Marinette could feel something was off about the night, even before Tikki squirmed free from her resting place inside the pocket of Marinette's skirt. As Tikki flitted around the large kitchen, Marinette set down her tube of icing, and looked at the small kwami, "Tikki, calm down. Stop buzzing around, you're making me nervous. What is it? Do you want some frosting?"
Tikki's eyes were frantic, "I don't know, but I don't like it."
Marinette looked at the dark doorway of the kitchen, and back to Tikki. The unsettling feeling in her stomach was echoed in Tikki's shifting eyes. It had been a long time since Marinette had been afraid of the dark. She slept with a nightlight for longer than she wanted to admit before she was able to conquer her fear of the dark. As did most childhood terrors, the fear had faded with time. But sitting there in the bakery kitchen, with no one around, suddenly set her back to her nightlight days. The same kind of irrational terror that had once plagued her struck her again. The feeling that there was something out there in the dark. She was certain of it. Her parents had gone to sleep a little less than an hour earlier, leaving Marinette to happily frost cookies to distract her from going back to her home outside Paris in the morning. She was distracting herself from the thought of the next day and returning to work. Until a few moments ago, she had thought nothing of being alone in the bakery. Now, she was uneasy. The darkness seemed to creep into the kitchen through the arched doorway.
She quickly capped her icing bag and pulled her apron over her head. She was being ridiculous. There was nothing in the dark except a sleeping city. The fear of the darkness vanished as quickly as it had come, but the uneasy feeling remained. Marinette couldn't shake the notion that the feeling was somehow familiar, and it nagged at her like the feeling she got when she felt someone was looking at her, but couldn't find the source. She walked to the hooks near the entrance, and hung the apron up slowly. She wouldn't be able to concentrate on frosting the cookies anymore, anyway. She turned off the light in the kitchen and walked back into hallway that lead to the apartment.
She smiled at the memory of her childhood room, where she started her design career. With that thought she turned, and snuck quietly out the back door, into the streets of Paris. She looked at Tikki, who had flown again from her pocket to look around. She was obviously still on edge.
Marinette felt the nausea rise inside her, as the realization struck her. There was really only one reason why Tikki would be acting this way. Marinette could hear her heartbeat in her ears. With a hint of horror in her voice she breathed, "You don't think…"
Tikki frowned, still panicked, "I think I do think."
Marinette sighed, and pushed her hand through her long, dark hair. She held up her hands, "Wait, let's do a little investigating before we jump to conclusions. No need to get all worked up for nothing."
Tikki nodded, and flew back into Marinette's pocket. Marinette started to walk, and then walked a little faster, and then quickly broke into a run. Her hair whipped behind her as she raced through the dimly lit streets. She ran past rows of townhomes and quaint apartments, through the neighborhoods and towards the center of the city. It was so familiar to her, she didn't even think about which streets were where, she just followed her instincts.
It felt good to run, even if she was wearing the wrong kind of shoes. The night spring air was cool and crisp and stung her skin just a little. As she rounded the next corner, she slowed down and stopped at the edge of the street and looked into the square. Her heart was pounding and she was breathing heavy, but she felt alert and ready to face whatever was waiting for her.
Before her was the Louvre, decorated to welcome the world to Paris for Fashion Week. And, as far as she could tell there was just a party in the main square of the city. It was nothing out of the ordinary for a week like this. With the right permits and permissions, a party here at the Louvre would be sensational. This party didn't disappoint. There were sparkling lights, free drinks, a large stage for dancing, and beautiful decorations. It was the kind of party that Andrew would drag her to. With a frown, she realized she would be surprised if she didn't find him here. But, as she looked into the swarm of seemingly happily drunk people, she still couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. She looked harder.
Pouring into the main area by the famous glass pyramid, were people who seemed to be coming from the aftermath of various other parties. Glamorous celebrities and fashion fanatics alike moved to the music. The loud electronic and highly synthesized music was coming from a large set of speakers near the back of the square. Marinette stared for another few seconds before she realized she was nodding her head and tapping her foot to the beat. She was also slowly walking towards the entrance. With a bit of shock she stopped, and processed this new development.
Before she had noticed the music it was just noise, but now that she was paying attention to it, it seemed to call to her. The music was intoxicating. Marinette was having a hard time keeping her thoughts all in one line as the beat and heavy bass of the electronic music reached for her. It whispered to her, promising a good time; a fantastic party with the people she'd been getting to know all week, not to mention free admission. She shook her head, trying to ignore the pull of the music, reminding herself that she didn't even like parties.
