MY FAIR-Y LADY
[Based on & Inspired by the Lady Fairy AU from BeeBeeBomBam in Tumblr]
CHAPTER 02: Eventually, the Bubble Bursts (Part 1)
Opening Remarks: Hello! I am back after a while huh? I do apologize for the lateness. I was originally going to write Chapter 2 after my finals but I got caught up enjoying my summer vacation a bit too much. Hence, why it only came out now. As I have already stated previously in my 1st chapter, episode rewrites like these will be divided into parts as for an easier reading experience for others.
I hope you all enjoy my story, and if you want, leave a comment since I would like to reply to them when I can, and I hope I can continue writing more on this!
"And . . . we're done!" His voice sounds out as she played out the last tune of her violin, signaling its silence and the end of their recording. Marinette was happy that she didn't mess up the final piece.
"Really? Awesome!" Spinning on her heel, Marinette reminded herself when bumping into the wall that where she was recording was already lacking in space as it is and steadied herself, showing the obvious redness in her face.
"Uhhh, Nino . . . can I step out then? I don't want to become a hazard to your booth," Marinette asks through the makeshift sound booth that was in Nino's room; the sound booth where he was helping her record various pieces for a certain someone's special day. All she got was a snicker before she knew he went back to his work.
"Yeah Mari, you can come out now. I am just adding the finishing touches," Nino said as Marinette stepped out and rounded to where she knew her swivel chair was. Scooting closer despite not really seeing it, Marinette faced where she knew the desktop was as being used by her friend whose focus is on mixing and compiling the music together.
His headphones blaring out the music she can still hear due to her good sense of hearing, and while she could still hear it Marinette was not as adept in what Nino was fully doing but trusted her friend nonetheless with his own skillful knowledge of music.
Music was one of their main shared interests growing up, being friends for around half their lives. Her love of playing music using her violin and sound pad along with his vast knowledge and DJ skills in various audio equipment to mix music made them inseparable and their bond as close friends has transcended above just their interests in music. But their share of love for music is where they are at now: Compiling various violin pieces Marinette composed and played as Nino enhances it to be an even greater musical experience to any who will listen to it.
Or in their case, for a certain someone.
"I really hope Adrien will like this for his birthday . . ." Marinette ponders out loud in contemplation. Nino, realizing what was going to happen, intervened.
"Don't sweat it, Mari! I'm sure as hell he's gonna love this!" Nino assured his friend as she leans her head onto his left shoulder, humming in agreement over his words. Nino looked back at his friend with a slight tinge of red in his cheeks and smile before going back to the finishing touches on the gift.
'There's no way he's not gonna love what you made Mari, I know he will!' Patting her head gently like a friend or a dog, he got a hearty chuckle out of her as he readied the playlist for completion.
No matter how confident Marinette can be, blind or not, sometimes she still needs reassurance over her intentions, and for Nino, he wants to ensure he is one of those people who can. Having known Marinette since, he always had this drive to be encouraging, caring and being the all-around friend who can support her during times her confidence wavers as he did to all his friends. It became even more so when she became blind. That incident, vague as it may be, made him want to guarantee he was there for her as one of the friends she needed when she had cracks in her resolve, but with his way of being fun-loving and chill, it helps show the trust in his intentions as the best friend who can be laid-back yet wholeheartedly caring.
Nino wishes he can be that best friend as well for his new close friend and classmate Adrien Agreste, teen model and model son to his father's huge fashion business. Despite having been the "new kid" while also having such a reputation follow him around, Adrien's tenacity to just wanting to have a normal life made him an alright person in Nino's book; hence, why he wants Adrien to achieve as his friend. He only wishes that his father, a certain fashion mogul named Gabriel Agreste, could lessen the workload he places on Adrien and actually let the guy enjoy his youth.
'He's the man's kid, not just an employee he can parade around.'
But with the stories he hears of the strict and reclusive fashion mogul from both news sources and from Adrien himself, Nino wonders if there's just a stick up Gabriel's butt.
'Probably does.'
At least for now, Nino can enjoy his time with his other close friend as he waits for the playlist file to be fully finished onto the CD. It might sound old-fashioned but Nino still appreciates a good CD and he hopes Adrien can as well. A ding can be heard as the process was completed with the CD ready as a gift, both teens squealed in joy. Giving the gift to Marinette, she rushed to hug Nino in her seat.
"Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!" Giddy as she was, Marinette smiling so brightly that it could rival the sun was always a sight for her family and friends.
"Yeah yeah no problem, Dude-inette! Just make sure you put it in like a gift bag and sign it as yours Mari—"
"What are you talking about? I am signing this as from both of us, duh!"
Nino looked in confusion at his equally confused friend who faced in his general direction. After a moment, Marinette spoke.
"Nino, this is from both of us. Of course, I am going to sign as from 'Marinette & Nino'!"
"No way Mari, you're the one who planned this whole thing. From the idea itself to you even composing some original pieces. I only did the bare minimum."
"Nu-uh Nino! You're a DJ wizard with your skills and you just made sure my music didn't sound that bad! Plus, your sound booth & other equipment helped out. It's from both of us, Lahiffe." Even with her eyes closed, Nino can tell Marinette was glaring at him as her smug smile said so. Sighing in feigned defeat, he knew he couldn't win against her.
