Chapter Twenty-Two
"How do I transform?" Alya asked desperately.
The kwami's whiskers twitched. "Demanding, aren't we? Not even going to introduce yourself? How impolite."
"I'm sorry, it's just that Ladybug–"
The kwami cut her off with a grin. "Politeness is overrated anyways. The name's Plagg, kid, and if we're going to make this work I'm going to need plenty of cheese."
"Plagg, can you please tell me how to transform?" Alya begged. "Ladybug's alone right now, she needs me."
"One of them akumas running about?"
"No–"
"Then why don't we waste a few minutes and get some cheese," he grinned. "Find the nearest fromagerie and chow down. I'll show you all the best ones, um– what was your name? The old man never bothered telling me and Pollen and Trixx could never say your name themselves."
Her heart tightened at the mention of her other kwamis. "It's Alya– and I don't know how much you know, but Pollen has just been captured by Blue Wing!"
This made the kwami paused, his lax expression hardening into something else. His tail lashed, green eyes narrowing. "Well, that's something the old man could have bothered explaining before he dragged me from the box. I should of known something was up when I was pulled out before Pollen came back."
"Ladybug is blaming herself, and she's up there all by herself, and Paris won't leave her alone, and now that Hawk Moth's side has another Miraculous I don't know what to do, and Ladybug can't get away to detransform and I have to do something I need to do something I need to do something."
Plagg groaned. "Why do I always get the sappy ones?" He zipped forward. "It's 'claws out' to transform, 'claws in' to detransform, and 'Cataclysm' to activate our base power. I'm the kwami of Destruction, kid, the opposite and partner of the Ladybug Miraculous. Our power is no joke, and the fact that we're being sent out means that the old man wants us to be on the top of our game."
"The old man... as in the one that gave me to you?"
"That's the Guardian," Plagg replied.
Guardian, that opened up so many questions– but Alya didn't have time to ask them. Marinette needed her right now, and the longer she was here on the ground the longer she was alone. She pulled the ring from the box, slipping the ring onto her finger and the box into her pocket. Plagg looked like he was about to say something more, but Alya called for a transformation before he could do so.
"Plagg– claws out!" She called, and the kwami instantly turned into a burst of green light, being drawn towards the ring. She braced herself for the transformation the moment the kwami connected with the Miraculous, the energy washing over her– but the aura of Plagg was nothing like Pollen's.
The Bee kwami's energy had been sharp and rigid, almost uncomfortable as it merged with Alya, but Plagg's aura was the complete opposite– chaotic, energetic, crackling. It was much more like Trixx's had been, but had an intensity that she couldn't quite describe. As the transformation washed over her Alya let out a gasp, startled as the sheer power that was running through her. It was fierce, wild, surging about her as her suit materialized.
As the green light faded about her, she looked down at the ring on her finger– pitch black with a glowing green paw pad. Plagg's words echoed in her mind, and it was only now that Alya truly took in the fact that the power of Destruction was at her fingertips. This wasn't like illusions, which would fade, or the paralysis that only inhibited– this was something much more powerful.
Yet it felt more natural than the Bee ever had.
She reached at her side, looking for a weapon, and found a silvery baton resting there. She picked it up, examining it, and found a yellow paw print much like the green one on her ring, except for these ones were buttons. She pressed one, and watched as the baton expanded in length, growing to a size that could actually be used as a weapon. She stared at her reflection in the mirror-like surface for a moment, taking in her new suit.
Her eyes were still hazel, but brighter, almost glowing. Her pupils had become cat-like, almost like slits, and her sclera were a lamp-like yellow. These eyes were framed by a pitch black mask, made of the same material that covered the rest of her suit– black and sleek, highlighted with yellow. The collar and cuffs of her suit appeared to be made of black fur, and at the tips of her gloves were gleaming silver claws. Faux feline ears peered out from thick red hair, curls framing her face.
"...Panthera," she said aloud to no one, giving herself a new name– one that felt more final than the ones before.
She then looked up at the walls surrounding her in the alley, and planted her baton on the ground. With a tap of the button it expanded below her, shooting Panthera up towards the roofs. She did a flip as she shrunk her baton down, landing with ease on the roof. Her eyes looked up at the buildings in the distance, locking on the tallest one– where a red figure could be seen perched on top.
