Chapter Twenty-Four
"Why not pick someone else who's already miserable, Master?" Nooroo asked, hovering near Gabriel's side as he adjusted his tie. He glanced at the mirror, eyeing the kwami from there, who averted his gaze.
"I'm not looking for just anyone to akumatize, Nooroo," Gabriel said, folding the collar of his shirt. "I'm looking for a show– Ladybug is at her strongest, the powerful Black Cat is now in play– but they will see that will render them no advantage."
He tugged his jacket open, and Nooroo drifted forward and hid himself within a pocket at the cue. The kwami was still and silent, standing orders for whenever he was out of slight. Gabriel buttoned up the suit jacket, smoothing it out as he checked his reflection in the mirror one final time, before pulling out a phone.
"Alec is ready for you, sir," Nathalie said as soon as she answered.
"Perfect," Gabriel said. "You and Adrien?"
"We're ready as well."
"Wonderful," Gabriel replied, ending the call and heading for the door, smiling.
He walked down the halls of the studio, head held high. While people looked at him as he passed, no one talked to him, and he didn't even give them a glance, simply heading for the main studio. Normally he would have done something like this at home from a video call, but he knew words were much more potent without a screen.
"Gabriel!" Alec boomed as he entered the room. He stiffly regarded the man, who seemed to be ready to throw his arm around his shoulder, but he backed away as he saw the stare the designer was giving him. "We've all been looking forward to this collaboration with the Gabriel brand, we think this will be an absolutely wonderful opportunity!"
"Yes, it will," Gabriel said. "Have you found someone suitable to model with my son?"
Alec grinned. "Only the best, of course. Meet Aurore Beauréal, she's always been a fantastic member of the studio. Very familiar with the camera too, and we're sure she'll work well with your son and crew. Come meet M. Agreste, Aurore."
"Hello, sir," Aurore said, giving a polite nod and smile to Gabriel.
It was a shame, really– because Aurore was indeed perfect for this role. He had seen her portfolio, and for someone that had no modeling history he was positive that she'd work well for this event. However, that would not be happening, because he needed this weather girl for something much more important.
So Gabriel looked over her with a critical eye, giving a slight scoff. "This is the best you got?" He said, coolly regarding her, before looking away. "I need someone that can work alongside my son, not someone who would barely work even in the background."
Alec seemed slightly startled. "M. Agreste, Aurore here is–"
"Pathetic?" Gabriel finished. "Where's that other girl, Mireille, I believe her name was? There's someone up to the task."
Alec looked at Aurore in worry. "I promise you that she–"
"Modeling isn't as empty-minded as one thinks," Gabriel continued, the Miraculous on his chest beginning to burn. "You need someone with both the looks and the smarts, you see."
Aurore stepped forward, the hurt and fury in her eyes flashing up towards him. He could sense the emotions churning with his Miraculous, and resisted the urge to smirk. "I assure you, M. Agreste, that I am more than capable of–"
He cut her off with a loud sigh. "Whining like a child? How unsightly." He pulled off his glasses, removing a cloth from his pocket to clean them. "It seems we will have to delay this collaboration until you can find someone better, Alec. Or cancel it all together if this is truly the best you got."
With that Gabriel Agreste turned on his heel, walking away without waiting for a reply. The humiliation and sorrow coming from Aurore was bright and burning, his Miraculous practically begging for them to transform, but he just merely pulled out his phone, calling Nathalie before he headed out of the room.
"Send my driver to pick me up," Gabriel said dryly. "Today was a waste of time, absolutely pathetic what they had to offer."
He hung up, his words acting as both a signal from Nathalie that everything was in motion, and the final nail in the coffin for young Aurore. He couldn't hear her cry as he headed out the door, but the pulsing from his Miraculous made it clear that she had probably broken down. He smirked as he rounded a corner, pausing. Sure enough he could hear a door being thrown open, Aurore running out and rushing down the hall, tears falling down her face. She didn't even notice Gabriel as she rushed past him.
