"This is so exciting! I've never tried anything like this before," Serenity said as she adjusted a white chest plate in front of a mirror. She also had a red and white glove on her hand. At her feet was a fencing helmet and mask.

"I know," Tikki squeaked, the little red Kwami flying up to take a look herself at the auburn haired girl. "I never took you for the sporty type, Serenity."

She giggled at that. "I'm not really," she admitted, "but considering what happened a while back, I thought it best to learn some form of self-defense. After all, I can't have Ladybug and Cat Noir around to save me after all."

Currently, Serenity was in the locker room of the Collège Françoise Dupont. It had been four days since the escapade with Class Clown and already Serenity was settling in well in Paris and at the Collège. She had adjusted well at the bakery and greatly enjoyed her time with the Dupain-Chengs. Tom and Sabine were very kind and welcoming and were obviously doing everything in their power to make Serenity feel at home with them. Not only that, Serenity had introduced Joey to her new friend the day after the incident and the two had gotten along great.

"Oh, I'm a little nervous, Serenity," Marinette said as said girl was preparing her computer to set up a video chat with her brother.

"You have nothing to be nervous about, Marinette. I'm sure you and Joey will get along great. Remember, I told him good things about you. Plus you've talked to him before when you answered his call."

Marinette nodded. "I know. It's just that this is essentially a celebrity I'm going to be talking to and… well, you've seen how I do talking to celebrities." She rubbed her arm embarrassedly. "Plus, that wasn't exactly 'talking,' you know? I just intercepted a phone call."

"I'm sure you'll do fine," Tikki assured, flying onto Marinette's shoulder. "From what Serenity tells us, he's a really nice guy."

"Yeah," Serenity confirmed. "Like I told you, you've got nothing to worry about." She then looked at the Kwami. "Though Tikki, you may want to hide. Joey and my friends are used to weird and magical things, believe me, but I think it would probably be for the best.

Tikki then nodded. "Right. I'll be right behind the pillow." She then smiled at Marinette. "You'll do great."

"Thanks, Tikki," Marinette said as the Kwami nuzzled her before zooming behind Mariette's pillow as Serenity fired up the call. After a few seconds, the screen lit up and Joey's smiling face lit it up.

"'Ey, Serenity!," Joey, said. "Great ta see ya again."

Serenity giggled at her brother's statement. "Joey, we just talked last night, remember?"

"C'mon. Can't a guy miss his little sis when she's thousandsa miles away?" Joey asked incredulously, though Serenity knew he was just joking.

"Of course," Serenity said. She then smiled at him. "So, I have someone I'd like you to meet." She then reached out and pulled Marinette into the camera frame. The Parisian had a slight nervous smile on her face as she meekly waved. "This is Marinette Dupain-Cheng. The girl I told you about."

Joey seemed to have to think for a second before he snapped his fingers. "Oh yeah! Yer roommate. The girl who I spoke ta last night when I tried ta call." Joey exclaimed. He then grinned at Marinette. "Pleasure ta meet ya officially, kid."

Marinette (who was still waving a little) stopped waving abruptly and quickly put her hand down. "Yep, that's me," she said. "It's so nice to meet you officially, Mr. Wheeler."

Joey chuckled at that. "Please kid. I'm not THAT old. Just call me Joey, alright? Any friend of my sis's deserves it."

Marinette's blue eyes widened at that. "Oh, sure, sure! Just Joey! Got it!" It was evident that she was still nervous despite Serenity and Tikki's assurances. And apparently Joey noticed it too.

"Hey, uh, she okay, sis?" Joey asked. Marinette, realizing how she was acting, buried her face in her hands in embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry," she sighed." I'm just not really used to taking to big celebrities when I first meet them."

Joey looked surprised by that and slightly flattered. "Hey, I'm not celeb, trust me. I'm just a regular guy from Japan."

"Well Marinette here actually knows a celebrity," Serenity said with a smile. "A fashion model named Adrien Agreste."

Marinette buried her face in her hands again as Joey looked at her. "Really? Get out! How do ya know him? Not that I actually heard of 'im, of course. I'm not inta that sorta stuff."

"Well, see, he, kinda goes to my school. Though I guess you could say it's OUR school, since Serenity and I go to the same one," Marinette stated before adding an awkward chuckle.

"Seriously?" Joey asked. "How in the world does a guy like that get ta go ta a public school? I'd think he'd go ta a school fer rich kids or be home schooled like Mokuba is."

"Well, it seems he managed to convince his father to let him go there." Serenity said. "And get this. He's also a fan of yours." She said this last bit in a tone that Marinette guessed was to get some sort of reaction out of him.

Sure enough, when Joey heard that his eyes grew large and a huge goofy smile appeared on his face.

"Wait, you serious, Serenity!? Yer not pullin' my leg here or anythin'. A celebrity known all over the world knows MY name and is a fan of ME!? Plus, you and yer pal KNOW him!?"

"That's right~" Serenity sang.

At once, Joey danced away from the camera and began doing a goofy-looking victory dance. He didn't seem to care he was doing it in front of people.

"OH YEAH! I GOT A CELEBRITY FAN! HA! WAIT'LL THE OTHAS HEAR ABOUT DIS! AND OL' MONEYBAGS KAIBA? HA! HE'LL NEVA THINK O' ME AS THIRD-RATE DUELIST EVA AGAIN!" Joey cheered.

Marinette simply stared at the odd display occurring in front of her. She had read that Joey Wheeler wasn't like other professional Duelists like Yugi Muto and Seto Kaiba, somewhat serious or focused all the time, but even she hadn't expected this.

At the moment, Joey was doing an odd looking chicken/disco-esque move. By her side, Serenity was trying not to laugh at her brother's actions. Finally, it seemed she had some pity for her brother for unknowingly making a fool of himself.

"Okay Joey. I think you can stop know," Serenity said, trying to keep her giggles under control. At that, her brother halted his strange dance in a strange pose to look at his sister. He then saw her struggling to contain her laughter and Saw Marinette, her blue eyes wide, no doubt in shock at what she saw.

"Oh! Uh, heh, heh. S-sorry 'bout dat. I, I guess I got a little carried away dere," Joey stated as he got back in front of the camera, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin, his face like a tomato.

"Oh, no, no. It's fine," Marinette stated. "Believe me, I've done PLENTY of embarrassing things in front of people. Why would you believe when I was picking up Serenity from the airport, I tripped over my own feet and landed right in a bunch of suitcases?"

"Seriously?" Joey asked.

"Oh yeah," Marinette stated. "See, it happened like this…"

After that display of Joey's, Marinette seemed much more at ease around him. For the next half an hour or so, the three talked at length about many things (how things were back home with Joey, Lynn, and their friends, Marinette told Joey about her dreams of being a designer, things like that.) Finally, after looking at the clock behind him, Joey stated, "Whoa, look at da time. I should probably let you girls get back ta whatever yer gonna do today, huh? Sorry fer takin dis long."

"It was no problem, Joey," Serenity said. "You know I always love talking to you."

"Yeah, it was great talkin' to ya, sis. And you too, Mari."

Marinette giggled at the use of the nickname. "The pleasure was mine, Joey."

"Yeah, so you two take care of yerselves, 'kay?"

"We will, Joey. Promise"

"Right. Well, so long. Love ya, Serenity."

"Love you too, bro."

"So long," Marinette said, waving along with Serenity as the screen went black.

"Well. There now, you see? Nothing to worry about," Serenity said to her friend.

"She's right," Tikki said, flying out from behind the pillow to land on her chosen's shoulder.

"Yeah, I guess you were right," Marinette agreed. "That wasn't so bad." She then looked at Serenity with a grin. "Though I think I could have done without seeing that dance." The two then started laughing. Tikki however looked confused.

Seeing the Kwami's look, Serenity got off the bed. "Well, you see Tikki, Joey did sort of a dance that was kinda like this." At that, she attempted to do a version of Joey's dance, but only succeeded in making it seem as though she had a frog in her pants.

"No, no, no. It was more like THIS," Marinette said. She then also started attempting to do the dance but succeeded as badly as Serenity. Soon the attempts to recreate Joey's dance dissolved into a contest to see who could do the silliest dance, which soon turned into an hour of just dancing goofily until they collapsed to the ground with laughter.

After that, things continued going great for Serenity. She had met many of Marinette's school friends other than Alya, Adrien and Nino over the course of time she was attending the Collège.

Rose Lavillant and Juleka Couffaine, while apparently best friends, were as different as night and day… literally. Rose was peppy, perky and always seemed to have a large smile on her face. Plus, she wore quite a bit of pink. Juleka in contrast, while nowhere horrible, was much more reserved, a little withdrawn and a bit quieter and wore darker clothes of black and purple. Nevertheless, they gave her a warm welcome (Rose actually gave her a hug with such immensity she thought she would break her back.)

Mylène Haprèle was a sweet, if meek girl who Serenity took a liking to as well. Apparently, her father was a famous mime. Serenity kept quiet about the fact that she and her friends hadn't had good encounters with mimes after what happened with Yugi and Marik's minion, Strings, at Battle City.

Alix Kubdel was the exact opposite; tomboyish and sporty, when she had found out she knew the king of games as well as being Joey Wheeler's sister, she begged her to introduce her to them, believing it would help her up her game. However, she was interrupted by another member of the class, Lê Chiến Kim, jumped in and said that he deserved to get tips from Yugi and Joey. It then dissolved into an argument that Marinette quickly and quietly led Serenity away from, stating they were like that ALL the time.

She then met Ivan Bruel. At first, she was a little intimidated upon seeing the large boy, but learned he was very kind and, to her surprise, he was actually dating Mylène. Marinette also told her in private later that Ivan had been the first Akumatized villain she and Cat Noir had fought, Stonheart.

They then met Max Kanté, a very smart boy who was actually interested in if Serenity knew Seto Kaiba. When she said she did, Max was ecstatic. As it turned out, he was a fan of Kaiba's tech prowess for years, which rather surprised Serenity as she never knew anyone who was interested in Kaiba for anything other than his money, his looks, or his dueling skills. Max actually hoped to work at Kaiba Corp once he was old enough.

Finally, she met Nathanial Kurtzburg, a shy artist who was very good from what she saw. Apparently he wanted to try and get into drawing comics when he got older. Serenity wished him luck with that and she swore she saw him blushing slightly as she left. Marinette said that he apparently used to have a crush on her, though he had apparently gotten over it and now saw her as a friend. No doubt he was flattered by a pretty girl like Serenity complimenting him.

Meeting all these nice new friends was more than enough to drive the thought of meeting Chloe out of her head. Unfortunately, she was there, glowering at her in nearly every class. Apparently, Adrien catching her was still a sore spot for her. Thankfully Serenity had Marinette to help her take care of Chloe at school.

As for why she was here after school hours, the fencing academy that sponsored and trained the school's team was hosting tryouts for the team. After the incident a few days ago, Serenity decided to try out. Being able to wield a fencing sabre, or any sort of weapon like it, would definitely help ensure she could stay safe in case another Akuma attacked. After all, she couldn't rely on Cat Noir and Marinette to save her like last time.

Speaking of Marinette, Serenity wasn't the only one in the room who was trying out for the fencing team. Across from her was Marinette who also had a chest plate on. She was over by a table with many fencing helmets. Yes, Marinette was trying out for the fencing team as well, but for a different reason than Serenity was.

Tikki flew over to her chosen and floated above her, eying her in her gear.

"You know, this fencing gear really does suit you, Marinette," Tikki stated.

"Yeah, you look great," Serenity stated.

"Thank you, Tikki, Serenity," the bluenette stated. She then gave them weary smiles. "Let's just hope that wielding a saber is a lot easier than finding a helmet that fits." As she said this, Marinette then put the helmet she was holding in her hands onto her head. Unfortunately, the helmet slipped to the side, causing Marinette to groan in agitation.

As Tikki giggled at that, Serenity picked her helmet up, came over and asked with a chuckle of her own, "Isn't that, like, the fifth helmet you've tried on, Mari?"

