing across rooftops to go and join the akuma fight.
Silver Paw felt bad for the way Ladybug's eyes widened in horror when she saw him landing on a nearby rooftop.
Then again, she was facing the akuma and Blue Wing all on her own– Abeille nowhere in sight. So for him to show up as well... she saw him as an enemy, and so from her perspective the odds were suddenly very much turned against her.
He held his hands up to show that he wasn't a threat– but with the way Ladybug was glaring at him it was clear she didn't believe him. Still she turned her focus back to her main foes, yoyo swinging.
"It will never rain again!" The akuma bellowed. "I, Sunny Day, make it so we have warmth and sunshine forever."
"Like a desert?" Ladybug asked, dodging a swing of Sunny Day's sunflower staff. "Because that's what will happen if there's no rain."
"You don't understand!" Sunny Day screamed. "Birdie, help me get those pretty earrings so it can be sunny forever and ever!"
Silver's heart twisted– because it sounded like this was a little kid that had been akumatized. His eyes flickered over towards Blue Wing, and found that the Peacock was watching him, bright green eyes locked onto him. After a moment he turned away, plucking a feather from his fan.
"Enhance!" He cried, and the feather began to glow. It drifted down and landed on Blue Wing's fan, merging with it just like how the akuma butterfly merged with an object. In front of Blue Wing dark energy bubbled, a shape forming in front of him.
The creature was large and sleek, sharp teeth in its maw. Short golden fur covered its whole form, and bright red eyes shone like rubies. Nine long tails flared out from its back, each one flicking with a mind of its own, and as its mouth opened Silver could see fire forming inside.
"A Ninetales?" Ladybug said, staring at the fox Pokemon– who fired a large burst of fire from its mouth. Ladybug gracefully avoided the Flamethrower attack, landing on another roof as she rolled to her feet.
"Not just any Ninetales," Blue Wing said, grinning. "Hey, Sunny Day– I think you're going to like this."
The Ninetales began to glow with an orange hue, and for a moment Silver Paw thought the creature was going to use another move– but instead the glow radiated out from it, not making contact with any of them. Instead the energy rose up to the sky, the light seeming to drive the clouds above away from them. The warmth of the sun seemed to shine a bit brighter, and Sunny Day was giggling in excitement.
"Drought," Silver Paw muttered, recognizing it as one of the 'abilities' of Ninetales from the games. It allowed the Pokemon to summon intense sunlight, usually to boost the strength of its own fire attacks. It was strange to see it in real life, but it was a good pairing for this akuma.
Ladybug glanced back towards Silver Paw one more time, if it was because she heard him or just making sure he wasn't going to attack, he didn't know. But when all she saw was hesitation in his gaze she returned her focus to Blue and the akuma, yoyo spinning about.
The Ninetales opened up its mouth, the fox having a green glow forming in its mouth. The orb flashed once– before it released the blast of pure light from its mouth. Unlike the light of the Drought, this green ray was meant to attack. The Solar Beam rushed towards Ladybug, who threw her yoyo to swing away from the powerful grass-type move.
"My turn!" Sunny Day cried, running forward and jumping, swinging her sunflower staff down at Ladybug. She spun her yoyo about like a shield, deflecting the blow, before lashing out with a kick, sending the akuma stumbling back.
Moments later her shield was back up, blocking another Flamethrower from the Ninetales. With Drought activated the fire was even stronger than before, and Silver Paw had to remind himself that with the magic suits they would be protected.
That didn't change the fact that it was Marinette under that mask.
Silver Paw's gaze turned towards Blue Wing, and found that the boy was looking at him as well. The two held each other's gazes for a moment, as if wondering what they should be doing.
Friends– that's what they had called themselves. Yet Blue Wing was here to claim the earrings from another that Silver called a friend, and as for the Fox holder himself... he had already declared himself against the very goal that Blue Wing was fighting for.
Without warning, Blue Wing's wings suddenly flared open, launching himself up into the air as he swooped towards Silver, who couldn't help but tense up at the sudden charge. Blue Wing swooped over the Fox, crashing into a figure that had been creeping up behind him. Silver Paw's eyes widened as he turned to find Blue Wing wrestling Abeille to the ground, the extra weight of his wings giving him an edge.
So Ladybug wasn't alone for this fight. That was good.
"Gah!" Abeille roared as she shoved Blue off of her. He staggered towards the edge of the roof, only to let himself tip over the edge, his wings flaring open to catch himself as he glided away.