He retreated into an empty room, one that he had Nooroo scout out earlier. No cameras of any kind, and no hint that it would be in use. He shut the door behind him, before pulling off his tie, the Butterfly Miraculous glowing from Aurore's presence.
"Nooroo," he said quietly. "Dark wings rise."
The kwami turned into a burst of lavender light, being drawn from his pocket and into the brooch. The energy surrounded Gabriel, transforming him within moments, leaving Hawk Moth standing in his wake. He held a cane in one hand, the top of which he opened with a flick, where a small white butterfly was resting. He let the insect crawl onto his hand, wings fluttering as he closed his fingers about it, dark energy twisting out, leaving an akuma in his palm as he opened it once more. He held out his hand, letting it fly away.
He rested both hands on his cane as the akuma fluttered away, eyes closed as he waited. The butterfly didn't have to go far to find its target, a connection soon forming in his mind. He opened his eyes, a glowing mask surrounding his face, Aurore's hurt and desperation waiting to be molded by his powers.
"Stormy Weather," he said softly. "Once again you have been ignored and tossed aside, your glory going unnoticed."
"Hawk Moth," she whispered in his mind.
"You will show the world just how strong you are, you will make Paris respect you," Hawk Moth said. "I am giving you your powers back, with greater strength than the first time we met."
He had been inexperienced with a Miraculous then, he hadn't realized the true potential he could give these champions, which was why he had selected Stormy Weather for this task. An akuma that Paris knew, one of his first, a presence that would naturally be laced with fear– but they would barely recognize her once they could see her full abilities.
"You won't be alone, either," Hawk Moth continued, sensing another presence entering Aurore's mind. "You will be gifted a sentimonster companion, who will be completely under your control. Use Maelstrom well, my dear Stormy Weather, and wreak havoc across Paris." He grinned. "And of course, in return for these powers, you will bring me the Miraculouses of the Ladybug and Black Cat."
"Of course, Hawk Moth," Stormy Weather said, and Hawk Moth allowed his powers to engulf his newest creation. He knew that Blue Wing would be doing the same, allowing for Aurore's fury to bring Maelstrom to life.
An ear piercing roar shook the entire building, and Hawk Moth didn't even flinch.
"I want camembert."
"You said that you'd eat any cheese," Alya said, crossing her arms as she looked at the small Black Cat laying on her pillow. He had been asking for camembert ever since she had brought him home, but ate whatever he could get his paws on.
He turned over, bright green eyes locking on her. "Yeah, of course I will– but I need camembert. It's the cheese of life, a necessity in any household."
Alya closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose, before picking up the roquefort she had brought for the kwami. "Look, my mom is a professional chef with access to a huge kitchen, and a pretty good one here too. I've asked her to bring me home different cheeses from work for you. I told her I was researching their histories and taste and stuff. So you're going to get all the cheese you want, but it's not going to be camembert every day, okay?"
Plagg let out a long sigh. "One day I will get myself a holder that can get me camembert everyday– and it will be wonderful." He eyed the roquefort in her hands. "Now, hand over that cheese so I can get something in my stomach."
She tossed it towards the kwami, who zipped up into the air and snatched it– before eating it in a single bite. "I betcha Marinette's kwami isn't as much as a glutton."
Plagg's eyes gleamed. "What if I told you I was the reasonable one between the two of us?"
"Yeah right, Tikki is a little angel."
The kwami started cackling. "That's what she wants you to believe! She's Creation, kid– and with all the different foods you humans create... she can get ravenous."
"Pretty sure ravenous is your middle name," Alya replied, sitting down on her bed, pulling out her phone. Her screensaver showed a picture of her and Marinette, and felt a blush flood her cheeks.
That was her girlfriend.
Plagg laughed louder. "Ask Tikki to tell you about the chocolate incident! Then you'll see who the glutton is."