"Fine Mari, you can sign it from the both of us . . . it's just . . . I really wish we could give more to Adrien on his big day, y'know?" A moment passed before Nino continued.
"I mean the guy never even got to play with bubbles growing up!? Bubbles Marinette! Freakin' bubbles!"
Already seeing where he was going with this, Marinette placed the gift in its bag and sat back down with Nino. Laying an encouraging hand on his shoulders and a smile back, she reassured him.
"Hey, just because Monsieur Agreste is stricter than most parents—"
"More like dictator levels of strictness," Nino muttered enough for Marinette to pause a bit before continuing while biting down a chuckle.
"— doesn't mean we as his friends can't still make his big day a special one. I think him just knowing people like us as his friends cared enough to get him a gift as cool as ours may be enough for him. It's the thought that counts, Nino." Patting his shoulder, Marinette smiled at him hoping he was smiling back, just as reassured as she was whenever she was down and he brought her back up with encouragement.
Smiling back at her, an idea popped in Nino's head.
"Hey Mari, why don't we just gather some friends and classmates over at like the park near your place and just have like a get together after classes for Adrien's birthday tomorrow?"
"That sounds awesome Nino! I'll make sure to ask my parents if we can whip up a cake and sweets by tomorrow! Maybe we can just have some of the others bring or buy some food." Reading her tactile watch, she realized it's around late afternoon and started packing up.
"We can talk more about this later, but I think a small get together would be a great thing to give Adrien for his birthday!" Marinette stated as she was skirting out his front door with Nino helping her out. Waving goodbye to his blind friend, Nino sat at his dinner table already thinking bigger with his plan but realizing that such a plan to be this grand would need some help.
'I think I know some certain someones who can help with that.'
Fishing out his cellphone, he messaged people about the plan and it didn't take too long for them to respond with a resounding yes. As their group chat came flooding in with who can do what or bring, he knew he had this gift of a get together ready for a certain blonde, all he had to do now was hopefully ensure he can be there to celebrate it.
'I'll try asking him later.'
Adrien finished his breakfast with as much enthusiasm as any other day: not much. Even if it was his birthday that fine morning, Adrien's breakfast wasn't anything exciting to say the least. All he's hoping now is that he can ask for even a bit of leeway for the afternoon.
'Please Kwami Gods, just . . . let me have it for today. Just today. Please?.'
"Good morning Adrien, here is your schedule for today." A stoic woman enters the dining hall and shows him his schedule, hoping that maybe she would be an answer to his prayers. Sadly, it was not.
'Same old packed afternoon, huh?' Adrien's thoughts stated as he perused through the photoshoot, fencing and Chinese lessons he has. Seeing as this is his only chance, he decided to act.
"Thank you, Nathalie . . . but is it alright if I can ask to just move my fencing and Chinese on another day?" Adrien reasoned which only made Nathalie raise a slight eyebrow at his request.
"It's just that . . . it's my birthday today and I was hoping I can just use the free time to meet with some friends after my photoshoot?" Adrien continued in asking as kindly as he could to his father's secretary, who is basically his as well. The woman named Nathalie only looked in slight surprise at his words but the words that came out next was what surprised both of them the most.
"Today . . . is your birthday?"
"Uhmm . . . yeah?" but Adrien's answer goes unnoticed as she went through her tablet, possibly rechecking the events of the calendar app.
"I thought it was 3 days from now," Nathalie was already going through mental gymnastics as she tried to see why she miscalculated his birthday which left a lingering problem for her.
'Oh no! I haven't bought Gabriel's gift for Adrien yet!' Certainly Nathalie Sancoeur, secretary to Gabriel Agreste, would have remembered to have done the one thing that would have reminded Adrien he had a father on his birthday, but with the amount of work she had to manage, especially with the coming of the Fall Fashion collection, it didn't surprise her that she forgot.
'It's not like Gabriel specifically remembers unless it's to reprimand me for forgetting.' Nathalie managed to keep a straight stoic face as usual as to not show panic in front of Adrien, but realizing she might have been staring off into space, she tried to circumvent this dilemma.
"I see . . . It seems your father may have forgotten to remind me—"
"Does he even remember?" Adrien muttered but that didn't stop Nathalie from continuing.
"—but I am sure that he has your present ready if ever." Professional as usual, she decided that she can at least entertain the idea he brought up prior to her mistake.
"Adrien, I can move your lessons on a different day if you would still like."
Green eyes brightened at her words as a genuine smile formed on the boy's face. Catching herself mentally as to not show on her face the effects of the heartwarming smile, Nathalie had to include a last part as was kind of part of her job.
"However, regarding the meet up with your friends. I think that is something you will still need to discuss with your father. You understand how strict your father can be with your reputation."
Her warning did slightly falter his smile, but Adrien still saw that as hope.
With a slight skip in his step, Adrien walked towards his bodyguard awaiting him to go to school; the boy still smiling at the possibility Nathalie gave him. Nathalie herself couldn't help but have a small smile grace her own lips before returning to her job.
Sitting down by her work desk, Nathalie already awaited the dreaded reprimanding she will get from her boss over her forgetting about the gift she usually spends hours perusing for Adrien in the guise it was from his father every year since he was 8.
