MIRACULOUS
Chapter 36
A week had passed since the white plague incident yet a major part of its citizens lost so much that day that production is suffering. There was conflict, something that they were glad the Ladybug cure wiped all evidence of that day while others are frustrated and even angry that there's no obvious reminder of that day.
Everyone in the class sat still, not daring to say a word to each other. Nino and Alya held hands, both felling at each other's sweat. They each took a look at each other before looking away again.
Rose looked down as she was about to hyperventilate but Juleka placed her hand on her shoulder, causing Rose to jerk up and look at her. Juleka gave a nod with a reassuring smile, Rose responded in kind though her smile was more awkward.
Alya, Nino, Kagami, Chloe, Sabrina, Max, Juleka, Rose, Kim, and Nathaniel, all took the time to acknowledge the empty seats, those who succumbed to the plague. Mylene also survived the incident but was absent from class. As a tribute to the fallen, Kagami once again bore her white uniform.
The dreaded moment came when Mordecai walked into the door. He too had a somber look on his face.
"Kids," he greeted. "I suppose I don't have to tell you what happened to Ms. Bustier as well as those who are no longer here, but just to get to the point, I'll be your teacher for the remainder of the year, as well as senior year. So…" he stroked the back of his neck. "I hope we can work this out, and press on for the rest of…"
"Work this out?" Alya got up. "How can we 'work this out?' My mother is gone, my little sister is gone, and we were the ones who should've stopped it!"
"Alya, that is enough!" Kagami got up.
"Alya Ceisere, you will have a seat this instant!" Mordecai shouted. "Oh yeah? Why is it that Chloe still has both her parents, huh?" Alya chastised. "How convenient!"
"Now, Alya, that's not fair!" Sabrina interjected.
"My half-sister Zoe died in the plague!" Chloe got up from her seat as well, cutting them both off.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Mordecai and Juleka yelled together while the former slammed his arms at was once Ms. Bustier's desk.
Everyone was quiet and saw that Juleka yelled the same thing. The silence gave way to Rose's sobbing while Juleka comforted her. Alya begrudgingly sat back down and crossed her arms.
"Now everyone stays silent for the sake of everyone who is no longer with us, ok?" Mordecai said.
"Everyone except Alix, that's for sure," she sneered. Nino elbowed her in the rib. "Oh…"
"What was that!?" Mordecai growled.
"Nothing!" Alya backed off. Kagami rolled her eyes and took a seat. Mordecai twirled his thumbs and looked to his side.
"Ummm," Mordecai muttered. "There is some good news, however."
"What could that possibly be?" Chloe asked.
"Marinette is coming back to Paris.
"Huh?" Juleka blurted.
"Huh?" Rose responded in kind.
"Wait, for real?" Nino blurted out.
Alya grinned at the act, forgetting all the tension from earlier. She took a glance at Chloe, who hugged herself in guilt, while Sabrina tried to comfort her.
"Dude we gotta throw her a party!"
"With everything that has happened, do you believe it is appropriate, Nino-san?" Kagami asked.
"You kiddin'?" Nino asked. "That is more of a reason why we gotta do it."
"We gotta make sure she knows that Paris is her home!" Rose got up from her seat with excitement. "I can see it now, we can set up her new home and let her know that we are here for her!" she continued as she tightened her arms in her chest and gave a little spin, almost as she completely forgot what she had lost.
Mordecai looked down at his notes and threw them on the side.
"Screw it," he said. "Not like we're ever in the mood to study anyway."
"Cool, where's she moving in?" Juleka asked.
"Gabriel's mansion," Mordecai said, casually, stroking his chin.
…
…
…
"WHAT!"
The rest of the day was just plain weird but went on without a hitch, for the most part. But Chloe couldn't join in, not only because of her history with Marinette but there's something else in her mind…her 'older self.' She kept quiet in the meantime until class was dismissed. Everyone departed with the excitement of seeing Marinette return. After everything they have lost, Mordecai was glad that they departed with some happiness on the horizon.