Abeille's eyes shifted from Blue towards Silver– who held his flute up in warning. She sneered at him, trompo clutched tightly in her hand. Her eyes flickered from him and to Ladybug, clearly split on where to go.
"She needs you," Silver Paw said quietly. "Don't waste your time on me– they're the ones after her Miraculous."
"Oh– like you're not?" Abeille growled.
"The only Miraculous I'm interested in is getting the Butterfly out of Hawk Moth's hands," Silver said quietly. "Trust me, I'm not going after the Ladybug."
"'Trust you'?" She snarled. "When you're holding Trixx against his will? Never!"
This time Silver Paw rolled his eyes. "I told Trixx that she could go– she's the one that decided to stay."
"Like I'd believe that!"
He didn't blame her for the hostility– he had taken a Miraculous that had once been hers, and actively protected the one she called an enemy. The two held each other's gazes for a moment longer– before Abeille turned and raced away, her concern for Ladybug clearly stronger than her hatred of him.
The trompo wrapped around one of the Ninetale's paws, forcing the Pokemon to stumble away from Ladybug as the heroine clashed with Sunny Day. Abeille swooped down, pouncing on the avatar's back, forcing it to turn its attention towards her. The Ninetales may have been based on a fox, but it stood nearly as tall as a wolf, throwing Abeille off of him. Fire formed in the Pokemon's maw, and the trompo started spinning to block the attack.
"I hate you!" Sunny Day cried. "I hate you as much as rain! Why can't everything just be nice and warm?"
"I'm afraid you're going about this the wrong way," Ladybug grunted, her yoyo wrapping around Sunny Day's waist. She clearly had been aiming for the staff, but didn't waste the opportunity– throwing the akuma off of the roof with a grunt of effort. Sunny Day was sent falling down towards the street, and Ladybug wheeled about to face the now unaccompanied Blue Wing. Immediately Silver Paw was on alert, watching as Blue's fan knocked away a lash of Ladybug's yoyo. Silver crouched down, flute held tightly, ready to jump into the brawl.
"Hello, Silver Paw," A voice said from behind Silver, and he stiffened up. He slowly turned, and found that Sunny Day was standing behind him, supported by a woven platform of sunflowers– which must have caught her from the fall.
Except for it wasn't Sunny Day's voice that was speaking, instead a deep masculine one. The akuma's eyes were glowing brightly with lavender light, and a mask was resting over her face. It was the exact same thing that had happened with Riposte– Hawk Moth seemingly speaking through his akuma.
Silver Paw gritted his teeth. "So is controlling your akumas just something you casually do?"
Hawk Moth chuckled. "Full control, like this? No, I'm afraid it's not something that can be 'casually' done. My akuma must agree to let me speak through them, and it's not as if I can fully manipulate them, or fight as them. This is just simply a means to speak directly to those around the akuma– and I want to have a few words with you."
"Well, I'm not interested in talking," Silver Paw growled, tightening his grip on his flute.
"Surely there's something you want," Hawk Moth said, and there was just something so disconcerting hearing his voice coming through the akuma. "You wouldn't be here otherwise. And if you are willing to help me get the Ladybug Miraculous, I would help you achieve your goal."
"What if my goal is seeing you without your Miraculous?" Silver said, eyes narrowing.
"Done," Hawk Moth said without blinking. "Once I have the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous you can have the Butterfly, I don't care for it."
That was the most obvious lie that Silver Paw had ever heard. "Yeah, I don't believe you."
"A fair assumption," Hawk Moth mused through the akuma, which held out both of their hands, as if they meant no harm. "But I don't think we're on opposite sides of this conflict– we could work together."
Silver Paw took a few steps forward, and the akuma didn't shift from where it stood. He blinked slowly, while those purple glowing eyes watched him expectantly. Silver Paw hesitated, before coming a bit closer. "And why would you 'help' me?"
"It is what I always do," Hawk Moth said. "I grant a person the power they want most, and in return they help me lay claim to the Miraculous I need. This would be nothing new to me, and it could help you with your end goal."
"...Well, Hawky, I'm afraid I have to decline your offer," Silver Paw said– before pouncing at the akuma. It seemed that Hawk Moth's words about fighting in this state proved to be true– because the akuma didn't lash back until the purple glow had faded from their eyes, struggling to throw the Fox off from them.
"Leave me alone, you meanie!" Sunny Day cried, the voice like that of a child again. Her words didn't stop Silver Paw from jabbing his flute into her hand that held the sunflower staff, prying it away from the akuma. "No! I need that!"