Nathalie at times thinks that this job was thankless to a high degree, but remembering moments like helping Gabriel out with the upcoming Fall Fashion show or seeing Adrien smile so genuinely at her from her words made her remember why she was still here and why she was good at her job.
'Happy Birthday Adrien.' Her thoughts state before going back to her desktop.
"So there's hope?" Marinette smiles as she heard the news from Nino. She was happy to hear that Adrien might actually have a chance to go to a party they decided to set up last minute at the park.
"Yeah dude, Adrien said that there's a chance since his schedule after his photoshoot is practically free."
"So I guess operation 'Surprise Party' is now underway?" Alya voiced out as she met with the two outside the school, all waiting for the blonde birthday boy to also meet up with them. Both nodded as they couldn't hold back their excitement.
"How will that work though if he already thinks we're meeting up with him this afternoon? It can't be much of a surprise party if he has an idea of it?" Alya continued.
"Simple, he just thinks it's gonna be just me, him, Mari and you with a cake Mari's parents made and some bubble swords!" Nino exclaimed proudly which only drew in more questions from the redhead journalist.
"Bubble swords?" Alya cheekily asked.
"Nino said Adrien never even got to enjoy blowing bubbles as a kid. Ever since after his mom . . . you know," Marinette coaxed out her words while trying to avoid a subject she knows Adrien might still be sensitive over. Not wanting to destroy the mood, Nino decided to continue on.
"Which is why the surprise party, everyone is getting a bubble sword so we can wave them around when he comes."
"Wait, speaking of the party . . . I thought you guys had a gift for him?" Alya looked between the two of her friends, remembering the gift they spent a weekend on.
"We do," Marinette stated facing where she knew Nino was, daring him to say anything before she continued.
"I am just going to go back home and help my parents set up the sweets for the party before maybe just giving it to him at his place when he asks permission from Monsieur Agreste."
"Oooh~ Can I come?" Alya seemed eager to just help out with the party preparation, and for Marinette, she didn't see anything wrong with that at the moment and agreed. Waving goodbye to Nino, Marinette and Alya were already walking towards the bakery all while Nino was still waiting for his best friend.
Seeing the same vehicle his model friend rides in, Nino walks towards Adrien.
"'Sup dude, ready to ask your old man?"
"Yeah. I am still kind of nervous asking my father about this." Adrien's smile started faltering as he realized that high likelihood of his father saying no. Seeing his friend's determination falter, Nino decided to swoop in.
"Hey chillax, Adrien. How about I join you in convincing your dad to letting you enjoy your birthday today?"
"I-I don't' know Nino. You've heard me ramble about my father to know how strict he is."
"C'mon Adrien, maybe if he sees you with a friend who really wants you to enjoy your birthday with a get together with other friends at a nice safe park . . . who knows, maybe he'll agree?!" Nino could see he managed to bring back that hope in Adrien's eyes as he nodded. Fishing out something from his pocket, Nino gave something to Adrien who smiled in childlike wonder.
'It's both wholesome yet implicitly depressing seeing a teenager get so excited over a small bubble toy when you know he never even got to enjoy that growing up.' Nino's thoughts stopped as he saw the bodyguard give him a slight thumbs up before signaling the two boys to get in the car.
Texting some people from their class about the progress regarding the finishing touches, he got a reply from one of them saying the party is ready.
Leaning back into the car seat, Nino couldn't help but look at his friend still playing with the bubbles like a child, all while awaiting them is the final boss that is between them and Adrien enjoying a birthday party.
"Please Monsieur Agreste, at the very least consider having a birthday dinner with Adrien. I can set up a reservation immedia—"
"I am already busy as it is finishing up the Fall Fashion Nathalie. You know better than I do how much that is more important." His words somewhat sting her ears hearing it but Nathalie knew that what he says is law, especially in his own household. Having already asked to meet up with him from his personal office in his own home was already pushing it in Nathalie's mind; hence, she had to take the bow.
"Y-yes, Monsieur. I apologize for having made the suggestion."
"Good. Make sure the plans will go accordingly. I expect Adrien to be back from his fencing late this afternoon so he can have his Chinese lessons." Gabriel was already walking up the stairs before Nathalie could tell him of his son's request when they see the front door open to show Adrien with someone else. A boy with a red cap, glasses and rather large earphones that melded with his rather casual streetwear.
'He's probably that Nino classmate of his. Is he one of those Adrien hopes to hang out with this afternoon?' Nathalie watched from the side seeing Gabriel leer at his son and the newcomer from the top of the stairs. Nathalie watched in silence as Adrien spoke.
"He-hello Nathalie . . . Father. Th-this is my friend from school Nino."
"Hello there du— I mean, Monsieur. I am Nino Lahiffe, one of Adrien's close friends from school!" Nino couldn't help but feel like he was being heavily scrutinized under Gabriel's leer. As though he was being picked apart ever so slowly.
"I-I was hoping that since I asked Nathalie to let me have the afternoon free—" both the teens failed to notice Gabriel slightly peering at the named secretary who slightly flinched hearing her name.
"— if maybe Adrien here can enjoy a small get together by the park."