Any reply she was about to give was drowned out by a sudden loud roar that filled the air– one that rattled the windows and seemed to pierce right through her. Alya froze up, looking towards the window with wide eyes. It had been like a roar of a tiger, amplified a hundred times over. She raced to the window, looking out at the dark storm clouds gathering in the distance. She swallowed slightly, touching her ring.
"Looks like it's time for our first akuma battle together, Plagg," Alya said softly, watching lightning crackle within. She could see a huge shape within the clouds as the lightning flashed, and she went still. "Was... was that a...?"
"Oh, come on," Plagg groaned, hovering by her shoulder. "I got rid of those things hundreds of years ago, and now I have to deal with another?"
"Is that a dragon?" Alya cried, trying to get a better look at the figure as lightning struck again.
"Eastern dragon," Plagg said with a nod. "Guessing it's an avatar, considering they're extinct now."
Her eyes locked on the kwami. "Wait, you said you got rid of dragons? Are you saying they were real?"
"Well, not me me, but my powers killed them off, yeah," Plagg looked away. "We don't have time for stories though– by size alone that dragon can deal some damage, but with elemental powers on its side? Sooner we can summon some Miraculous Ladybugs the better."
"I'll just Cataclysm it," Alya said, swallowing slightly. "I mean, it will be hard to reach– but one touch and it will be gone."
Plagg's eyes widened slightly. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
"What do you mean?" She asked– Plagg had explained his powers, and they had seemed straightforward to her. One touch, and the thing would be destroyed.
"Avatars aren't truly physical beings," Plagg said, tail curling. "They're Emotions personified– yes they may have a physical form, but they lay more on the side of being abstract than physical. Unless you know exactly what you're doing with your Destruction, I doubt you'd turn them into dust."
"What... what would happen then?"
Plagg shrugged. "You'd probably Destroy something more abstract in return. You could sever their connection to the Emotions that formed them, or the connection to the Peacock or feather itself. In short? We'd have a rampaging dragon with nothing controlling it."
"Oh," Alya said quietly.
"Save your Cataclysm for the object with the feather or the akuma," Plagg replied, yawning.
"Plagg, claws out!" Alya cried, green light surrounding her.
Panthera opened her window, drawing her baton as she leapt out into the streets. The first thing she noticed was the powerful wind– nearly knocking her off course as she tried to vault across the street. She managed to land on a lamppost, however, claws digging into metal to keep her balanced. The next thing she noticed was the cold– a chill that hadn't been there on her way home from school surrounding her.
The last thing she noticed was the shadow falling over her, and she looked up to see the storm clouds had spread out, slowly covering all of the Paris sky. Thunder rumbled, harmonizing with the dragon's rumbles and roars– droplets of rain starting to fall as lightning flashed. She nervously looked about, because if the dragon was an avatar, that meant that an akuma couldn't be far.
"So this is the Black Cat I've heard so much about," a dry voice remarked, and she turned to see Stormy Weather hovering in the air. "Well, you should be easy to take care of– everyone knows cats don't like getting wet!"
She raised her umbrella up, and the rain began pouring down harder. Panthera sat perched on the lamppost, tilting her head slightly, trying to resist the urge to laugh. A dragon– now that was scary. Stormy Weather? That was a repeated akuma! A repeat of one of the first akumas, back when Ladybug didn't have much experience and when she was acting alone. Panthera shifted slightly, shaking her head free of the pouring raindrops.
"I think you forgot the 'panther' part of my name," Panthera said with a grin. "And jaguars just happen to like water."
With that she sprang forward, drawing her baton. She swung it down towards Stormy Weather, who blocked it with her umbrella, before sending a gust of wind at Panthera. She let the gale blow her back towards a building, using her baton to keep her from crashing and her claws to grip the wall. She raced up the side of the building, Stormy Weather flying up into the air, aiming her umbrella above her– releasing an icy blast. As she continued climbing she found herself slipping under the slick surface, but her claws still managed to gain purchase, and she pulled herself up onto the roof.