Marinette sighed. "Yes." She then pulled the helmet off her head. "I gotta ace these try-outs, you guys! D'Argencourt is the most prestigious fencing academy in all of Paris! I've only got this one shot to show them what I've got and get onto the team!

"Well, don't forget," Serenity said, "You're not the only one trying to get on, Marinette." Serenity gave her friend a smirk. "As of now, we're rivals for different reasons here, don't forget."

Marinette gave her friend a smirk in return. "I know, I know."

Tikki then piped up. "I wouldn't worry, girls. You've both been reviewing the fencing rules all weekend with each other. It's going to be great! I'll bet you both do so well, they won't know WHO to choose. Plus, even if one of you doesn't get picked, you shouldn't be upset over the other getting chosen if that happens."

Serenity and Marinette's smirks then turned into smiles as they nodded. "You're right, Tikki," Serenity said. "Even if one of us gets picked, we won't let it bother us."

"Right," added Marinette. "Though I have to say, with what Tikki said about practicing, I'm sure going to make quite an impression on Adrien!" As she said that, she slammed the helmet back down on the table. Unfortunately, this led to upsetting the others laid out. Marinette yelped as she along with a helpful Serenity scrambled to catch them before they fell off. However, they only managed to catch a few, though Marinette did manage an impressive feat of catching one on her feet… well, foot. "Ah, here we go!" she said. "THIS one should fit perfectly!" At that, Serenity and Tikki shared another chuckle.

They then started putting away the helmets before Serenity turned to Marinette. "Oh by the way, before we go out, I want to show you guys something cool." She then went to her locker and got out the cards that Pegasus had given her. "Remember how I told you of how when I first dueled for real in a virtual world?" she asked the two, who nodded in agreement. "Well," Serenity continued, "there are a few of the cards I used in the deck Pegasus gave me, including this." At that, Serenity held out a card to show them. Tikki and Marinette looked down at it and gasped. It had a picture of a woman with short blonde hair in white and gold armor, holding a sword to her chest. On top was the words "St. Joan."

"This has always been one of my favorite since then," Serenity stated. She then noticed her friends looking at the card oddly. In particular, she noticed Tikki's eyes growing slightly watery. "Um, guys? Is everything okay?"

At that, the two seem to snap out of it. "Oh sure! Everything's fine," Marinette stated. "Now, uh, maybe you should put those back. They are really cool, but we probably need to get outside now."

Serenity looked down at the cards in her hands and then nodded. "You're probably right." She then went to the locker and put them back before running over, grabbing her helmet and a sabre and leaving. Tikki turned to follow them and watch, but before she did, she turned and looked at the locker, a sad and pensive look on her usually happy face and murmured one word:

"Jeanne."

Once both girls were prepared, they left the locker room and went out to the court yard where she had met Mr. Damocles not too long ago. They were placed into a line of five other perspective fencing candidates. To the other side were seven students, dressed in full fencing gear as opposed to the try-out's gloves, plates and helmets. Behind them was what looked like a large scoring box with a red light and a green light. Between the groups paced a tall, thin and muscular man with a small amount of dark brown hair atop his head and blue eyes. He was also wearing a white fencing outfit with a black phoenix crest on it like all the students and challengers were. His major prominent features were a long and narrow nose with a large curly mustache. "I am the fencing master, Mr. Armand D'Argencourt," he spoke. "As I'm sure you're aware, we have only one open spot on the team this year." D'Argencourt then stopped in front of the challengers. "So, in order to select the best possible candidate, I will observe the beginners performing a number of attacks on the experienced students."

Marinette meanwhile looked around and whispered to Serenity, "Where's Adrien?" Serenity merely shrugged.

D'Argencourthad apparently not heard her question as he gestured to the students behind him with his arm. "Get into position."

A student then walked up to Serenity.

"Hi," Serenity said. "I'm real excited to be fighting against you today.

Suddenly, the student lifted up their helmet to reveal a familiar face. "Hey! It's you! Nice to see you again so soon."

Serenity's eyes widened. "Sydney!? What are you doing here?" Serenity hadn't seen the girl since the Class Clown incident.

"Oh, I've been taking fencing lessons since I was a child, Serenity," Sydney said.

Serenity smiled. "Wow! Talk about a coincidence."

"Yeah," Sydney agreed. The two then heard a small yelp of surprise. The two looked to the side to see Marinette standing gob smacked with a hand on her cheek as she stared open eyed at her partner. Serenity couldn't help but smirk at her friends look as she saw who she'd be facing: none other than Adrien Agreste himself.

"Is she with you?" Sydney asked, to which the auburn-haired nodded. "Your friend's lucky than. Adrien's great with new students."

As the two watched, Marinette began to stutter, "A-Adrien! Nice to fencing, I'm totally into you! Uhh, I mean, nice to see you! Yeah, I'm totally into fencing." Adrien looked at her oddly a little before chuckling gently and smiling. Marinette then giggled as a blush colored her cheeks.

Sydney stared before a knowing smile crossed her face. "Ohhh. I get it. She's one of THOSE girls, huh?"

"Hmm?" Serenity questioned.

"Yeah, you know. The girl who attempts to get on the same team as the guy she likes because she hopes to get closer to him. I've seen a couple of those since Adrien joined the team. Some of them have been just terrible though. One girl actually tried to have her friend battle FOR her while SHE tried to talk to Adrien. Eventually, D'Argencourt had to ask her to leave. She threw a tantrum until he let her sit in the rest of class. Even then, she was so annoying we barely got any work done."

Serenity rolled her eyes. She had a feeling who THAT girl had been. "Well, not to worry. Marinette's not like THAT type of person at all. Plus, she and I have been practicing all weekend. She'll be great."

Sydney looked at her oddly. "You aren't worried she could take the spot? Speaking of, what are you doing here anyway?"

"Well, we both agreed to support whoever got on the team, no matter what," Serenity stated. "And to answer the second question-" But before she could answer, D'Argencourt raised his arm.

"Get into position!" he called out.

"Guess we'll have to finish this later," Sydney said. "Don't expect me to go easy. You're trying for a spot on Paris' best fencing team after all."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," Serenity said fiercely. She then put on her helmet on and got into the fencing position with her knees bent, her left foot back, turned outward and her sabre out before standing back at attention.

"Wow! I'm impressed!" Sydney said before doing the same. The two then looked over at Marinette and Adrien. What was happening was a picture perfect moment Adrien was standing by Marinette's side He with his arm around her to have her lean forward and using his other hand to guide hers so her saber was pointing out. All the while, Marinette was all blushes and giggles despite following his instructions.

Sydney rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Oh yeah. She's got it bad," she drawled.

"Greet each other!" D'Argencourt called out. He crossed his saber arm over his chest and then snapped it out to his side in the traditional fencing greeting.

Sydney and Serenity did the same.

"En garde! Prêt? Allez!"

At that, the students begin fencing while D'Argencourt walked and watched. One unfortunate student made his swings a bit too wide and missed entirely before falling over. No doubt that was going to cost him.

Serenity and Sydney began thrusting back and forth, their metals clanging against each other. Sydney made a strike, but Serenity dodged before striking back and managing to hit Sydney.

D'Argencourt stopped to watch for a bit then spoke. "Attaque! Touche. Point!" He then indicated to Serenity. "Very good. Continue!"

"Point to you. Very good, Serenity," stated Sydney as she pushes up her helmet.

"Thanks!" Serenity said as she lifted hers as well.

"Well, let's continue, shall we?" Sydney asked as she lowered her helmet again. Serenity did the same. "En garde! Prêt? allez!

The two then fought again, a little more fiercely this time. As they fought, Sydney spoke up. "Your friend seems to be doing well. Surprising. Adrien's the best in the class."

"Well, I WAS the one who was practicing with her all weekend," Serenity pointed out as she blocked a few thrusts. She then did a few more moves before Sydney struck her. However, very shortly (Serenity got her in the chest.

"Attack, parry, riposte, counterattack. Nice. The point goes to you, Serenity."

Serenity then pushed her helmet up to quirk an eyebrow at her. "But I don't get it. You hit me first."

Sydney then pushed her helmet up and began to explain. "See, with saber fencing, the attacker doesn't necessarily win the point even though he touched his opponent first. You took the initiative, so we say that you had priority. I can only parry or riposte, so I lose."

Serenity looked shocked at that. "But everything's happening so fast, I mean, how can you know who won the point?" she asked.

Sydney simply shrugged. "We don't always know for sure. That's why you can also abstain." She then looked over at Marinette and Adrien, laughing a little. "I think she may be getting the same talk you are."

Serenity looked over and noticed Marinette and Adrien talking. Well more like he was talking and she just looked confused. "I wouldn't be surprised," Serenity chuckled.

Sydney smiled at the scene a bit before turning to Serenity. "Now. Shall we continue, Madame?" She then lowered her helmet.

"We shall," Serenity stated as she then lowered hers and got ready to fence again. However but before they could move, a shout rang out.

"Hey, you!"

Everyone halted what they were doing and looked to see a figure standing behind D'Argencourt. The figure was dressed in red fencing gear and stood upon on the scoring box, a red saber in hand.

"Are you Mr. D'Argencourt, the fencing master?" The figure asked. "I wanna join your team."

D'Argencourt turned with a frown. "Only the best are admitted here, you knave."

"And I was, everywhere I went," the figure stated, twirling the sabre with a flourish.

D'Argencourt then smiled. "Part le fer! This whippersnapper has nerve!" he stated as the figure jumped off the box and walked toward him. "All right! I may consider your admission, shall you defeat one of my students." He then gestured to the gathered crowd as the figure walked forward.

"Which one of you is the best combatant?!"

As the question was asked, the crowd murmured before parting like the Red Sea to reveal Adrien who lifted up his helmet.

D'Argencourt smirked. "Adrien, please give our visitor a lesson in chivalry."

Adrien returned the smirk and lowers his helmet. "I shall, Master," he stated. He then walked forward as Marinette lifted her helmet. Serenity walked toward her and they shared a look before hurrying forward to watch what was sure to be an interesting match.

Soon, Adrien and the red figure were facing each other, now attached to the scoring box and standing beside it, D'Argencourt standing on top to act as referee. Adrien touches his saber to the figure's shoulder, causing the red light to light up and buzz. The figure did the same and the green light did the same. No doubt this was to test the box. The two then bowed and walk apart. Adrien bends his saber blade while the figure swung the blade around in what looked like a combo of fencing and martial arts. From the front, Marinette and Serenity (joined by Sydney on Marinette's left) watched. It was obvious that whoever this person was, they were very skilled.

Marinette gasped at what she saw and looked down at the ground. "Great. There goes any chance either of us had of making the team, Serenity. This guy's obviously better than everyone."

Sensing her friend's distress, Serenity placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's not over yet, Marinette."

"Yeah," Sydney added. "This guy still has to beat Adrien."

Serenity looked at the figure and squinted a bit. She was unsure if "guy" was the right word. If she was being honest, the figure looked a bit skinny and the outfit seemed to show off in certain… areas. Plus, the voice seemed a little high to be a male. She had to wonder. Was this guy REALLY a guy? She was then pulled out of her thoughts once D'Argencourtbegan the countdown."

"En garde! Prêt... allez!"

Adrien and the figure then lunged at each other and, after a few moments of fighting, touched each other and both point buzzers went off at the same time.

"Simultané! Par un toucher!" announced D'Argencourt, his arms out to the side.

Adrien and the figure then returned to their starting points, doing as they did before the match with their swords.

"I could have sworn Adrien touched him first..." whispered Marinette to Serenity, who simply shrugged.

"Not sure," Sydney stated. "Anyway, you never question the referee's decision." The trio then turned back as the combatants prepared again.

"En garde! Prêt... allez!"

Again, the figure and Adrien lunged at each other, lighting up both sides of the points box. Around them the crowd murmured in surprise and impressed shock at the yet again double victory.

D'Argencourt had a confused look on his face as he looked from side to side. "Uhh... Abstention!" he called, swinging his right arm down.

"What's happening?" Serenity asked.

