Chapter Twenty-Five
It was amazing how something could feel so right but yet so wrong.
The Miraculous of the Turtle felt so natural on him, yet it was completely foreign at the same time. He followed after Panthera through the storm, and he felt heavy– both physically and emotionally. The Turtle was sure and steady, far from the light and agile form he was used to with the Fox. He was instantly on edge running alongside Alya, thinking that she was going to turn and attack him at only moment– yet she only kept smiling at him as they ran through the storm, probably taking his hesitation for the fact that this was all 'new'.
It was cold– and he was miserable because of that fact. The rain though, he didn't mind as much, even though he had never been a fan of such weather before, even when transformed. His senses felt different as well, his sense of hearing and smell off compared to when he was Silver Paw, and in the moment he thought it was because of the storm.
An ear splitting roar filled the air, causing both Carapace and Panthera to pause, looking skyward. Nino had seen the dragon in the sky on the news, though he had kept that fact hidden from Chris when he had been watching him. So far the dragon had not made any attack on the city, just flying about enhancing the storm– but that changed in this moment.
The two heroes were frozen as they watched the black shape descend from the sky, barely visible compared to the clouds they nearly blended with. The beast was beautiful in appearance– its form was slender and serpentine, winding through the air without wings. Pure black scales covered its form, a pair of branching antlers perched on its head among a tangled mane of dark fur.
The dragon swooped from the sky, opening its maw, which crackled with electricity. The dragon did not breathe fire, but instead released a powerful burst of lightning from its jaws. The bolt lit up the dark storm, blinding for a mere second, before striking the building. Carapace felt a cry exit his throat, but it was lost in the roar of the dragon as it continued its dive, ramming into the side of the building.
"Come on!" Panthera screamed, rushing forward across the roofs, and Carapace had to scramble to keep up. He was glad that he knew the roofs surrounding his neighborhood, because Panthera was waiting for no one. She was much faster than him, and the dark hue of her outfit helped her blend into the storm, but they weren't quick enough. The dragon was rushing back up towards the clouds before they reached it, leaving a half fallen building behind.
Panthera didn't hesitate to jump into the rubble, and Carapace was right behind her. He didn't pause to look about, ripping aside chucks of cement and wallboard. He grabbed the first person he saw, throwing them over his shoulder before making his way down into the streets. The person clung to him, confused and terrified.
"Wh-who are you?" They stuttered out as Carapace set them down, and a moment later Panthera was at his side, setting down two others she had found.
"Si– Carapace," Carapace replied, teeth starting to chatter from the cold. "Um– I'm new."
"No time for chatting, there's more people," Panthera said, looking up at the building, which was starting to sway in the wind. Carapace shivered, the rain no longer feeling pleasant. Instead it seemed to sting as it hit– rain slowly turning to hail.
Another crash of lightning lit up the night, and off in the distance they could see the dragon diving down again, attacking another building. Panthera was about to leap back up into the rubble, but he grabbed her arm.
"We need to go find Ladybug and defeat the akuma and avatar," he said.
Her expression morphed into one of anger. "There's people in there!"
"And there's people in the other building," Carapace said, pointing off into the distance. "And I'm sure the dragon is going to keep attacking– and we can't keep up with those numbers! The sooner we defeat the villain the sooner Ladybug can cast her Miraculous Ladybugs!"
Her yellow eyes narrowed– she knew he was right, and she didn't like it. She didn't want to leave this building that was about to fall, and she didn't want to not go to the others– but it would get them nowhere. Between the two of them it would probably take ages to get everyone out of just one building, and that left Ladybug all alone against Stormy Weather, the dragon would keep attacking, and all the while the volcano grew taller in the distance– and that didn't even count when it would erupt.
Panthera pulled away from him, before leaping back up towards the rooftops. He hurried after her, feeling frozen and sluggish. He had a feeling he knew what trait he was picking up from turtles right now– and being cold blooded sounded horrible. More energy with more heat– but less in the cold– and slowly this rainstorm was turning into a hailstorm. The only light came from the dragon's lightning, and the glow of the volcano.
The volcano!
Getting too close would be stupid, but it had to be warmer. He wasn't completely shutting down in the dropping temperatures like a true reptile would, he just felt sluggish– but warmth would probably change that. He changed course slightly, as Panthera was giving the giant mountain a slight berth, but he headed straight towards it. Lava spewed up from the top, seeping down the sides, smoke and ash filling the air.
He coughed as soot entered his lungs, shuddering at the thickness of the pollution in the air, and he was startled by just how quickly the temperature was rising. He was forced to alter his course again, making it so he was closer on track with Panthera and not on a direct path towards the volcano.
He didn't get far, as a shadow fell above him, a winged figure diving down and cutting off his path.
Joy immediately welled up in him, the absence of Blue Wing still burning in his mind– so seeing his friend in front of him brought a sense of relief. He was here, he wasn't trying to pull away from him– but all that melted away as he saw the expression on the Peacock holder's face, that green gaze that had never been anything but beautiful and gentle now locked on him with a coldness that did not match the volcanic background behind him, the lava spewing up and into the dark sky.
"Well well," Blue Wing said dryly, eyes flickering up and down his form. "The heroes just keep bringing out Miraculous after Miraculous, don't they."
"B-blue–" Carapace began, for a moment forgetting that he was not the Silver Paw that Blue knew– and the expression on his face was only painful to the Turtle. It was one of hatred, and fear built up in him because of it. He had wanted to make things right with Blue– but this was worse. This was something from his nightmares, and he didn't know what to do.
He hadn't realized how much it would hurt to see Blue Wing looking at him with such hatred.
Blue grinned. "Blue Wing at your service, it seems the heroines didn't hesitate dragging someone else into this mess, did they?"