"Ye-yes! It will just be a few of my close friends and I, and I can even ask if the bodyguard can chaperone for us should things happen."
"Which they won't! Since I will personally make sure Adrien is safe and just enjoying his birthday."
"Yes! I will be perfectly safe and sound!"
"So du—Monsieur Agreste, will you please allow Adrien to have a small get together with his friends on his birthday today?"
Both teens finished their back and forth of promoting their spiel and even saw a glimmer of hope as Nathalie seemed to slightly smile at their antics. Sadly, some hopes were gravely snuffed out, especially when it comes to Gabriel Agreste.
"Nathalie."
"Ye-yes, Monsieur Agreste?" Nathalie already quivered at the tone he used. A tone she knows very well at this point.
"Ensure that Adrien does not leave this house. Seeing as he has this free time, he can use it for more productive means such as the piano." His words had a sense of finality as he turned back to the onlookers and started walking up the stairs. Nino and Adrien tried to reconvene.
"Uh— Monsieur Agr—"
"Fath—"
"I decide what is best for my son and I decided that you, young man, are a bad influence to him." Looking back at his secretary, Gabriel continued his tasks for her.
"I also expect my gift for Adrien to be ready by dinner to continue with the Fall Fashion, is that understood, Ms. Sancoeur?" Gabriel did not even bother to look behind him as Nino's resolve further broke seeing the complacency of both the secretary and son to the man's words. Nino's eyes almost formed tears when Adrien already accepted his defeat and gave back the small bubble container Nino gave to him.
"Yes, Monsieur Agreste."
"Yes . . . Father."
"Very well then. Nathalie, call Adrien's bodyguard to escort this miscreant out of my home."
Nino, already feeling the anger pile up after hearing that stomped out on his own in silence, not caring if the hulking bodyguard will force him out if he's willingly leaving. In his anger and the rush of emotions, he failed to notice a concerned friend drop their gift at the Agreste automated mailbox.
For Marinette, who in hindsight should have realized Alya wanted to dress her up after helping with preparations for the party, coming just then to finally drop her gift in the mailbox was more concerned as to why Nino was storming off without Adrien and in her rush to just drop the gift, she didn't see the tag get snagged off the bag.
The tag that had the words 'Happy Birthday Adrien! Love – Nino & Marinette!' on it.
Her priorities were on Nino.
From where the security camera's angle was placed, Nathalie noted how someone in a casual purple dress was now rushing to the sulking friend of Adrien. She admitted to having felt slightly guilty after that disaster but being as a secretary for the Agreste name she had to do her job. And part of that job included having to find a gift for Adrien in less than 5 hours.
Already dreading another reprimand by her boss and a further sullen look on Adrien's face, Nathalie already tried perusing through certain gifts before she was noted that a package had just been fully received. Opening the front door, the ever silent bodyguard of Adrien, who both know Adrien jokingly calls Mr. Gorilla, presented to her a light green gift bag. A light green gift bag with strangely no name tag attached to it.
For Nathalie, this mystery gift bag, that doesn't seem to have any malicious intent, was her saving grace. Remembering the footage of the boy Nino and the unknown girl in the purple dress, possibly the actual gift giver, walking away after the mansion, Nathalie was at a certain impasse.
Nathalie's job as a secretary for a business so cut-throat as Parisian international fashion meant she may have had to do certain things that were considerably of ambiguous morals. But seeing as she was at a point where she couldn't just find a gift for Adrien without it being trivial as like a pen or a stapler, she knew what she had to do.
'I may not know who the girl is, but I hope she can understand that this is for Adrien's happiness in the end. I'll make it up to Adrien and his friends some other time.'
"Nino, wait up!"
Nino finally stops in his tracks as his emotions simmer past anger to just sullenness as he took note of his blind friend catching up to him. While he noted that she did look pretty in her purple swing dress and black bolero, he still couldn't get over how much he and Marinette spent last minute to give what Adrien wanted only for his stuck-up dad to ruin it and even prohibit him from leaving.
'The nerve of that man ruining what should have been Adrien's big day!' his anger started flaring back as he didn't notice he was being led to where both could sit. Giving Nino the same reassuring pat on his shoulders, Marinette dared to ask.
"I am taking that it asking Adrien's father went down south?"
"heh . . . more like all the way down to the depths of hell where I am pretty sure Monsieur Agreste resides over," he spat out with the same venom he wished he could have said back at the mansion towards the man.
"Nino . . ."
"It's just not fair Marinette! Adrien is already doing so much like fencing, modeling, photoshoots, Chinese, and piano that even his school life or just being a teenager has to take a back seat . . . all because of his dad!" Marinette remained silent as she saw that maybe letting Nino vent it out first would help.
"Adults like him who don't have an idea of what fun or being a kid or teen means are the reasons why actual kids or teens like Adrien suffer!" Marinette had no rebuttal to that but allowed him to vent out his frustrations.
"And do you know what the worst part of it is, Marinette!?"
Marinette, silent as ever, shook her head.
"Adrien just stood there next to me . . . defeated and just took his father's orders without fighting anymore. He didn't even try to say sorry to me but just followed his father's wishes after the man called me a bad influence and miscreant for just wanting my friend to have fun! I-I don't hate Adrien for not sticking up for me in front of his dad, but god Marinette!"