"Mr. D'Argencourt isn't sure who won, so he's chosen to abstain," explained Sydney. "This is a sure turning into a tight bout, that's for sure."

Serenity couldn't help but agree. This was like watching a match between two skilled duelists who kept chipping away at each other until they were at equal Life Points each time.

Once again, D'Argencourt raised his arm as the two went back. "En garde…"

Suddenly, the figure called, "Wait," causing the fencing master to stop and turn as the figure continued. "I request that we do it the old-fashioned way. We'll be much more at ease without the machine."
D'Argencourt then turned to his student. "Adrien?"

"Fine with me." he stated as he unplugged his body cord from the machine, the figure doing the same before back flipping and showing off with the saber again.

"Whoever this person is, there quite the showmen," Serenity stated.

Marinette however looked concerned. "But how will we know who touched the other one first?"

"By watching very closely," Sydney stated before everyone's attention turned back to the match.

En garde... Prêt... allez!

At that, Adrien and and the figure lunged each other a third time, sabers clashing. The figure then slightly pushed Adrien into a post, clutching his chest. As the figure swung, he dodged and, surprisingly, the fight started making its way up the stairs surrounding the courtyard. The figure then actually jumped ahead on the railing up to the second level, causing the crowd to be very surprised.

"Woah!" Sydney gasped.

"Amazing!" Serenity said. "It's just like an old swashbuckling film!"

Marinettethen turned to D'Argencourt who was now standing next to her. "Is this what fencing's all about?!" she asked amazed.

D'Argencourt then shouted excitedly, "Part le fer! This IS what fencing's all about!"

He and the remaining students ran over to the base of the stairs. Marinette and Serenity unfortunately couldn't quite see over the other students. Suddenly, Marinette ran over to the other set of stairs.

"Marinette," called Serenity, but her friend ignored her.

Meanwhile, Adrien was pinned between the figure and the railing of the stairs.

"Is that all you can do?" the figure snarled.

However, it seemed it wasn't as Adrien used his saber to force the figure off him and went further upstairs, the red figure following him. Marinette meanwhile had gotten up the first flight of stairs, while her classmates, D'Argencourt and Serenity were still at the base of the other stairs.

"The fateful moment has arrived!" D'Argencourt shouted. Unfortunately, his statement caused a stampede of students running up him the stairs…and over him.

Serenity and Sydney managed to reign in their excitement and winced at the sight of the fencing master, his back covered in footprints and grunting in pain.

"Do… do you need help, sir?" Sydney asked unsure. However D'Argencourt simply made a feeble "go on" motion with his hand and the two stepped around him carefully beofre running up as well

Meanwhile, the figure and Adrien were still fencing furiously. Suddenly, they burst right into the Library where Adrien knocked the figure inside. They begin making a mess of the library (which was thankfully empty at that time) and as Marinette stood by the door watching the fast paced battle, a book cart zoomed out into the hallway, nearly hitting the bluenette who dodged in time.

At the bottom of the stairs stood Serenity, Sydney and the rest of the students. D'Argencourt suddenly pushed them aside.

"Let me through! Move!" he shouted. However, while the students saw the incoming book cart and began to flee down the stairs, D'Argencourt once again got the worst of it. Sydney and Serenity pushed themselves against the wall to avoid the students running past them as the cart hit D'Argencourt into the wall behind him. He grunted in pain yet again as the girls winced.

"That's gonna leave a mark," Serenity stated before the two raced upstairs to join Marinette at the doors of the library.

In the library, the combatants were still fencing, with only Marinette to watch.

"Let's finish this off!" the figure stated.

The red figure and Adrien then once more lunged at each other, blades clashing until both sabers seemingly touched the other at the same time. Marinette gasped at this amazing display of swordsmanship. At that moment, the figure step aside and noticed Marinette for the first time.

"You!" the figure stated, pointing the sabre at Marinette. "You were watching! Who got the first hit?! Who?!"
Marinettesuddenly realized she was being called out and was all nerves once again. "Uhhh, I...!"

Suddenly, Serenity and Sydney came running up the stairs.

"Marinette! What happened!?" Serenity asked.

"Yeah, who won!?" Sydney demanded.

D'Argencourt then came crawling up the stairs behind them. "Yes, Yes! Who touched first? Tell us now!" he cried, feebly reaching from the floor toward the girls who moved back slightly

She then looked from the expectant faces to look between the figure and Adrien. Nervous and uncertain, Marinette couldn't decide who won. She'd been so focused on the graceful fighting she hadn't really been paying attention. Unfortunately, she knew she had to make a choice as she was now unintentionally, the referee for this match.

"Um, I think it was…it was... Adrien?" she stated uncertainly.

Serenity and Sydney looked at her uncertainly, obviously guessing that she had made the choice under pressure. However, that seemed to be the miracle cure for the pounded fencing master as he instantly sprang to his feet, a proud and triumphant look and his face that had only moments before had been wreathed in agony. "Ah-ha! Wonderful! This victory is an honor to D'Argencourt Academy!"

Upon hearing that, the figure sighed in defeat, and then walked up to Adrien, offering a hand for a shake in a good sportsmanlike move, which Adrien took. The figure then calmly walks out of the room, the four outside making room.

Adrien then removed his helmet, a look of concern on his face. "Are you sure, Marinette?

"He has a point," Serenity added. "You didn't seem quite sure."

Marinette then stammered, "Uh, um... Well, I'm not entirely sure." She then turned to Adrien. "I mean, it LOOKED like it was you, but it went so fast."

Adrien then looked down before turning to D'Argencourt. "I think he touched me first."

However, D'Argencourt seemed to be having none of it. "I'm sorry, Adrien. The referee has the last word."

Adrien looked very put-out by this and went out to the balcony overlooking the center of the school, Serenity joining him. They then looked down and spotted the figure, who was in the middle of leaving the school. Fencing students gave the figure a wide berth as if out of fear of the one who had almost beat their best combatant. The figure stabbed the red saber into the ground with a grunt and left it, striding out of the school.

At that, Serenity couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for the figure. It was clear winning this match had met a lot. And looking at Adrien beside her, she could tell he knew it too.

Meanwhile, in another part of Paris, the red figure's anger and frustration reached a figure that many across the city feared. In his lair, Hawk Moth opened his window, allowing light to flood the room and caused the butterflys at his feet to take flight around him. He breathed in the empathic scent of the negative emotions and sighed dreamily.

"A champion whose victory has been stolen..." He then gave a sadistic smirk as he clutched a gloved hand into a fist. "Crushing defeat is the ideal steel with which to form a blade of revenge."

He then paused. "And perhaps this champion will be just what I need to get that Wheeler girl and discover the power that could lead me to the power to rival the Miraculous which I desire. One much more focused than that fool Class Clown ever was." He then turned a butterfly into an Akuma. "Fly away, my little akuma," he called as he twirled his cane, "towards this spite and petulance, and evilize that fencer!" The Akuma then flew out of his window into Paris, in search of the figure its master had sent it to find.

Back at the Collège, Adrien turned to the others. "I'm going to offer him a decisive match," he declared as he raced down the stairs, the three girls looking at each other before following him. As he raced to the exit, he grabbed the figure's saber from the ground. As he reached the road, the figure was about to get into a red car. Adrien quickly ran to catch up.

"Hey! Wait! Your saber!" he called.

The figure threw their fencing glove into the car and removes their helmet, turning to look at Adrien expectantly. As they did so, Marinette, Serenity and Sydney ran up to the school entrance. Upon seeing the figure's helmet off, they couldn't believe it.

Standing in front of Adrien was a girl about their age. She had a Japanese look about her, much like Serenity. She had pale skin, visible freckles, sharp yellow-brown eyes, and short dark blue hair swept to the left with light blue reflections.

"You're kidding me," Sydney gasped. "A GIRL nearly beat our best fighter!?"

Meanwhile, Marinette and Serenity were momentarily stunned at the reveal, though Marinette more so as Serenity murmured, "I knew it."

"Wait you knew!?" Marinette asked her, shocked.

"Well, not exactly," Serenity said. "I just had a feeling that this guy wasn't a guy. You know? She offered a feeble shrug. She then looked at the girl, then back to Marinette. "Well, at least we may have a chance of getting on the team after all." She then looked at the girl. "Though there's something familiar about her…"

As for Adrien, he was momentarily stunned by her appearance. Not only was she a cute girl, but she was a cute girl that had nearly beaten him. Upon thinking that, he then remembered what he came out to do. "Let's do a... decisive match?" he asked uncertainly. As he spoke, he noticed the girl's ring that rested on her hand. It had Japanese kanji, 女, meaning female.

The girl however sighed sadly,"What's the point? You won. There's no such thing as a second chance in my family. Goodbye." She then got into her car, which drove off.)

Adrien then suddenly seemed to break out of his slight daze as he called out, "H-Hey! What's your name?!" But it was too late. She was gone.

"Wow. I still can't believe it," Sydney said. "Our best nearly got beat by a girl."

*Serenity looked at her. "Well, she was pretty good."

Sydney then nodded. "Yeah, I guess she was at that."

"So," Serenity stated. "I hope you don't mind my asking, but how are you and your family doing? I mean, you were having problems last time we met."

At that, Sydney smiled. "We're doing really well actually. We've been going to a counselor for the past few weeks and we've really worked the kinks out of our relationships."

"That's wonderful," Serenity exclaimed.

"Yeah. Not only that, but mom and I have also gotten into pulling some pranks on Josh. Nothing too major, of course, just a few small ones here and there. We've been doing pretty well in getting the drop on him. You could think of it as payback for all the ones he pulled on us over the years."

Serenity giggled at that.

Meanwhile, while the two new friends talked, Marinette watched as Adrien got into his car where his large and intimidating bodyguard nicknamed "The Gorilla" was waiting and pointed in front of him. She wasn't sure, but from what she could tell from his moving mouth, he stated, "Follow that car!"

Marinette watched the car drive off, unsure of what to think of what was going on. Suddenly, she saw a small butterfly fly past and see let out a horrified gasp as she immediately recognized it.

"An akuma!" she exclaimed quietly. She then turned to Serenity and Sydney and quickly grabbed Serenity's arm. "So sorry, Sydney, but we really need to run along. I just remembered Serenity and I are supposed to help my parents with… something," she stated nervously.

"Wait, huh?" Serenity asked before Marinette immediately began pulling her in the exact opposite direction of the bakery, leaving a bewildered Sydney scratching her head.

She pulled Serenity into the metro station a little ways down. As they ran down the steps, she let go of Serenity as Tiki flew out of Marinette's bag.

"Marinette! What was that for?" Serenity asked indignantly, rubbing her wrist from where the bluenette had been pulling on it. "This isn't even the way to the bakery."

"Sorry Serenity, but I had to get us away as quick as I could." She then turned to Tikki. "I just saw an Akuma following Adrien's car. I have a feeling it's going after that girl. And if that's the case-"

She didn't need to finish as both Tikki and Serenity gasped. "Not to worry, Marinette!" Tikki stated, "I'm at your service!"

Marinette nodded with a smile.

"Tikki, spots on! Ha!" she shouted as the Kwami dove into her earrings. The magics that changed Marinette then took effect as she changed into her alter ego.

Serenity shielded her eyes a bit, then put them down and smiled widely at the transformed Parisian.

"I know I've seen it before, but I STILL can't get over how cool that is!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining in admiration.

"Thanks," Marinette (now Ladybug) said to her friend. "Now you should probably go back to the school or bakery. Something tells me this is going to get pretty rough."

Serenity frowned. "But I could help."

"Maybe, but not now, Serenity. This is only your second Akuma and something tells me THIS one will be more dangerous and serious than Class Clown was." She then quickly shot her yo-yo out the entrance. "I'll see you later," she called out as she swung away, surprising a few passersby.

Serenity sighed. She knew Marinette was just trying to protect her, but she didn't just want to stand around and wait for her friend to do all the work. She then got an idea. Her Duel Disk! She had it and her cards in her locker back at the school. She remembered how she'd used Red-Eyes Black Dragon against Class Clown. Perhaps she could do the same with whatever Akuma would be created.