Silver Paw snatched the staff before it could fall to the platform of sunflowers, leaping back into the rooftop. Sunny Day was right behind him as he hurried back towards the main fight– where it was now Blue Wing struggling against Abeille, and the Ninetales trying to keep Ladybug at bay.
"Hey!" Silver Paw called at the top of his lungs. "LB! Catch!"
Ladybug tensed, turning, yoyo raised as she clearly expected an attack. Silver Paw chucked the sunflower staff in her direction, which she instinctively knocked away with the yoyo, before watching as Sunny Day pounced on Silver Paw from behind. Silver grunted, lashing out with his flute to try to get the akuma away from him.
"Ninetales, the staff!" Blue Wing cried, and the fox turned and raced towards the abandoned staff. Ladybug hesitated for a moment, before sending her yoyo flying at the Pokemon, which entangled three of its nine tails, causing the creature to let out a yelp of pain. Ladybug jumped over the avatar, grabbing the sunflower staff, before breaking it over her leg.
As soon as it snapped a purple butterfly came flying out of the staff, and dark energy bubbled about the akuma. One moment Sunny Day was trying to wrestle Silver Paw to the ground, and the next he found himself holding a little girl who was looking about in pure confusion. Her eyes flickered up to the Fox holder, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"H-hey, it's okay," Silver Paw tried to reassure her, but with her being in the arms of someone the city didn't trust, he knew he couldn't calm her down as she started crying.
He clutched the little girl tightly, before taking a running leap so he was on the same roof as the other Miraculous holders. He immediately put her down, backing away so as to not stress her anymore. His eyes flickered up towards Ladybug, who was snatching the akuma butterfly from the air, whose gaze landed on him once more.
She hurried forward, and the little girl bolted towards her. Ladybug knelt down just in time for the child to crash into her arms, clutching her tightly. She slowly sat up as she held the little girl– and just like that the battle came to a stand still.
Abeille moved in front of Ladybug and the akuma victim, trompo in her hand. She glowered off towards Blue Wing and the Ninetales, eyes flickering towards Silver for a moment. Nobody moved, silenced in the air.
There had yet to be a battle where both Blue Wing and his avatar outlasted the akuma– and clearly the heroines were ready for him to strike. Blue just stood there, fan in hand, looking frozen to the spot. The Ninetales was still as well, each tail stiff as he awaited an order. Silver stood off to the side, knowing that any sudden movements from him would probably result in an attack.
"I'm... I'm not going to attack," Blue Wing said slowly, taking a step back. "Not with a kid here."
Ladybug and Abeille didn't let down their guards, the latter stepping forward, her tone sarcastic. "Oh– so you have no problem with letting a child get akumatized and fight Hawk Moth's battles, but you'll draw the line here?"
"I never said I liked this!" Blue Wing snapped back, and the Ninetales jumped in front of him, snarling, sparks flying from his mouth. "I'm... I'm not going to attack."
"Like we'd believe that!" Abeille snarled, and the little girl buried her head into Ladybug's shoulder.
Blue swallowed, but raised his hand and snapped. The heroines were on alert as the Ninetales tensed up, only for the Pokemon to glow faintly– before melting away in a rush of blue light. A small feather blew out from Blue Wing's fan, it being all that was left of the avatar as it drifted away in the wind.
"I'm not attacking like this," Blue Wing said again, voice slow, green gaze locked on the girls, and his Miraculous started beeping.
Silver Paw's eyes flickered towards Ladybug and Abeille, caution still in their gaze, Ladybug cradling the former akuma closely. He could see her hesitating for a moment, before her gaze hardened.
"...Get him," Ladybug said– and Abeille didn't hesitate in attacking.
"Venom!" Abeille snarled, the trompo in her hands pulsing with light as she leapt forward. Blue Wing shifted, his fan flaring open as he blocked the first strike, swiftly moving back.
Knowing that Ladybug would be occupied with the child, Silver Paw pounced– swinging his flute down towards Abeille as she attempted to hit with another Venon. She caught sight of him though, turning and lashing out with a kick– but it was enough to take her attention from Blue Wing. He rolled away as the Venom came down on him, barely avoiding it as he swung his foot out, knocking her off balance.
"Go!" Silver Paw called when he saw that Blue Wing was still here, on the edge of the roof with his wings out, hesitating.
"What about you?"
He jumped back as Abeille rolled to her feet, not sure how he was managing a conversation and keeping his focus on her strikes. "The reason why I'm here is to make sure you can get away– go!"
"But–!"
