Chapter Twenty-One
"What are you doing?" Duusu whispered as Adrien scurried around a corner. "Miss Nathalie is back that way!"
"I know," Adrien said, panting slightly. "I can't go with her, not yet– remember, Father is here."
Duusu just stared at Adrien in confusion, who was looking on edge. They was fully energized at the moment thanks to some gum Adrien had snuck for them since he wasn't allowed to eat until the show was over– and right now it had only been delayed. Still, the gum was nothing like chocolate, and Miss Nathalie always provided chocolate.
"Father is going to be furious," Adrien explained, but Duusu didn't get why this was a big deal– Master Gabriel was always mad, after all. "We weren't supposed to let this akuma mess up, and we failed. Nathalie would take us straight to Father, so we need to get back into the middle of the show, we need to avoid Nathalie for just a bit longer."
"But... but that doesn't change what happened?" Duusu asked, not sure what their chick was planning. Master Gabriel would be mad either way, and avoiding him would probably only make him more so.
Adrien glanced down the hall, but saw no sign of Nathalie. "...I got one chance to make this better, Duusu, and I can't mess this up. We just need to avoid Nathalie and Father for just a bit longer, okay? Then I'll get you the best chocolate money can buy."
Duusu cheered up upon hearing this. "Deal!"
This couldn't be happening. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be happening.
Marinette's hand clutched her purse, which Tikki had just phased through moments ago. The kwami wasn't supposed to be here, she was supposed to be at the Eiffel Tower, searching! But the Ladybug had returned empty handed, and as Marinette slowly opened up the purse her kwami just slowly shook her head.
She hadn't been able to find the Bee Miraculous.
Tears pricked Marinette's eyes as she snapped the purse shut. She had searched as Ladybug until her timer was ready to give out, and then she had searched as Marinette. But when her phone had begun ringing, her parents and Alya desperately wanting to know where she was, Tikki had offered to stay behind and keep searching. The Bee Miraculous had to be somewhere, she had cheerfully said.
But it was nowhere.
"Girl, you look like you're about to pass out," Alya said. "Relax– the show is almost over! And your hat was perfect!"
Oh, how she wished her only problems were related to that hat right now. She looked up at Alya, who seemed to realize her distress wasn't just about the show. Concern showed in her eyes, mouth opening to say something, but she was interrupted as a pair of giant hands clasped around Marinette's shoulders.
"Little Macaron!" Tom boomed excitedly, and Marinette looked up at her father with wide eyes. "You won't believe who is looking for you right now!"
"D-dad?" Marinette stuttered out in surprise.
Tom grinned. "Well, of course I'm always looking out for you– but right now the one that wants to see you is Audrey Bourgeois!"
"Wh-what?" Marinette croaked.
"She saw your hat," Tom said in excitement, and she wants to talk to you– and of course I'm not about to let this opportunity slip by my little girl."
"She didn't seem angry, did she?" Alya asked, following after the two of them as Tom guided her forward, Marinette's mind racing as she comprehend everything that was happening. "She's not still mad about the whole seat fiasco, right?"
"Gabriel Agreste apologized to her personally," Tom explained. "He seemed very upset about the whole thing, and Audrey seemed satisfied with that. When she saw the hat though– oh this is so exciting– Marinette's talents are just impossible to ignore."
"W-wait–" Marinette stuttered out. "I– I can't right now! I– I need to go and– and–"
"I know this is nerve racking," Tom said, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "But I promise you, this is good. You're no amateur with your skills, stand tall, you got this."
Why was this happening now? Why now? She needed to go find the Miraculous, she needed to go find Pollen–!
But before she knew what was happening, she could see the Bourgeois family up ahead. Marinette's heart tightened when she saw Chloe standing there with her father, but of course her eyes fell onto the Style Queen herself, who was holding Marinette's hat in hand, turning it over as she studied it. Sabine was standing near her, talking to the woman with a smile– because of course her mother could manage a friendly conversation with one of the most uptight people in the fashion world. Marinette wasn't sure when the hat had left Adrien's hands– if it had been returned to her parents in a search for her, or perhaps Gabriel had it when he apologized to Audrey, though the man was nowhere in sight now.