It was strange how he could feel so hurt, yet so relieved in the same moment. It hit him at once that he wasn't Silver Paw right now– that to Blue he was just a stranger. That this hatred and coldness wasn't for him him, just this Turtle persona he was taking on. That didn't change the fact that it hurt, that he wanted to rush forward and hold Blue Wing, to apologize for what he had said– but this hatred he saw wasn't for Nino. He could get through this.
He opened his mouth to speak, before closing it just as quickly– remembering the first time he had seen Blue Wing as the Peacock, how he had recognized the voice of that as Papillion. Perhaps it had been because Papillon had been in his mind, that the memories of his akumatization hadn't been taken, but it was a risk he couldn't take. He had recognized Blue Wing as Papillon, and he didn't want Blue to recognize Carapace as Silver. It was clear it hadn't happened with Panthera, but Blue knew him far better than anyone else.
"Man of few words, I see?" Blue Wing said, opening up his fan. "That's fine– I just need that Miraculous you're wearing."
With that his wings snapped open, and he sprang at Carapace. He didn't move, just watching as the one he cared so deeply for came rushing down at him, a pain in his heart. Wayzz twisted in his mind, telling him to act– but he didn't respond to the kwami. The hatred on Blue Wing's face was seared into his mind, and it hurt.
"Gah!" Blue Wing cried, snapping Carapace out of his thoughts, and immediately he was on the defensive with the cry of pain. Ladybug had come swinging from seemingly nowhere, crashing into the Peacock and sending him flying. She landed in front of Carapace, and gave him a single nod.
"You need to stay alert, they won't hesitate to attack you," she said. "You can only use your power once, so don't waste it."
Then before he could react she was throwing her yoyo again, bounding away, leaving Carapace with the reminder of whose side he was on right now. He couldn't play a role that suited him, switching back and forth depending on what he thought was needed– right now he was supposed to be a hero, doing anything else could risk his identity.
So he looked down at where Blue Wing had been thrown, and found that he had caught himself in the air. Relief flooded through him as he watched Blue glide towards the ground, the wind too powerful for him to stay safely aloft. He turned away, heading after Ladybug, not trusting himself not to rush down to Blue Wing's side.
"I see nearly everyone has joined the party!" A voice called, and the heroes' eyes all turned up towards Stormy Weather, who was hovering above her volcano. She had a grin plastered over her face, arms opened as if welcoming them. "Ha! No one can think I lack skill now, or believe that I'm unsuitable for anything!"
"Well, considering that you're destroying the city, I doubt anyone will have any respect for you now!" Ladybug called but her voice seemed to be rushed away by the harsh wind. Stormy Weather seemed to hear though turning towards them.
"Respect? Now why would I care for that?" Stormy Weather scoffed. "If no one will respect me– then they shall fear me!"
With that she unleashed an icy gale in their direction, and Carapace wished that he could retreat within a shell as frost formed on his scales. Panthera grabbed him with one hand, planting her baton into the volcanic soil with the other, while Ladybug clung to her arm to keep them from being blown away.
"Oh w-wow," Ladybug muttered. "You're warm, Panthera."
There was a gleam in her eyes. "I think you mean hot, girl!"
With that she expanded her baton, launching them forward, and Carapace let out a fearful cry as they flew through the air. Ladybug's wings began flapping wildly, and while she couldn't gain air with all of them, she did slow their fall. They landed a ways away, Carapace's heart thumping rapidly.
"Akumatized object is the umbrella," Ladybug said, eyes locked on Stormy Weather. "The amok might be in there too, though it might be on Blue Wing himself. Either way, we need that umbrella. Panthera, your top priority is Cataclysming that. I'll try to bring her down with my yoyo, but keep an eye on Blue Wing to make sure he doesn't interfere or bring the dragon over here to do the same. You– um–"
"Carapace," Panthera said.
"Carapace," Ladybug continued. "You're our fail safe for when Stormy Weather sets off the volcano– you'll need to surround all of us with your Shell-ter immediately."
He swallowed. "Got it."
"And here I thought our suits were supposed to be invincible," Panthera said, shaking her head.
"It basically is, but it can't handle extremes," Ladybug replied. "There are potions to substitute for those extreme situations, but we don't have them."
"That's what the old guy was talking about."
"Old guy?" Carapace asked.
The girls shared a glance. "Secret information, sorry," Ladybug said. "Everyone, scatter– Carapace, keep an eye on Blue Wing, will you?"
He didn't get the chance to say otherwise– as the two of them immediately bolted. Panthera running along the rocky ridge, and Ladybug taking to the sky. The two of them moved in perfect sync with no hesitation and probably not considering that Carapace couldn't mesh easily with the dynamics the two of them already had.
He hefted his shield, eyes scanning for Blue Wing. He saw a shape flying through the sky, and he made his way forward. He didn't want to fight Blue Wing– but he could distract him. Keep him away from the girls, who then wouldn't have the chance to harm him. The flying shape spotted him, diving down towards him– and that was when he realized that it wasn't Blue Wing coming down at him.
"Venom," the golden figure sneered as she descended down on him, wings buzzing, and he barely had time to raise his shield to block the glowing trompo that had been aimed right for him. It bounced off of the turtle shell, and Carapace raised his voice.
"Ladybug! There's another–"
He was cut off as the Bee holder swept her leg under him, knocking him to the ground. She came at him again, not saying a word, but another Venom had lit up her weapon. His shield covered his form, as it seemed to protect him, but he did not know if his suit would. He had seen Venom take effect through clothes before, and he couldn't risk it. As the stinger was knocked away he lunged forward, grabbing her legs to bring her to the ground.
He spotted the comb in the woman's hair, and instantly his hand snaked out to snatch it from her– but before he made contact a strong arm grabbed his wrist, yanking him back and holding him up in the air.