Chloe made sure they were alone in the halls with Sabrina.
"Chloe," she said. "It's something wrong?"
"Is anyone here?"
"Umm, no?" Sabrina replied. Suddenly, Chloe clanged onto Sabrina and began to sob. After a few seconds of paralysis, she began to return the hug and stroked her.
"I'm scared Sabrina," she wailed. "I don't know what to do."
Sabrina didn't know what to say, all she did patting her back and let her have a good cry.
Meanwhile… At the rooftops…
Rocket was still getting the hang of the whole superhero gig. His kwami, Tanuki, was friendly but he clearly went through a deal of trauma. He was patrolling the streets alongside the older Queen Bee, who had nothing else to do at this point. With Paris still recovering from the incident, there's bound to be some crime and conflict stirring on the streets. She's technically the oldest of all superheroes right now and she the only one to show him the ropes.
"Hehe," Rocket chuckled. "After this whole big Cthulu thing, it's actually relaxing for just some good ole crime-fighting."
Older Queen Bee landed behind him and approaching.
"How's Tanuki holding up?"
"He's handling it," Rocket replied. "Trust me, he's tougher than he looks."
"Great, you gotta trust your kwami if you're gonna work together. This is a partnership after all."
"Take it easy, I'm grateful," Rocket smiled. Future Queen Bee rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure he is," she said. "I suppose you showed Mordecai off like there was no tomorrow."
"Oh, I have waited for something like this my whole life," Rocket said. "I love the guy but he's always ahead of in everything. But we got over the jealous phase when I finally got my GED."
"Just don't let it go to your head," Future Queen Bee said with an encouraging smile. After a glimpse at the distance, she saw pretty much the last thing she wanted to see at that point, her past self. With a sigh, she was about to leave. "Hey Rocket."
"Yeah?"
"Something came up, can you take patrol on your own?"
Rocket saw where she was staring at and knew it was none of his business.
"All right, I got this," he said and wandered off his own way. Future Queen Bee then began among the rooftops towards her past self.
"Chloe, I don't think it's a good idea," Pollen inquired. Present Chloe crossed her arms as she waited for her approaching future self.
"She knew, Pollen," Chloe said. "She knew Zoe wanted to surprise me when she came to Paris and died of the plague, and she did nothing!"
"Just…" Pollen began to be careful.
Her older self landed within reach and approached her.
"Pollen, buzz off," future Queen Bee detransformed into her still a dirty and almost naked wild girl.
"Have you even taken a shower since you got here?" present Chloe asked in disgust.
"Didn't think I'd be here this long," Older Chloe shrugged her shoulders, then she put on a vogue pose. "Besides, saltwater does wonders on your skin."
"You didn't even bother putting some shoes on?" Present Chloe said pointing at her older counterpart's bare feet.
"Haven't worn shoes in centuries," Older Chloe continued her nonchalant demeanor. "Don't need them when you're on an island."
…
…
…
"Zoe," present Chloe said. Future Chloe sighed, she knew where this was going. "You knew she was here."
"I did," future Chloe said in an unsettlingly calm manner.
"And you didn't go to help her?"
"And letting the white plague be unleashed on Paris? You do know that stopping the plague would've saved her, right?"
"I would've just gone and made sure if Zoe was safe!"
"Exactly!" Future Chloe confirmed. "The idea is to stop the threat and save everyone, even if you fail you should always aim to save the most lives!"
"Unbelievable!" Present Chloe waved her off and turned away, making a fist. "Just how in all the nine planets became you? You're just so… so…"
"Not you?" future Chloe raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I mean…" present Chloe stammered.
"And then you ask yourself why Ladybug wouldn't have trusted you with a miraculous. I remember that I was trying to be legit and actually help people, even when I caused the whole train thing myself."
"If you're really are me then you should remember how it felt when Ladybug refused to entrust me with the comb even after I had helped out on Heroes Day!" Present Chloe shook her head and got her head back on it. "Stop changing the subject! You heartless witch!"