"Snow leopards don't mind the cold~" She sang, expanding her baton and temporarily knocking Stormy Weather from her flight.
The akuma was growling as she was sent spiraling, but managed to swiftly regain control, rushing towards her. "You're definitely not a snow leopard, pest!"
This time the umbrella crackled with electricity, and Panthera threw herself to the side as a large burst of lightning struck the roof where she had been standing, momentarily blinding her. Immediately lightning began crackling in the storm clouds above, thunder rumbling. She could feel the static in the air as she ran, but forced herself to keep talking.
"The name is Panthera– that means all panthers are fair game," she called, vaulting across to another rooftop, but Stormy Weather was starting to press her. A powerful blast of wind hit her as she landed, sending her across the roof and down onto the street on the other side. She groaned as she hit the cement, the suit protecting her from any wounds, but it was still far from a gentle landing.
She raised her head as Stormy Weather came drifting down from the rooftops, but she was making no effort to attack. She simply landed in the center of the road, umbrella tucked under her like a cane, smirking. The fact that Stormy Weather wasn't making a move to attack was instantly putting her on edge.
"Seems cats don't always land on their feet, don't they?" Stormy Weather cooed. "That's okay, you're just where I want you." She tilted her head, before tapping her umbrella against the ground– where the road instantly began cracking. "Tell me, are there any panthers that do well with volcanos, by chance?"
"Volcan–" Pathera began, but the words died in her throat as she saw the glow forming in the cracks. Magma rose up from the fractures, which instantly began spreading across the road, the coolness of the rain instantly vanishing with the heat that was coming from the surfacing lava slowly seeping out from the growing cracks. Panthera scrambled back, steam filling the air as the rain was instantly vaporized.
"Volcanoes have nothing to do with weather," Panthera whispered.
"You get all the cats, then why can't I have all the natural disasters?" Stormy Weather cried, before pointing her umbrella straight up, and rising up into the air.
The road rose with her, cement breaking away to reveal a jagged mountain following after her. Panthera was sent rolling at the sudden slope, before twisting to her feet and racing down the ever growing slope. She threw a glance behind her, and she couldn't tell where the smoke ended and where the clouds began. Fortunately, the volcano had as of yet to be spewing up lava as the cracks had before, and Panthera didn't plan to stick around to find out.
A roar shook the sky above her, and she looked up to see a huge black shape swooping above. The dragon had no wings, it's long serpentine body gliding through the fierce wind, black scales helping it blend in with the dark clouds above. The dragon seemed to be flying in the direction of Stormy Weather, and Panthera shuddered at the thought of a fire breathing beast joining forces with someone who could summon volcanoes.
"Panthera. Over here."
Panthera jumped at the sudden voice, turning sharply and aiming her baton at the threat. She saw a pair of yellow eyes hovering in the middle of nothing– and she nearly screamed. But then slowly the body the eyes belonged to flickered into view; revealing an older man crouching down, in an orange outfit covered with black stripes. He wore a mask on his face, and a bola strapped around his waist seemed to act as a tail, flicking side to side.
"Who are you?" She snapped, the image of black stripes making her instantly think of the Bee Miraculous– but the man's costume was completely feline. Ears peering out from his head, teeth looking slightly sharp, his entire costume having a Chinese style to it. On one hand was a panjas bracelet, a bright purple gem on the back of his hand, a paw print within.
"Amber Lǎohǔ," he said, but she gave him a blank stare, and the man sighed. "I am the one that gave you Plagg, Alya. I am the Guardian, I am just transformed at the moment. Follow me."
"Where's Ladybug?"
"Other side of the city, trying to get people to evacuate– this attack is a dangerous one. Now follow me, unless you'd like to sit around waiting for the lahar to get us."