"They just keep sending child after child out, don't they?" A voice mused, sounding humored– and Carapace felt chills race through him. It was one he hadn't heard often, but it was one that everyone in Paris knew. "Well, I am most certainly not complaining."
He twisted in the grasp, and while he didn't break free he was able to turn, finding himself looking into a pair of cold gray eyes.
"Hawk Moth!" Ladybug snarled from somewhere behind him– the others having finally caught sight of the two other Miraculous holders. As for Carapace, however, he couldn't move, just staring at the one who had terrorized the city from the beginning, the one who had never come out himself.
Until now.
This was the man that akumatized everyone. This was the one that had started the clashes with the Miraculous, who let fear run through the city. This was the man who was letting a dragon attack civilians and an active volcano form in the middle of the populace. He bent kwamis to his will, and always sent his son out to fight alone. This was the man who hurt Blue Wing for the smallest of mistakes, who handed Blue a Miraculous that he knew would hurt him.
That he knew could kill him.
Anyone else might have felt fear in the moment, being the first to come face to face with Hawk Moth, being held in his grasp like a ragdoll– but Carapace only saw red. A wave of pure fury washed over him, the hatred boiling beneath his skin.
"Hello, Ladybug," Hawk Moth said, eyes flickering towards the hero for a moment. "I shall deal with you in a bit, but if you 'heroes' are going to keep placing Miraculouses right in my grasp, well– who am I to say no?"
With that he reached for the Turtle Miraculous that hung on Carapace's wrist. The movement seemed to snap him out of the trance he had found himself in, and the roaring anger that was pulsing through him could at last act; and he did the only natural thing there was to do.
He pulled his fist back and punched Hawk Moth right in the face.
The suit gave the man some protection, but that didn't change the fact that he had received the blow. Hawk Moth let out a groan of pain, recoiling in on himself, his grip loosening from around Carapace's wrist. He fell to the ground, landing in a crouch and immediately rolling away from the horrible monster that was in front of him.
"Father!" Blue Wing cried out, voice laced in concern, and Carapace's heart twisted.
"You little pest!" Hawk Moth hissed, eyes flashing towards Carapace; and it was a shame that magic was in play. Not only had his mask probably taken the worst of the hit, the Miraculous Ladybugs would heal him when this was all over. Nino wasn't one to wish harm on anyone, but knowing what this man was capable of... he couldn't bring himself to feel otherwise in the moment.
"I've always wanted to do that," Carapace said with a grin.
He could feel eyes on him– Ladybug and Panthera giving him an impressed stare; approval in Panthera's golden eyes. Meanwhile Hawk Moth and Blue Wing were glowering at him in rage, and the Bee holder was hovering above in the air, annoyance in her gaze.
"Mellifera," Hawk Moth snarled. "Take care of them. Stormy Weather– don't hold back."
The Bee holder–Mellifera– dove forward once more. Carapace held his shield at the ready– but Pathera's baton slammed into Mellifera's side before she could strike. The Black Cat sprang forward, an anger of her own in her eyes. Mellifera spun her trompo around like a shield, deflecting the claws that were coming towards her.
"Give me back Pollen!" Panthera snarled.
Stormy Weather lifted her umbrella skywards– and the frigid wind picked up speed. There was now no more rain– the sounds of ice and hail echoing throughout the city; but with them still in the shadow of the volcano it did not reach them. Carapace could only silently hope that everyone had found shelter somewhere indoors.
Low rumbles shook the ground, echoing through the air– and if it was thunder, the dragon, or the volcano; Carapace didn't know. Hawk Moth had turned his attention towards Ladybug, cane in hand as he rushed towards her. Her wings became her advantage as the man pulled out a sword from within the cane, taking to the air to avoid his furious slashes; but with the harsh wind she could not stay airborne long.
Carapace looked up towards Stormy Weather, who was far out of reach. And with the flapping of wings, he knew that another had come to engage him. He slowly turned to see Blue Wing landing a few pacing from him, his stumbling suggesting that the wind was harsh on his flight as well. Still those green eyes burned, and Carapace's heart twisted.
"I don't want to fight you," Carapace couldn't stop himself from saying; but Blue Wing had already drawn his fan.
"Then give me your Miraculous," he replied, before charging.
"I thought you wanted the Ladybug and Black Cat– what good is mine?" Carapace asked, raising the shield to block the strike from the bladed fan. "What good was the Bee's to you?"
He wondered what Blue would say to a stranger.
Carapace was purely on the defensive, crouched down as he continuously moved back, shield shifting to block the flurry of strikes from the fan. He thought he understood what Alya had meant when it came to a perfect Miraculous– because there was no thought when it came to the defensive movements. He stood firm, knowing how to shift his shield to keep the weapon from making contact, and the few kicks that got through didn't hurt as they landed on his scaled suit.
His heart was aching, however.
With the Fox he had felt like he couldn't let himself be touched. He was fragile, just like his illusions, just like the lies he told. Just one powerful blow, and it would all come crumbling down. Right now there was none of that, however, and he felt like he could stand firmly forever holding off the blows.
"I'm..." Blue Wing muttered, eyes narrowing as he tried to find a weakness in the defense. Mellifera and Hawk Moth had both managed to break through– but that had been in moments where he was attacking; not Protecting. "I'm the only one who has claimed a Miraculous." Blue whispered between kicks and slashes, and Carapace didn't know if he was talking to him or to himself. "I didn't fail then and I... I will do it again with you, and the heroines." Eyes flashed up towards him. "I will win."
Claiming a Miraculous was something he had done right in his father's eyes, and it was something he must have been praised for. He had managed to claim a Miraculous, something his father had never been able to do in his time terrorizing the city.
Perhaps that was what had drawn Hawk Moth out this time; the fact that he had finally gotten an edge after so long. With more allies to watch his back. His eyes flickered towards the man for a moment, and his mouth was dry– because Hawk Moth was clearly a dangerous foe.