"You're one to talk," Future Chloe muttered.
"Why!" Present Chloe shouted. "Why did you let her die?"
"Are you implying that we ignore and put everyone else in danger, just for Zoe?"
"We had the means to save her!"
"We have the responsibility!"
"We failed to stop the plague anyway!"
"Enough with the guilt-tripping! That's beside the point!" Future Chloe countered. "I fought for everyone and not just Zoe!"
"You dare justify your…"
"Yes, I dare!" Future Chloe cut her off. "Don't you see? The responsibility and the integrity you need to wield a miraculous. If you had known that then you wouldn't have shown yourself to the world and Ladybug may not have wussed out and take your miraculous away from you. A little humility might earn her respect."
Present Chloe was unmoved as she put her sunglasses on.
"Mom always said, some people eat lunch, humble people serve it."
"Mom was an asshole!" Future Chloe said, harshly poking her chest. She took the sunglasses off her younger self. "And we let her make us an even bigger one."
She crushed her sunglasses with her enhanced physical strength. Present Chloe then wordlessly began to walk away, her future self knew what it was leading to. The two walked away from each other and took a stance.
"POLLEN, BUZZ ON!"
"POLLEN, BUZZ ON!"
The two transformed Queen Bees stared at each other for a full minute. Both looking at each other's eyes on their surreal experience of facing themselves, they have taking ready stances and waited for a minute.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"
With a scream, the two Queen Bees charge at each other.
Meanwhile…
Back at the school entrance, Alya and Nino were walking out of the building with Kagami joining them. They had avoided the topic until now, but all tried their best to keep it at a normal tone and avoid an emotional escalation.
"I thought you knew Marinette was Ladybug," Kagami said.
"I'm actually surprised you know, to be honest," said.
"I have my ways," Kagami grinned. "I presume Nino knows as well."
"Yeah, just found out that day, you know with whole Cthulu shebang!"
"I have read the fascinating tale by Hovercraft. It is a shame none of the movie adaptations have done his work justice."
"You saw every Hovercraft movie adaptation?" Nino asked. Kagami hesitated and looked sad.
"I had too much time on my hands…"
"Relax," Alya said, patting Kagami's back rather harshly.
"OOF!"
"No need to be gloomy today," she said. "Today way focus on Marinette's welcome home party!" she said pointing up. "And don't think I have forgotten about ridding you out of that uniform."
"I am honoring the dead," Kagami countered.
"Right," Alya said, rolling her eyes. "Hey I got an idea, how about we get to my place and have a chat with our kwami?"
"Sounds fun," Kagami smiled.
Meanwhile… Movie theater…
"Whoooaaaahhhh!" Duusuu flew around, having her own fun like a newborn.
"Duusuu is the youngest of the miraculous in the box," the guardian confirmed. "She may have been out of the box for longer than she was inside."
Both he and Adrien were looking up as the peacock kwami flew around.
"Duusuu, please," Tikki tried to reason with her. "You need to stay hidden.
"NOPE!" Duusuu, the headbutted Tikki, knocking her off course.
"OW!"
"HEY!" Adrien yelled.
"Where's Nathalie!?"
"You will sit still Duusuu!" the guardian shouted in a rare display of actual anger.
"Catch me if you can," Duusuu said in a singsong voice as she flew away.
"She must not be seen!" Sass went after her at a breakneck speed. He quickly caught up with her and pinned her down before she could reach the window.
"For a weakened kwami you sure are quick," Duusuu croaked as she struggled under Sass's weight. Adrien shook his head with a sigh.
"What do you make if this, master?"
"I believe, due to her being used for evil for so long, I'm afraid she came to enjoy the act of evil."
"What do you suggest?" Adrien asked. The master stroked his beard.
"Entrust it with someone, permanently."
"Master?"
"I have already permanently entrusted several of my miraculous due to recent circumstances. I believe this case is the most urgent."