Panthera glanced behind her, up at the volcano, which the dragon was now circling. Sprays of lava were shooting out from it, lighting up the dark sky as it threatened to erupt. She swallowed, before following after the Tiger holder with no complaints. He didn't say another word to her, simply leading her through the rain. No matter how far they got, the volcano seemed to be as tall and as imposing as before, always looming behind them.
"This should be far enough," Amber Lǎohǔ said, ducking into an alcove. She followed after him, immediately shaking off the rain that coated her. She half expected the man to do the same, but he merely smiled as she looked at him. "Tigers are naturals when it comes to water, unlike the common house cat."
She flushed slightly. "How long were you listening to our conversation?"
"Long enough. I needed to gauge how much of a threat Stormy Weather is, or if the dragon was the only threat. Unfortunately, they are both very much threats. If I had been given more training I could have crafted a potion to help you two survive an environment such as a volcano, but unfortunately I don't have that knowledge."
"Potion?"
"Irrelevant, that knowledge is lost, you two will have to lure the akuma and avatar onto more favorable terrain for you."
Panthera bit her lip. "Yeah, figures a dragon's home turf would be a volcano."
"If Blue Wing crafted that dragon after the true Chinese dragons that once roamed the Earth, this one will have water and storm powers, not fire, and seeing that it was paired with Stormy Weather, I feel that is the case. However, I am sure its presence is only making the storm stronger."
They both look out. All of Paris was covered in pitch black clouds, wind and rain fiercely blowing. Amber Lǎohǔ shook his head, before turning his attention back towards Panthera, reaching into his pocket, pulling out three boxes. She held her breath, eyes going wide as she stared at them.
"I will allow you to invite another companion to join you in this fight," Amber Lǎohǔ said. "I would prefer Ladybug to choose, as she is more familiar with the Miraculouses, but she is the center of attention right now. I selected three Miraculouses I felt would aid you the most, but you must select one and someone you feel can wield such powers. You will return the Miraculous back to me afterwards."
Was this what it had been like for Ladybug when it had come to her choosing her as Rena Rouge and Abeille?
"First is the Monkey Miraculous of Derision. This power allows one to disrupt the magical powers of whoever it targets. However it doesn't completely disable them– it changes them, and as this Miraculous aligns very closely with Chaos the results are unpredictable. With this Miraculous you could stop the Dragon's and Stormy Weather's powers, but I don't know what would happen after that."
He pushed one box to the side, and touched another one.
"Next is the Turtle Miraculous of Protection," Amber Lǎohǔ continued. "A more straightforward answer, this Miraculous can summon force shields, and a strong defense could be useful against such powerful opponents."
He pushed that one aside as well, before touching the last one. "Finally there is the Dragon Miraculous of Storm– this would be if you wanted to take a 'fighting fire with fire' approach. The Dragon Miraculous is powerful, and a good user might be able to take control of this storm and twist it in your favor– but I would not recommend this Miraculous unless you can think of someone who would be a perfect match for it. Otherwise, I feel that the combined efforts of the akuma and avatar would overpower them."
"I... I can't think of anyone off of the bat..." Panthera muttered– and Amber Lǎohǔ immediately picked up the box with the Dragon Miraculous and tucked it away.
"In that case, you can pick from these two," he said. "Choose with someone in mind."
Panthera hesitated, before reaching forward and grabbing one of the last two boxes. "I think I know someone who just might be the perfect match for this one."
"Then go," Amber Lǎohǔ replied, and Panthera tucked the box close, before heading out into the storm.
"Mom, thank goodness your home!" Nino cried, holding Chris closely in his arms as his mother came through the door. "Were– were you really out in that mess?"
"Mom!" Chris cried, immediately twisting his way out of Nino's arms, charging towards the woman. She scooped the boy up into her arms, holding him closely, and Chris clung to her. The wind howled outside, the whole building swaying. Lucie was soaked from head to toe, soot on her clothes.
"I couldn't leave you boys here alone," Lucie said, clutching Chris tightly. "Thank goodness you're both okay!"