He had gotten several hits on Ladybug already, forcing her to retreat back towards Panthera. The two stood back to back, using their ranged weapons to keep their powerful opponents back. All the while Stormy Weather was up in the sky, feeding the storm, urging the volcano to grow taller; while Maelstrom flew above the city, attacking buildings with no hesitation.
"Looks like your father is about to lose," Carapace said, cursing Trixx for the fact that he didn't hesitate to lie– but it did its job. Blue Wing wheeled around, eyes flashing back towards his father– and Carapace used the moment to get away from the fight he did not want to be a part of.
"Hey, Hawk Face!" He screamed, and he could hear the flapping of wings coming after him. "Is your face as ugly as your costume?"
Eyes flashed towards him for a moment, and Carapace dove towards the girls, changing the duo to a trio against the adults. He slammed the trompo away with his shield, but their numbers didn't last long, Blue Wing rushing to join the others. He did not fly, stumbling and running, and as he stood in front of them his hands rose to his mouth, the sound of the coughing fits that Nino had heard before.
"Give me your Miraculouses," Hawk Moth snarled, strolling forward, not even glancing at his son as the boy fell to his knees.
"Do you think finally showing your face would make a difference?" Ladybug snarled. "The answer is no."
Hawk Moth grinned. "Oh no, I'm not the one making a difference– you're the only real difference taking place, Ladybug. What happened to the hero that could stand on her own? That never failed the city?" He waved a hand about, gesturing to the storm and destruction that surrounded the volcano. "Yes, you're here fighting me– but doing nothing for the poor city being beaten down." His eyes gleamed. "Your magic may heal them, Ladybug, but they'll still remember all that happened. Their buildings falling, being buried beneath a mountain... and what have you done? Let two Miraculouses slip away? Struggle to do anything more even with two heroes now by your side?"
Carapace glanced at Ladybug, and her expression was all he needed to see that Hawk Moth's words were hitting her hard.
"Don't listen to him!" He cried, but the words felt like nothing. Cliche, uncomforting– and Hawk Moth snorted.
"I wonder how this city would feel with lava spreading across it," Hawk Moth mused. "I am certain that memory would be burned into their minds, hmm? But I'm sure they can take a bit of heat, they must be so cold in the storm that's been beating them."
"I–" Ladybug said, Panthera at her side, using her baton to keep Blue Wing back, while Carapace used his shields to block another Venom.
"Give me your Miraculouses, and it will all be over," Hawk Moth said calmly. "No more attacks, I will use the healing powers to restore all– I won't even let the public catch sight of your real face. No one will know you surrendered, and this can end."
Ladybug's eyes flashed. "Never."
Hawk Moth shrugged, and a glowing purple mask covered his face. "Stormy Weather, I think it's time for this volcano to blow."
"No!" Panthera shouted– but that didn't stop the tremor that suddenly shook the mountain they were fighting on.
Mellifera turned away from attack, diving towards Hawk Moth, wings working as she picked him up. Stormy Weather must have been turning the winds to their favor, as they rose up into the air. Carapace's eyes followed them as they rose up towards a black shape coming down from the clouds– they were taking shelter with the dragon.
Another rumble shook the earth, and they all stumbled, the heat about them clearly rising. "Carapace– surround us with your Shell-ter!"
His eyes flashed to his right, eyes widening when he saw Blue Wing kneeling on the ground– caught up in another coughing fit. His wings were sagged, making no effort to fly, and he shook. The soot and ash in the air was probably only making it all worse, as he choked on his own breath as he fought for air.
Eyes looked skyward again– but neither avatar nor akuma came down. He knew the avatar wasn't under Blue's control, because Blue never attacked civilians– but that didn't change the fact that no one was coming. Not Mellifera, not Maelstrom, nor Stormy Weather. They had left him down here, on the ground, with the entire earth shaking.
"Carapace!" Panthera cried as another tremor ripped across the mountain– and lava plumed up from the mouth of the volcano.
It was horrifying and dazzling, the burning liquid spewing forth with frightening power. It erupted up into the air, smoke and ash surging skyward within seconds, while more of the red hot liquid pooled down the sides. The heat was far past unbearable, cinders drifting through the air as the plume of ash clashed with the sky, lava raining down towards where they were at frightening speeds.
He grabbed Ladybug's and Panthera's wrists with his hands, and charged forward. He couldn't make out words, only sounds of confusion as he dragged them forward– because they couldn't outrun the rush of lava flowing down the mountain. Still he didn't let go of them until he had reached Blue Wing, whose frightened eyes flashed up towards them.
He raised his shield overhead once all four of them were huddled together, hoping that he understood his powers fully. "Shell-ter!"
Glowing green energy flashed out from the shield, interlocking hexagons linking up to make a sphere of light about them. It all radiated out from his shield, which was acting as one of the hexagons, and all four of them were locked within the protecting sphere. Eyes flashed the mountain, the lava flow frightening close– but there was no time to react as it rushed over them.
It was hot. The heat was nothing like he could describe– but yet he knew there was no way they could be feeling the full force of it. They could only see the glow of lava as it crushed into the Shell-ter, sweeping it away down the mountain. They rolled down the volcano, being thrown about the forceshield.
There was no sense of direction, Carapace being rooted to the facet of the Shell-ter that his shield acted as. That didn't mean he was stable though– sometimes being jerked up near the top of their sphere, and other times at the bottom as the others fell on top of him. Bruises were forming, groans and grunts echoing, but the energy was strong enough to keep them from being cooked alive.
They were jumbled as they came to a stop, lava flowing around them, and rain pouring down from above. The outside world was far from still, yet for them they all laid there, panting and quivering.