"And here's my little Marinette," Sabine said with a smile as they approached, and Marinette forced one of her own on her face despite the panic rushing through her. "And of course I'm sure you already know Audrey, dear."
"I– um– read your magazine, ma'am," Marinette stuttered out, and Audrey lowered her sunglasses to peer down at her. "I like to stay up to date in the fashion world."
Audrey didn't give any recognition as she looked over her– which Marinette was fine with. The last thing she needed was someone with a lot of influence holding a grudge against her over a seat. The woman gave a hum of acknowledgement as she studied Marinette– who could feel Chloe's gaze glowering at her from near her mother.
"Much younger than I expected," Audrey mused, before holding up the hat. "And you made this yourself?"
Marinette's mouth was dry, and she glanced at Alya, who gave her a determined nod. Even with so much going on, it was enough to ground Marinette's focus– as soon as she got out of this conversation she could return to the Eiffel Tower immediately.
"Yes, ma'am," she said, voice much more steady than she felt. "I won a design contest that Gabriel hosted a few months back."
"This is the most exceptional thing I've seen from a young creator in such a long time," Audrey declared– and Marinette stared. "You're a visionary, Marie, er– Marinette! Glitter has had its days, feathers though– that is the new rising trend– and I'll make sure of it!"
Marinette stared at Audrey, eyes wide. Her mouth opened, but no words came from her. This... this was something she had only imagined people saying about her work. And now that it was happening... she could barely even focus. Pressures, responsibility, it was bearing down on her, and fashion was one of the last things she should be focusing on.
"What?!" Chloe shrieked. "How could you say that about– about Dupain-Cheng!?"
"Are you blind, Claudia?" Audrey huffed, holding out a hat. "This is a work of art. Oh, it would be such a waste not to take her under my wing! What do you say about coming to New York with me, Bridgette?"
"W-what?" Marinette squeaked.
"You want to go into fashion design, no?" Audrey said. "I'm the one that gave Gabriel his name, and I could do the same for you."
"Girl!" Alya exclaimed, and Marinette's eyes flickered about in a panic, landing on her parents.
"We'll always support you," Sabine said with a warm smile, and Tom was beaming.
"This is your choice to make," Tom said. "It is your future, after all."
"Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!" Chloe exclaimed– cutting all of them off. "You've never taken me to New York! And now you want to take Marinette!"
"I'm taking her because she's exceptional, Claire, er, Claudette?" Audrey shook her head, waving a hand dismissively.
Marinette didn't like Chloe– the girl had been bullying her for years now, but that didn't stop her heart from going out to the girl regardless. For Chloe to watch her own mother praise the girl she hated and offer her an amazing opportunity... all while not remembering her own daughter's name? Marinette couldn't imagine her mother ever doing that to her.
"I'm exceptional too!" Chloe protested, a tone that usually got her way with her father.
Audrey looked at hand, as if studying her nails– which were hidden by gloves– clearly not caring. "The only exceptional thing about you, my dear, is your mother!"
Silence surrounded them for a moment, and Marinette felt her gut twist slightly at those words. Her eyes nervously flicked to Chloe, who stood there in shock. Marinette bit her lip, and Alya grabbed her hand, and they could see small tears forming in Chloe's gaze. Marinette glanced at her parents, who looked slightly horrified at what they just heard, and Marinette felt her heart reaching out for Chloe once more.
No one deserved to hear such words from their own parents.
Andre reached a hand for his daughter, opening his mouth, but Chloe pulled away from his grasp with a snarl. Chloe gritted her teeth, blinking her tears away, and she dug her hand into her purse, fishing for an item within, glowering at her mother.
"I'll show you how exceptional I can be!" Chloe snarled, holding out the box in her hand– and Marinette's eyes widened in horror as she recognized the item. At her side Alya let out a gasp, clasping Marinette's hands tighter, and Chloe opened up the box to reveal the Bee Miraculous within. A golden glow surrounded the Miraculous, and the light flared up, dancing about the small group.
As Pollen materialized she glanced about, eyes lighting up when she saw Alya and Marinette– though that gaze quickly became worried when she realized that wasn't quite right. She turned, and saw Chloe standing there with the box holding her Miraculous, and the kwami's gaze turned disappointed.