"Who do you think she should go to?" Tikki asked. "I don't think we should entrust her with Nathalie again."
"No, I have someone else in mind."
"Oh?" Tikki inquired.
"Adrien, I believe you know who," Master Fu suggested.
"Oh," Adrien realized. "I don't know, does Mordecai have what it takes to set her on track?"
"I have known Skips for some time," the master smiled. "He has spoken highly of his responsible and level-headed nature. For the longest of time, it was the kwami who have set the user straight, I believe the reverse is also possible."
"Speaking of which, I do have to check if he has got something from Skips while we're at it."
"You mean the Tsurugi's merger with Majima construction?" Master Fu concluded. "Do you believe it is connected?"
"That article Kagami found about Nathalie's original self," Adrien pointed out. "Can't be a coincidence."
"Majima Construction is situated in the center Tokyo colony of Kamarucho. Suspicious activity has become synonymous there."
"One way to find out I guess," Adrien said as he got up.
Elsewhere in Paris…
Luka carried pieces of the stage that the crew was striking down. Wearing a hat for the sun, gloves, and steel boots, he was doing his part removing the stage from the canceled graduation ceremony due to the whole white plague incident. Luka had heard people losing faith in the heroes but Luka knew that maybe Ladybug's power had been saving them from accountability for too long. Sweating and working his butt off as he carried pieces of debris, hearing those heckles from coworkers and people passing by. Once he was done dismantling the stage, he stopped and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Hey kid," Andy greeted. "It's ten minutes past the end of your shift, we can take it from here."
"Ok," Luka gave a thumbs up.
Suddenly a pile of I-beams accidentally started to fall from a higher level above Andy.
"LOOK OUT!" someone yelled.
"AAAAAAHHHH!" Andy ducked and covered and prepared his pending doom. Luka, however, sprung into action and tackled him out of the way. The I-beams landed where Andy was not one second ago.
"Whoo," Luka got up from on top of his employer. "Are you ok?" he asked, offering his hand.
Andy laid paralyzed in place, trying to process what had happened.
"Sir?"
"*groan*" Andy groaned, taking Luka's hand. "When I was given this job opportunity in France, this isn't what I had in m-a-a-a-a-a-a-A-A-A-A-AHHHHHHH!" he noticed the I-beams having landed where he once stood, a couple was sticking into the soil, causing them to stand. Luka scratched his cheek with a nervous chuckle, he then put his hand on his shoulder.
"I think you need to sit down," he said. Andy rolled up his eyes and fainted.
Mister Bug and Rocket had just arrived at the scene and watched from afar.
"There's no way we would've made it on time," Rocket said.
"As if morale wasn't so low already," Mister Bug admitted, stroking his chin. "However…"
Later…
Luka got off the bus and made his way to the boardwalk to his yacht, carrying a bag of dinner, remembered bringing dinner for Rose.
"Luka!" Juleka greeted from the distance right when he was about to enter his yacht.
"Hey girls," Luka greeted.
"Is mom back, yet?"
"Not yet, by the way, brought some junk," he said, raising his bag with a grin.
"Sweet!" Rose squealed.
"Cool," Juleka added.
Luka gave the bag to Rose and entered the yacht. Luka and Juleka entered and saw Rose digging in.
"How's she doing?" Luka asked.
"So much high spirits," Juleka said. "Considering."
"She was a blubbering mess when it happened," Luka said, leaning on the door side with his arms crossed. "Any relatives?"
"None who she's particularly close with," Juleka said.
"I see," Luka soother, his eyelids appeared to weigh on him.
"You're exhausted," Juleka said. "How long have you've been working like this, two years?"
"Two and a half," Luka said. "And what happened last month sure put a dent on things."
"You know I can drop out and look for a job," Juleka said.
"Out of the question," Luka said. "You'll need at least your high school education in case your modeling gig doesn't work out."