The first to move was Panthera– leaping forward and pouncing on Blue Wing. His fan flared out protectively in front of his brooch, his other hand against Panthera's shoulder, trying to push her back.
"Call off the dragon!" She snarled, baton forgotten, claws digging into his suit.
"C-can't–" He growled.
"Can't?!" She roared. "Shut up you selfish monster! You're attacking civilians with it, you're letting them get hurt, you're horrible–!"
"I'm not controlling it!"
"Liar!"
Blue kicked Panthera in the stomach, forcing her off of him, and he crawled back as far as he could in the Shell-ter. "I surrendered control to Stormy Weather– I have no control over Maelstrom!"
"Say what you want to say," Ladybug said coolly, drawing her yoyo. "There's nowhere for you to run."
Carapace didn't hesitate in yanking his shield to the side, causing the Shell-ter to roll, sending them all tumbling once more. There was no true way to direct or steer the forceshield, so all he could do was roll it down where the edges of the storm brewed– away from the direct lava flows.
"Exposure!" Carapace shouted as soon as they rolled onto rocks that weren't glowing with heat– and the Shell-ter shattered. Blue Wing didn't linger a moment, wings flapping desperately as he threw himself into the sky. Carapace felt relief run through him, but that was cut short as the bracelet on his wrist started beeping. He glanced down at it, now on a timer– and they had no advantage with this current fight.
They had no time to take in their surroundings, all of them immediately pulling out their weapons– because it was quite clear their escape had been easy to track. Blue Wing took shelter behind Hawk Moth and Mellifera, who were standing not far off. Stormy Weather stood opposite of them, hovering in the air with her umbrella at the ready. Finally there was a shadow flying overhead, Maelstrom weaving above them.
At least that meant the dragon was no longer attacking civilians.
"You'll detransform soon," Ladybug said quietly as they all stood back to back. "If you get down to one, find somewhere to hide– you cannot let your identity be seen."
He nodded, despite this being information he already knew. "Got it."
"Well, are you going to hand over your Miraculouses?" Hawk Moth asked. "Or do I need to do this by force?"
"Why don't you hand over your Miraculouses first?" Panthera snapped.
Hawk Moth sighed, as if this were all a mere annoyance, and he waved his hand. Instantly a static filled the air, hairs standing on end. The ground shook slightly, this time not from the volcano, but rather from Maelstrom landing. The dragon's maw was open, electricity cracking within– before firing a bolt of lightning straight at them.
Carapace forced himself forward, raising his shield as a blinding burst of light filled the air. The flash was blinding, the lightning hitting the turtle shell shield– before being reflected off towards Stormy Weather. She let out a shriek as she darted away, and Carapace was left shaking, body tingling– and he wasn't sure if he was standing due to the Miraculous of Protection, or if because he was a 'perfect' match.
Another light washed over them– but this time it was not the flash of lightning or the glow of magma. All eyes slowly turned upwards in surprise as the sunlight slowly poured out from the sky, warm and brilliant. The soot in the air seemed to have cleared, the clouds parting above to let the rays shine down towards them.
"Impossible!" Stormy Weather shrieked. "Rain! Hail! Storm! I did not order a sunny day!"
"Looks like the party started without me," a new voice chirped, and Nino felt the hairs on his neck rising. "Really? Couldn't wait a few minutes for me to catch up?"
Eyes slowly turned to the figure perched on a large hunk of volcanic rock, their charcoal gray suit perfectly matching the ashy surroundings. Amber eyes gleamed humorously, a flute in hand as they stood there. It was a dizzying sight for Carapace, seeing himself standing there so clearly– but Silver Paw merely gave a salute to the other Miraculouses holders.
"I was wondering where you had slunk off to," Hawk Moth said with a sneer.
"Why isn't it raining?!" Stormy Weather screeched, her umbrella raised skyward, firing off her powers– but the sky remained bright and clear, clouds starting to roll away.
"Looks like we got two new-bees buzzing about," 'Silver Paw' said, eyes flickering at Mellifera, before turning to Carapace– where a look of disgust overtook his face. "Ugh, you look horrible, Turtle."
"I– what?" Carapace said, having a pretty good guess on what was happening, but that comment threw him off.
"It's hideous!" Silver Paw barked. "Scales? Scales? Are you fur real?"
"I–" Carapace started again, but what was he supposed to say to that?
"My powers aren't working!" Stormy Weather wailed. "You promised me powers, Hawk Moth, you promised!"
"It's an illusion," Mellifera said. "The Fox is tricking you– send up the sentimonster to disturb the Mirage, and you will see your powers remain intact."
Maelstrom twisted about as he rose up into the air, electricity crackling across his entire form– before firing the lightning up at the sky. Sure enough the peaceful sunny setting flickered– before vanishing with a flash; revealing dark clouds and rain once more, the volcano smoking off in the distance. Carapace shivered, startled at the intensity of the illusion that had been enforced. It hadn't just been what he had seen; but he hadn't even felt the raindrops, but instead the warm sun. It had been an illusion of more than just sight, but of his other senses as well.
"Aw," Silver Paw said in mock offense. "It was looking so nice, why'd you do that?"
"Wasted your powers for a little show?" Mellifera said, shaking her head. "What a foolish choice– Venom."
Her wings beat furiously, taking off into the air and rushing towards Silver Paw. The Fox holder grinned, before twisting about and dodging the attack with unnatural grace. He didn't attempt to lash back out, simply putting their full focus on dodging.
"Lucky Charm!" Ladybug bellowed– not about to waste the opening that had been presented. He didn't get to see exactly what she had summoned– as she immediately leapt after Stormy Weather with the spotted object in hand. The akuma flew up to try to get out of reach, but a yoyo snagged about her ankle.