Panthera charged forward, moving with surprising speed– jumping across gaps and over chimneys with ease. She had been on the rooftops of Paris many times before, but for the first time it wasn't an obstacle placed before her, a natural agility turning the city into a playground as she ran. Her eyes remained locked skywards, towards the figure of Ladybug in the distance– whose presence seemed to radiate out from her. Panthera couldn't just see her, she could sense her, feel her. The aura was warm, pleasant, engulfing; and Panthera felt herself drawn to her as if she were the only light in the night.
The sheerness of the tower that Ladybug had isolated herself on did not stop Panthera, silver claws digging into the side of the building, climbing up with no resistance. She could hear the calls of those in the crowd changing, confusion in their tone at the sight of her.
Good. Better the attention on her.
Claws at last reached a ledge, and she pulled herself up on top of the tower. Panthera landed in a crouch, pausing for a moment to catch her breath– all eyes on her. The only one she cared for was the bright blue gaze in front of her, lingering tears visible on her mask. Her heart grew warm at the sight of her, things feeling as if they could be okay.
"Ladybug," she said softly. She was still getting used to seeing her like this, without the magic having such a tight hold on what she could see.
"Who... are you?" Ladybug said softly, taking a step back– the first time the magic of the glamour hid who she was from Ladybug. The heroine's eyes fell onto the ring on her finger, clearly recognizing the Miraculous.
"Your partner," Panthera replied, stepping forward. "It's me, Alya."
Recognition flooded Ladybug's face, soon followed by relief. More tears welled up in her eyes, and before Panthera could say another word Ladybug rushed forward, crashing into her arms. She wrapped her into a tight embrace, closing her eyes as she held her best friend close. Panthera could feel her heart pounding in her chest, shaking as she held back sobs.
"Alya," She whispered fiercely, clinging to her. "I'm sorry– I'm so sorry. I keep messing everything up, I'm losing Miraculouses– I shouldn't be Ladybug–"
Panthera pulled back, hands tightening around her shoulders. "Don't you dare say that– you're an amazing Ladybug, you've done more for this city than anyone else here has."
"It's the powers, not me–" The tears were coming faster, and Panthera's heart tightened. "Anyone with my earrings could do that– I'm not special–"
"Anyone could use these powers, but no one could use them like you do," Panthera insisted. "Who else could take a Lucky Charm and know how to use them like you do? All while being on limited time. Who else could have fought this war for so long, doing it all alone? Don't you realize how wonderful you are?"
She shook her head, hiccuping. "With the mask– I'm a nobody– clumsy– coward– worthless–"
Panthera's hands cradled her face. "Marinette," she whispered. "Please don't tell me that's how you think of yourself."
Blue eyes widened at the sound of her name, and Ladybug took in a sharp breath. She stared at Panthera, stunned, and her hands grabbed at Panthera's wrists, and she struggled to speak. "You–? H-how–? When–?"
She used her thumbs to wipe away the tears, careful to keep her claws angled away. "One moment my best friend was racing away, shaken, and the next Ladybug was running in, with the same expression on her face. After that... everything just came together. Never had I seen you two together, you always slipped away during an akuma attack... It just all made sense." She brushed back a strand of her hair. "Where you'd run off to... why Ladybug would trust Alya so much..."
Ladybug hiccuped.
"I always knew there had to be a reason why you did. You wouldn't trust just anyone."
"Who else could I trust?" Ladybug whispered, voice breaking. "You were always there for me, you were my first real friend in years, you believed me about Lila when no one else did, e-even when I was a mess you'd just smile and I... I just..."
"Was what you said about Rena Rouge and Abeille true?" Panthera asked in a quiet voice, and both of them knew they were talking about what Marinette said, not Ladybug.
"I... I didn't know how to tell you otherwise," Ladybug whispered. "I– I was just me. I– I couldn't compare–"
"You don't need to compare yourself to anyone– especially not yourself," Panthera said. "How long have you felt like this?
"...First day of school. S-since we split the macaron."
Her heart warmed. "That long?"
"I... I have admired you a lot since I first met you," Ladybug said, flushing slightly. "You just had this confidence, and kindness... and I fell hard. Those feelings... they've only grown since then." She swallowed. "I know I'm probably not who you expected behind the mask, but if you– if we–?"
"I love you, Marinette," Panthera said, pressing her forehead against hers.
She wasn't sure who moved first, one moment they were looking into each other's faces, warm breath blowing against their skin, and the next they were moving towards each other, eyes sliding shut, and lips pressing against each other. Their noses brushed against each other, melting into the kiss.