There was more than just the nightlife of Paris happening here. She was determined to figure it out, even if that meant returning to a life she'd left behind.
Marinette looked around, scoping out a way to get a better look at the party without actually going in. She smiled, seeing a taller building not too far off, and made her way to the building. She walked around it until she found the fire escape ladder, and quickly climbed to the top of the building. She stood in the shadow of the chimney, trying to look small, and looked down into the plaza.
Up above the noise, she could see the scene more clearly. Standing at the entrance to the large party, was a girl with a glittering dress and a large pair of headphones. She was stamping people's hands as they went past her, and as they entered the party scene they seemed to fall into a trance. Upon closer inspection Marinette found that many of the people looked exhausted, much like the kids from when The Bubbler had thrown Adrien an impromptu birthday party. When they tried to leave the plaza, a seemingly invisible force field arose to keep them in. After a few moments of confusion, they went back to partying, and the blockade vanished. Marinette frowned. This was too strange to be a coincidence.
Her heart hammered as she reached up to the currently black earrings. The weight of her situation hit her. She touched the miraculous stones lightly and Tikki appeared from her pocket and looked at her, "I'm sure of it now, Marinette. I don't just think, I can feel it, I know it."
Marinette sighed. If she decided to become Ladybug again right now, her whole life would get turned upside down. And yet, if the akuma were back, she didn't really have a choice. As far as she knew, only Ladybug could cure the cursed akuma. But, she thought in a moment of selfishness, her life was so charmed right now. She was working for a great company doing her dream job, and maybe falling in love with a handsome man. Becoming a hero again right now would mean leaving a lot of that behind, or at least a new layer of secrets that could bar her from fully enjoying her current life. At the same time, she couldn't just leave Paris at the mercy of the Akuma and La Papillon.
She squared her shoulders, and looked to the red kwami. Just like it had the first time she decided to become Ladybug, her desire to save and protect the people of her beloved city outweighed her selfish desires.
She hummed and smiled at her small, red companion, "I think it's time."
"Finally." Tikki sighed with a huge smile, "I've only been waiting for, literally, years."
Marinette laughed, "Thanks for waiting for me, Tikki. I'm ready. Spots on!"
The familiar warmth of the transformation from everyday human to spotted hero washed over her. The mask and the suit were just as snug and comfortable as they had always been. They still felt warm, like she had worn them just the other day. Her hair swirled up behind her, and into two pigtails, tied with long red ribbons. Marinette smiled at the memory of her younger years, and at the fact that Tikki was bringing them back. A spotted yoyo appeared at her waist, and the light around her faded. She stood on the roof of the building looking down at the party below.
The music seemed like just music now. It was catchy, but not as hypnotizing as it had been. She was grateful for the protection and clarity Tikki offered her.
Her mind raced as she thought about what she had just done. She was Ladybug again. There was no going back to her simple life as Marinette. It felt good. Scary, but mostly it felt like coming home again. It was familiar and welcome. She could feel the difference. She was stronger, faster, quieter. At the same time, it was like nothing had changed. Her life as a hero was a part of her, a part she hadn't realized she would miss so much.
She looked down at herself, at her costume. A far cry from her teenage getup, the suit she now wore was a deep red, rich and earthy, with accents of black in a symmetrical pattern. It was odd, not to see the simple spotted pattern, but at the same time, the new design was perfect. Not to mention the added bonus of twin ponytails. Tikki hadn't been kidding about designing her outfits.
Her musings about the change in her suit were halted as she also thought of what it meant that Tikki had been so upset. The time of peace in Paris was over. The akuma were back for real, and somewhere in the crowd below her was someone poisoning the music and trapping tired party-goers in the large plaza.
Ladybug moved in the dark to the roof of another building, getting closer to the party. She watched as people followed the sound of the music, much like she had, and were then trapped inside the invisible barrier of the party. It was an odd power for an akuma to have. At least she wasn't dangerous as far as Ladybug could tell.
Ladybug felt the hair on her arms stand up, and she spun around ready to fight, her teeth clenched and fists balled. She sucked in a breath as a figure landed on the roof. She tightened her muscles and posed to strike if need be.
"Well, well, well, look at what the cat dragged in." A flirtatious voice called through the dark, and a man clad in black from head to toe appeared in the flickering lights.
Ladybug raised an eyebrow, and her muscles relaxed a little, "Chat Noir?"
The familiar sight of cat ears and green eyes made her smile. She relaxed and stood with her hands on her hips, suddenly grateful that she wasn't alone.