"But what about you?" Juleka asked. "You've been breaking your back with your job to finance the band, and with Ivan gone…"
"I'll think of something," Luka said. Both siblings gave each other sad smiles before being caught off guard by the bubbly Rose.
"Hey guys," Rose called. "Dig in or else I'll eat it all."
"Fat chance," Juleka said, joining her.
"Hey, I paid for it," Luka said. "Save some for me."
Meanwhile…
"OW!"
Present Queen Bee landed on her back on the hot pavement of the rooftop. Future Queen Bee was still standing, only slightly agitated.
"Sometimes I wonder what Cat Noir saw in me that Ladybug didn't back then," she said, making sure her younger self heard her.
"Yeah, whatever, you old hag," younger Queen Bee said, greeting her teeth as she rolled on her side, trying to get up.
"All this old hag did is to show you a mirror, nothing more," Future Queen Bee pointed at herself and place her hands on her hips. Present Queen Bee's arms trembled as she tried to push herself up. Her future self walked up to her and offered her hand. She looked up and her future self initially had a stern look on her face, but quickly changed to a gentle smile. Present Queen Bee had a lamented look on her face. She began to tremble and looked like she was about to cry before taking her hand, accepting her help to get up. She was about to break down in tears only for her older self to hold her tight. The two turned back to their civilian persona and both Pollens looked on.
"Cat Noir was right about her," Present Pollen said.
"Oh this is only the beginning," future Pollen said as they looked on the two hugging Chloe's.
Later…At Tsurugi residence…
"I have not told Kagami but it is true. It was another reason I honored her school transfer request. It was a way to save budget to survive long enough until the merger," Tomoe Tsurugi told Adrien.
"Do you think Majima is connected to everything?"
"If so, then we are indeed in serious peril," she said.
"Any other alternatives?"
"There was the much more prosperous Arasaka," Tomoe said. "I have taken that into consideration as well."
"I do find Majima suspicious," Adrien said. "I mean, a company founded by a former Yakuza to escalate to Arasaka levels so quickly."
"Indeed," Tomoe agreed. "But Majima seems quite astute with his management. I'm impressed."
"Still, I think you gave a window, here," Adrien said. "I suppose you yourself have your reasons for this merger. I know of your family well and I know your family pride wouldn't just be absorbed by the company, even if it is to keep yourselves afloat…"
"You know us too well, young Adrien…" Tomoe clenched her cane to her chest. "Yes, I need the founder's assistance for something more personal."
"What is it?"
"I am looking for something precious to me, something I desire just as much as Kagami herself…"
Adrien was intrigued but felt pointless to pursue this topic further.
Hole in the Wall Pizza Joint…
"Did the police already spoke with Alix's family?" Alya asked.
"Her brother told them what he knew about the Blue Mustang. Of course, they would have disregarded those claims had Mister Bug not been involved. Her entire family came from the Blue Mustang for generations yet he refused to be part of it," Kagami revealed.
"So he was left out in the dark, hm?"
"I just don't get it," Alya said. "Does that mean Alix knew? Her future self and the bunny miraculous?"
"Don't know," Nino said with a sigh. "She was so cool."
"Yeah, it's unbelievable," Alya agreed. "And if it's true that Alix never came back to her family, then it's most likely we'll never find her before she becomes the evil Bunny Ryuko had fought."
"Hey, over here!" Nino waved, snapping Alya out of her trance.
"Yes, I believe I can recognize my classmates," Max greeted, sitting next to Nino.
"Max," Alya greeted. "I didn't know you were coming."
"Yeah, I texted him on our way here," Nino said.
"How did you find this place, anyway?" Alya asked. Nino froze for a second. He took off his hat and scratched his hair with his thumb.
"Adrien and I came to this place once or twice," he said.
"What?" Alya asked.
"He said this is where his dad worked before he entered fashion," Nino confirmed. Alya snorted.
"Mr. Agreste flipping pizza?" she asked. "I find it hard to believe."
"Gotta start somewhere I guess," Nino shrugged.
"I'm impressed by such determination," Kagami said.