"Miss Chloe," Pollen said with a slight hum, and Marinette was surprised at the recognition. "You said that you were going to return me to Ladybug– she would be extremely proud of your honesty."
"What is that thing?!" Audrey cried, taking a step back.
"Ch-chloe–" Marinette said, taking a step forward– but what was she supposed to say?
"Ladybug can wait!" Chloe snapped at Pollen. "I need to be a hero! I can be extraordinary too!"
"Heroes need to be chosen," Pollen said, carefully drifting forward, and Marinette understood her worry– with the right words Chloe could force an answer from a kwami, even if she didn't know it. If she demanded to know how to transform, Pollen would have to comply. "It's not a Miraculous that makes you a hero, it's your actions. You need to get me back to Ladybug."
Marinette held her breath slightly, wondering what Chloe was going to do– but they were never able to see an answer. Chloe hesitated for one moment, still holding the open box, the Miraculous gleaming within– and the next there was a rush of wind as a blue shape dove down at them.
Screams echoed throughout the building as a gloved hand snatched the Bee Miraculous right from the box. Pollen vanished with a flash of light, and Marinette looked up to see the winged figure swooping up towards the towering ceiling. Turquoise wings glimmered in the light, and he spun around in the air, landing on a large metal arch– green eyes gleaming behind a mask, blond hair and suit looking like he could belong on the runway below.
"I'll be taking Miraculous, thank you very much!" Blue Wing said with a grin, tossing the Bee Miraculous up into the air, before catching it. He looked absolutely gleeful, and a horrible sinking feeling settled into Marinette's stomach.
"No!" Alya cried, taking a step forward.
Chloe having a Miraculous was horrible enough– but manageable. Fixable. She knew where she lived, she knew that Chloe respected Ladybug, it would be a situation where she could get that Miraculous back. But Blue Wing... that. That was the worst possible thing that could have happened.
"N-no..." Marinette whispered, voice quivering. "N-no, please no..."
"It's a shame that Abeille won't bee showing up anymore," Blue Wing said, running a thumb across the comb. "But I'm afraid I hive to go now."
He plucked a feather from his fan, hand surrounding it as he muttered under his breath. It glowed with energy, and drifted back towards the fan in his hand. Next to him an avatar began to form– the bird small and black, with a crooked yellow beak. The Murkow opened up its wings, letting out a low caw.
"Haze!" Blue Wing cried, and the Murkrow's beak cracked open, a thick black smog pouring out from in. The Haze quickly filled the entire building, the Murkrow swooping down to make sure the smoke-like mist could act as a smokescreen. Between the cries and coughs Marinette couldn't hear any sigh of Blue Wing leaving– but she knew that he was using the moment to escape.
And sure enough, moments later, the Murkrow summoned a Defog– glowing blue blades of air slashing through the Haze, clearing it within moments. Marinette was surprised that Blue Wing had even bothered cleaning up the mess he had left behind, but that didn't keep her focus for long– instead her eyes swept across the area, desperately searching for any sign of Blue Wing, of the Bee Miraculous.
But they were gone.
"No," Marinette whispered, her voice lost in the uproar that followed. She stood there, shaking slightly. Blue Wing had the Bee Miraculous, and everyone knew it. She had lost another Miraculous, and could do nothing about it.
"Marinette–?" Alya began, seeing the tears pouring down her face, but Marinette pulled away from her grip– turning and bolting in the opposite direction. Alya called her name again, but she didn't stop.
"T-tikki– sp-spots on!" Marinette gasped through her tears, the moment she had hidden from sight. Her kwami didn't have time to protest, turning into a burst of pink light as they transformed. Marinette felt treacherous as the Ladybug suit appeared over her, but she forced herself forward.
Out of the room. Down the hall. Back to where the fashion show was taking place, where she would be seen, where the Bee Miraculous had been claimed. She pulled her yoyo into her hand, throwing it, knowing she needed to get into the air, knowing that she needed to look like she came in from a window. From outside. Like she was a hero that could actually do what the city needed her to do.
The Murkow was gone, a white feather drifting through the air– Blue having recalled his avatar. He had known there was no reason for it to remain, nothing for it to fight– he had won, after all, had escaped with the Miraculous.