A cheshire grin spread across his face, "It's good to see you, My Lady."
She smiled, "My mischievous Kitty-Cat. It's good to see you, too." She stopped, "Your outfit is different." She noted, still a little stuck in fashion mode. The new upgrades to his suit were fitting for an older hero.
"Well, we both grew up a bit didn't we?" She smiled up at him, realizing how much taller than her he was, "Goodness," she whispered, then snapped back to attention, "How have you been, Chat?"
Chat Noir put his hand over his heart, "My Lady, my world has been dark and dreary since I saw you last. To see you again is like rising from the dead."
She rolled her eyes, feeling the frustration from her teenage years returning, "You haven't changed."
"Cat's out of the bag, My Lady." He winked at her, "You bring out the best in me."
"If this is your best, I don't want to see your worst." She rolled her eyes, and felt the familiar warmth of friendship and partnership return. She looked at him again, really looked at him, and she couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. She laughed a little, "I'm glad you're here. Looks like we're back into the frying pan, huh?"
"So it seems." Chat Noir peered over her, "It's strange to have this happen again after so long." He commented.
"I agree." She sighed, "but at least we're together."
"We could stay together if you'd like." His eyebrow raised beneath his mask, and he leaned down close to her. His green eyes glinted in the flickering lights of the party beneath them.
Her eyes widened and her heart skipped, she hadn't been so forwardly flirted with in some time. Granted, there was Andrew, but Andrew seemed tame in comparison to a mature, and admittedly very attractively built, Chat Noir. She had harbored a small crush for Chat Noir when she was younger, but had pushed it down since she had been pining after Adrien. With Adrien out of the picture, and with Andrew's feelings yet to be confirmed, she was very aware of him. She blinked, and then pushed him away. She smiled, "Not this time, Kitty-cat. Right now we have an akuma to catch."
Chat Noir sighed, and looked down into the plaza once again, "So who do you think it is?" He hummed.
Ladybug folded her arms, "I'm not sure. But my guess is on the girl at the gate stamping people's hands. She seems to control who comes in, so maybe she controls who leaves?" She looked back at her partner with a hopeful look.
He shrugged, "Your guess is as good as mine, My Lady. Well," he smirked, "Your guess is probably better."
"Well," she ignored his flirting, "the only way to know, is to go down there and check it out." She sighed.
"Ladies first." He smirked at her again and bowed, motioning for her to jump off the building first.
She rang the small bell that still remained around his neck, "How very gentlemanly of you, Chat Noir." She flicked her wrist and jumped down to the ground using her yoyo to slow her fall.
Ladybug frowned as she landed lightly on the ground. Her heart was telling her that it was great to see Chat Noir again, but at the same time she was still uncertain about her feelings for Andrew. She didn't need to add Chat Noir into that equation.
With a sigh she turned back towards the building, "Are you coming, Kitty?"
"Yes, My Lady." He flipped off the ledge and landed lightly next to her. He stood up smoothly and looked down at her, "So what's the plan?"
She turned to him with sparkling eyes, "Wanna go to a party with me?"
He grinned, "Sounds purrfect."
88888888
They walked over to the girl with the hand stamper, and Ladybug could feel the akuma as they walked past the girl. She grinned at them, "Welcome! Please enjoy yourselves."
Chat Noir stepped a little closer to Ladybug, as they both conveniently avoided getting their hands stamped. Chat Noir hummed in her ear, "I think that's her."
Ladybug pretended to sway to the music, "I think so too. Where do you think the akuma is?" She looked towards the girl.
"My guess is the headphones." He gestured to the large glittering over-ear headphones floating on top of her golden curls.
Ladybug watched her for another moment before the girl turned to her with a wicked smile. Ladybug stepped back, bumping into Chat Noir. She turned to give him a stern look. He grinned sheepishly, touching the back of his neck lightly.
The akumatized girl jumped down from her perch, and took her headphones off her ears, "Ah, Ladybug and Chat Noir, how good to see you. My name is Party Crasher, and my friend Monsieur Papillon sends his regards and welcomes you back to Paris. I hope you enjoy the party." She turned the ear cups of her headphones towards them.
Ladybug paled, "This is bad."
She and Chat Noir dived in opposite directions as the sound blasted from her headphones towards them. Ladybug turned back around, and looked at Chat Noir. She grabbed her yoyo from her hip and spun it around a few times before latching onto the large speakers. She flew up to the top and perched there, laying flat on her stomach.