"Go!" Silver snarled, and Blue Wing jumped back at his voice. Silver Paw didn't have time to watch him, swinging his flute around like a bat to keep the Bee hero back. The Venom had dangerously come close to hitting him a few times, and so he began to retreat.
A quick glance over his shoulder showed that Blue Wing had taken to the sky, flying away, and he let out a sigh of relief.
"Mirage!" Silver Paw called as Abeille came charging again. He threw the golden orb at the end of his flute to the ground, before turning and running. As soon as the Mirage made contact a dozen copies of himself appeared, each one racing in a different direction.
He didn't dare look back, just running as fast as he could, but he could sense that one of the illusions had vanished– probably Abeille having struck hoping it was a real one. But the others were still active, and he hoped that would be enough to let him slip away.
His necklace beeped at him, and he gritted his teeth, putting on just a bit more speed. As he ran a burst of pink light rushed past him– the Miraculous Ladybugs showing that Ladybug had summoned her Cure.
Silver Paw was surprised how familiar the rooftops were starting to become to him as he ran, but just like the streets he roamed as a civilian, he was able to recognize when he was getting close to home.
He stayed away from the edges of the rooftops, hoping that he wouldn't be spotted as he ran. He could see his apartment up ahead, and was wanting nothing more than to slip inside and to simply feel safe. His pacing slowed as he jumped onto the roof of the building, pausing to catch his breath– only to jump back when he saw a figure watching him.
"...Sorry?" Blue Wing said uncertainly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"You gave me a heart attack, dude!" Silver Paw cried, his necklace beeping. "What are you doing here anyway, isn't your timer going to go off?"
"Well, I recharged Duusu before I got here," Blue Wing explained uncertainly, shifting side to side. "I, um, just wanted to make sure you were okay and all that? You didn't get hurt, right?"
Silver Paw gave a small smile. "I'm fine, my Mirage provides pretty decent cover."
His smile soon faded though as Blue Wing suddenly began violently coughing. It was so sudden and the sound being awful that he jumped, eyes wide. He watched as Blue Wing covered his mouth, the harsh coughs coming so quickly that he was gasping for breaths in between them.
Silver rushed forward, but didn't know what to do. There were tears in Blue's eyes as he tried to breath, shuddering as Silver laid a hand on his back, before taking in a large gasp of air. This seemed to break the cough, and he started panting as he stood there, a few more small coughs escaping him before all was quiet once more. His face was red below his mask, wings wrapped closely about him.
"A-are you okay?" Silver stuttered out– but the words felt useless. Of course he wasn't okay, there was no way that was okay–!
"I think my medicine is wearing off..." Blue Wing whispered softly, closing his eyes.
"Medicine?"
"Allergies..." Blue Wing said, looking away. "I'm... I'm allergic to feathers, I have to take medicine in order to transform..."
"...You're allergic to feathers?" Silver repeated slowly, and Blue Wing gave him an embarrassed smile.
He could only watch him in worry though, not at all reassured. Nino's own allergies acted up in the early spring, but it was always mild, just an itchy nose most days, mild sneezing and a runny nose on the worst of days– but if Blue Wing had such a reaction and took that as his medicine 'wearing off'... just how violent were his reactions to feathers normally?
"Well, technically not the feathers themselves," Blue Wing said quietly. "It's the dander and dust that comes from it, it's usually not too bad but I think being around my kwami all the time hasn't helped..." He closed his eyes. "I j-just need more medicine, that's all."
"They hurry home and get some, dude," Silver said, his necklace beeping more frantically. "You literally have feathers growing out of your back when you're transformed!"
Blue Wing's eyes widened with panic, and Silver wondered if he had just realized this fact. But by the way his wings wrapped closer around him he realized that wasn't the issue.
"...Everything okay, dude?" He asked softly, and Blue Wing swallowed.
"I... I don't want to go home," he whispered, looking away. "Father isn't going to be happy with me not continuing to fight... If he sees that I just released the avatar on my own he'll– he'll be upset and– I'm not supposed to be talking about this!"
Blue Wing turned away, walking across the roof, letting out another cough. Silver Wing stared at him, but before he could say anything his transformation fell– Trixx coming out in a burst of golden light. The kwami was silent, just looking straight at Blue with worried green eyes, before looking back at Nino meaningfully.
"...He'll what?" Nino asked softly.