"Hawk Moth has really done it this time," Nino whispered, looking towards the TV, where the news was muted, but playing. It was focused on the volcano that had surged up in the middle of the city, which seemed to be growing taller by the minute. Lava was flowing down its sides, but thankfully none of the molten rock had yet to be erupted out into the air. Buildings had been knocked over by the growing mountain though, and he didn't want to think about those who lived within it.
"Mommy– make it stop!" Chris cried, burying his head into his mother's shoulder.
Ladybug could be seen on the TV, swinging along the edges of the mountain, but she couldn't seem to get close to the lava. The thought made his mouth dry, but it seemed that even magic had limits. There was no sign of Alya, though, which was worrying him the most, because the volcano seemed to be near where her home was.
Which was why it was so important he got out here, but he hadn't been able to leave Chris alone.
"It's okay, Chris," Lucie said, eyes on the screen. "Ladybug will defeat the bad guy, don't worry."
"But what if she doesn't?"
"Of course she will, dear."
"I need to go," Nino said swiftly.
"You can't go out there!" Chris cried.
"Just to my room," Nino said quickly, hurrying forward towards his younger brother, whose eyes looked panicked. "I'm not going anywhere, bud, I promise."
"Why don't you stay out here with us," Lucie said, her soft voice nearly muffled by the howling winds outside.
"I... I can't watch that anymore," Nino said swiftly, waving his hands towards the TV. He looked up at his mother, and her eyes softened in understanding.
Nino didn't waste a moment, hurrying off to his room as quickly as he could. It felt like he was almost on a ship, the whole building swaying in the fierce winds. He threw open his room, ready to call to Trixx– only to discover a shape on his bed. He barely managed to muffle his cry, slamming the door shut.
"Wha–?" He began. "What are you doing in my room?!"
"Sorry to barge in, the name's Panthera," Panthera swung her feet off the bed and stood. "You probably know me better as Abeille or Rena Rouge, though."
"Y-yeah, you're a hero," Nino said, staring at Alya in shock. "B-but– but why are you in my room? There's– akuma attack– Ladybug– she needs you–!"
"And I'll go in a minute, but I need to talk to you," she said, gaze turning serious, and he felt chills racing down his face. His eyes darted about the room, landing on Trixx's set up– a bed, a 3DS, along with a mini tea set– and he wondered if it looked suspicious at all.
"So, um, is everything okay? What would a hero want to talk about with me?"
"A Miraculous," Pantherea said, and Nino felt his stomach twist. There could only be one reason why she would say that, and that would be if she knew.
He just tensed up, staring at her– not sure what to expect. Would she pounce on him and take the Miraculous from him? Ask for the Fox back? Demand an explanation? Or maybe she'd question him about Blue, maybe she thought he knew who the Peacock was, or perhaps–
"I need your help, Nino," Panthera said. "Hawk Moth has sent out a really dangerous akuma, and we need all the help we can get."
She wanted Silver Paw's help?!
Nino stared, this not being what he expected upon them finding out he was Silver Paw. He thought for sure that Alya would gut him, but the Black Cat was smiling at him. Was the situation really that dire? Or perhaps since helping out with Style Queen had actually helped him to earn their trust, probably even more once they had figured out that they knew who he was under the mask...
"Of course I'll help!" Nino blurted out, clutching his necklace. His panic was still high, because he was sure that Trixx would not be allowed to remain in his hands, but stopping Hawk Moth... it was what he needed to do. And since they were coming to him for help, that had to mean there was some trust of Silver Paw there, and perhaps they'd listen to everything he knew about Blue Wing, help them understand what was going on–
"Wonderful," Panthera said, beaming. "That's exactly the attitude we need for a hero, a willingness to help no matter what."
"I... I wouldn't really call myself a hero..." Nino whispered, startled that Alya was willing to let everything go that easily.
"You will be," Panthera said, now grinning. "As soon as you have a Miraculous, that is."