Chat Noir quickly followed her, using his muscles to launch himself to the top, "Well, now we know who the akuma is." He laid down next to her, careful not to get too close.
Ladybug moved closer to him, "Are we sure it's her headphones?" She hummed.
Chat Noir tried to keep his emotions in check as he tried not to think about the heat that was radiating from her body to his. She was so close. Her long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders as she peered down over the edge of the large speaker. She shot him a look, and his heart stopped. He shrugged, "I'm not sure of anything, except that you are beautiful, My Lady. Though I don't think the headphones alone could keep all of these people in here." He gestured to the party.
Ladybug sighed, "Well if this is truly a welcome party from La Papillon to us, it's likely he meant to trap us here." She sucked in as she realized where it was.
Chat Noir smiled, "The hand stamp?"
"The hand stamp." Ladybug smiled back, and stood up. She threw her yoyo up, and shouted, "Lucky Charm!" There was a flash of light, and into her hands fell a pair of headphones. She looked at them for a moment while she thought about how best to use them. Her eyes rested on Party Crasher's headphones.
"Perfect." She smiled.
Chat Noir raised an eyebrow, "What?"
Ladybug jumped down from her perch, and walked towards the girl.
"My Lady!" Chat Noir hissed, "Stop!"
She ignored Chat Noir's protests, and made her way towards Party Crasher.
Chat Noir paled as his partner raced into danger. Flashbacks of her getting eaten by a T-rex ghosted through his memory. He jumped up and dove after her.
Ladybug smiled, "Excuse me?" She called out to the other girl.
"What?" She glared, "Are you giving yourself up to me?"
"I would like to know what you think of this song? You are throwing the best party in Paris, are you not? You don't look like you're from around here. Why not try some traditional Parisian Party Music? We can talk about La Papillon and what he wants in a minute, listen to this first." Ladybug offered her the headphones. She walked close to get the spotted headphones and Ladybug reached out, taking the hand stamper from the other girl.
Before she could stop her, Ladybug threw the stamp to the ground, where it shattered. A small black butterfly fluttered from the broken thing. She smiled, and swirled her yoyo towards the bug. It snapped around the butterfly and back into her hand. She opened the yoyo and a white butterfly flew away.
"Bye bye, little butterfly." She grinned.
Chat Noir raced to stand next to her, "Don't scare me like that, My Lady."
"Don't worry so much." She laughed and threw the spotted headphones into the air, "Miraculous!"
The plaza was washed in red light as the speakers disappeared, and the invisible barrier came down. The girl that had been akumatized stood confused in the center of the square, and looked around as the people that had come to the party slowly started to make their way out of the plaza.
"Well done, My Lady." Chat Noir smirked, and held out his fist.
She smiled, and lightly knocked her fist against his. The gesture was more comforting that she thought it would be.
Her earrings bleeped. She looked surprised, then smiled sadly, "Looks like I have to go. See you around, Kitty-cat." She winked and waved as she ran out of the plaza and up onto the rooftops of Paris.
88888888
Ladybug touched down just outside of the hotel she was staying at with Andrew, and in the dark of the building's shadow she dropped the transformation. Tikki flew from her earrings, and beamed up at her, "Marinette! That was fantastic!" She laughed, "I'm tired now, but you did great!"
"You were fantastic, Tikki." Marinette beamed as she handed the red kwami a cookie she'd snagged from her father's store. Tikki happily munched at the cookie.
Marinette walked in the doors to a quiet hotel and up to her small room. She swiped the key card and the door swung open. There next to her small bed was her small suitcase. Everything about her life in fashion seemed to dim in comparison to the rush of heroism she'd just come from. She sighed, and closed the door behind her. Tikki flew to the small desk, with the large cookie still in her grasp. Marinette sat on her bed, and pulled off her shoes.
"Tikki, what am I going to do? I don't live in Paris anymore. I can't come running to the rescue every time something goes wrong." She looked at the small red creature.
"Don't worry, Marinette." She smiled at her, "It will all work out."
Marinette huffed, "I hope so."
"You should get some sleep." Tikki chimed, "We have to go back to Square and your boring citizen life tomorrow. I'm sure Alyssandra will be happy to see you." Tikki teased.
Marinette groaned, "Don't remind me. Goodnight Tikki." She hummed as she pulled the blanket over her head. Tikki turned off the light, and Marinette lifted the blanket, inviting Tikki in. Tikki zipped under the blanket and snuggled next to Marinette. Marinette drifted off to sleep, dreaming of spotted costumes and cat ears.