Wise as a Turtle
There is no city that doesn't have a drug problem, and in the Lower East side of Paris, there was no exception. During the day, things seemed normal around the area, but things took a darker turn when night fell. The usual joys of the day and the charm that came with it was replaced by a dark sense of foreboding with the arrival of a new gang with some serious muscle.
A group of armed thugs moved through the dark streets, dropping a package at the entrance of a tall building. The shadows were their camouflage and their delivery was meant to push back against those that didn't do what they asked. One of the men looked up, narrowing his eyes at the darkened sign of the building as the others kept a lookout. They ran into the shadows as the package ticked away by the door.
Boom!
An explosion rocked the block, waking up the neighbors in a fearful shock. The flames of the explosion spread through the building, illuminating the dark street and the building's sign. As several neighbors rushed to the scene as the police officers arrived in time along with the firefighters.
However they weren't alone.
A figure moved in the shadows, chasing after the shadowy men that committed the act of terrorism.
The men in black ran far from the scene as they heard the sound of police sirens chasing after them. The lights of the police car's barely illuminated the perpetrators but they still couldn't make a face out of them. The men climbed up the fire escapes of one of the tall buildings hoping to get away from the cops before they could be arrested. They made it to the very top of the building as they looked for a way to escape. Just then, one noticed a shadow moving behind them. They turned around, firing their pistols.
The bullets flew through the air, cutting it like needles through thread. The shots were all set to kill whoever stood on the other side of them. But the figure didn't move, save only to lift his own hand forward.
In a flash of green light, a green turtle shell shield appeared before the bullets, stopping them in their tracks.
"Sorry fellas, but that's as far as any of you go tonight." Turtle Sentry stepped out into the light, revealing himself in his hero suit.
The criminals in black continued firing their guns at the Number Nine hero, only to be stopped by the green shield before him.
Turtle Sentry spotted two gargoyles at the corners of the building, giving him an idea. He grabbed his armored turtle hat and swung it at the first gargoyle. His hat bounced off the gargoyle, going directly after the criminals' guns. With a swift strike the green hat bounced off the secondary gargoyle and back to its owner.
"Never fails!" Turtle Sentry caught his hat as easily as if it were a frisbee.
Turtle Sentry charged at the criminals with his hat acting as a shield. He bashed through the first one, before blocking an incoming punch with his shield. With a swift shield encased fist, he landed a devastating blow to the second thug's chest, knocking the air out of him.
The last three thugs rushed to pick up their guns and fire at the old hero. As they recovered their guns and aimed for the old man, a green light came from above. The thugs looked up to see Turtle Sentry using one of his signature finishers.
"Shelter Bash!" Turtle Sentry called out, slamming his shield hat between the thugs.
A powerful green shockwave sent the criminals flying back.
Turtle Sentry watched as all the thugs laid down and knocked out, dropping whatever weapons they had on them.
"You still got it, old man." Turtle Sentry put his hat back on, only for his back to start hurting. "Ouch! I really need a massage after this," He groaned as the police finally caught up.
The hero stood vigilant as the officers thanked him for his service and aid in catching the culprits. He made sure to keep an eye on the criminals as the paramedics checked them up while the others gathered evidence for motive. Turtle Sentry watched as the officers took the thugs into custody. However, his eyes went wide when he saw the faces of the men he had just defeated.
"Hold on, that's Monsieur Artroi," Turtle Sentry said before looking at the others. "And that's Monsieur Yugo and young Marcus."
"You know them, Turtle Sentry?" one of the officers asked.
"Yes, Monsieur Artroi is the owner of the business that was just lit up, Yugo is an animator of a studio close by and Marcus is a high school student that often helps out at a local café." Turtle Sentry looked into the eyes of each of the men. "It is as I thought."
"What's wrong, monsieur?" the officer asked.
"These men are under the influence of a Miraculous," Turtle Sentry replied. "Look at their eyes."
The eyes of the men were glowing a light pink color, as they remained in the trance-like state.
"You're right, sir," the medic said. "I'll need something to knock them back to their senses."
