Hi readers, Miss Eucalypt Writes here! Sorry for not putting this on the first chapter! This is my first ever fic, and I appreciate the time you guys take to read chapters and write reviews. Remember, reviews will help improve my writing and make the story more enjoyable for you! So if you have a spare moment, please tell me how you liked the chapter. Constructive criticism is welcomed! Unfortunately, there may be a few days between chapters, as I have to juggle school, homework (ugh), and sports in between my writing. I apologise for delays, but I will try and update weekly. Thank you, and stay miraculous!
"Tikki, spots on!" Marinette brushed back a lock of midnight- blue hair, clearing the kwami's way to her earrings. As always, she felt the familiar buzz of power gush through her as the spirit of the miraculous entered her. She completed her transformation, twirling into her signature pose- legs apart, fists clenched. The polka- dotted heroine sprinted towards the supervillain, yo-yo in hand.
As she approached the villain, he turned, leering at her.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the famous Ladybug! I've heard of your skill, but you're not much when it comes to looks. Especially compared to this!" He gestured proudly to the small portrait propped up on the wall behind him- the Mona Lisa.
He must have stolen it from the maintenance department, realised Ladybug. Spinning her yo-yo, she addressed the villain. "Who are you?" she shouted up at him.
He chuckled. "I'm so glad you asked, my dear Ladybug! I always make sure my victims know me before I destroy them! I am Art Critic, and you're going to give me your Miraculous!"
Art Critic certainly looked the part. He wore a dapper navy suit, complete with the classic beret and cravat, plus shiny black dress shoes. His gelled- back hair gleamed almost as much as his shoes, and he carried a gold-tipped, polished oak walking stick. He would have looked pretty ordinary if it wasn't for the fact that he was twelve feet tall, had purple eyes and had a navy-blue mask over his upper face.
"Not likely," drawled a voice from behind Ladybug. "By the way, nice suit! That looks like it belongs on a catwalk."
Ladybug groaned as her leather-clad partner landed lightly next to her, gripping his staff. "Chat Noir, that was truly terrible."
He winked at her. "Nothing but the best for you, my lady. What's the deal with him?" He nodded at Art Critic.
"Not sure," lied Ladybug. She yelled up at the villain. "Why are you so upset? We can talk about it, you know!"
Art Critic's eyes flashed dangerously. "The so-called guards wouldn't let me see my precious Mona Lisa!"
Chat Noir looked confused. "So what's the big deal?" he asked. "She's right behind you, safe and sound!"
"The guards must pay!" roared Art Critic. "And so will you, for trying to stop me!" Quick as lightning, he pointed his cane at them, a flash of light erupting from the end. The two superheroes barely managed to dodge it. It hit a chair behind them, causing the piece of furniture to disappear. The villain snarled, firing more beams at them as objects all around them disappeared. Chat began to twirl his baton, and with a flick of her wrist, Ladybug spun her yo-yo into a glowing pink shield.
For a few minutes, the battle continued, the Art Critic firing at the duo, and the pair skillfully dodging. Neither side could manage to damage the other. Art Critic seemed to realise this, and burst out into the sunshine, Ladybug and Chat in hot pursuit. A crowd was gathered around the glass pyramid, hoping to see the two superheroes in action. Ladybug glanced over, spotting a familiar flannel shirt.
Alya.
And next to her, groups of eager reporters, just as keen for a scoop as Marinette's blogger friend. Art Critic saw them too. With a diabolical grin, he raised his cane and began firing at the civilians. Mass panic broke out. Parisians began screaming and running, trying to escape. Only Alya stayed, taking cover behind a bin and continuing to film.
Ladybug turned her attention back to Art Critic. With a flourish, she hurled her yo-yo at the cane, entwining the string around the polished wood. She yanked hard, hoping to pull the cane out of his grasp, but only serving to put herself in the line of fire. With a squeak, she dived out of the way. Nearby, Chat hustled civilians out of the vicinity.
Where was that akuma?
With a frustrated yell, Ladybug hurled her yo-yo up, summoning her superpower.
"LUCKY CHARM!" she cried. A pair of doorknobs landed in her hands. "What am I supposed to do with these?" she said incredulously.
Chat looked over to her, still battling Art Critic. "Whatever it is, you better figure it out fast!" he yelled.
Ladybug gritted her teeth. She heard her name called, and glanced over. Alya was waving frantically at her. Ladybug ran over, somersaulting over a blast of light.
"Ladybug! The akuma's in his top pocket! It's a photograph of the Mona Lisa!" hissed Alya.
Ladybug could have hugged her. "Thanks!" She pulled out her yo-yo, but accidentally dropped it. As she bent to pick it up, a flash of light beat her to it, and the yo-yo disappeared. "No!" cried Ladybug. "But it's unbreakable!" As she stared at the ground, Chat landed next to her.
"Where's the akuma?" he asked urgently.
"Photo in his top pocket," replied Ladybug. She pulled out her Lucky Charm, and scanned the area. A smile spread across her face. "Got it!" Ladybug tumbled over to the pyramid entrance, snatching up the thick velvet rope used to keep the ticket lines orderly. She grabbed her door knobs, and tied one to each end of the rope. "When I bind his hands, snatch the photo and break it," she explained to Chat. With terrifying accuracy, she hurled her makeshift bolas at Art Critic's hands, binding them together so he couldn't aim his cane. Chat jumped up, grabbing the photograph and ripping it as he sailed through the air. With a quick "Miraculous Ladybug!", Ladybug had her yo-yo back, and purified the butterfly. After sorting out the victim and returning the Mona Lisa photo to him, it was time to bug out.
As she was about to zip off to change back, a clawed black glove grabbed her arm.
"Wait!" cried Chat Noir. "I've got something important to ask you."
Ladybug put a hand to her earring as it beeped. One minute. She brushed off her partner. "Not now, Chat."
Chat sighed. "It's really important," he insisted. "I'll meet you tonight at the Eiffel Tower, at six."
"We'll see. Bug out!" Ladybug rushed off before her transformation released.
Chat Noir would just have to be disappointed.
A long one today! Thanks for reading, and please leave a review! Don't worry, the plot will pick up in the next few chapters. It may be a little slow, but I promise I'll deliver!
Eventually :).