"Ladybug!" A voice called out as soon as she was spotted, and she felt dizzy as she looked at the crowd below. "Ladybug– Blue Wing was here!"
Cameras, oh kwamis, there was cameras. And the news. They were here to cover the fashion show, which meant that they had captured Blue Wing as well– and now they were being turned towards her.
"Ladybug– Blue Wing has another Miraculous!"
"How did he get the Bee Miraculous!"
"Ladybug, this is the second Miraculous to fall into enemy hands– what do you have to say?"
"Can we get a comment on what happened to the Bee Miraculous?"
"Ladybug, how did–?"
"Ladybug why did you let this happen?"
"How come–?"
"What will we do–?"
"Ladybug!"
"Ladybug–?"
Ladybug. Ladybug. Ladybug. The words echoed around her– civilians and news crew asking questions, looking at her. Wanting answers, needing to understand how the danger was growing, looking for someone to blame. She felt dizzy as she stood up there, cameras pointed at her, lights flashing, but she was unmoving. She had nothing to say, she didn't know what to do.
She had failed.
"Ladybug–!" Another voice cried out, one that stood out from the rest, and Marinette looked down. There was Alya, making her way forward, people letting her– the Ladyblog was well known after all. Alya was staring up at her, her gaze holding too many emotions for Ladybug to read.
She stood there, staring at Alya, feeling more horrible than ever. This was the second time she had lost one of Alya's Miraculous. When she had messed up when failing couldn't be an option. Any courage she had left crumbled as she looked at Alya, and she felt the tears pour down her face. For a moment there seemed to be silence, and Ladybug's mouth opened.
"I..." She whispered, but no words came. Her throat tightened, and the tears came faster. "I just– I– Just leave me alone!"
Ladybug turned, throwing her yoyo as hard as she could, not caring where it went. She heard Alya's voice crying out again, but Ladybug didn't stop. As soon as the wire went taut in her hands she pulled, and she was dragged up into the air, swinging away.
She didn't care where she went. As long as it was away from here.
Excitement was coursing through Adrien as he leaned up against the wall, his transformation falling around him. Duusu came flying out of the brooch, looking tired, but excited. They stood there in the empty hall for a moment, listening to the cries and shouts echoing down from the fashion hall, where they had only been moments before.
"We did it," Adrien breathed, holding up the Bee Miraculous excitedly. "We actually did it."
He had purposely not summoned the kwami from within, he had in fact willed it back into the Miraculous, because he wasn't sure what to say to the creature. So instead he just studied the comb, which had long golden teeth, the top of the Miraculous topped with gems that created the image of a Bee. He could feel the energy humming within it, power coursing right at his fingertips.
He did feel a bit bad from having snagged it from Chloe– but it was an opportunity he couldn't let slip by. He held the Miraculous close for a moment, before carefully slipping it into his pocket. He looked over at Duusu, who looked just as excited as he did– which calmed him down slightly.
"Oh, I can't wait to see Pollen!" Duusu said, zipping about despite their exhaustion, and he assumed Pollen was the name of the kwami. "This is so exciting. We were so awesome, too– we just dove down there and got the comb! We're the best!"
"I don't have any food to give you right now," Adrien said, holding his hands out for them to land on. "I'm sorry, but I'll grab something as soon as I can."
"Chocolate!" Duusu screamed happily. "We should get something with honey in it! Or caramel! That way I can share it with Pollen– she loves those kinds of foods!"
"That's a good idea," Adrien replied, stroking the kwami.
"There you are," a cold voice said from behind Adrien– and he felt chills rush through him. He stiffened up, and Duusu peered over his shoulder, beaming.
"Hi Master Gabriel!" Duusu called. "Hi Miss Nathalie! You won't believe what we just did–!"
"Be quiet, you!" Gabriel spat, and Adrien slowly turned around to see the man storming his way. Duusu fell silent, and Adrien barely had time to brace himself as his father grabbed him by the hair, dragging him away. A whimper of pain escaped Adrien, but he was cut off. "Shut up– I'm not done with you."
"Sir," Nathalie said, following behind them as Gabriel dragged Adrien into an empty room. "Perhaps we should wait until we get home. We're in a public setting right now, and if we were to attract attention–"
"If Adrien knows what's good for him, he won't make a sound," Gabriel snarled, shoving him towards the wall. Adrien stumbled, his scalp hurting. "Besides, I think everyone's too worried about a certain Peacock who appeared to notice us– isn't that right, Adrien?"