Marinette already knew he was desperately trying to hold it in but even someone as laid-back as Nino had his limits.
". . . It stung to feel so alone at that moment." Tears start streaming down the boy's face as he tried to hide the sobs coming out, but Marinette already heard it and only hugged her friend in silent comfort.
Dress be wet and all, she no longer cared. Her friend was hurt and she wanted to be there for him like he was there for her. Silence permeated for the two as moments passed and Nino managed to pry himself off to wipe any remaining tears with his sleeve.
"Sorry 'bout ruining your dress, Mari."
"Hey, I was practically forced into this dress by Alya. We're cool."
After a few more moments of silence, Marinette stood in front of Nino and decided to take action.
"Well let's not ruin the day and the party just because Adrien's father is a big party-pooper!"
"But Marinette, his dad said Adrien can't g—"
"Well . . . let's still enjoy the party in honor of Adrien then!" Nino's face contorts to that of confusion before she continues on her logic.
"I think Adrien would have still appreciated knowing we had fun with his party rather than just let it go to waste on his big day. It's the thought that counts, Nino." Getting a slight chuckle from her friend, Marinette decided to continue with her spiel.
". . . Besides, we can always sneak him some leftover sweets and cake tomorrow. That would really stick it to his dad!" Finally seeing the reasoning behind Marinette's words, Nino agreed. As they were about to walk back to the Park, Nino stopped in his tracks.
"He-hey Marinette?"
Spinning back to where she knew Nino was, she was slightly concerned as to why he stopped before she could hear the smile from his words.
"Thanks again for cheering me up."
Smiling back at him, she and Nino walked together to where they can still celebrate the party.
Not once knowing that a seemingly floating black feather was approaching them.
= So ur stuck at home due to papagreste? (T⌓T)
= Yea, it sucks. Didnt even get to say sorry to Nino afterwards (ノ﹏ヽ)
= Yea, you messed up Agreste (`Д´)
= I know! I know! I need to make it up to him! Orz
Three dots only seem to stay on his phone's screen as Adrien awaited what the person is typing.
'Probably another round of roasting me after what just happened.'
Even after half an hour since it happened, Adrien still felt like he just broke whatever friendship he had with Nino after his father ripped both of them in two. He already plans on apologizing to Nino the moment he sees him again.
A ding can be heard from his phone to which Adrien checked.
= Hey u know we r still doing the get together. Might as well come on over (˵Φ ω Φ˵)
But before Adrien can complete his reply of 'U know I cant do that', the person beat them to the punch.
= And if u say you cant when we both know u can sneak out, I swear (╬ ಠ益ಠ)
Laughing at the threat he received, he knew the person was right. As big as his mansion is, his father never bothered placing security cameras in his bedroom, nor did he realize there was a surprisingly good blind spot from where his windows face. Already seeing the appeal of the idea, another few dings from the messaging app called Adrien's attention. It loaded to a picture of an overhead shot of what appeared to be a rather moderately sized party with many of his classmates seemingly enjoying. It had an accompanying message.
= I know Lahiffe told us not to tell u that it was going to b a surprise party not a get together, but that's ridiculous to keep so can u just pretend to be surprised when u realize its not just a small get together? ( ↀДↀ)✧
Another photo loaded which showed a plastic toy sword with a clear green scabbard but the sword itself was actually a large sword shaped bubble wand with a black sword handle. The accompanying text followed.
= C'mon Adrikins! There's a bubble sword with your name on it
= (= ↀ ω ↀ =) ▬▬ι═══════ﺤ
Another loaded file was a short video clip that showed a bunch of their classmates and waving their own bubble swords around, making a multitude of bubbles while they continued partying. From the distance, Adrien can spot Nino at the background with Alya and Marinette. While he was slightly curious as to Marinette's change of look, he saw an opportunity regarding him and Nino.
'This might be my chance to also apologize to him for being a bad friend.'
"I say go for it!"
Adrien's Kwami who was enjoying Camembert cheese by his desktop flew up to his chosen and continued.
"You know your father is busy with work and you can easily sneak out even without the use of the Miraculous. You finally have the party you've always dreamed of! Come on Adrien! Live a little!" Plagg realized that maybe he needed to step it up to let his Chosen go. He had to give him a game-plan, very unlike of the Kwami who was very much not a planner.
"You can sneak out, enjoy the party, apologize to Nino, flirt with the blind girl, sneak back in before dinner, and you can add that as another secret from your grouchy old man! I see this opportunity as a win-win-win-win!"
Realizing how much more tempting it became, especially after also seeing the step-by-step logic from Plagg of all beings, Adrien decided.
Finishing a quick text, he transformed into his superhero persona so as to let him get out as quietly and quickly as possible and not waste time here when he could be enjoying at his party.
= Omw now thnx Chloé ~ ᕕ(ᐛ)ᕗ
= Omw now thnx Chloé ~ ᕕ(ᐛ)ᕗ
Turning off her phone, Chloé Bourgeois told her other best friend and personal secretary Sabrina the good news.
"Seems Adrikins will be attending after all! Make sure my gift is ready for him to see."