Nino was still as he took in these words, heart pounding. He blinked, wondering if he had misheard, and he looked up at her again, swallowing. "Wh-what?"
Then Panthera was holding out a box to him, a very familiar one carved with red symbols, and Nino's heart sank as he realized what was truly going on. He stared at the box, head spinning as she began speaking.
"Nino Lahiffe," Panthera declared, eyes shining. "This is the Miraculous of the Turtle, which grants the power of Protection. I want you to take this and join Ladybug and I in this fight– but you must return the Miraculous to us afterwards. Can I trust you?"
Nino wanted to throw up, and his voice was small. "...No."
Panthera blinked. "What?"
"No, you can't trust me," Nino said, looking up at Panthera. "Trust me when I say this... I'm probably one of the last people you'd want to give a Miraculous to."
"Nino, I'm not handing this out to just anyone," she insisted, taking a step forward. "We can't win this fight alone– we need someone to help watch our backs, and the Turtle's power is perfect for that. I'm giving you this Miraculous because I know you would wield it well."
"You don't know what you're doing–"
"Nino, please," Panthera begged. "We need you, I don't have time to go to anyone else– and Ladybug is out there alone!"
Nino looked down at the box, then back up once more. Lurking behind the heroine was Trixx, blue eyes bright as she stared at him. He couldn't read the Fox's expression, there was too many emotions in her gaze, and Nino took in a deep breath. He didn't think he could back out of this easily, not without causing suspicions– especially since she hadn't realized he was Silver Paw afterall. That meant that there was only one option left, though he didn't like it.
"Alright," he said quietly, taking the box from Panthera. "I'll do it."
He glanced over her shoulder– but Trixx was no longer in sight. With the heroine watching him expectantly though he opened up the box, and was met with a burst of a deep green light. It rose up from the box, hovering in front of him as it materialized into a kwami– the very first one aside from Trixx he had ever seen.
The kwami had the same proportions as Trixx– large head and eyes, a small body with sleek limbs, but the similarities ended there. This kwami had scales, light green in color, covering their entire body. There was a shell on their back, deeper green in hue, and an antenna flicked up from the top of their head. Yellow eyes regarded Nino, serious and calm, lacking the playful spark Trixx often had.
"Hello young one," the kwami said, drifting forward. "My name is Wayzz."
"Um, hello dude," Nino said uncertainly, knowing he needed to play ignorant. "Er, are you like a genie or something?"
Wayzz smiled. "I am a kwami, and with my Miraculous I can grant you great powers. We can transform with the words 'shell on' and 'shell off', and by saying 'Shell-ter' you can summon a powerful force shield to protect yourself and your allies– but once you do so it will not be long until you detransform."
"Got it," Nino said, pulling the Miraculous from the box. It was a bracelet, with a large charm shaped like a turtle. "Um, how long do the force shields last? Anyway to deactivate them?"
Wayzz seemed surprised by the questions. "Just say 'Exposure' to shatter your Shell-ter, otherwise they won't vanish until your transformation falls."
Nino nodded, slipping the bracelet on alongside the ones he normally wore– but the moment he did it felt like a heavy weight had been put on him. He staggered forward, trying to keep his balance as all of his energy seemed to drain out from him at once, catching himself on his desk before he fell, breathing heavily.
"Young one!"
"What's happening?"
"I'm– I'm not sure," Wayzz said, zipping down towards Nino, who was feeling slightly more stable. He sat up straight, limbs still feeling heavy, but he could carry himself. "At this age anyone should be able to handle the toll of magic."
Nino forced a smile. "Um, sorry, I'm not sure what came over me?"
"Have you ever interacted with magic before?" Wayzz asked, looking worried, and Nino's eyes widened. "Sometimes being afflicted with dangerous magic can create a sensitivity to other types of magic, or simply being exposed to too much magic at once can be overwhelming."
Oh.