"I–"
"What were you thinking!" Gabriel roared at him, and Adrien shrank back– startled when no slap was sent his way. "Transforming and making a public appearance here? What if someone makes a connection! You could have endangered everything!"
"I was just–" Adrien began– and this time an open palm collided with his cheek. He coiled in on himself from the slap, body tensing as it waited for more to come his way, and his father grabbed him by his hair again, dragging him forward.
"I told you to keep that Fox out of the way," Gabriel snarled in his ear. "We could have properly outnumbered Ladybug– but instead you angered my akuma. We could have won. We could have brought your mother back today. Your mother would be ashamed of what you've done. You're pathetic. A failure."
Another slap came, and Adrien let out a pained whimper. Nathalie cleared her throat, eyes flickering towards the door– and Adrien tried to quiet himself. Hot tears fell down his face, his breath shuddering gasps as he tried to keep a sob from breaking through.
"Adrien is not a failure!" Duusu cried. "He just–"
"I said be quiet!" Gabriel roared at Duusu– who turned and dived into Adrien pocket.
"M-master," Nooroo's voice was a quiver. "Perhaps– perhaps we should focus on–"
Adrien was thrown to the floor, Gabriel turning on Nooroo. "I don't want to listen to your righteous words, you annoying pest!" Gabriel snarled at the kwami. "Learn your place!"
Nooroo looked like he wanted to flee– but he stayed hovering right in front of Gabriel. "N-no."
"What did you say to me?!"
His face hurt so badly, and Adrien could only gawk up at Nooroo. He could see no defiance in the kwami's eyes– he wasn't saying this to rebel. Lavender eyes met Adrien's for a moment, and the boy felt a wave of guilt rush through him– Nooroo was trying to take the attention off of him. He was purposely taking the brunt of his father's anger.
"I said no!" Nooroo said, voice slightly louder. "Y-you're a terrible person, Master. Emilie... Emilie would be ashamed of you–"
"N-no–!" Adrien whispered as his father's hand flew out again, this time striking the kwami. Nooroo was sent flying back, slamming into an invisible shield as he was struck. Adrien's heart was pounding as he realized the kwami had nowhere to go, he literally couldn't leave Gabriel's side.
Nooroo fell to the floor, but he was right back up into the air. "Y-you're selfish!" Nooroo cried. "And– and horrible, and– and ugly!" Nooroo gasped. "Emilie would hate you–"
Another strike, and Adrien didn't understand why Nooroo didn't phase through the blows. Kwamis could do that, couldn't they? Unless, unless his father had forbidden it. His breathing turned ragged, guilt and horror running through him as Gabriel's fury locked on the kwami. Nathalie stood guard by the door, making sure no one would enter.
Adrien was the one that failed his father. Nooroo didn't deserve this. The kwami didn't deserve this–!
"I have the Bee Miraculous!" Adrien cried, burying a hand into his pocket. He grabbed the comb, holding it out towards his Father, who paused at the shout. "Th-that's why I transformed here. Ch-chloe had it– and I got it– I got it for you–" Adrien gasped, all eyes turning towards him– and Nooroo stared at the comb in horror. "I kn-know I failed, b-but maybe this could help us? I'm s-sorry, Father, I'm sorry–!"
Footsteps came towards him, and Adrien closed his eyes, bracing himself– and the comb was snapped from his hands. Adrien looked up, watching as his father greedily turned it over. "Nooroo," he said. "Is this truly the Miraculous?"
Nooroo winced, drifting forward, and he carefully laid a paw on the comb– before pulling back just as quickly. "Y-yes, Master."
"I kn-know it's not the Ladybug," Adrien whispered. "But it can help us, right?"
"Help us?" Gabriel asked, letting out a small laugh. "Son– this may give us the edge we need." Gabriel looked down at him, grinning. "Another Miraculous... heh– kwami! Come forth!"