"Of course, Chloé! I'll make sure the deliverymen come here by the time he gets to enjoy his birthday cake." Sabrina replied before walking back to enjoy some time at the party. Little Chloé knew that someone overheard it.
"You managed to get Adrien to sneak out for his party?"
Facing towards the voice, Chloé saw her come into view; a purple swing dress designed with black dots, black cardigan bolero, black open-toed heels, a small black purse, and a pendant that had a bottle charm all matched with her hair, typically in pigtails, styled down with a dark purple headband. She clutched her usual walking stick in glee from what she overheard. Too excited herself to make a remark over the surprisingly well-dressed blind girl, Chloé decided to answer with slight indifference.
"You're correct, Dupain-Cheng. Not being able to convince my poor Adrikins to come to his own party would have been ridiculous on my part. Utterly ridiculous!"
Marinette continued to smile more which honestly irked Chloé a bit but as she saw the blind girl about to run to wherever she plans ongoing, Marinette looked slightly back to where she knew Chloé was still standing.
"Thanks, Chloé . . . for being there for Adrien in the end." Marinette smiled at the blonde socialite before walking to where she already knows she was going to possibly tell Lahiffe the good news so they can maybe hug it out. She couldn't be bothered to be any more 'nicer' than that since she was doing this mainly for her and Adrien's sake.
Blowing some small bubbles in her own bubble sword, the music playing it out didn't let Chloé Bourgeois hear the whimpers and pleas of the new Asura victim.
Marinette was going around the impromptu dance floor while the music, courtesy of one of Nino's playlists being handled by Alix, blared. She already waved at where she knew her parents were as they decided to help serve the party-goers food before she rounded to where she left Nino for a bit. What she didn't expect was Nino whimpering out pleas to someone. Like someone who has an M.O. for emotionally torturing his victims.
"N-no, please. St-stop! I-I don't wanna he— help! I-It hurts . . . N-no! I wo-won't let you!"
As she hears Alya coming near and gasp at what she already knew was happening, Marinette can hear what sounded like a body falling over in pain as a presence of malignant force Marinette could so clearly sense flew.
'Oh no . . . Nino was used!'
Thinking on her feet, she and Alya helped Nino up to a bench from where they were, thankful they were somewhere the partygoers nor other people at the Park hopefully didn't see the spectacle. Praying that Nino was alright, both girls released tense breaths as they hear Nino arising from his ordeal.
"Nino? Nino. It's us don't worry," Alya reassured him as Nino was sounding as to finally be fully aware and awake.
"Th-that thing. The last thing I-I remember was that it latched itself onto . . . the bubble container." Nino looked down at his palm and saw the aforementioned bubble-blowing toy he originally gave to Adrien. Marinette's mind raced as she realized what just happened.
'Nino just became a Vessel for a Soul . . . A Soul that would eventually become a new Asura.'
"Alya, make sure you contact the police regarding what just happened. I'll try to help Nino get back on his feet so he can rest at my place since it's nearby." Alya agreed as she already brought out her phone while also trying to see where the Soul flew off to. As Marinette was about to help Nino onto his feet, they hear another person walking towards them.
"What is going on here!? I am seeing you 3 look so utterly ridiculous when I just got a text update from Adrikins that he's on his way!" Alya, Nino and Marinette paused their tasks as they see Chloé with a confused yet also irritated look on her face.
"A-Adrien's coming?" Nino weakly asked.
Merely getting a nod from Chloé, all four were surprised when they heard gasps and people pointed forward as something was forming above the center of the Park. It looked to be a cross between a turtle, with its scales and back shell, and an amphibian, with its frog-like limbs; it seemed to be as tall as Rose. It had webbed hands and toes as it seemed to crouch while levitating above the Park. On its head, or rather the top of his head, was a bowl-shaped structure surrounded by nest looking hair; perched on the bowl was a pearl-like stone that vaguely seemed to have a feather in it. As onlookers cowered, it opened its frog-like eyes and its beak-like mouth.
"ADULTS!? NO FUN! NO MORE ADULTS!? ALL FUN FUN FUN!"
'The Asura . . . is sentient?' Marinette's minds raced at the new discovery but before she or people like Alya could further explore on that, the Asura dipped its webbed hands onto its head bowl as a wet sloshing sound came from it, signifying there was a sort of liquid on its head. It presented its wet webbed fingers again before it vigorously blew on them, creating large dark green bubbles. It continued to blow bubbles before he blew a giant one that exploded into a million new ones.
As each green bubble started floating near the ground, it seemed to start homing in on people.
Adults.
One by one, various adults were ensnared by the translucently dark green bubbles as each new prisoner floated high into the sky all while the Asura clapped its hands in childlike delight before making more.
As Alya, with her reporter's instincts kicking in, was recording the happenings ever since the initial formation of the Asura, she pointed and shouted something that made Marinette's blood grow cold and stiff.
"Marinette! They bubbled your parents!"
True to word, Mr. & Mrs. Dupain-Cheng were bubbled along with Chloé's butler Jean, and 2 nearby delivery men holding onto a rather large looking package.