She then looked around outside to make sure the coast was clear and then raced back to the school. She knew that what she was doing might be crazy, but she had to try. As she reached the school, she raced to the locker room to grab her Duel Disk. Thankfully, there was no one there. As she walked silently over to her locker, she lifted the latch and reached for her bag when-

"Serenity?"

Serenity jumped nearly a foot in the air upon hearing someone ask her name. She turned around and saw a familiar face "Sydney!"

"What are you doing here?" Sydney asked, looking confused. "I thought you had already left."

Serenity knew she had to think of an excuse and realized she had the perfect one right in her hand. "Oh, yeah, right. I just had to run back here to get something." She held up the Duel Disk and her bag as evidence. "See?" she asked, hoping she was giving a convincing enough face.

Sydney looked at the Disk and her eyes widened. "Say, isn't that a KaibaCorp Duel Disk?"

Serenity then nodded. "Yeah, my brother sent it to me from Japan. But, if you don't mind, I gotta get back to the bakery now to help Marinette."

Serenity turned around before Sydney's voice spoke up again. "Well before you go, I gotta tell you that you and your friend didn't make the cut."

That stopped Serenity in her tracks as she turned around, a confused and possibly hurt look on her face. "What? But I thought we were doing really good."

Sydney, apparently realizing how her statement must have sounded, quickly put up her hands. "Oh, you did, trust me. But when Mister D'Argencourt saw that other girl fencer take on Adrien, he reconsidered not letting her onto the team." She gave her an apologetic smile. "I'm really sorry, Serenity."

Serenity was obviously upset by this development; she and Marinette had been training so hard to get the spot and now it was being turned over to someone who was a complete unknown to them. Still though, if she'd learned anything, it was to take the disappointments life gave her that she couldn't change with a smile. Taking a deep breath, she smiled at Sydney. "That's okay, Sydney. After how upset she looked when Adrien beat her, I think that's probably for the best."

Sydney then crossed her arms and shrugged "Yeah. But hey, if you ask him, maybe Adrien would be happy to give you and Marinette some lessons."

Serenity smiled at that. She could only imagine Marinette's reaction to being personally tutored by Adrien "Yeah that would be nice. I'm sure Marinette would be-" She stopped as she remembered; the Akuma! She'd completely forgotten about it! "Oh man! Sorry to cut this short, Sydney, but I gotta go! The bakery and all! See ya, bye!"

With that, Serenity ran out of the locker room, unknowingly leaving Sydney with a confused look on her face. When she got outside the school, Serenity straped her Duel Disk onto her arm and placed her cards in the slot.

'I know you want to keep me safe, Marinette,' Serenity thought, 'but I'm not just going to be a standby anymore. I really want to help and if I can use this gift of mine Pegasus was talking about, then I'm going to use it.'

Meanwhile, unknown to the others, the girl was sitting in her car, holding a phone to her ear, a saddened expression on her face. As the car stopped at a traffic light, she got an answer on the phone, but it wasn't what she had hoped it would be. It was merely a voicemail.

I'm not available at the moment. Leave a message, the automated voice said before beeping.

The girl sighed. "Mother, you thought I was good enough, but... I lost. I won't be joining the D'Argencourt Academy."

She then hung up and leaned back in her seat. Her mind was filled with many thoughts: sadness at being beaten. Fury that she had lost her chance at getting into the academy. Shame for no doubt disappointing her mother. And most of all, defeat. She had thought she was a great fencer, but apparently she had been proven wrong. That boy, Adrien, had beaten her. While she supposed she should feel honored to have lost to a worthy opponent, she was positive his friend, the blue-haired girl, had made the call due to uncertainty. A rookie mistake. She was rather flattered he'd offered a decisive rematch, but she knew there was no point in it. Even if she won that one, she'd have still lost the first, even by a mistaken call, and her mother would most likely never let her forget it. She just didn't know what to do anymore. If only she COULD have a chance to show that she WAS the better fencer…. No, the GREATEST fencer! She'd show that blonde who was better.

Unbeknownst to her, the tiny Akuma parched on the open window of the car and flew in, landing onto her ring and then becoming absorbed into it.

Suddenly, the girl's head shot up as she heard a voice ring out in her head.

Riposte! I am Hawk Moth. I'm giving you a second chance to prove that you ARE the best fencer of all.

Upon hearing that, the girl couldn't believe what was happening. She had heard about this happening in Paris before, but she never thought it would happen to her. However, while she knew she should tune out the voice of this Hawk Moth, there was something almost… hypnotic about his voice that made her actually listen and consider his words. To be the best like she had wanted. To prove she had the skills to become better than anyone else. Yes, that was what she wanted, NEEDED, so desperately.

The voice then continued. But in return, you must bring me Ladybug and Cat Noir's Miraculous, as well as this girl. She has powers beyond understanding, but which may aid me in my plans. Images of earrings and a ring much like her own flashed in her mind, along with an image of an auburn-haired girl. She recognized her as another friend of that blue-haired idiot who'd made the wrong call. And if she was friends with HER, then she must be friends with Adrien as well. This was too good to pass up. It was decided.

"On my honor, Hawk Moth, I shall be victorious!"

Suddenly, as the car began to move for the green light, a bright flash erupted in the back. A figure suddenly sliced open a new sun roof into her car and leaped out. The car then skidded to a stop on the side and the driver got out and stared in shock at what happened, watching as a strange figure that had once been his passenger leap over lampposts to go after a car that seemed a little ways behind them from what he could see.

Speaking of the other car, in it, Adrien was skimming through logos on his phone, with Plagg secretly sitting atop his shoulder. Adrien then stopped when he finally saw the one from the girl's ring.

Speaking quietly to the feline Kwami, Adrien said, "She's the only daughter belonging to a family of prestigious fencers. Her mother and grandfather were both world champions. I've read about them before! She and her mother just moved to Paris! How incredible!

Suddenly, something a THUMP was heard on the roof, causing Adrien to gasp in surprise. Immediately, a silvery figure came spinning out of the sky. With a SWISH, Adrien's car was suddenly cut in half! The half driven by the Gorilla spun around like a top as the breaks squealed feebly, causing numerous people to jump out of the way. The sudden stop launched Adrien out of his seat. Plagg had snuck back into his fencing gear for protection. Adrien rolled on the ground, thankfully unharmed.

'Should have worn my seatbelt,' he thought to himself as cars around him squealed to a halt. He then glowered at what, or rather WHO, had caused it. He was surprised at what he saw. There, standing atop the back half of the car, was a silver figure with red eyes. This figure looked very much like the ancient samurai he had read about. She (as the body was obviously feminine) wore silver armor; a breastplate, pauldrons and tassets while her arms and legs are solid silver and she wears silver high-heel shoes. Her right hand seemed to be or holds a sword-like extension with a triangular guard. However, the biggest thing was the symbol both on the sword's guard and the red circle on her helmet. It was the same symbol he'd been looking at moments before. No doubt about it; this was the same girl he'd beaten Akumatized. And he had a feeling about what she was after.

"Adrien, was it?" she asked in a hardened voice as she pointed her sword at him. "I am Riposte, and I'm taking you up on your offer of a decisive match!"

Adrien was right. This was about vengeance for what had happened between them. He'd wanted that from the start, but this didn't feel right. "I- I can't fight you like this!" he protested. " You're not... yourself!"

Riposte however didn't seem to be willing to take "no" for an answer.

"Fight!" she demanded.

Hawk Moth then took the helm to calm down the fight happy minion, lest he seriously hurt his son. Halt, Riposte! You make seek your revenge, but only after you take hold of Ladybug and Cat Noir's Miraculous and bring me the girl first.

Riposte didn't like being denied her vengeance, but understood that if she disobeyed, Hawk Moth would most likely take away her powers. So she conceded to her new master's orders. "Understood, Hawk Moth."

Seeing his chance, Adrien tried to flee but Riposte blocked him.

"Where do you think you're going?" she sneered. "Stay right there. Nice and patiently. I'll deal with you once I have what Hawk Moth wants."

Adrien flinched back from her as she pointed her sword-like appendage at him. Suddenly, a familiar spotted yo-yo wrapped around Riposte's blade, startling the Akuma.

"How'd you like to start a duel with me?" Ladybug asked as she stood atop a poster display. Adrien and Reposte looked up to see the spotted heroine as she yanked on her yo-yo to try and disarm Riposte. Unfortunately, her yo-yo slipped off the blade, surprising Ladybug. "It's merged with her hand!" she realized.

Riposte grinned wickedly and sent a strike at Adrien and Ladybug, cutting the display apart as they leapt out of the way.

As Ladybug landed, Reposte prepared herself. "Give me a moment, Adrien. I must finish her off, first!" She then turned to him with a smirk. "But don't worry- I haven't forgotten about you! I won't be long!"

Riposte then lunged at Ladybug and rapidly attacked her, her blade moving so fast it was practically multiplied visibly. Ladybug gasped and defended herself with her yo-yo, spinning it rapidly. However, all she could really do was move backwards as Reposte continued her strikes.

Adrien watched this and he knew he couldn't let the love of his life stay like this. She was good no doubt, but in a duel of sabers vs. yo-yo, it seemed Reposte had the advantage. He then looked at his saber in his hand and got an idea. He then ran up to the duo and called, "Don't let her close in on you! Fight back!" before throwing his saber to Ladybug, who caught it after doing some dodges and a backflip back.

"Thank you," she called out, "but now get out of here." Then under her breath, she muttered with a glare, "She doesn't deserve you." She then moved in to attack Riposte, twirling her yo-yo to continue acting as a shield, but Reposte was too strong and Ladybug was soon knocked flat on her back.

"Watch out, Ladybug!" Adrien cried. He knew he couldn't turn into Cat Noir now, but he had to do something! As Repost jumped up and dive bombed Ladybug, obviously planning on skewering her, he dove at Ladybug and pushed her out of the way, right as Reposte slammed to the ground.

The two rolled around slightly before stopping with Adrien on top of Ladybug. The two stared at each other for a second or two, but any other moments (romantic, awkward or otherwise) were halted as Adrien winced.

"Ouch!" he cried, holding onto his ankle.

Ladybug immediately jumped up from the ground, "Are you hurt?" she asked concerned.

Adrien tried to give her a reassuring smile despite the pain he was feeling. "I'm fine," he said.

Ladybug knew he was lying, but knew there were more important things at the moment. "I need to get you as far away from that girl as possible!"

"Sounds like a plan!" Adrien said as he saw Reposte struggling to remove her arm from the ground.

Ladybug threw her yo-yo around a chimney stack and pulled Adrien close to her. The two then realized their situation before they both smiled sheepishly at each other. Meanwhile, Riposte managed to get her bladed arm out of the road. She lunged at them, but Ladybug carried them away.

Once the two were away, Ladybug picked up Adrien set him down out of sight behind the chimney.

"What kind of fencing WAS that?" she asked Adrien.

The blonde simply shrugged. "Nothing like I've ever seen before."

Ladybug frowned. "It's going to be hard for me to fight and protect you at the same time." She then realized it was time to call in her partner. She took out her yo-yo and attempted to call Cat Noir on the built in communicator. Unfortunately, she received no answer.

"Where are you, Cat Noir?" she asked, frustrated.

Adrien of course knew where he was, but couldn't reveal that, so he simply pretended to think for a second. "Maybe he's… busy?" he said tentatively as he smiled nervously and shrugged again.

At that moment, a streak of light and a few audible SLASH sound erupted and their hiding spot fell apart, revealing Respote.

"Allow me to explain the rules to you," she growled. "You're not allowed to call it quits at any time! Adrien is mine! I will defeat you. Both of you! I am the best fencer!

Ladybug and Adrien stood up as the heroine stood protectively in front of him. Adrien then decided to try a diplomatic approach with the Akuma. It might not have worked in the past, but you can hope, right? Maybe it would work THIS time.

"Nobody's denying that." he said, trying to calm her down. "My friend Marinette made a bad call earlier." He added a sheepish rub to the back of his head as he said this.

