Hello! So, this little story was living rent-free in my head for ages and today was the day I finally decided to post it.
To clear things up, Up Ladybug: Crisis Across Dimensions is a crossover between Up Ladybug (my personal Ladybug PV story) and Miraculous Ladybug (the canon show). It is a side-project, so don't expect it to be updated as often as the main story. If you want to know the update schedule, check my Profile.
Since I'm certain you're going to have several questions about this crossover, I'll answer them bullet-point style:
*Since this is primarily an Up Ladybug story, this means that the focus will be more on the Up Ladybug characters (aka Bridgette and Félix), rather than the MLB characters (aka Marinette and Adrien).
*This story takes place in Season 4 of MLB, after the episodes Truth/Lies, but before Gang of Secrets. As for ULB, it would technically take place in the second half of the story (known as the Quantic Kid Arc), but I'm not even finished with the first half yet, so beware of spoilers.
*If you are curious about the Ladybug PV characters, go read Up Ladybug or check my Tumblr blog for all details about the story. You will find the link on my Profile.
*I'll be writing the MLB characters as close to their canon selves as possible, especially in the way they behave in Season 4.
*I ship Cursed Charm. End of discussion.
*If you are an Adrien fan, you won't like this story. Leave before it's too late. This is my final warning.
*This is a spiritual successor to the Up Ladybug Remix stories I had posted on Tumblr. Therefore, if the characters do something stupid, expect them to be called out on it and face the consequences.
*While ULB:CAD takes place in Season 4, only certain episodes will be adapted. This is because the crossover is an AU version of Season 4.
*Why is this story taking place in Season 4? Well, I guess I like to mentally torture myself.
*But seriously, the only good thing about Season 4, in my opinion, was Félix Graham de Vanily.
*If you want to use this story to discuss Ladybug PV or criticize MLB, then back it up with some evidence. Your argument cannot consist of ''It is true because I said so!''.
*If none of the bullet points convinced you to not read this fic, you may proceed.
Enjoy the story! X3
Entry 0
The Moth & The Butterfly
''Captured in all you lies, fear is in your eyes. Creature who's gone insane, your war is in vain. Trapped in a cage of stone, we'll destroy your home; Consequence of your action! Chosen by God or a coward insane? Stand up and show me your face!''
– In The Name Of God by Sabaton
xXxXxXx
''This is the last time you made a fool of me, Ladybug!'' Gabriel Agreste growled in Nathalie Sancoeur's bedroom after his latest Akuma had been defeated. He gritted his teeth, aware that Ladybug couldn't hear him, but this wouldn't be the last time she'd deal with him. There had to be a way to defeat her and get her Miraculous. He may have had combined both the Butterfly and the Peacock Miraculous, but evidently, this wasn't enough. ''There has to be a way to finally overwhelm her!''
''Sir…'' Nathalie, who was lying in her bed idly, had a sudden fit of coughs. ''I-I apologize for not being able to contribute more… If Ladybug had more than just an Akuma and a Sentimonster to deal with, maybe…''
Gabriel frowned as Nathalie started coughing again, realizing that Nathalie had a point. If Ladybug had more than just an Akuma and a Sentimonster to deal with, then perhaps he would finally be able to overwhelm her. He needed something, or someone, who would be able to aid him in his mission to get the Miraculous and stand against Ladybug. Someone, who would understand why he was doing what he was doing.
Someone like himself.
Gabriel immediately stormed off into his lair, a plan already forming in his head. He transformed into Shadow Moth, taking out a feather from the fan and charged it with dark power, creating an Amok. He then placed the Amok into his cane, focusing on the Sentimonster he needed; a purple, dark blue and black warrior cyborg entity holding a double-bladed sword.
''Riftbreaker, I am Shadow Moth,'' Shadow Moth introduced himself to the Sentimonster, who just stared ahead blankly. ''You were created to cause a dimensional rift and find an alternate version of myself… One who would help me achieve my goal of finally eliminating Ladybug and Cat Noir!''
Riftbreaker merely nodded and turned around, using the double-bladed sword, which had started glowing in a dark crimson colour, across the air, leaving a rift. Shadow Moth grinned like a madman as the dimensional rift began to grow wider and wider.
xXx
Gabriel Agreste considered himself a man who could never be caught off guard. He was always calm and collected, almost emotionless, making it very hard for people to read him and take advantage of him based on his reactions. That's why he didn't even flinch when he saw a red light appearing in his office, with a rift spreading and revealing another room where a man dressed in a rather… distasteful get-up was standing and grinning like a maniac. The man then entered Gabriel's office.
''Greetings, I am Shadow Moth…''
''Sir, I don't care who you are,'' Gabriel quickly cut Shadow Moth off, his tone as icy as ever. He got up, walking up to the latter. ''You are trespassing in my office and if you don't immediately leave through…'' His eyes flicked towards the dimensional rift, then back to Shadow Moth. ''If you don't immediately leave through that portal you had created, I will not hesitate to call security to remove you from my office by force.''
Shadow Moth was speechless for a moment, having not expected to be called out like this. As a matter of fact, he had expected more respect from the other man, perhaps a hint of awe or shock at his ability to create a Sentimonster that could tear across dimensions. Instead, he felt demeaned. Still, he managed to compose himself.
''I don't believe that you understand the opportunity that I am offering you,'' Shadow Moth said. Gabriel's eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms behind his back, but didn't respond, deciding to hear what this weirdo had to say. ''You see, I am here from a different dimension, hoping for aid against the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir in order to get their jewelry, a pair of earrings and a ring.''
Gabriel's lip quivered, pulling into the tiniest of smug smiles.
''So, you want to say that your incompetence as a superpowered human has led you to seek aid from a person from a different dimension,'' Gabriel said calmly, showing only the slightest hint of amusement. ''That is pathetic.''
Shadow Moth frowned, glaring at his counterpart. Trying to keep his poise, he continued, ''I had created a Sentimonster that would specifically lead me to someone who is the same as I am – my counterpart, to be specific – and I had been led here. I'm sure that you play the same role in this dimension as I do in mine.''
''Maybe I do, maybe I don't…'' Gabriel replied, walking behind his desk and sitting down. Any sign of emotion had been wiped away from his expression as he observed Shadow Moth. ''However, unlike you, I am not in dire need of help.'' He pointed at the chair across the desk, then intertwined his fingers as he leaned against the table, leaning his chin on them. ''Nevertheless, I am interested in making a business contract with you, Monsieur… Shadow Moth, was it?''
''Yes…'' Shadow Moth was a little hesitant. This was not how he had planned things out. Still, he did get what he wanted, right? If things go sideways, he could easily create another Akuma or Sentimonster to take care of the problem. He then sat down, staring at his counterpart.
Meanwhile, Gabriel turned to the tablet on the table, calling a number he had on speed dial. Only a second later the face of his assistant appeared on the screen.
''Adeline, cancel the afternoon activities,'' Gabriel told her. Adeline Arsenault nodded, her expression remaining unchanged. ''I'll be in a long business meeting today.''
''Yes, sir,'' Adeline nodded, then cancelled the call.
Gabriel then turned towards Shadow Moth. ''Now, we can talk.''
''Uh, yes… Of course,'' Shadow Moth replied, until he realized something. He still had no idea what his counterpart's name was. ''I don't believe you have introduced yourself.''
Gabriel smiled sinisterly, his white eyes glinting.
''Call me Papillon.''