"We've got to get out of here!" Chloé squealed and all four agreed to meet back at the party, but the Asura caught notice of the party itself and flew faster than the four. By the time they reached the main party, the party-goers stood eerily still as the Asura snatched the microphone and gurgled out. The four of them hid behind the snack table next to the trees while they looked on for its announcement.
"NO ADULTS!? ALL FUN NOW! YEEE! . . . FUN NOW FOR ALL! FUN NOW FOR ALL! . . . LEST WANT TO JOIN ADULTS!? FUN FOR ALL NOW! YEEE!"
The partygoers realized what the Asura meant: If they don't have fun like they were initially having, they would be imprisoned too. All the teens looked at one another before all started feigning the same exuberance as before as they play along while under the Asura's watch.
Chloé, Alya, Nino, and Marinette could not believe what was happening. While Alya was still secretly recording, Marinette knew she had to find a way to escape from the group, find a safe spot to transform, find a Champion who can combat the Asura, all while hoping Chat himself didn't get accidentally bubbled. Chloé and Nino, on the other hand, internally hoped that Adrien caught wind of what was happening and fled before seeing a real surprise.
Sadly, that was not the case as their favorite model of sunshine rounded the park, full of excitement. And naiveté.
Adrien looked genuinely surprised, or in Chloé's case a great actor, when everyone else greeted him 'Surprise! Happy Birthday!'. All four were gravely concerned now for their friend as he seemed completely oblivious to what was happening, including the rather frightening turtle-like frog monster floating above the party like an overseer. Seeing as the situation could possible get worse, Chloé decided to step in.
"You three stay here if you guys want, I might as well let Adrikins actually enjoy his party as to save our butts from being bubbled." Flipping her ponytail, Chloe sauntered to where Adrien was dancing along with everyone, pushing people away as she made her way.
"Adrikins! You made it!"
"Hey Chloe! Thanks again for convincing me into going, this party looks amazing . . . though this is my first one so I don't really have any way to compare it." Adrien continues dancing along with the beat, enjoying it with every fiber of his teenage being.
"I-I'm glad you like it, Adrikins . . ." Chloe stated with a hint of actual concern in her words while still retaining the haughtiness she is publicly known for. The music changes to a slow song as everyone partnered up. Adrien laid out his hand to Chloé.
"Well then Mademoiselle Bourgeois, will you let me have this dance on my first ever birthday party?" Adrien jokingly stated in his 'professional' voice both love using when remembering all the more pompous parties they've been to and tolerated.
"Why certainly, Monsieur Agreste!" Chloé smirked as couldn't help play along, dancing together slowly as Adrien seemed to still be enjoying it.
"Thanks again for helping me realize I really wanted to go Chloé. I guess I do sometimes have to not always do what Father says."
"Hey, that's what childhood friends are for, aren't they Adrikins?" Chloé kissing him in the cheek lightly. More so familial than flirtatious.
"Yeah, and while I know you like to flirt here and there, which I know you don't actually mean, I know you really wanted me to enjoy today. You really are one of my closest friends Chloé . . . I just wish I could find Nino to tell him that as well." It was when Adrien started trying to look around for Nino that he started to notice everyone's overall demeanor. Looking back at Chloé, he can see in her eyes she was hiding something.
"Chloé, what's going on? I know this is my first party and all, but don't people look . . . I don't know? Fearful? On edge? Like their lives are at stake?" Adrien whispered as they continued dancing together.
Knowing that lying to him at this point would only fuel chaos and make them easy pickings for the Asura, Chloé conceded. Whispering close to Adrien's ear, she gave him her warning.
"Look above Adrien, but whatever you do: Do not show panic."
Chloé only ever calls him just 'Adrien' when things are serious. Glancing up, Adrien finally saw what she meant: A hideous looking creature that seemed to be watching the whole party with glee while continuously making green bubbles. Looking around, he also noticed how the Park is mainly filled with just kids, all huddled together as though they are now surviving on their own.
'Where are the adults? What's been going on?'
Adrien only gulped down any initial fear before looking back again at everyone then at Chloé and it dawned on him. Whatever that Asura was, it was keeping them partying while also probably being the reason why there were no adults around.
"Adrien, we have to play it cool like we're still enjoying the party unless you want to join the adults who all got bubbled to who knows where," Chloé whispered her last warning before the music kicks back to an upbeat one and she resumed her snobby attitude, pushing her way out the dance floor. Adrien could only look on as he realized this was not right. Moving passed the dance floor, he was greeted by someone who he was hoping to finally see.
"Nino."
"Adrien."
Both boys called out at the same time.
"Hey—"
"Listen, I—"
As both teens were still trying to initiate a conversation over what happened back in the mansion, the partygoers stopped and both Adrien and Nino saw the Asura leering down at their classmate Ivan who decided to say at a corner by himself. Nino looked to the side and saw Alya and Marinette were still hiding behind the snack table, with the former still trying to record this for her blog.
"WHY NO PARTY?! NO HAVING FUN!?"
"It's none of your business if I am having fun or not!" Ivan seemed to only provoke the creature as it blew another bubble. The onlookers could only gasp as Ivan was now trapped just like the adults were.
"Chat Noir and Lady Fairy will stop you and get the adults back!" Ivan continued protesting inside his prison but the Asura only laughed in maliciousness as a glowing blue symbol formed around its eyes.