Ladybug's arms wrapped around her neck, pulling her in closer. Panthera's hands slid from her cheeks into her hair. Panthera felt tears sting her eyes, and she held Ladybug closer, never wanting the moment to end.
She only opened her eyes when a flare of light suddenly surged up– both of them breaking away as the pink energy surrounded Ladybug. It was the same color as her Lucky Charms, her Miraculous Ladybug– the color of creation. Ladybug stared at Panthera for a moment, unsure of what was happening, before looking down at the light as it danced about her form.
The pink aura spiraled around her, dancing across her hands and up her arms. It grew brighter as the energy gathered right near her chest, pulsing– before it surged out from her back. Panthera watched in awe as the energy solidified, twin appendages taking form. They were a deep pink, almost red, thin and translucent, fluttering in the air.
"Wings," Panthera said, a grin spreading across her face. "You have wings."
"I– I do?" Ladybug said, twisting to try to look back at them. "I– but I–"
She grabbed her shoulder, and Ladybug looked back at her, hazel staring into blue.
"Even the Miraculous thinks your awesome," Panthera said, smiling. "Can't argue with that."
"I..."
"You shouldn't think so little of yourself," Panthera said softly. "That hurts to see."
Ladybug gave a small smile, wiping away a few lingering tears. "I don't think you know how amazing you are." She hesitated, looking back at her wings once more. "Wings, I... I don't know what I..."
"I say you put them to the test," Panthera said. "Because I can't think of a better way to escape the mob than to just zip away." She leaned closer, smiling. "And don't worry about falling– because I'm here to catch you."
Ladybug turned red.
The only 'catching' of Ladybug there was, however, was the few seconds news crews down below were able to catch on tape– that of a red blur flying off from the tower at top speeds, a figure cradled in her arms as they zipped across the rooftops.
Silver Paw set up on the rooftop, teeth gritted slightly. The sun was setting, but he was waiting. He wasn't even sure if waiting was worth it, because he had no idea if he would come. But this was their rooftop, and if there was anywhere that he was going to show up, it would be here.
And soon enough, Silver Paw could hear the flap of wings, and he turned, watching as Blue Wing landed, a smile on his face. He gave a wave of greeting, and Silver felt a sharp pulse of anger run through him. He closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his thoughts, trying to keep himself calm as he looked back up at Blue Wing.
"Why?" Silver Paw asked, and Blue Wing seemed confused at this question.
"What?"
"Why did you take the Bee Miraculous?" Silver said, an edge in his voice. "You knew that I planned on getting it back, I told you that."
Blue took in a deep breath. "...I told you from the beginning, that I had every intention of helping Hawk Moth."
"I told you about the Bee because I trusted you!"
"I'm going to do whatever it takes to help Father get the Miraculouses!" Blue snapped back.
"Oh, so why don't you go and tell him who I am, then," Silver said in a low voice.
"I wouldn't–"
"What? Wouldn't that get him the Fox Miraculous?" He growled. "I never asked you to change your plans, to become a hero or whatever– I only wanted you not to involve your father with me. And you knew I was going to go after the Bee. You could have let it be, you didn't have to take it. It wasn't like it was one of the Miraculouses you needed."
"I... I did need it," Blue Wing whispered.
"No– you didn't!" Silver cried, and he wasn't even sure why he was yelling anymore. Was it because the reminder that they truly were on different sides? Or a trust he thought they had between them was now broken?
Blue Wing grabbed at his hair. "Okay, it was selfish, I know– I'm sorry!" He cried, tears stinging his eyes. "It was the only way I could think of getting out of trouble, and I know I'm just a coward, but I–"
"Trouble?" Silver asked, looking at him, but Blue wouldn't meet his gaze.
"I– I was supposed to stop you, last akuma fight, Father told me not to let you interfere," Blue Wing said, a slight waver in his voice. "But I didn't want to, so I tried going after Ladybug, and I got in the way of the akuma and– and I just messed up." He looked up at Nino desperately. "Style Queen was suppose to be the perfect akuma, Father planned her out so carefully, and I ruined it, I ruined his plan and going back would mean– would mean–"
His breathing was uneven, and Silver took a step forward, but this only made Blue Wing pull back.