Panthera split her baton in two, looking out at Hawk Moth and Blue Wing with a harden gaze– and he stood next to her, shield ready. He had seen the skill that Hawk Moth had earlier, and he honestly doubted they could overpower him– but they could at least hold him off from reaching Ladybug as she ended this akuma.
Hawk Moth came charging, sword drawn, and Panthera leapt forward to block the strike with her baton. She fell back, and Carapace came forward, doing the same with his shield on the next swing, and Panthera came back for the next blow, metal clinging against metal. The man attacked swiftly, and relentlessly– but they couldn't let him break through.
His eyes occasionally flickered to Blue Wing, worry pulsing through him. Blue was standing, but beyond that wasn't moving. His wings weren't open or folded, but just hung there instead as he swayed. He wasn't being attacked, however, and that was the best Carapace could offer when he needed to keep his focus on Hawk Moth. When he drew back, though, he had his eyes on the sky– because the dragon was nowhere in sight. He was sure that Maelstrom hadn't flown off to attack more buildings, but yet he wasn't above them either. The only thing in the sky was Mellifera diving down at the slinking form of the Fox, and Ladybug rising up into the air with her wings to fight Stormy Weather head on.
He clutched his shield, knowing he needed to be ready in case of another lighting strike. Yes, the dragon blended in well with the sky, but yet he caught no flicker of movement. It had to be somewhere, and he couldn't let it catch him off guard. Stormy Weather had complete control of it, and if she called him back to his side they would quickly overwhelm Ladybug.
"I can't bee-lieve how sloppy you are!" Silver Paw called out to Mellifera, tucking and rolling as she tried to land a hit with her Venom. "I mean, come on, honey– is that the best you got?"
"I don't pun you idiot," Carapace muttered under his breath– throwing his shield like a frisbee towards Hawk Moth's feet, hoping to knock him off balance.
"You're going to detransform sooner," Mellifera replied.
Silver Paw snorted. "Yeah yeah, whatever. What I'd like to know though is who in the Guardian's name you are. I know you're not the missus, so... Oops, that one was close!"
"Can't run forever, Fox," the Bee holder snarled, barely missing him once more.
"But I can jump!" Silver Paw replied, bounding over a rock, dangerously close to the height that Mellifera was flying at. She rushed after him, while Silver Paw retreated back towards the fight between Stormy Weather and Ladybug.
The Venom glowed brightly about the trompo that Mellifera had clutched in her hands, jabbing it towards the Fox every time she came close, but he continually managed to weave and duck out of her way with unnatural skill– but even he couldn't run forever.
Mellifera's eyes gleamed in triumph as the Fox leapt into the air– and she rose up to meet him. She drew her arm back, jabbing it into the center of his chest with all the force she could manage, the Venom at last reaching its mark.
And the Mirage shattered.
Silver Paw faded away in a giant puff of smoke– giving way to the giant figure of deep black scales. Mellifera's eyes widened as she realized that her Venom had struck Maelstrom right in the snout– the illusion that had been hiding the dragon now gone as the serpentine figure stiffened up from the paralyzing magic. A cackling laugh echoed from somewhere to the right, and the ground shook as the dragon avatar fell from the sky, crashing into the ground, rigid and stiff from the Venom.
"Impossible!" Mellfera snarled. "You already used your powers!"
Another image of Silver Paw appeared hovering in midair, legs crossed as he floated there unnaturally. "You see, when you have enough control you can divide a Mirage– meaning that if one is shattered the second remains intact."
The trompo flew out, striking the flying illusion of Silver Paw, turning it into a puff of smoke.
"Of course you can split them as many times as your control allows, and manipulate them as needed," Silver Paw's voice carried on, this time from no clear source. "There's so many kinds of illusions too– visual and hearing-based ones are the easiest, but really any sense can be confused."
The scent of fresh grapes wafted through the air.
"Alleviate!" Mellifera snarled, a golden light radiating from her, and it surrounded the stiff dragon. Its frozen form began to relax– but it did not take to the air again, but instead fell limp to the ground, sagging as if asleep. It didn't stir, not even to breathe.
"I see you bullied Pollen into telling you her other ability," Silver Paw noted– this time appearing on a rock not far from Mellifera. "Shame that avatars aren't true physical beings– they're abstract emotions given a temporary form." Silver Paw grinned. "In other words, your Venom froze all connections of this form to the emotions that powered it; and while Alleviate got rid of the physical effects it doesn't have the power to reform those connections– so the dear dragon is just a husk."
Mellifera's eyes burned, and Silver Paw tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"Also, with the connection frozen the Peacock is no longer maintaining it, so Blue Wing is now on the timer. And of course his identity being revealed means all of yours are at risk... so you best get going." He grinned. "Besides, this battle is won anyways."
He waved a hand, and an illusion around Ladybug and Stormy Weather vanished– revealing that Ladybug had pinned the akuma to the ground with her Lucky Charm. The akuma was struggling, her powers radiating from her, covering the whole ground around them in ice.
"Panthera!" Ladybug cried.
Panthera turned, and Carapace sent his shield flying into Hawk Moth to knock him back. The Black Cat holder ran towards her partner– who had thrown the umbrella from Stormy Weather's grasp. Panthera pounced on it, grasping the cloth with her claws.
"Cataclysm!" She called, slamming the destructive energy down onto the umbrella, which instantly turned to dust. A butterfly and a feather drifted up from the remains, and instantly Stormy Weather and Maelstrom were surrounded with energy. Stormy Weather melted away into Aurore, who blinked in confusion as she looked about– eyes quickly turning to horror.
The dragon simply vanished, leaving nothing in its wake.
"Mellifera, that is enough," Hawk Moth said, glancing at Aurore as the former akuma scrambled back. With the sight before her she didn't stay for long, turning and racing away from the wasteland and villains. No one went after her, those with Miraculouses watching the other. "Stormy Weather has done what was needed."