Ladybug, getting what he was trying to do (and also because she knew he was right) went along. "He's right. Referee errors can happen in fencing. You don't have to get so bent out of shape about it."

Unfortunately, this didn't seem to have any affect as Reposte simply growled angrily and glared at them.

Adrien then tried again. "I'm sure Marinette wasn't TRYING to humiliate you."

Okay. THAT went a little far! "Of course not!" Ladybug cried, obviously offended. This however only caused Adrien to look at her questioningly.

"Uhh…?" he murmured.

Quickly realizing her slip up, Ladybug laughed nervously and quickly tried to cover it up. "I mean, I'm sure that was the case." She added a sheepish smile at Reposte.

Once again though, it didn't do any good. If anything, it made the silver Akuma madder! "It's too late! The damage has been done! This time, I shall be the referee!" She then lunged at them.

"Stay back, Adrien," Ladybug cried as she too launched forward to engage Riposte in battle, spinning the yo-yo as before to block before stabbing with Adrien's borrowed saber.

Adrien meanwhile limped away, his twisted ankle acting up a little. He moved to hide behind a second chimney stack.

As Riposte and Ladybug continued their fighting, Ladybug sent her yo-yo at Repost who simply dodged as the tow wrapped around a third cluster of chimneys. Reposte smirked thinking she'd missed, but it turned out that Ladybug had intended for that. She yanked on the string, pulling the chimneys apart. Reposte looked at shocked as the rubble piled onto her. Lady bug smiled smugly and ran away. Unfortunately, behind her, she heard Reposte starting to break free.

Crud! She thought. This is getting harder by the minute!

As this was happening, Adrien was behind his hiding spot. Plagg then popped out from behind his shoulder.

"You're sure taking some risks today,~" the Kwami sang.

Adrien shot him a small look. "Don't really have a choice, do I? Ladybug needs me." He then knew what he had to do. He prepared himself and outstretched his arm with the ring on his finger.

"Plagg, C-!"

Suddenly, he was interrupted by the one person he DIDN'T want seeing him transform.

"Adrien you okay?" Ladybug asked, leaning around the chimney to see him.

Adrien looked at her and then flexed his outstretched arm in an attempt to act casual. "Uhh, yeah, and you too?" he asked.

Ladybug thankfully didn't seem to notice his nervousness. "I'll feel better once you're safe, far away from that girl."

Immediately, a BOOM sounded and sounds of rubble falling were heard. Most chilling of all was the Respote's roar of "WHERE ARE YOU!?"

Ladybug quickly pulled Adrien down as the villain began slashing other chimneys in an effort to find them. "I know you're here somewhere!" she snarled as she slashed another to smithereens.

"How could this get any worse?" groaned Ladybug. Unfortunately, she was about to get her answer in a familiar voice.

"Hey! Hold it right there!"

'Oh Mon Dieu! Tell me that's NOT who I think it is!' Both she and Adrien looked down on the street below them to see Serenity Wheeler, her Duel Disk strapped to her arm and a determined look on her face.

"Is she INSANE!?" Ladybug cried, tugging her pigtails. "What is she DOING here!?"

"I don't know, but somebody needs to get her out of there!" Adrien stated, looking as surprised and frightened as Ladybug.

Meanwhile, down below, Reposte grinned wickedly as she swung her blade in front of her. "Well, well, well. A new challenger has entered the ring, eh?" I recognize you." She then pointed her blade at Serenity. "You're that friend of the bluenette who humiliated me! And you're also the one Hawk Moth wants!"

Upon hearing that, the auburn-haired girl and the two on the roof gasped. It was what Master Fu had told Marinette and Serenity; Hawk Moth was now interested in getting the power Serenity had. Serenity then braced herself as she held up her Duel Disk.

"Is that so? Then did he tell you about what I can do?" she said.

Reposte, be careful. She was able to summon a dragon to attack the last Akuma I created. Hawk Moth told his enforcer.

"He has now," Reposte stated as she leapt forward. With as much speed as she could muster, Serenity jumped to the side as Reposte brought her blade down. As it did so, it snagged a piece of her hair and cut it off. Serenity watched as the brown locks floated to the ground, green eyes wide.

"Ha!" Reposte laughed. "Do you think you're strong enough to beat me?"

"No!" At that moment, Ladybug leapt down in front of the two, arms spread. "Leave her alone! She's got nothing to do with this battle or your grudge against Adrien." She then urged to Serenity, a steely look in her bluebell eyes. "Get out of here! NOW!"

"On the contrary," Reposte sneered. "She IS important. Hawk Moth wants her. She's a friend of both that girl and Adrien. So by getting her, I am getting exactly what is needed to let me keep this power and have my revenge. Besides," she added, "I want to see what she's got."

"Fine then," Serenity said. She then pulled a card from her deck and placed it on the Duel Disk. "I summon Lady Panther!"

At that, a flash occurred and a spotted feline in armor and white cape wielding a crescent spear and a shield appeared snarling as Reposte.

"Woah!" the villain cried as the cat swung the spear at her, dodging just in time.

Reposte, keep on your toes, Hawk Moth ordered.

"Get her, Lady Panther!" Serenity shouted.

Reposte then dodged another swing as Ladybug watched. 'Perhaps I didn't really have to worry after all,' she thought. 'Serenity seems to have this in hand. Although, something seems off with that Duel Monster.'

It was true. While the Red-Eyes had seemed more life-like, even blinking and seeming to breath, this one seemed… empty. Almost like a shell. She then looked to the side of the street in a bush and her eyes widened in shock and horror.

To the side was a Kiba Corp. Projector. She could see it turned on. That meant that this Monster wasn't real at all!

"Stop!" she shouted to Serenity.

"What? Why?" she asked.

"Because this isn't your power! It's-"

She was interrupted by the sight of Lady Panther swinging its spear towards Reposte. The villain prepared herself to block it, but suddenly, the weapon went through her blade, causing everyone to stare in shock. Reposte then swung her blade at the monster and, sure enough, while Lady Panther continued to attack, the blade went right through her.

"Oh no," Adrien murmured from his place on the rooftops.

Serenity stared in surprise and fear. "But… but, my power…"

Reposte, what is this? This monster should be real! Hawk Moth shouted.

"I don't know," the villain said. "I thought you said she had some sort of power."

Perhaps there is more to this power than I thought. Bring her to me.

"But what about the Miraculous?" Reposte asked.

Hawk Moth thought for a moment. He didn't want to do it, but he knew Reposte wouldn't stop until she beat Adrien. So he decided to give her slightly what she wanted.

After a few seconds, Reposte smiled wickedly and leapt forward. "Your little tricks won't save you!" she sneered. "Guess your whole 'great power' thing was a load of bunk. Still, Hawk Moth wants you, so I'll just follow his orders with a little twist!"

"NO!" cried Ladybug, running forward to defend Serenity, only to be smacked aside by Reposte. As the red-suited heroine was flung to the side, Serenity tried to run, but the silver villain was too quick and grabbed her.

"HELP!" Serenity cried. She was far too frightened to do anything. Her apparent powers had failed to manifest themselves and now she was once again in a villain's clutches.

Adrien had run down the stairs as best he could with his ankle to aid Ladybug. As he got there, he offered her a hand up.

Above them, Reposte let out an evil laugh. The two then looked up and saw Serenity feebly struggling against her grasp. Reposte then turned and pointed her blade at the two.

"Here's the deal," she said. "If you want your little friend back, have Adrien fight me for her. He wins, you get her back. If I win, not only am I truly the greatest swordsman ever, but I get the Miraculous AND to keep her for Hawk Moth." She then pointed in another direction. "Meet me at the Louvre in ten minutes and prepare yourself, Adrien."

With, that she leapt away laughing as Serenity feebly hit her on the back. Ladybug watched her leaving, unable to do anything.

"ARRGH!" she cried. "I can't believe this! This is the SECOND time that girl Serenity has been taken by a villain!"

"And the only way to save her is for me to fight Reposte," Adrien said. He attempted to stand, but cried out as he clutched his ankle in pain. Luckily, Ladybug caught him.

"Adrien, you're in no condition to do any such thing." She said sternly.

"But Serenity's my friend," Adrien protested. "If I don't fight Reposte, who will?"

Ladybug got a steely look in her eyes. "I'll have to fight her instead."

She then flung her yo-yo out. "But first we need to get you somewhere safe." She held him close only for both of them to have another awkward moment before they leapt into the Paris skyline.

Soon, Reposte finally stopped and placed Serenity on a rooftop.

"Let me go!" she cried as she tried to struggle out of the villain's grasp.

"Oh, I will," Reposte smirked. "Right after I beat Adrien and bring the Miraculous and you to Hawk Moth." She then grabbed some rope on the roof and tied Serenity to a small chimney. She then grabbed Serenity's bag and Duel Disk and tossed it a little ways. "Now stay here and don't try any funny tricks with those stupid cards of yours." She then chuckled cruelly. "Of course, it doesn't seem like you're much of a threat WITH them either. HA! What a joke! Why Hawk Moth wants you, I STILL don't know. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a fight to win at the Louvre." With that, the villain leapt forward and headed in the direction of the famous museum.

All the while, Serenity looked down sadly, feeling tears in her eyes. How could she have been so foolish? She'd jumped in being so confident of these powers Pegasus said she had that she completely failed. And besides that, her hope to manifest a real monster had been a flop.

"Maybe she's right," Serenity sighed. "Maybe I AM a joke. I try to save my friends and what happens?"

But then, a thought came to her; was she REALLY trying to save her friends? Or had she been so wrapped up in trying out the powers she supposedly had that she hadn't really been focusing on helping them? She remembered Yugi saying that he was able to call upon his monsters because he desperately needed their help in times of crisis. By believing in them with your heart and soul, you could bring them to your aid. She realized that, while she had called Lady Panther, she had merely done it as a way to maybe show off her new skills. Because she had treated the Monster like a Monster in the game, it had been just that; a hologram for the game.

"I'm so stupid!" Serenity cried. "That's how the Red Eyes must have appeared. I wanted someone to help me when Ladybug and Cat Noir couldn't and it heard my call." Her eyes then became hard. "Well I'm not going to make the same mistake again! But first, if I'm going to help, I have to get out of here."

She then looked and saw a hook near the chimney. She then reached her tied together hands to the hook and moved it back and forth. She soon felt the pieces moving apart and loosening.

'Don't worry, guys,' she thought. 'I'll be there soon.' She then looked at her Duel Disk as one card in the slot caught her eye. 'And I think I got just the monster to take out that sinister swordsman.'

At the Louvre Palace, people were enjoying the vast amounts of famous artwork when Ladybug and Adrien arrived, sliding down the Pyramid. Everyone looked surprised, but knew that if one of Paris's heroes showed up, it couldn't be anything good. Sure enough, what Ladybug said next confirmed it.

"Akuma alert!" she said as she helped Adrien stand. "You all must leave now! Evacuate the premises calmly!"

Thankfully, Officer Roger was there to aid. "This way, ladies and gentlemen," he called as he directed the citizens away from the area.

As Ladybug and Adrien walked into the museum, an announcement came on over a loudspeaker. An announcement that, in various different ways, had been implemented to different places all over Paris.

Akuma Alert. Ladybug and Cat Noir are expected to handle this emergency swiftly. All visitors kindly vacate the premises very calmly. Thank you.

The two soon found themselves in the King Tut exhibit. Ladybug looked around. "A safe place, a safe place... There!"

A few seconds later, Adrien was lying inside the sarcophagus display, not looking too happy at his present predicament.

Ladybug must have realized that as she smiled apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, but at least you'll be safe in here." She began closing the lid before Adrien grabbed it.

"Please be careful, Ladybug." he said. "That villain has my friend and I'd hate for either of you to be hurt because of me."

Ladybug stopped, surprised by his heartfelt words. "Oh... Well, thank you. But don't worry. I'll be fine. And I'll save your friend too, I promise. You stay out of harm's way, okay?" She then closed the lid, but before she left, she smiled and placed a kiss to it.