"A Miraculous was the only thing big enough to keep him from being mad at me," Blue whispered. "And– and I knew where one was and so I just, I just grabbed it. And... and I was right. When Father was hitting me giving it to him made him stop, and he was happy and proud and I'm sorry I took it just to avoid getting punished I wasn't thinking and I–"
"He hit you?" Silver whispered, and Blue Wing fell silent.
He wasn't surprised– and Silver Paw hated that fact. But Blue Wing had already dropped more than enough hints to make it clear what could be happening at home, but to directly hear him say so... it was so much worse. And the way he talked about it, talked about himself–
His hand went to his cheek. "I know, it's stupid, but I was–"
"No," Silver whispered. "No, don't say that, don't talk like that."
"I'm– I'm sorry–"
"Don't apologize!" Silver said, and Blue Wing didn't seem to have a reply. He just stared at Silver Paw, looking confused, as if he didn't know what to do. The two just stared at each other, and Silver took a step forward. "Blue, he has no right to do that."
"He's my father–"
"That doesn't make it right!" Silver Paw cut him off. "It– It makes it so much worse! He's hurting you, your own father is hurting you, don't you see how wrong it is?"
"I messed up," Blue Wing said. "I deserved it, Father is teaching me–"
"He's abusing you!" Silver cried, tears stinging his eyes. "Can't you see that? Can't you see how wrong this all is?! This is abuse, this is wrong, it's cruel and heartless–"
"You don't know anything about Father!" Blue Wing cried back– and Silver was so surprised by this outburst that he fell silent. "You– you just can't say things like that about him! I don't care if you don't like him– he's my father!"
"That doesn't make it less abusive!"
"Don't say that!" Blue Wing cried. "Don't talk about him like that! Don't compare him to those kinds of people!"
Silver Paw could only stare, and Blue Wing looked up at him, eyes red with tears, expression furious.
"You– you have no right," Blue whispered. "J-just because he's Hawk Moth, just because... we're– what we're trying to do isn't wrong, we're doing this for our family. Father would do anything for our family. And just because he's the one sending out the akumas doesn't change the fact that he loves me, that he does everything he can to protect me. You don't know him– and don't you dare act like you do!"
"Blue..."
"I should get going," Blue Wing said with a growl, wings twitching as he turned. Silver's mouth opened, but he didn't know what to say, he couldn't talk, he couldn't think, only a vivid horror running through him.
He didn't find his voice again until Blue's wings fully flared open, the words being blurted from his mouth.
"Would you hurt someone you love?" Silver Paw asked desperately.
Blue Wing paused, but didn't look back at him. One second of silence passed, then two, followed by a third– but each seemed to last indefinitely. Blue didn't give him a reply though, just jumping up into the air, wings beating as they took him up towards the sky. Silver stood there, watching him go. When the Peacock was just a faint figure in the distance, Silver spoke once more.
"I would never hurt you..."
"Finally," Gabriel whispered, staring at the news report. He repeatedly played the footage that had been captured of the dark figure that had joined Ladybug up on the tower. "Finally, it's here– the Black Cat Miraculous."
"It seems they're getting desperate," Nathalie remarked. "It was a reckless move– but it does give them more power. Ladybug has wings now as well."
Gabriel waved a hand. "That does not matter. With you and Adrien we have the aerial advantage. And with the Bee on our side, we no longer have to worry about what Abeille could do– the Miraculouses are closer than ever, now."
"...Father?" Adrien asked quietly, once he was sure that their conversation wasn't going to continue, and the man paused. Both he and Nathalie looked back at him, expression neutral, but his eyes shone with the sheer excitement that the Black Cat had finally joined the fight, the one Miraculous they had been missing.
"Yes, son?"
"Do you love me?" Adrien asked– and Gabriel stared at him.
"And what sort of question is that?" Gabriel scoffed. "You are my son, of course I love you."
Adrien didn't know why, but his shoulders relaxed slightly. "I– it's... it's just been a while, since I've heard you say it and I just... missed that."
Gabriel turned towards him. "Adrien, words, in the long run, can mean little. To best understand a person, you must look at what they do. Just because I do not always say I love you does not mean you have an excuse to doubt."
"I– I didn't, Father," Adrien said swiftly.
Or did I? The treacherous thought slipped into his mind. No, Nino's words are just getting to you.
"Is that all?" Gabriel asked.
"Yes, sir," Adrien said, and Gabriel turned back towards the screen. "I... I love you too, Father."
"Perhaps you should go upstairs, you've done a lot today."
"Of course, Father."