He was glancing about, and as Carapace did the same he realized that they weren't alone– clones of him and the heroines were scattered about. Some standing ready to attack, others turning and walking away– the dozens of illusions giving no clear place of where they truly were.
Panthera leapt forward with a snarl, two images of her moving as the Black Cat– and Hawk Moth slashed with his sword. The first one cut through the illusion with ease, while the sheath of the cane hit the real one, knocking her back. She tumbled into a crowd of illusions, and this time decided to stay still as they surrounded to hide her.
Beeping echoed about them– all four of the young Miraculouses holders beginning to reach the end of their timers. Pursuing the villains wasn't an option– they would only be risking their own identities; or losing the shelter of the illusions. Blue Wing had forced himself to his feet, wings opening up; while Mellifera fluttered towards Hawk Moth, picking him up in her grasp– and just as swiftly as they had appeared, the villains of the city were flying away.
Ladybug clutched her Lucky Charm tightly, teeth gritted. "Miraculous–"
"Wait!" A voice called, and an image of Silver Paw appeared in front of them. "Don't summon it quite yet!"
"And why should we listen to you?" Panthera snarled.
"Because first of all I just saved all our tails back there," Silver Paw said, crossing his arms. "And second of all– I'm not Silver Paw. Reality!"
Ripples wavered out from the illusion, the image of Silver Paw vanishing. The rush of energy washed out– instantly removing all the illusions that surrounded them. Images of the heroes vanished, everything revealing what it truly was– which wasn't pretty. The storm had stopped without Stormy Weather's influence, now only patches of dark clouds lingering in the sky. The volcano still stood tall in the distance, no longer erupting, but patches of lava seeped down the side and at its base. The city was not in one piece, buildings having fallen or been buried in the mountain.
"Trixx!" Panthera cried, looking at the small Fox that hovered in front of them, her Miraculous looped about her small body several times over. She rushed forward, and Trixx swooped down, giving her a small nudge.
"It's been a while," Trixx said, zipping about her. "Glad you see the old man finally gave you Plagg– took him long enough! Here I was trying not to get attached but then he takes five million years to give Ladybug the partner she needed!"
"Trixx," Ladybug said, eyes wide. "Was... were all those illusions you?"
Trixx gave a huge grin. "I tried to keep it toned down, but without a holder to filter our powers through..." She gave a cackle of a laugh. "That's why I wanted you to wait on your cure– you can fix all this up now that I used my Reality!"
"What did you do to the sky?" Nino asked, looking up towards where there should have been blue behind the vanishing clouds– but instead the sky was as black as night, filled with stars. The sun was still shining, peering out from the remains of the storm, like day and night had clashed into one.
Trixx rubbed the back of her head. "Um... Reality gets rid of all Deception and illusions? And, um, the sky ain't really blue, it's just the light scattering in the atmosphere... and the stars are always there, the light of the sun just hides them, same with light pollution... it's all Deceptive in nature, so my Reality kinda got rid of it?"
"Trixx, a kwami shouldn't use their powers without a holder," Ladybug said.
"You'll fix it all!"
"Yes, I will," Ladybug said, and she threw her Lucky Charm skywards. "Miraculous Ladybug!"
Pink energy filled the sky, immediately radiating out from where they stood. Carapace looked out– watching as clouds were whisked away, the sky turning blue once more. The healing light descended down onto the city, flying around buildings as they were raised back up, mending walls and windows and roads. The volcano's shadow fell away as the mountain vanished, all that had been caught up in its power being healed. Within a minute Paris had gone from looking almost like ruins, to the pristine and proud city once more. Carapace couldn't help but let out a shaky sigh of relief– the fight finally over.
"You were able to escape from Silver Paw!" Panthera said, eyes shining as she looked at Trixx. "With the Miraculous too!"
"Um, about that... I didn't escape," Trixx muttered, shifting back and forth.
Panthera's eyes widened. "Wait... were you Silver Paw this entire time?!"
Trixx laughed. "Ha! Now that's an idea! But no, my illusions would be too much if I was using them like I did today in every battle." She glanced towards Carapace, eyes narrowing. "Silver Paw... was caught up in the akuma attack. So I decided to come myself so I wouldn't leave you guys hanging."
"And now we can get you home," Ladybug said, reaching for the Miraculous Trixx held– and the kwami darted away.
"Sorry, but nope," Trixx said. "I picked out this Kit and I like him– I ain't leaving."
Carapace's bracelet let out one final beep– and his transformation fell in a rush of green. Wayzz came flying out of his bracelet, and Nino held his hands out for him to land on– but the kwami scowled at the offering. Instead he hovered in the air, panting slightly. Nino stared at the kwami in confusion as he glared at him, and he couldn't help but pull back.
"What do you mean?" Panthera asked, her own Miraculous beeping– but she had a few more minutes.
"I am with Silver Paw of my own free will!" Trixx said, crossing her paws. "He's my Kit, and I'm keeping him." Blue eyes flashed towards Nino and Wayzz. "You hear me? I ain't going anywhere– Silver Paw is my holder!"
"Trixx," Wayzz said in a low growl. "I don't know what you're doing, but I'm telling you to stop right away."
As the Turtle kwami spoke, a realization hit Nino– one he should have realized sooner. A kwami and a holder began one when they transformed, he knew that from Trixx. They shared forms and abilities, and while their thoughts didn't mingle; their emotions did. He had sensed Wayzz once in the battle, and it was only now he realized that Wayzz had felt everything he had felt. Had seen through his eyes.
Wayzz had felt everything he felt towards Blue Wing. The worry, the relief, the concern, the pain of facing him– Wayzz had felt all of it. Wayzz had to have noticed the way he made sure Blue Wing was okay, how he kept the battle away from him; how he had interfered to make sure his Miraculous wasn't claimed. He looked up at the kwami, and as those yellow eyes peered back it was clear that the kwami knew who he was.