He held up the Miraculous, which began to glow at his words. Adrien shakily pushed himself to his feet, Duusu peering out from his pocket as a yellow light formed. It danced about as it had with Chloe, and appearing in front of Gabriel was the Bee kwami. She glanced about, looking utterly confused– but her eyes widened as soon as they landed on the Butterfly kwami near Gabriel's shoulder.
"N-nooroo?" She cried, drifting back– and Duusu zipped out of Adrien's pocket.
"Pollen!" Duusu shrieked, tackling Pollen in midair. "I've missed you so much! It's so good to see you!"
"Duusu!" Pollen exclaimed, shaking– but she wrapped her arms around the kwami. "I've– I've been so worried about you!"
"Why?" Duusu asked, pulling back– before speeding in circles around the Bee. "Pollen is here~ Pollen is here~ This is going to be so much fun!"
"Duusu, enough," Gabriel said, and all eyes returned towards him. Pollen's gaze turned hard, and a buzz could be heard in the air. "Return to Adrien, now. I need to introduce myself to our new companion."
"Okay!" Duusu said, and they rushed back towards Adrien's hands, who fumbled to hold her.
"I already know who you are," Pollen said, the buzz growing louder. "You're Gabriel Agreste– or should I say Hawk Moth?"
"Defiant, aren't we?" Gabriel said, a finger being held towards the Bee, who zipped away from it immediately. "Don't worry, I have plenty of experience with taming a kwami. I order you to remain here– do not leave."
Pollen, who had been darting away, froze up immediately.
"You already know Nooroo and Duusu, of course," Gabriel said lightly. "And it seems to recognize me as well. That's good– you should know your master. Which is what you will address me as from here on out. Behind you is Nathalie, and over there is my son, Adrien."
"...Blue Wing," Pollen buzzed, eyes narrowing in on him, and Adrien pulled back slightly– never had a kwami looked at him with so much hatred.
"A smart little thing, aren't you?" Gabriel said with a sneer. "Listen closely, kwami– we three in this room are the only ones you are allowed to communicate with from here on out, and no one else. That means all forms of communication. No talking, messages, buzzing, or whatever else you can imagine or magic up. Is that clear?"
Pollen's eyes widened slightly, and she gritted her teeth.
"Verbally answer me every time I talk to you, kwami."
"...Yes," Pollen muttered, and Adrien could almost sense the magic surrounding her, binding her to each order.
"You will obey me and Nathalie with no hesitation," Gabriel continued. "There will be no attempts to escape, or remove any Miraculouses from any of our persons or from where we may place them. You may not touch your Miraculous, or any other ones. You are forbidden from any forms of escape. You will not help another kwami escape. You will not discuss anything regarding our magic, plans, or goals with those outside of this room. You will not leave your holder's immediate surroundings. You will remain hidden at all times from all eyes save for those in this room."
"...You know exactly what you're doing, don't you," Pollen whispered, her voice wavering slightly.
Gabriel smirked. "I'm glad to see that you're understanding, that's good. Now, I'm not a cruel man– you may freely speak with Nooroo and Duusu, as long as it does not defy any other orders, of course. However, that privilege will only remain as long as your obedience does. Defy me, and you will lose that freedom."
"How generous," Pollen sneered.
"Like I said, I know exactly how to handle you kwamis."
Pollen tensed again. "I doubt that, seeing how Duusu is–"
"I forbid you from speaking about that in any form!" Gabriel suddenly snapped– causing Adrien and Duusu to share a confused glance. "Not. A. Word."
Pollen looked over at Adrien for a moment, eyes widening slightly, before she looked at Gabriel once more. She crossed her arms, trembling, eyes flashing with many emotions. For a moment Adrien was tempted to tap into his powers, but everything hurt so much that he didn't want to lose focus.
"Now," Gabriel said. "Tell me who Ladybug is."
Pollen opened her mouth, and replied without hesitation. No words came from her though, instead magic bubbled out from her throat, muffling her words, and she smirked slightly. "If you know so much about kwamis, 'Master', you should know that not even orders can make us reveal the identities of holders."
"Who is Abeille?" He demanded, and more magic bubbled up from Pollen's mouth. "She's not a holder anymore– I have your Miraculous!"
"She never gave me up."
"Where is the Guardian?"