'Would prefer the guy INSIDE, but this'll have to do,' she thought as she left to face her opponent.

Outside the Louvre, Riposte quickly jumped toward the museum. Already, police cars had lined up outside, but she didn't care. She wasn't going to use the front door anyway. With a yell, she quickly made a cutting motion and a super-sharp air flow actually sliced off the top of the Pyramid! The officers on the ground, Roger included, stared ion shock as she jumped off a squad car into the museum. However, she was surprised to find not Adrien, but Ladybug waiting for her, her yo-yo and the gilr fencer's red saber in hands.

"YOU!?" she exclaimed. "Where did you hide Adrien?! HE'S the one who's supposed to battle me, remember!? That was the deal!"

"You actually think I'd tell you?" smirked Ladybug. "And as I recall, he never actually agreed to your deal within earshot. You left before he said anything." She then picked up the saber in her right and spun her other weapon in her left. "This is just between you and me, Riposte!" Her smirk turned into a scowl. "And by the way, where is Serenity Wheeler? If you've harmed her-"

Riposte merely gave a smirk of her own. "Not to worry. She's safe for now. But you may very well have sealed her doom. You can't cut it? Fine. Then I'll just defeat you and take your Miraculous! Then I'll go and find Adrien! Once I'm done with that, your little friend's going straight to Hawk Moth!"

Ladybug grit her teeth angrily. "I won't let you lay a hand on either of them!"

At that, the two lunged at each other to begin.

Meanwhile, in the King Tut exhibit, Adrien was moving around a bit. "It's time we went and joined Ladybug, Plagg!"

The little Kwami however didn't seem to agree. "Didn't you hear what she said? She said to wait here! You can't disobey her!"

Adrien, in the dark, shook his head. "I've gotta help her! Not only that, Serenity's in trouble! Plagg! Claws out!"

From inside the sarcophagus, a flash of green light occurred. The lid then moved and in the model's place was Cat Noir. The hero tentatively peeked around and, upon seeing no one, got out and closed the lid. He then tried running toward the battle, only for his ankle to act up again. However, he knew he had to push forward. Not only did his partner need him, but so did Serenity. He then ran a little more slowly toward the sounds of battle.

In the Louvre Painting Gallery, Ladybug and Riposte were still fighting. Ladybug spun her yo-yo as a shield as Reposte continued to slash at her. Thankfully, the heroine was able to get a few hits in with her own sword. Unfortunately, a lucky hit knocked Ladybug back to the ground, flinging her saber into a painting. Unarmed, Ladybug was helpless and Riposte went in to finish her off… only to be blocked by Cat Noir's staff. He then pushed the villain off him as she then righted herself.

"Cat Noir!" she growled.

Cat Noir however gave his usual smirk. "A fencing tournament at the Louvre? How come I wasn't invited?" he asked as Ladybug got up and pulled Kagami's saber out of the painting

"Let me guess: you were late because you were at the groomers again?" she said jokingly.

Cat Noir however, didn't seem insulted and simply went along. "I was preening myself, M'lady. You know how long it takes cats to get ready."

The two then began to attack Riposte, who suddenly found herself outnumbered two-to-one and forced on the defensive. With a yell Cat Noir smacked her into a wall. As she caught her breath, she found herself at the end of Cat Noir's staff and the saber, the two heroes grinning.

"Checkmate, Riposte!" Ladybug said.

Riposte merely smiled wickedly. "You've got the wrong sport, Ladybug! I think you mean: attaque toi!"

She then slammed into Cat Noir, knocking him back and, unfortunately, making his injured ankle act up.

Hearing her partner groan, Ladybug turned to him. "You okay, Cat Noir?" she asked, concerned.

Riposte then took advantage of her distraction and attacked Ladybug, which then sent her to flying out of the room. Luckily, she was able to catch herself before she went off the balcony behind her. Riposte then stabbed an alarm button with her blade, bringing a gate down between them and Cat Noir.

"Ladybug!" Cat Noir cried as he tried to get to her in time, but was too late as the gate fell.

"Ready to lose, Ladybug?" sneered Reposte as she again engaged Ladybug in a fight, forcing her downstairs.

Cat Noir knew that he had to do something. Calling upon his power, he shouted, "Cataclysm!" Upon activating it, the bars on the gate rusted, allowing him to get through. Cat Noir then headed after Ladybug and Riposte, though he was forced to limp as his ankle still hurt.

Back in the King Tut exhibit, the fight continued. Riposte then used her shoulder to send Ladybug flying onto her back into the exhibit, the red saber falling out of her reach. Ladybug looked at her opponent and then, realizing where she was, looked at the sarcophagus. Unfortunately, that seemed to clue Riposte into where Ladybug hid Adrien as the villain smiled.

"Of course!" she whispered. Reposte then jumped around near the ceiling of the room until she reached the sarcophagus as Ladybug could only watch helplessly.

The silver swordsman then reached the sarcophagus. "The hour of revenge has struck Time for you and I to have that match, Adrien!" she exclaimed as she sliced open the lid

"No!" Ladybug cried, but it was too late as the lid was split in two.

However, they were in for a surprise when they found it quite empty. Getting over her shock, Ladybug got to her feet and, running for the entrance, used her yo-yo to perform the same trick with the alarm button Riposte did to trap Cat Noir before. As she continued to stare in surprise, Cat Noir slid down into the room with Ladybug.

"He's gone!" exclaimed Ladybug to her partner.

Upon realizing where they were, Cat Noir realized whom she was speaking of and became very flustered. "Uhh, who?"

"Riposte is trying to get revenge on Adrien Agreste!" explained Ladybug to her (seemingly) unknowing partner "I hid him inside the sarcophagus, but he's not there now!"

Cat Noir, trying to make light of the situation and keep her mind of Adrien (aka, HIM) being missing, tried to crack a pun. "Maybe he was feeling a little... claws-trophobic?"

Ladybug, however, merely stared at him, speechlessly as if asking, "SERIOUSLY!? NOW!?"

Riposte however called out, "Let's look for him together, Ladybug- and finish this match!" as she sent another razor wind to cut apart the bars, one piece nearly hitting Ladybug.

However, just before anyone could do anything, a familiar voice to them all cried out, "Hold it, Reposte!"

Turning around to the stairs, everyone's eyes grew wide as Serenity stood at the top, a smile on her face and two cards in her hand.

"Serenity!" Ladybug cried happily, then realizing where she was, stopped and shouted, "What are you doing here!?"

'I'm getting a serious case of déjà vu,' Cat thought meanwhile.

Reposte glowered as she looked at the auburn-haired girl. "What!? How did you get out!? I had you tied up!"

"If there's one thing my brother Joey taught me, it's always resourceful and use what's around you to your advantage." Serenity said with a smirk, causing Reposte to growl at her.

"Well then. Let's see how resourceful you are when I drag you unconscious back to Hawk Moth!"

"Think again," Serenity stated, holding up the two cards in her hand. "Because I have a little surprise for you, Reposte!" With that, she inserted the two cards into the Graveyard slot of her disk.

"I sacrifice The Forgiving Maiden and Marie the Fallen One, to summon a being who may very well be a match for any swordsman! A true champion of justice and honor!" She then raised her hand up.

"COME FORTH, ST. JOAN!"

In a flash of light that had everyone covering their eyes, a figure suddenly appeared, bedecked in silver armor with gold accents with short blonde hair, a sword in her hands, prepared for combat.

Ladybug gasped. This was the same card she and Tikki had seen back at the school. She knew that St. Jeanne d'Arc (better known to many as Joan of Arc) had been a Miraculous wielder before her. But to see her right in front of her, despite being a simple Duel Monster was incredible. Obviously Pegasus had chosen to forgo the scar Jeanne had on her eye and lip to make her better for the picture. Either that or he chose to portray her before she had gotten them. Still, there was no mistaking the fire in the monster's eyes as she looked at Reposte.

However, while Serenity was focused on her opponent and Marinette was still focusing on the Monster, Cat Noir's mind was going haywire with panic.

'Is she insane!? That didn't work the last time! How can she think it would work now!?'

Apparently Reposte was thinking the same thing as she let out a loud laugh. "HA! Did you not learn a thing from last time!? You know the old saying: fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice, shame on you!"

Wait, Reposte, Hawk Moth said. Something is… different from the last time.

"Relax, Hawk Moth," scoffed Reposte. "I'll finish this thing off like I did that dumb panther from before!" She then leapt forward and swung her blade, obviously anticipating it to go through like the last time…

Only to be met with a shock.

With a clang of meeting metal, St. Joan had her sword up, completely blocking Reposte's strike. The silver clad villain stared in surprise as Joan glowered at her. Then, with a push, she shoved Reposte into the wall, dazing her slightly.

"How… how is this possible?" she asked, the same question being asked by those who had witnessed the last attempt Serenity had tried this.

Ladybug and Cat Noir looked away from the incredible sight and looked around quickly.

"I don't see any Kaiba Corp. projectors, do you?" Cat Noir asked.

"No," Ladybug answered, shaking her head. Then a thought came to her. 'But if that's the case, then this is Serenity's power.'

"Then that means," Cat continued, apparently getting the same idea, "that that monster is…"

The two of them finished the thought and statement at the same time: "REAL!"

Hearing that, Reposte looked to the Monster with a look of fear replacing her originally smug one. St. Joan then angled her sword at the Akumatized girl.

"S-stay back. STAY BACK!" she cried in fear.

Serenity meanwhile smirked slightly. "Don't hurt her too bad, Joan. Just rough her up a little."

The blonde woman then nodded and launched forward with a shout as she swung her blade at Reposte, the villain dodging just in time as Joan's sword slashed the wall slightly. Quickly though, she caught up and soon Reposte was working overtime to keep Joan back. Every swing she sent, the woman seemed to match it blow for blow.

Serenity then turned to the heroes. "I don't know how long Joan can keep her busy for. If you guys have any way of beating her, you better do it now." Her statement was punctuated by a bleep as Cat Noir's ring made a noise, his and Ladybug's faces slightly conveying worry.

"She's right," Ladybug nodded. She then threw her yo-yo into the air. "Lucky Charm!" she shouted. Immediately, ladybugs appeared and in a flash, something fell out of the sky and Ladybug caught it.

Serenity looked at it as if she didn't know what to think. "Is that a… radiator?"

Indeed it was a red and black spotted radiator. Cat also looked at it oddly.

"Great. That should really… heat things up," he joked, though it was clear that he was as confused about this as Serenity.

Ladybug however ignored her partner's joke and focused her eyes on the duel between St. Joan and Reposte. As of that moment, Joan was still doing well, but Reposte had managed to work her back a tad. Ladybug's eyes then alight upon Riposte's sword, locked in combat.

"That's it!" she cried. "The akuma has to be in her sword!"

Cat Noir then prepared his claws. "Then why don't we get to the point?" he asked with a smirk.

Ladybug and Serenity gave small laughs at that. The heroine then turned to Serenity.

"Can you have St. Joan get over here? We may need all the help we can get." she asked.

Serenity nodded. "Joan! Come here, quick!" she called. The monster then shoved away the villain whose blade she had been locked with and then back flipped back to land right with Ladybug and Cat Noir.

Reposte meanwhile stood panting from exertion, a furious look on her face.

Ladybug then turned to Serenity. "Stay back this time, okay. This could get dangerous." Serenity nodded.

Then, with a shout from all four combatants, a three-against-one battle began.

Ladybug, Cat Noir, and St. Joan all attempted to attack Riposte, who had managed to recover from her windedness slightly and blocked their attacks. Reposte then begin attacking Ladybug, who managed to find a good use for the radiator blocking Riposte's blade with it. Cat Noir then attempted to use his staff, but was blocked and sent back with the two females.

"She's too quick!" he growled as he and Joan readied for another attack.

Meanwhile, Ladybug used her Lucky Charm visualization skills to try to find a way to beat Reposte. It then alit upon Cat Noir's tail, Riposte's sword arm, and the radiator. She now had a plan. She then turned to Joan.