"CAT AND BUTTERFLY!? HAHAHAHA! FIGHT THEM FUN YES YES YES! . . . BUT NOW YOU . . . BYE BYE!" The Asura kicked Ivan's bubble until it shot up into the air, all while Ivan screamed.
It was there that the partygoers screamed and ran into hiding while the Asura, still controlled by Le Paon, was now imprisoning anyone trying to escape.
Chaos ensued as the Asura, which Adrien observed heavily looked like a Kappa, continued laughing in glee while it propelled into the sky generating more bubbles that seem to now rapidly chase and ensnare anyone. Hiding from above the trees as chaos still ensued, Adrien saw that some people, like Alya and Chloe, were now bubbled while others were running away. Nino and Marinette were running away as a horde of bubbles chased after them.
"I should have noticed the moment I was nearby. God, I am so stupid!"
"Enough about that, focus more on defeating the Asura and maybe you can still blow out your cake!" Plagg reminded him of the task at hand.
'Right!'
"Plagg, Claws Out!"
Nino ran as fast as he could while holding onto his blind friend, trying to outrun the bubbles that seem to chase specifically them. After a few quick turns, it seemed the bubbles chasing after them were less but persistent. As they neared their school, they saw the Asura look down upon them, a glowing blue symbol still forming in front of its face.
Nino and Marinette could only cower as they were surrounded.
"Stay away from them!"
All of a sudden, a staff struck the Asura in the jaw as it fell into the ground. Chat Noir managed to also divert the looming bubbles as he readied himself against the Asura.
"Get somewhere safe. I'll hold it off. Go!" Baring his teeth, Chat Noir continued to attack the Asura as the Asura tried to evade and flee from the raging Cat user.
Seeing the opportunity, Nino continued to lead Marinette inside but saw more bubbles approaching them. Hiding in the empty library, both teens managed to sigh in relief as they have so far avoided the threat.
"Will we be alright?"
Looking at his friend who must have had a hard time as it is running blind and in heels, he could only hope she wasn't hurt badly from him pulling her.
"Yeah . . . I think there are still some bubbles around but I think most are now going after Chat Noir." Nino grew silent as he said those words. As he sat down and also took time to relax, moments passed before someone said something.
"D-do you want to talk about what happened back there?"
"Huh?"
"When Le Paon . . . did that to you. Do . . . you want to talk about it, Nino?"
'Not really. I don't think I'd want to honestly'
Marinette somehow understood and instead asked another question.
"Did you get to talk to Adrien then?"
"I was about to before the Asura went crazy." He utters before he continued.
"But . . . I really did want to tell him Happy Birthday and say I understood that maybe I was kinda pushing it with the party, you know? . . . I just wish, I didn't get so angry at what happe—"
"Nino, what happened was unfair and you had the right to be angry and sad over it. What's not right is Le Paon abusing your emotions and made you his unwilling Vessel!" Marinette interjected.
". . . yeah. Abusing my emotions is one way to describe what it felt like. I just felt like nothing was my own at that moment, you know?" Realizing he went back on his original intention of not wanting to talk about it, he decided to ask her instead.
"Hey for what it's worth, I am sorry if I dragged you here while you're wearing heels and I am hopeful Adrien managed to escape as well."
Smiling at how much he still cared for his friends, even at the face of danger, Marinette patted him on the shoulder and gave him a smile.
"You still caring for your friends in the end even after going through an ordeal like Le Paon shows how much of a great friend you are, Nino. I hope Adrien sees it too, and I have a feeling he would have apologized to you as well."
Both teens chuckle a bit before they saw the doors being broken in by the bubbles.
Nino, acting more on protective instinct and adrenaline, managed to push the heavy bookshelf in front. Grabbing onto a chair as a means to fight back, Nino looked back at his blind friend.
"Marinette, I want you to run away right now while I hold it off. The shelf isn't going to hold those bubbles any longer."
"A-are you nuts!? I can't just leave you here! You'll get bubbled!"
"Just go! I am pretty sure it's just after one more person and it's better me than you."
Marinette, realizing that this opportunity would also let her have a chance to finally help, reluctantly agreed. She snuck out to the other doorway and neared the restrooms.
Sensing it to be completely people and bubble-free and locking the door and windows just to be sure, she let Nooroo out of the purse he was hiding in the whole time. She knew she needed to save Nino quickly.
'Don't worry Nino, Lady Fairy isn't going to let your sacrifice go on in vain.'
End Note (Tidbits & References)
• For the Asura, I decided to go for the Kappa of Japanese myth which are described similarly to how I depicted them in story. The whole ability to blow bubbles from its webbed fingers though was something I thought of as to still connect this episode rewrite from the Canon episode. I also admit I had a bit of a hard time trying to come up with dialogue for the Asura as to make it seemingly sentient.
• This is also where I do want to address how Asura, similar to some Akuma like Despair Bear, can be of any size. They don't always have to be monstrous in size like the last one but can just be of any size. There is also the idea of the Asura actually having sentience or even a personality, rather than just mindless monsters. This is something I will be tackling with future chapters.
• I will be discussing it in greater detail in the end notes part 2, but I hope you guys enjoy the different characterization and relationship dynamics of certain characters.