Even more bubbles as she spoke, and Pollen regarded him haughtily. "Telling a location that would reveal identities counts as revealing an identity– you're wasting your time, Hawk Moth. You will not be able to force any useful information from me. You are not of my hive, and I will not willingly serve you."
"I order you to always tell me the truth," Gabriel said after a moment.
"What I just told you was the truth," Pollen replied.
"...Tell me your concept and transformation phrases," Gabriel decided after a moment, clearly growing impatient from the lack of answers.
"Pollen, kwami of Subjection," the Bee muttered, every word clearly being forced from her. "It is 'Buzz on' to transform, and 'Buzz off' to detransform."
"And your power– Venom– explain that fully, now."
"...Venom allows the user to summon a paralyzing energy about their weapon. Whoever it comes in contact with will immediately find themselves frozen, and unable to move aside from basic functions, such as their heart beating or breathing," Pollen muttered. "Venom usually lasts as long as the holder is transformed, but other factors can cause it to vary."
Gabriel touched the comb, smiling. "Useful, very useful..." He muttered, before looking at Pollen again, thoughtfully. "Do you have another ability?"
Pollen's eyes grew wide, and she seemed to fight against the magic forcing her to speak. "Y-yes."
"Tell me. Now."
"...A-alleviate. Alleviate allows you to reverse all effects of my abilities or similar magic," Pollen stammered out, and she stared up at Gabriel. For a moment there was silence, as if they were waiting for something– and then Gabriel turned away.
Pollen let out a shaking sigh of relief.
"My dear Nathalie," Gabriel said, holding out the Bee Miraculous towards her. "I think it's about time that you are able to truly join us– you most certainly have earned it."
"No!" Nooroo cried, zipping forward. "W-wait– shouldn't Adrien get the Bee? He's the one that found it! And–!"
"Nooroo, silence," Gabriel snapped, and Nathalie strolled forward and took the Bee Miraculous from his hand. In her grasp it shifted, turning from a bee-shaped comb to a simple decorative hair comb, black and red.
Nathalie turned it over in her hand once, smiling, before carefully tucking it into her bun.
Pollen locked eyes with her. "...You may forcefully be my holder," she said with a low hum. "But you will never be my queen."
"I need no such title," Nathalie replied. "I only need your powers."
Pollen turned away, and Adrien could see tears shining in her eyes. Adrien opened his mouth, but he didn't know what to say. So instead his gaze just remained on Nathalie as she spread open her arms, speaking.
"Pollen, buzz on."
Pollen was turned into a burst of light, being drawn in towards the comb. Bright yellow light surrounded Nathalie, the transformation washing over her. Duusu leaned forward curiously, while Adrien narrowed his eyes at the light. Nooroo ducked behind Gabriel, who was watching the transformation with a gleam in his eyes.
Nathalie's suit was a dress, mostly black in color, highlighted with golden stripes, whose tone was almost orange. The collar, hem, and cuffs of the dress were gold as well, fuzzy, yet the entire outfit retained a sleek look. The stripe of color in her hair had grown from just her bangs, twisting so it was wrapped throughout her bun, a golden hue as well. Her mask covered half of her face, looking as if it could have been molded from honey. At her side was the same trompo that Abeille had always wielded, sitting on her hip.
However, what drew their attention was the pair of rounded wings that were folded against Nathalie's back, translucent and thin. As Nathalie looked back at them they fluttered, a mere blur, creating a hum in the air.
"Magnificent," Gabriel said, a smirk crossing his face.
"Wow!" Duusu cooed. "You look beautiful, Miss Nathalie."
"Mellifera."
"Huh?" Duusu tilted their head.
"That shall be my name in this form," Mellifera replied, her wings fluttering again.
"Now you and Adrien will be flying buddies!" Duusu said, zipping about in the air. "Oh, this will be so wonderful!"
"Y-yeah..." Adrien said softly, touching his aching cheek. "...Wonderful."
Alya had to fight her way through the crowd to get anywhere near to the tower that Ladybug had taken refuge on.
News of the Bee Miraculous being in enemy hands had spread quickly– and several news crews had already stationed themselves at the bottom of the building, leaving the rest of Paris who had come to look at their hero to fill in the gaps. Alya had set off on foot the moment Ladybug had fled the building, and was now trying to make her way forward.