Nino swallowed.
"I know what I'm doing," Trixx said, crossing her paws. "Silver Paw was going to give me back to Ladybug– but I'm the one that said no. If I went back I would have just been given back to Panthera– and Plagg would still be in the Box!"
"He would have come out when the time was right," Wayzz snapped. "You just didn't want to go back into the Box yourself!"
"You're not wrong, but you ain't right either," Trixx snapped. "I don't want to go back into the Miracle Box– I'm not doing this for myself, Protection– I'm trying to bring Nooroo and Duusu home!"
"And look at where that got us– Pollen is lost too!"
"She wouldn't be if Plagg had been handed out first!"
"It's not your choice who the Miraculouses go to!"
"You don't know what we're dealing with, Wayzz!" Trixx cried.
"I can end this all right now, so give me one good reason why I shouldn't," Wayzz replied, his own arms crossed.
Trixx zipped forward, butting heads with the Turtle kwami. "Listen here you little thief– this is all worse than you realize. We need Silver Paw, you know why? Because Blue Wing trusts him. Blue Wing knows Silver's identity, and has been to his house– he knows where my Miraculous is and never once has he touched it. Because of me we have someone close to the inside."
"He didn't hesitate to take Pollen's Miraculous."
"Because he was terrified of what Hawk Moth would have done to him otherwise!" Trixx screamed. "Do you know what happens every time our heroes defeat an avatar– Blue Wing takes the blame at home! He's just a kid, Wayzz, trying to make his family happy– and when things don't go their way he's the one that Hawk Moth takes his anger out on! His own son!"
Everyone was quiet, eyes glued to the kwamis. Wayzz looked hesitant as he listened to the Fox's words, eyes flickering about, before closing them. "...Well, I never exactly expected Hawk Moth to be a good parent."
"Don't worry, Wayzz, it gets worse– it gets so much worse," Trixx's fur was puffed up at this point, her blue eyes burning with emotion. "Because guess what? I got to see Duusu! The first one of us in nearly two hundred years to see her!"
Wayzz's eyes softened. "Is she okay?"
Tears shown in Trixx's eyes. "She's broken, Wayzz. Her Miraculous is broken."
Wayzz's eyes widened. "...B-but–"
"The Peacock is broken, and they have to know because both Nooroo and Pollen are with them– but he still handed it over to a mere child!"
"What... what does a broken Miraculous mean?" Panthera asked, looking between the two kwamis.
"A broken Miraculous clouds a kwami's mind," Wayzz said solemnly. "It... it's not a good thing, but the Miraculous and the kwami can be healed. The holder on the other hand, they... well, if they use a Miraculous–"
"It slowly kills them!" Trixx snarled. "Blue Wing is slowly dying– and Hawk Moth knows it! It's happened before, Duusu mentioned a previous holder who was 'sleeping'– she doesn't know, he doesn't know, and Hawk Moth doesn't care what he's doing to his own child!"
Ladybug was covering her mouth, eyes wide, and she didn't seem to know what to do. She glanced at Panthera, who was just standing there, taking this in. Nino was looking at the ground, already knowing this, but it still hurt to hear.
"Silver Paw..." Trixx began after a moment. "Silver Paw is not your enemy– I promise you. He wants Hawk Moth taken down as much as we do. He doesn't want your Miraculous taken, he doesn't want to hurt you, he... he just wants to protect Blue Wing." Trixx looked at them, paws together. "I'm not saying that Blue Wing won't try to take your Miraculouses... but he's another one of Hawk Moth's victims. He's a child, just like you– and he needs help."
"You haven't told him the Miraculous is broken?" Wayzz asked.
Trixx snorted. "He got mad at Silver when he suggested that his father was abusive– I doubt he'd believe us."
"Trixx," Wayzz said in a strained voice. "He... he needs to know."
"Knowledge is power," Trixx snapped. "The more he knows the more the magic will consume him."
"But if he knows he'll stop!"
Trixx looked at Wayzz for a moment, before glancing away. "...No. I don't think he would."
"Trixx," Wayzz drifted forward. "Trixx, I know how your mind works. Covering things up doesn't last forever, hiding only lasts for a moment."
"Do you really think he'd believe you heroes if you said anything?" Trixx snorted.
"Would he believe Silver Paw?"
"I... I don't know," Trixx clutched her Miraculous. "I... I need to go. Your timers are running low, and I'm sure you don't want the stupid turtle holder to know who you are."
With that Trixx turned, darting off into the sky. They all watched her for a moment, the orange shape zipping off until they could no longer see her. They were all silent for a minute, and then Wayzz slowly turned to face Nino. He stared at the Turtle, not sure what he was going to do. After a moment, he let out a long sigh.
"...I thought the anger you felt for Hawk Moth, Nino Lahiffe, was unnaturally potent," Wayzz said. "I am now inclined to feel the same, however."
He let out a shaky sigh of relief.
"I need to talk with Master," Ladybug said, looking off in the distance.
"I agree," Wayzz said. "Which is why I ask not to be withdrawn into the Miraculous until after that conversation has passed– I have much to say."
"We'll all be there," Ladybug said, before glancing at Nino. "Well, um, no offense, but this is..."
"Hero business," Nino said, carefully pulling off the Turtle Miraculous. "I understand, I'm not a hero."
"Of course you are," Panthera said.
He gave a tight smile, placing the Miraculous in her hands. "No, I'm really not, but I'm glad that I was able to help you."
"I am sure we will see each other again, Nino Lahiffe," Wayzz said, drifting down and landing on Ladybug's shoulder.
He gave a tight smile. "Maybe we will, um, little dude."
Nino swore he heard the sound of Trixx's hiss as he said this, and a small smile flickered onto his face.