"Do you think you can follow our lead on this?" she asked. It felt strange to speak to a Duel Monster this way, much less on based off a prior Ladybug. However, Joan merely smiled and nodded. Ladybug then turned to Cat Noir.

"Partner, I need your belt!" she stated.

Cat didn't even have to ask why. He recognized the look on her face. "Get ready, then!"

He then removed his belt as he, Ladybug and Joan rushed at Riposte again. The villain sent another razor slash at them, but the group ducked it. Ladybug threw the radiator into the air as Cat Noir caught it.

"En garde!" The feline shouted, blocking with the radiator as Ladybug had before right before throwing her his belt.

Ladybug then hooked Cat Noir's belt around the guard of Riposte's sword.

"Prêt...!" Ladybug shouted. Reposte, realizing what was going to happen, gasped and attempted to get away, but she was trapped tight.

Ladybug and Cat Noir then held the radiator and shouted to the side the final words of fencing. "Allez!"

Reposte looked and saw Joan rushing forward at full speed with a yell. The villain attempted even harder to escape, but it was no use. The Duel Monster rammed into the radiator. With a loud "SNAP," Riposte's sword broke, knocking her back. As the broken piece of sword flew to the side, the akuma fluttered out.

Ladybug then smiled as she ran her finger down the middle of her yo-yo. "No more evildoing for you, little akuma," she said. She then spun her yo-yo and threw it at the akuma. "Time to de-evilize!" With another "SNAP," the akuma was captured. "Gotcha!" Ladybug cheered. A second later, she released the now purified akuma, now once more a harmless Lepidoptera. "Bye-bye, little butterfly!" she waved. Finally, Ladybug picked up the radiator and threw it into the air. "Miraculous Ladybug!"

The Miraculous Ladybug ladybugs repair all the damage done to the inner and outer parts of the museum. As this happened, Riposte suddenly glowed black and turned back into the girl fencer. Serenity raced forward to help her as she shook her head and stared at her hands.

"What…what happened?" she asked.

"You'll be okay," Serenity said. "You've just had quite the experience. It's all over now though, so don't worry." The girl merely looked at her and then gaped at St. Joan in awe, who also offered a smile as she sheathed her sword.

Ladybug and Cat Noir meanwhile turned to one another and gave their signature congratulations.

"Pound it!"

Cat Noir's ring then bleeped a second time.

"Oops! Gotta go. Have a vet's appointment to get to. Take care of the young lady, will you? And tell Serenity thanks. And St. Joan too, I guess." He then began to run away.

Ladybug approached the red clad girl and kneeled in front of her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Everything's okay now," she said with an encouraging smile.

The girl simply stared at her in awe. It was clear she was star struck by actually seeing one of France's famous superheroes in front of her. Seeing this caused Serenity to giggle a bit.

As all this was happening, Cat Noi, making sure their attention was on the girl, hastily ducked out of sight behind a cat statue and whispered, "Claws in." In a flash of green, he was back to being Adrien Agreste. Plagg was now sitting in his hand, obviously exhausted from the overexertion of his powers.

"Ohhhh... All this sport has made me hungryyyyy!" the black Kwami groaned, wriggling around in Adrien's hand.

"Later," hissed Adrein. "Now, shh!" He then watched as Ladybug and Serenity approached, helping the girl who was still a bit wobbly on her feet. St. Joan followed them in the back.

Ladybug then turned to Serenity. "How about you go on out and make sure she gets taken care of? I have some unfinished business in here."

Serenity nodded. "Okay, Ladybug." She then turned to the girl. "Come on. Let's go."

"Alright," the girl said nodding. She then turned to Ladybug. "Thank you," she said, sounding very grateful.

As the two left, Ladybug looked around. "Where could he have gone?" she wondered aloud.

At that moment, Adrien decided not let her worry any longer as he stepped out into sight. "Ladybug?" he asked.

Ladybug turned surprised for a moment, but then sighed in relief when she saw who it was. "There you are!" she exclaimed.

"Yeah, I'm sorry," Adrien apologized as he quickly made up a lie for his absence. "I figured it would be better to escape before Riposte came along. Besides, I..." He then scratched the back of his head awkwardly) ... kinda hate to be locked up." He gave her a sheepish look.

Sure enough, Ladybug got a horrified look on her face and gasped. "Oh gosh! I'm so sorry! You did the right thing." She still seemed ashamed with herself as she shook her head.

Adrien wanted to reassure her that it was okay and moved to say something, but, knowing her as he did, decided against it as he figured it wouldn't matter and she'd still beat herself up over it. That was just one of the things he loved about her. He then decided to say something else to get her mind off things. "S-so, uh... So Cat Noir finally turned up, huh?"

At that, Ladybug seemed to perk up. "Yes, thankfully! Between you and me, he's much better at fencing!" To punctuate this, she mimed fencing."

Adrien chuckled at her movements. He then remembered the victim of Hawk Moth. "And... Riposte?"

Ladybug gave him a smile. "The girl is safe. Don't worry." She then turned and gestured to the Monster that was surprisingly still behind her. "Also, we had another bit of help."

Upon seeing the woman, Adrien gaped. "Woah. Is… is t-that…?"

Ladybug nodded. "Yep. St. Jeanne d'Arc. Or St. Joan. Though it's a Duel Monster's version of her."

Joan smiled at him and bowed slightly.

At that moment, Ladybug's earrings beeped and a spot disappeared. Ladybug flung a hand to her ear as she got a slight panicked look. "Oh no! I'm about to change back!" She then glanced between Adrien and the girl's red saber still lying on the ground. She then sighed and pointed to it. "You should be the one to return that."

Adrien saw where he was pointing and walked up to the saber to pick it up. He then looked back at Ladybug, who was actually speaking to Joan.

"This is a bit strange, but I want to thank you," she said, holding out a hand to the blonde woman. "We couldn't have stopped her without you."

Joan smiled and grasped Marinette's hand, shaking it. She then leaned in and, surprisingly, began to speak in a slight whisper. And what she said caused Ladybug's eyes to widen:

"I'm glad that Fu chose such a worthy successor. Continue to make me proud, Coccinelle."

She looked at Joan, gob smacked. She knew that Jeanne d'Arc had been a Ladybug before her, but St. Joan was supposed to only be a Duel Monster. A version of her created for a card game. If anything, she was supposed to have been a Monster from another dimension if what Serenity had told her in their talks was right. There was no way this Joan could have known about Jeanne being a Miraculous wielder.

Unless… Could it be possible that THIS Joan was actually…

However, before she could say anything else, Joan turned to Adrien, gave him a smirk and a wink and vanished right before their eyes, her time in this dimension seemingly done.

After standing there for a few seconds in shock, another "BEEP" sound shook Ladybug and Adrien out of their stupors. Turning to Adrien, she looked at him with a smile.

"Bug out!" she said, giving her usual farewell send-off and waving before running up the stairs, departing.

For a few more seconds, Adrien stared. Then, he smiled after her and blew her a kiss. He then looked down at the blade in his hands and headed the way his Lady had left, knowing what he had to do.

Outside the Louvre, the same voice that spoke the announcement from before now spoke adifferent message.

The Akuma Alert has been called off. The Louvre will soon be re-opening for visitors. Thank you for your cooperation.

As Serenity and the girl waited outside, the girl pulled out her phone and called her chauffeur. "Hi, it's me… No, no. Everything's okay now. I'm at the Louvre. Come when you can, please. Thank you." She then hung up.

Serenity then stared at her a bit. "Are you sure you're okay? I know what happened must have been pretty crazy for you."

The girl then sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Though, I admit when I moved here, I hadn't expected to personally get caught in the craziness I'd heard about."

Serenity chuckled at that. She certainly knew how it felt to be so overwhelmed so early upon arrival. Then, her eyes then widened in realization of what she'd said. "Wait. You JUST moved here?"

She nodded. "Yes. Why?"

Serenity smiled. "I actually just got here recently too. I'm here on an exchange student program from Japan."

The girl then also gave a small smile. "I thought I recognized a fellow countrywoman." She held out a hand. "My name is Kagami, Kagami Tsurugi."

Serenity clasped her hand and shook it. "Serenity Wheeler."

At that, Kagami's eyes widened. "Wait. Wheeler? No relation to the famous Joey Wheeler? Generally regarded as possibly one of the top ten best ranked Duel Monsters players in the world?"

Serenity gave a big smile at that. "He's my brother actually."

Kagami then let go and bowed. "It's an honor. I've followed your brother's exploits. Fencing may be my family's way of life, but I do enjoy Duel Monsters as well. He may not be in the leagues of Yugi Muto and Seto Kaiba, but he's certainly getting up there to place as high in tournaments as he has."

Serenity laughed at that. "I'll be sure to let him know that. He'll be glad to know he has another fan here in Paris."

"Eh, what can I say," Kagami said with a small shrug. "There's just something about his underdog enthusiasm that's very… enduring." The two shared a laugh at that.

Then, she looked surprised. "Hold it. Did you say your name is Kagami TSURUGI?"

Kagami looked at her confusedly. "Have we met before?"

Serenity then shook her head. "Oh, no, we haven't. But I remember back at my old school that some kids there were part of a fencing tournament and a person named Tsurugi apparently won the whole thing. That wouldn't be YOU would it?"

Kagami then smiled proudly. "As a matter of fact, it would. I have quite a few tournament wins under my belt. My family is also quite prestigious when it comes to fencing."

"Wow! This is so neat! The only champions I know of are Duel Monster players," Serenity exclaimed.

Kagami's face fell a bit. "Yes, my family is a champion one at that. That's why when we moved here I had hoped to join D'Argencourt's team. Unfortunately, after what happened, I doubt I'll get in now."

Something in Serenity's brain clicked as she said that, remembering what Sydney had told her when she had gone to get her Duel Disk.

"Actually, I don't think you will have to worry. You see-"

"Excuse me?"

A voice suddenly interrupted Serenity. Kagami jumped and gasped. Turning around, the two saw Adrien walking up to them, holding the red saber in his hand.

"Oh, Adrien," said Serenity.

Upon seeing her, Adrien's smiled. "Serenity! I'm so glad you're safe. After what happened-" He stopped short upon seeing Kagami's eyes turn down shamefully, apparently having just remembered what she had done to the girl during her unfortunate transformation. When he realized what he was about to say, he embarrassedly corrected himself. "Well… I'm just glad nobody got seriously hurt."

"Thanks, Adrien," Serenity said. She then turned her eyes down to the saber in his hands. "So, were you going to do something with that?" she asked, pointing to the sword.

Adrien looked down at it and seemed to remember why he'd come out. "Oh, right! Listen, I'm sorry about what happened at the school. With the whole fight and stuff." He then handed the sword out to Kagami. "I think this is yours. Please. Take it back."

Kagami looked as though she were about to take her saber back, but then shook her head and turned away, clutching her hands to her chest.

"No. You shouldn't be apologizing to me. If anything, I should be apologizing to you." She then turned to Serenity, her brown eyes reflecting shame. She bowed to them both respectfully as she continued. "To both of you. I put both your lives in danger all because of my foolish pride and desire to be the best. I don't deserve to hold a saber anymore. Not after what I've done."

Adrien however shook his head. "It's okay. Even if you do go a little overboard, it's not your fault what happened. If anything, it's Hawk Moth's."

"Yeah," agreed Serenity. "Sometimes people let themselves go overboard and at times they do things they're not proud of." She thought back to what Joey had told her about Mai joining Dartz and DOMA because she wanted to be the best. She also recalled her brother's shame at allowing himself to be controlled by Marik during Battle City. "But as long as you learn from those times, it's alright."

Kagami still looked unsure. "Still, I lost, remember?"

Adrien smiled. "Actually, I personally think the point was yours."

"That's not what your friend saw," Kagami said.

Adrien smiled at that. "Well, Marinette can get flustered easily."

"That's so true," Serenity stated. "In fact, I'm staying with her family while I'm here, so I'd probably know her as well as Adrien does."

"Really?" asked Kagami.

"Yep. Plus, today was her first-ever experience with fencing. Both of ours actually."