"I feel fine," Nino insisted with a smile. "I just, um, guess I was expecting it to be like a regular bracelet? Not feel all this strange energy-magic-stuff?"
He took off his cap, running a hand through his hair. He then stretched a bit, despite feeling completely drained, but didn't allow himself to show that. He then took off all of his bracelets except for the Miraculous, putting them within his cap, then finally taking off the Fox Miraculous as casually as he could, placing all the accessories into the cap and setting it on his desk, right on top of Trixx's things so they were covered.
No one even blinked at this action.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Panthera asked.
Nino smiled. "I feel great." This wasn't a lie– the moment he had taken off the Fox Miraculous he had no longer felt exhausted, but normal once more. The Turtle Miraculous was warm on his wrist, the energy still there, but no longer competing with the energy of the Fox. "It just feels weird? Like I can sense something coming from the bracelet."
"Well, if you're sure you're alright," Wayzz said uncertainly.
Nino held up his wrist. "What were the words again? Shell on?"
There was no time for the kwami to give any confirmation– turning into a pulse of green light, being drawn into the bracelet. Nino thought he knew what to expect as he began to transform, but the moment Wayzz came into contact with the bracelet he let out a gasp– the kwami's aura running across him being completely different from Trixx's.
Miraculouses were powerful, he had always sensed that from the first time he transformed, Trixx's energy always felt just shy of burning as it danced across him. They were two different kinds of beings, and he had always assumed that was the strange disconnect between their energies that he felt, even after transforming. He thought that was what wielding a Miraculous was supposed to feel like.
Wayzz's energy though, was warm, soothing against his skin. It felt firm, sure, secure– nothing like the light and chaotic vibes that Trixx radiated. Wayzz's aura felt safe, while Trixx's aura was unpredictable. Wayzz's energy was steady, and Trixx's was slippery and hard to grasp– the whole sensation was hard to describe, but he couldn't help but relax as the transformation rushed over him, instead of needing to brace himself like with the Fox.
It was like Trixx's energy had been a jacket that was slightly too small, something you could wear, but it never felt right. Wayzz's energy, however, felt like a perfect fit– the energy of the kwami melding perfectly with his own. He slowly blinked as he sat up, feeling a strength surge through him that he had never felt before. Everything felt at peace, calm, and right.
"Whoa..." He muttered, standing there, swaying slightly.
"I knew it!" Panthera said, sounding excited.
"Are these... scales?" Nino was looking down at the suit on him, frowning. He ran a gloved hand across his suit, where small interlocking plates were layered on top. Nothing like the suit of the fox, but something that looked much more alive. There was a weight on his back, which he carefully slid off, finding an actual shell of a turtle in his hands, the scutes thick and heavy, a small leather grip so it held like a shield in his hands.
"A perfect Turtle," Panthera said, her voice sounding relieved. "I knew you'd be a good match for the Turtle, and I was hoping it would be a perfect Miraculous for you."
"...'Perfect Miraculous'?" Nino said slowly.
"Ladybug is a perfect match for the Miraculous of Creation," Panthera explained. "And Blue Wing is a perfect match for Emotions. It means your aura merges perfectly with the kwami, and you can get some traits aligned with the animal the kwami represents. Flying's a common one, from what I told– but I'm guessing you'll have extra defense or something? Either way you're a perfect match for Protection."
"What– what about Silver Paw?" Nino asked, almost desperately.
"What about him?" Panthera said, wrinkling his nose. "He'll probably show up, if that's what you're asking."
"Um, he, er– a match for the Fox?" Nino asked quietly.
"Pff, no way," Panthera said, rolling her eyes. "Neither is Hawk Moth– they shouldn't even have their Miraculouses. I'm afraid we don't have time for questions though– what should I call you, Nino?"
He swallowed. "Um..." He looked down at the shell. "...Carapace, I guess?"
"Alright, then, let's go, Carapace," Panthera said. "Ladybug needs us."