"Why don't you all back off!" Alya shouted as she moved forward, causing several eyes to turn towards her. "It's clear that she wants to be left alone– she deserves that!"
Most people ignored her, just turning their gaze skywards once more, looking at Ladybug's figure as she curled up on top. Others rolled their eyes at Alya, and someone even scowled at her. "We deserve answers, don't you think?"
"This is the second Miraculous that has fallen into enemy hands!"
"Isn't Ladybug supposed to protect us?"
Fury boiled within Alya, and she opened her mouth to snarl back at this spineless crowd– only to feel a vibrate in her pocket. She pulled out her phone, not sure what to expect– but was surprised to find a text from Sabine Cheng.
[Sabine: Is Marinette with you? Tom and I have been looking everywhere for her, and I'm getting worried. She isn't answering her phone.]
Alya stared at the text, and while thoughts of possible replies ran through her mind, she didn't bother– just stuffing her phone back into her pocket. She looked up at Ladybug one more time, heart pounding, and she started making her way through the crowd once more. She didn't know what she could do, but she needed to do something.
Alya stiffened as she felt a sudden hand on her shoulder. She turned on a heel, ready to snap at whoever had stopped her– only to find an older man looking up at her. He leaned against a cane, face wrinkled with age. Her anger drained away slightly, but her frustration remained– her tone irritated and short.
"What do you want?" She growled at him.
The man let out a chuckle, and Alya swore he looked familiar, but she couldn't place him in the moment. "Oh, little old me? Not much, honestly. A quiet life, meeting up with an old friend– the important things." There was a spark in his eyes. "But that's not why I'm here– what do you want, young lady?"
"I want everyone here to back off!" She snarled, shooting a bitter glare at those around them, who were trying to get close to Ladybug. She got a few looks thrown her way, but nothing more.
"You want to go to her," the old man remarked, and she sneered at him, but he didn't seem offended. "So– what's stopping you? Go."
"Oh, what do you want me to do– fly?!" Alya snapped. Ladybug hadn't chosen the building she was hiding out on randomly, it was purposely to make sure those below couldn't reach her. The closest to seclusion she could get with all eyes still on her.
"Hmm... perhaps with the Eagle you could do so," the older man mused. "But with the ones in my hands, I doubt you'll ever gain wings." He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small item, and he reached out to place it in her hands. "No, don't I don't expect you to fly– but perhaps you could climb."
His hands were warm against hers, and his metallic panja bracelet was cool. A familiar wooden box was pressed into her hands, and as she looked down at it her eyes widened. It was one that she knew all too well– but there was no way that this was a real one. Her head snapped up towards the man, a dozen questions on her tongue– but there was no sign of him despite him being there moments before. She stumbled forward through the crowd, trying to spot the man, but it was as if he had been whisked away, and she looked down at the box again.
There was no way this was real. It had to be the now empty one that Chloe had. Or maybe a model? But it was way too soon for someone to craft one to such detail. She turned the box over once, and she could feel the energy pulsing within– sharp and coursing.
Alya clutched it to her chest, her breath sharp.
This was real.
She pushed her way through the crowd once more– but this time away from where Ladybug was perched, the box tucked out of sight. It seemed to burn against her hand, as if what was inside was waiting to burst out. Alya kept pressing forward, away from the crowds, away from the people, out of sight of everyone. Her breath was ragged as she kept moving, and she kept looking over her shoulder.
Alya pulled out the box as she found herself hiding away alone in an alleyway, she looked down at the red symbols carved within, tracing them with one finger, before swallowing. Then she opened up the box, catching a glimpse of black within– before a wave of crackling green light surged up from within. She raised a hand to block the sudden burst, peering out at the creature that was forming.
Pitch black fur, with long whiskers flaring out from the small body. A pair of ears flicked up as the kwami stretched, tail swaying behind them. Narrowed eyes opened up, revealing a toxic green gaze regarding her. The kwami looked like a kitten– small, cat-like, and what most would call adorable– but for Alya that image was shattered as a huge cheshire grin spread across the Black Cat's face, white fangs gleaming.
"Heh, 'bout time the old man let me out!" He cackled, zipping forward, a spark in his eyes as he hovered right in front of Alya. "This is going to be fun."