"Marinette is kind and means well. She'd never cheat, even to help a friend," Adrien added.

Kagami looked surprised for a moment at their words, then smiled. "She sounds like a good person. Perhaps I was wrong to judge her as I did." She then looked at the two. "You guys seem to like her a lot, huh?"

"Marinette? Yeah," Serenity said nodding.

"Yeah, of course!" agreed Adrien. "She's a very good friend, and I'm sure once you got to know her, you'd really like her too."

Upon hearing that, Serenity inwardly winced. Ouch, she thought. Glad Marinette's not here. Adrien just essentially "friend-zoned" her.

Unfortunately, the girl in question was watching their conversation from behind a display. Upon hearing Adrien speak, she ducked out of sight, her heart sinking a bit.

"'A very good friend', huh?" she asked in a disappointed tone.

Tikki however tried to keep Marinette's spirits up. "That sounds like a very good start to me!" she said. "Now how about we listen to the rest, huh?"

Marinette still looked a bit sad, but nodded and listened quietly.

Kagami smiled at that. "I'll be happy to get to know your friend, Marinette! The right way this time."

She then turned to Serenity. "Now, you were going to tell me something before Adrien showed up, Serenity?"

The girl in question then realized that what she was going to say had once again slipped her mind in the excitement. "Oh, that's right! I don't think you'll have to worry about not getting into the Academy!"

Both fencers looked at her oddly. "What do you mean?" Adrien asked.

"Well," she said turning to Kagami, "I ran into Sydney Gleason back at the school and she said that apparently, Mr. D'Argencourt was so impressed by you that he decided to let you be on the team after all!"

Kagami's eyes widened in surprise and then sparkled happily as she clasped her hands together.

"That's wonderful!"

"Guess you and me will be on the same team after all, huh?" Adrien said smiling. Then his smile vanished. "Oh, wait. Then that means neither you nor Marinette will be able to be on the team."

Serenity gave a small sad smile. "Yeah, that's true. But that's fine. To be honest, I think our new friend here deserved it more." She then gestured to the blonde before turning to Kagami. "So allow me to introduce you two properly :Adrien Agreste, meet Kagami Tsurugi. Kagami, Adrien."

The two then bowed respectfully to each other.

"A pleasure," they said together.

Adrien then looked to Serenity. "Still, it sort of stinks that neither of you got on the team. Marinette was actually pretty good." He then rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "And, no offense Serenity, but all this getting captured by supervillains is dangerous for your health. You should have some way of defending yourself and being on the team would have been a great way."

"Yeah. That's why I tried out," Serenity agreed.

"Wait. You were captured by another villain before me," Kagami asked, looking at her, shocked.

"Yes. The last villain, Class Clown, used me to try and get Ladybug and Cat Noir's Miraculous. Thankfully, I was able to escape him."

Adrien nodded. "Still, sometimes being lucky like you were isn't enough. Being able to defend yourself is important too."

Suddenly, his face lit up as though he'd just had a great idea. "Hey, I know! How about I give you some extra fencing lessons, maybe once or twice a week?" I can show you basic moves to be able to fight off guys from villains to muggers."

Serenity stared at him. He was actually offering to train her because she didn't get on the team? Boy, talk about bighearted. If she didn't already know about Marinette's crush on him, she might just have developed one too.

Then, she thought of Marinette and had a slight idea herself. "Okay, Adrien. Sounds great. But if you wouldn't mind, do you think we could let Marinette in on the sessions as well. She also didn't make the team despite doing well and I'd really like to make sure she's safe too."

Behind the display, Marinette couldn't believe her ears. Serenity was being offered to be tutored by Adrien and she was trying to get HER in on it too!? Could she have asked for a greater friend (excluding her best friend Alya, of course.)

Adrien's looked at bit perplexed at the request, but he then smiled at Serenity. "Sure. Marinette's more than welcome to come."

Behind the display, Marinette nearly fainted from joy at being near Adrien before Tikki caught her and set her against the wall.

This whole time, Kagami stared at Adrien, almost not believing what she was seeing. This boy, apparently the best in the fencing class, was offering to teach two girls who had not made the cut his techniques to defend themselves? That was one of the most honorable and kindest things she had ever witnessed. For some reason, it made her stomach fell a bit strange, but she pushed it down and then turned to smile at Serenity.

"Congratulations to you and Marinette, Serenity. I would say you have a fine teacher," she said, smiling at Adrien, who looked at her for a few moments before blushing at the compliment.

He then looked down at the sword in his hands and then held it out to Kagami. "So, now that you're officially part of the team, will you accept this back now?" he asked with a smile. "Please, take it."

Kagami glanced between Adrien and her saber for a moment before looking at Serenity who also smiled and nodded. Kagami then reached out and took it back. She and Adrien bowed to each other.

"So, if you don't mind," Adrien said, "I'd still like to have that decisive match."

At that moment, the red car Kagami had ridden in parked across the street (obviously fixed by the Miraculous Ladybug magic. Kagami looked and saw it before turning to Adrien, her hand outstretched. "That sounds grand," she said as the blonde accepted her hand and shook it. Kagami then turned to Serenity. "I hope to get to know you as well, Serenity." She said bowing politely, to which Serenity returned.

"Likewise."

Kagami then turned and went to her car. Before getting in, she waved to her new friends with a smile that was wholeheartedly returned. She then got into her car, which drove off. Adrien and Serenity watched it go for a bit before they turned to each other.

"Well, I should probably be getting back. Don't want my father getting worried."

"Yeah and I should probably find Marinette and head back to the bakery too," Serenity agreed.

"Tell you what?" Adrien said. "How about we exchange numbers. Then, once I have the time, I'll text you and Marinette and we can work on fencing a bit. What do you say?"

"Sure," Serenity said as she pulled out her phone. After a few moments, the numbers were given and the two exchanged smiles.

"Well, see you Serenity. Have a good night and tell Marinette the good news, will you?"

"Sure. Au revior!" She called out as Adrien waved and then he started talking in to his own phone, no doubt calling his bodyguard to come pick him up too. In a few seconds, the black car pulled up and he got in with a wave to Serenity.

After a few seconds, Marinette then turned around and called out, "Okay, Mari! I know you're hiding around here somewhere." A few seconds later, Marinette ran out with Tikki flying next to her. She then ran up to the girl a before Serenity could say anything, the bluenette had her in a bone-crunching hug as she all but picked her up and spun her around

"THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOOOOOOOOU!" Marinette all but screamed in jubilation.

"You're… welcome… Need…air… World…going… black…" croaked Serenity.

Upon hearing that, Marinette let her go, but instead of continuing to crush her bones, she began to lightly smack her arm.

"What! Were! You! Thinking!?" she cried, punctuating each word with a smack.

"Ow, ow! Sheesh, Go from crushing to bruising," Serenity cried, trying to get her friend to stop.

"Serenity, you're insane stunt nearly got you hurt! AGAIN!" Marinette cried, her blue eyes showing her fear and frustration, almost teary even. "You got lucky the second time, but the first…" she spoke softer now. "You may have an amazing ability, Serenity, but what Adrein said was true; sometimes luck won't be able to save you. I was so scared and worried for you. So please, I'm all but begging you, until we learn more about your abilities, and unless you absolutely have to, PLEASE don't do anything like that again?"

Serenity looked at her friend and saw just how much her stunts had frightened her. Her stomach clenched in shame.

"Alright, Marinette," she said just as softly. She then hugged her friend. "I'm so sorry for scaring you like I did. I promise I'll try and learn as much about my power as I can before I try anything like that again."

"I'm glad," Marinette said, returning the hug much softly than before.

"And what you did does show you're well on your way, Serenity." Tikki said, landing on her shoulder.

"Yeah, how did the last time fail, but the next time worked?" Marinette asked.

"I think it's because I didn't quite believe in my Monsters like I should have," Serenity explained. "When Yugi calls on his Monsters, it's to aid him in keeping others safe and to vanquish foes that would hurt other. When I called Lady Panther, I was really only thinking of battling Reposte and doing well in battle. I guess that activated the Kaiba projectors."

She then lifted her Disk that she had put in her backpack and took out the St. Joan card, the warrior still looking regal on the front.

"But with Joan, I knew that Reposte wanted to hurt you and Adrien and I didn't want that. Plus, Joan was a skilled swordswoman, so I knew if anyone could aid you against her it would be a hero like St. Joan."

The hero and Kwami stared at the card in silence.

"That's true," Tikki said in a slightly watery voice.

"Okay, you guys acted weird when I showed you this card back at school. What's up?" Serenity asked the two.

The bluenette looked at her Kwami and, after a few seconds, Tikki nodded, rubbing tears out of her eyes.

"You see, Serenity, Jeanne d'Arc, or St. Joan of Arc as she's better known… was actually a Miraculous wielder."

Hearing that, Serenity's eyes widened in shock.

"Are, are you serious?" she asked.

"I am. In fact, she was the wielder of these." Marinette then brushed her hair back to show her earrings, causing Serenity's heart to stop at the implication.

"You mean… St. Joan was Ladybug before you?"

Marinette nodded.

Serenity then looked down at Tikki. "So that means you knew her?"

"I did. Many years ago. How else do you think she was so lucky with battles? It wasn't just by ONE God's grace, that's for certain."

Serenity looked down at the card. "Wow. Imagine that. Well, too bad this one's not the actual Joan. If anything, the one I summoned was probably only a Duel spirit that LOOKS like her. That would be pretty cool though."

Marinette and Tikki shared a glance. Should they tell her their suspicions? That perhaps, instead of the actual Duel spirit of Joan, she possibly had called upon the ACTUAL Joan, possibly turned INTO a Duel Spirit? They then silently agreed:

For now, it would be their little secret. They'd tell Serenity another time.

"Well, in any case, we should be getting home. It's late and after all this excitement, I definitely need some rest." Marinette sighed.

"So do I," agreed Serenity. She then grinned at Marinette. "Plus, you need rest for when Adrien tutors us in fencing, remember?"

At that, Marinette's eyes sparkled in she let out a squeal as she spun on her tiptoes.

"That's right! Oh, again I can't thank you enough for that, Serenity!"

"No problem at all," Serenity smiled.

The two, with Tikki on Serenity's shoulder still, then started walking (or in Mari's case, skipping) towards the bakery, the streets mostly deserted. Apparently, despite the announcement that the Akuma Alert had passed, folks always waited a little bit after, just to be sure.

Serenity then looked to Marinette with a slight embarrassed look. "So…I'm guessing you also know about what he said before, huh?"

Marinette's smile then fell as she groaned. "Yes."

"Well, at least you know how much Adrien values your friendship, Marinette." Tikki said, trying to help her chosen she the positive.

Marinette's shoulders slumped "Yeah, yeah, I know! Great, so he likes me. But I don't want him to just like me! I mean- I do, but, you know- I want him to LIIIIIIKE me!" At that, she threw her hands in the air and then hugged herself. "You know?" she asked normally, not seeming to notice the looks her two friends were giving her. She should be thankful that that the streets were deserted, otherwise she would have embarrassed herself more with he rambling.

"Uh, right. Sure." Serenity said awkwardly.

Tikii then flew over to Marinette. "In that case, you might have to work on your fencing! After all, you'll be working with Adrien and you'll be able to impress him even more!"

Marinette then laughed as she got into a fencing stance and pointed her finger at Tikki like a saber. "On your guard, Tikki!" she said to the tiny god. She and Tikki then pretend to fence with Marinette's finger and Tikki's whole arm, laughing all the while.

Serenity soon also joined in the laughter, and then looked down at the Duel Monster card in her hand.

'Thanks, Joan,' she thought with a smile. 'I'm sure Marinette will make you proud.'

Now she could have been mistaken, perhaps it was the setting sun shining on the card or fatigue from the day catching up with her, but she could have sworn she saw the picture of St. Joan- based on St. Jeanne d'Arc herself- wink at her with a smile and that she heard a soft voice echoed in her ears:

"She already is. And I hope you do too, Serenity Wheeler."