"Father will be mad," Blue Wing said, voice breaking as if this were the worst thing he could say. "A-and I did this on purpose, so he'll have every right to be mad with me. Th-that means Na– um– she won't stop him. Why did I do that, why did I do that, why didn't I just fight Abeille, I should have just fought her–"
The Peacock holder was hunched over as Nino and Trixx approached him, wings wrapped around himself and terror in his eyes. As Nino carefully placed a hand on his shoulder he jumped, looking back at him with frightened eyes, before slowly composing himself. Nino was awed and horrified with how quickly Blue Wing sat up, a smile coming over his face, but his wings remained tightly around him.
"Sorry," he said, voice even and eyes empty. "I'm fine. I overreact sometimes, I'm sorry you had to see that, Nino."
Nino couldn't say anything.
"...Kit," Trixx said, her voice tight. "You realize I'm the kwami of Deception, right? I know that 'I'm fine' was a lie." She drifted closer, and Blue Wing stepped back. "What's most frightening is that you fully seem to think that was an overreaction."
Blue Wing swallowed. "I... I'm sorry. I j-just get emotional sometimes."
Trixx gritted her teeth. "Kit, what happens when your father is mad?"
"Father is upset a lot," Blue Wing said, as if that was supposed to be reassuring. "I... I just overreact when it's directed at me, but I deserve it, I'm sorry you had to see that–"
Nino wasn't at all surprised to find that Hawk Moth was usually upset– but he still couldn't quite digest what Blue Wing was saying. He took a step forward, reaching out slightly, and Blue Wing looked away.
"...I know we've only really just met," Nino said quietly. "But you don't have to hide anything from me, dude." Blue Wing looked back at him with wide eyes, and he hesitated. "I know there's somethings you don't want to share– and I'll respect that. I'm just saying if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here?"
Blue Wing offered him the smallest of smiles. "It... it is easy to talk with you," he said softly. "But I shouldn't have to burden you with that. I... I should probably get home, before they worry about me."
"Blue," Nino said quietly as the Peacock Holder turned to leave. "You are safe at home, right?"
"That's why it's called home, isn't it?" Blue said softly, before opening his wings. "Goodbye, Nino."
Blue Wing didn't wait for a reply, wings flapping as he took to the air. Nino could do nothing but watch as he rose up into the sky, swiftly gaining air as he rushed away, leaving them alone on the rooftop.
"I don't know what he'll do to me if I fail." He had told Nino as Papillon. "Father is so unpredictable when he's upset."
"Trixx," Nino whispered. "What do I do? What's– what's going to happen to him?"
"...I don't know, Kit," Trixx said, drifting down to Nino's shoulder, and he laid a hand over her, heart pounding. "...Just know I want that kit out of there as much as you do. This... this isn't some deal just to get your help to save the other kwamis anymore– he needs help." Her eyes gleamed dangerously. "And Hawk Moth needs to be ripped to pieces.
Nino slipped back into his room for the evening without saying a word. He just sunk down onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling despite having homework that needed to get done. Trixx ate some of her fruit leather without a word, clearly as disturbed as he was.
He had known things weren't right in Blue Wing's home– but today had suddenly made it much more real. This wasn't some voice he had heard in his mind that had sounded scared, he had watched someone break down in fear at the mere idea of seeing their father. And he didn't know what to do– he couldn't call the authorities, because he had nowhere to direct them. There was nothing he could do– and nothing he had done– he had only watched him fly away without a word!
He ended up rushing to the bathroom to throw up.
Nino was glad that no one else noticed though, because the last thing he needed was for his mother to worry over him and ask him questions and if he was alright. All he wanted to do was for these covers to swallow him, or for an answer to come to his mind– but he got nothing.
Instead he just sat there in the silence for what felt like ages– when he finally heard his mother call for him.
"Nino?" Lucie called, causing Nino to shudder. "There's someone at the door here for you."
"...I'll be right there," Nino called back, because saying no would cause more questioning than what he could handle. He slowly rolled to his feet, before glancing at Trixx, who was hovering over Nino's 3DS. The Fox shrugged, but floated up into the air, hiding away in Nino's pocket as he stood, heading towards the door.
He headed down the hall, and could hear his mother talking to someone, seemingly having invited them in. Nino wasn't sure who would be here to see him, it wasn't as if he had close friends who came over often. He headed into the living room, and found his mother speaking to a woman he had never seen before, with pale skin and dark hair. Her sharp blue eyes fell onto Nino, who gave an uncertain wave.
"Um, hello?" Nino offered.
"You're Nino Lahiffe, correct?" The woman asked, adjusting her glasses.
"Yep," he replied, shifting slightly. "And, um, who are you, dudette?"
"I am Nathalie Sancoeur," she said, sitting up straight. "And we need to talk."