"So um…" Nino tapped his fingers on the table. "Ready to order?"
A few minutes later…
"I appreciate inviting me to this gathering," Max Kante said as he accepted the plate with his slice.
"You have saved me from the harsh Australian waves," Kagami remembered. "I am paying for your meal."
"Oh, you didn't have to," Max insisted.
"Nonsense," Kagami reassure with a smile. "I am grateful that you rescued me from the harsh waves."
As soon as the waiter left, Trixx, Wyazz, Longg, and Kaalki came out from their hiding places and rejoiced to their reunion after being separated for so long. The kids knew it would lead to it and further their celebration they ordered a couple of extra slices for them. Despite not being what they normally eat to recharge, they don't mind a few bites of pizza. The four kids couldn't help but laugh together at the tender moment. They each dug in, Kagami wasn't even sure when was the last time she had pizza, especially from a place such as this. Nevertheless, the pizza she had in this joint was the best she ever tasted. The four engaged in a series of conversations, everyone got their minds off what had happened and the family members Alya and Nino had lost and their minds kept on the positive moment they are in right now. The topics they went through were more freedom and exploration that she never experienced in her life.
"I'm telling you, it's gotten more fun with our new wielders," Trixx said.
"Please, we must remind you that this is a serious situation," Wayzz said.
"Don't be a party pooper, Wayzz," Kaalki said.
"I agree with Kaalki," Longg said. "Despite the dangerous enemy approaching, they must find time to unwind. Kagami and I learned that together," he said looking up at Kagami, who just smiled back.
"I must say, you've changed quite a bit Kaalki," Trixx pointed out.
"Oh, shush," Kaalki crossed her hooves and looked away.
The kids had a good laugh at that. Right after, something hit Alya, and looked down in a hint of sadness.
"Maybe we're taking the loss a little too lightly," Alya looked down. "I mean, Mom, Ella…"
"Hey," Nino reassured. "I lost my dad. Do you think he would want Mom, Chris, and I to just lock ourselves up? My mom would smoke me if she caught me moping in my room."
"I agree Alya," Max said. "It would be wise not to dwell on that."
"You're right," Alya smiled.
"I am worried about Marinette, however," Kagami said. "Everything she had lost and is now returning to a new home. I could only wonder her reaction once she sees what became of her old home…"
"That's right," Alya said. "She wasn't able to use the miraculous cure because she had become Meloe that night."
"I believe we must take her to her old hope prior to greeting her at her party," Kagami suggested.
"Is that wise?" Max asked.
"The sooner she discovers that truth, the better it'll be for her,"
"Maybe…" Alya said, pushing her glasses.
"Hey, how about we don't think about that right now and focus on your coming party?" Trixx suggested.
"Correct again," Max said. "First, we need to inform Mr. Agreste of our intended location."
"Taken care of," Nino grinned.
Meanwhile… in Mordecai and Rigby's apartment…
"So, got anything Skips?" Mordecai asked his mentor who was talking to him on his laptop.
"It's a very curious tale, actually," Skips replied. "Both Gabriel and Tomoe knew that Adrien and Kagami were not merging their families, so she had no choice but to look for the help she needs."
"Is that about Kagami?"
"Not quite," Skips said. "Though considering Kagami, Tomoe is looking for something she had left behind and she wanted for Kagami to know about it before, well, you know. I'll keep an eye on things, but don't give Adrien any hopes. I need more time to look into this."
"I gotcha," Mordecai said as he cut off the chat.
"Did I miss anything?" Adrien walked in. Rocket joined him.
"Oh, hey kid," Mordecai said. Rocket crossed his arms with a grin.
"Jealous?" he asked. Mordecai rolled his eyes.
"As if," he said. "I'm way past being jealous after you got your GED."
"I know," Rocket conceded. "Tanuki, let's loose." He detranformed to Rigby.
"Man, seriously," Mordecai said. "Maybe it was fate that I got knocked out. That was a badass save from the tentacle, don't know if I would've pulled it off."
"Hey, don't think you'd be left out of the party," Rigby said.
"Huh?"
"Mordecai Quintell, I give you the peacock miraculous, it'll grant you the power of amokization," Adrien showed him the box. Mordecai's mouth dropped with bug eyes to the likes Rigby had not seen in years.
"Dude," Rigby laughed. "I haven't seen you this speechless since your disastrous relationship with Margaret!"
"We promised not to talk about that!" Mordecai retorted. He gulped and took the peacock brooch and put it on, which triggered a light with its kwami emerging.
"Cooooooool…"
"Huh?" Duusuu looked around. "Where am I? Where's Nathalie?"
"Hey…" Mordecai soothed in wonder.
"Hello…" Tanuki was about to approach Duusuu but was silently stopped by Tikki.
"Hey there little dudette," Mordecai said as he approached his hand to pet her.
"You're not Nathalie!" Duusuu shouted and bit Mordecai's finger.
"AH, AH, AH, AH!" he shouted painfully as he tried to shake her off. "Let go you little punk!"
"Oh boy…" Adrien muttered in dismay.
Meanwhile… London train station to Paris…
Marinette sat on the bench waiting for Gabriel while speaking to Nathalie on her tablet. The entire luggage that she actually recovered thanks to the miraculous Mister Bug was courtesy of Gorilla, Adrien's bodyguard. At first, she didn't want him around because it would be too painful for him to be around without Adrien but that would mean he'd be out of a job so she ultimately decided to keep him around. That's what made her realized that to give a shout out to him as well as to stay connected to him is to wear his colors, which she chose to wear from now on as a tribute to him. She was now focusing on her conversation.
"There's a difference?" Marinette asked.
"Of course," Nathalie replied rather enthusiastically. "The video version has a brief pause in the music when Nick starts the second verse and it omits the guitar solo from the album version and the refrain is longer there, most likely to focus on the dancers on the video."
Marinette simply blinked at her while Plagg emerged.
"Sheesh, and here I thought my Cat Noir was a geek," he said. Nathalie merely giggled.
Gabriel appeared behind Marinette. Nathalie took saw him and cleared her throat. Only then is where Marinette noticed he was standing above her.
"Oh, Mr. Agreste," she stood up.
"So," he said. "This is what you'll be wearing?"
Marinette looked down and taking in as if getting used to her new look. She wore jean shorts, a white short-sleeved coat with a black t-shirt underneath, and blue cross strap flat sandals. She became apprehensive as he finally took note that those were his son's colors. As well as, of course, the red ribbon her parents had given her on her hair.
"I thought that this might be my tribute to him," she said. "Hope you don't mind."
Gabriel didn't want to think about it. It didn't really bother him too much, knowing what he knew. He pushed his glasses in.
"It's fine," he said. Marinette looked up at him with a smile and nodded.
"Thank you," she said and hugged him. "Thank you for letting me go with this! Thank you got taking me in, too"
Gabriel simply hugged back, though his expression didn't really change.
"Come on the train is here," he said.
"I'll catch you later, Nathalie," Marinette said to her tablet.
"Of course," Nathalie said. "Have a safe trip."
On her seat, the train had already taken off, and decided to wait for a while before letting Alya know that she's on her way back. Despite their moment, she decided not to say a word to Gabriel and Gorilla as they are most likely in their own world right now with their eyes blinded. Once she realized they were now out on the outskirts of London, she put her earplugs on and began to play "Key To My Castle" by DJ Sammy.
Author's note:
Gonna leave it there and yes, part of the Chloe vs. Chloe confrontation was taken from "Mortal Kobat 11." Similar to how Johnny Cage confronted his younger self.
What do you think about Nathalie fangirling over the Backstreet Boys? What she was talking about were the differences between the video and album versions of the song: "Larger Than Life." I didn't make those up; those are actual differences between the two versions of the song. Play them back to back and listen for yourself. XD