Turtle Sentry then spotted a handkerchief poking out of the suit of young Marcus. He pulled it out with a pen to examine it. He noted that it was a plain white handkerchief with a flower, a mirror and a beast stitched into it like a symbol. He couldn't make heads or tails from it, but he noticed all the other men had on just like it. This hadn't been the first time these attacks had happened to other locals and people around the neighborhood, but he had trouble linking them together. Turtle Sentry handed the handkerchief to be added to the evidence before coming to the conclusion that he would need help in this bizarre investigation.
But there was something else that was bothering him. Turtle Sentry pulled out his phone and looked at his screen saver.
"I know you're out there," Turtle Sentry muttered under his breath. "And I will find you."
The next morning, Izuku had gotten into Mina's car as they drove off to the next day of their lives.
"Good morning, Mina," Izuku greeted.
"Morning, mon petit lapin," Mina replied, causing Izuku to blush.
Ever since they had come out about their feelings and talked about their intimate night together, Mina had gotten a lot more loving and teasing. But at the very least Izuku had asked her to keep things professional in the workplace. But that didn't stop the pink-skinned girl from having some fun with her partner with benefits from time to time.
"What? Don't I get a good morning kiss on the cheek?" Mina pouted.
Izuku blushed at the prospect of having a Mina all lovey dovey, but he relented. He kissed her on the cheek, making her blush at his sincere show of affection. It wasn't a traditional relationship from what Izuku had been taught, but he was actually enjoying having Mina as a partner in both senses of the word. He couldn't help but smile seeing her smile like that.
As Mina drove Alien Queen to the station, Izuku's mind reeled back to the things he learned the other night. He heard the Bubbler talking about a man by the name of Hawkmoth. From the way he heard the villain talk, he could tell that the man was very terrified of Hawkmoth. But that led him to wonder just how far the rabbit hole went. Izuku remembered the conspiracy wall in Naomasa's home and all the different crimes that were linked to villains and heroes. If there was a kingpin of crime in Paris, Izuku has to find out who it was and what was their end goal.
"Hey, Izuku, did you hear?" Mina asked.
"Um, wh-what were we talking about?" Izuku asked.
"Last night there was a lot of noise in the Lower East Side of Paris," Mina said. "Apparently a bunch of guys tried to burn down their own businesses."
"I think I heard about that on the news this morning," Izuku replied. "Turtle Sentry stopped them before it was revealed that they were under the effects of a strange mind altering quirk. I think this might be the work of some gang that's targeting anyone that's tried to stand up to them. The Lower East Side has a bit of a history about these things."
"Wow, look at my partner, the walking crime and hero encyclopedia." Mina giggled. "Let's see what the Dynamic Duo can do today!" She floored the accelerator, leaving the other cars in the dust and passing before the light changed.
Izuku awkwardly laughed at the carefree attitude of his partner with benefits. He even started to think that he was getting used to the term of their relationship.
Izuku and Mina arrived at headquarters and couldn't help but see all the officers looking or sparing glances at the captain's office.
"What's up with everyone?" Mina whispered.
"Let me ask." Izuku leaned down to ask a fellow officer. "Excuse me, why's everyone looking at captain Kendo's office?"
"We've got ourselves a celebrity here, Midoriya," the officer replied. "The number nine hero is here to talk to the boss lady."
Izuku and Mina looked at each other, not sure what to expect. Cops and heroes often worked together in major busts while the rest of the time the officers just cleaned up after the heroes catching the bad guys. But whenever they worked together, it was the officers of the law that reached out for the heroes, not the other way around. Now the two partners knew why the rest of the officers were looking at the office like it was a birthday cake with a girl just about to jump out.
Izuku and Mina walked to their respective desks, all the while keeping an eye on the office.
"Why do you think Turtle Sentry is here?" Mina whispered.
"No idea, but he does have a record of working more times with the police than any of the other top ten," Izuku replied. "His work with the police is what made him reach the top 10. Maybe he wants to do something to help the police, or he needs help with something."
"But why not go to the other heroes like Mirko or Monkey King? Or even your BFF?" Mina asked, causing Izuku to shush her.
Just then the door of Kendo's office opened up to reveal the captain.
"Midoriya, Ashido, in my office." Kendo ordered, as Izuku and Mina got off from their desks.
Izuku and Mina entered the office and saw the number nine hero standing there with a gentle old man's smile.
"I'm sure that you are aware of who this man is, but still," Kendo said. "Officers Midoriya and Ashido, this is Wang Fu, also known as-"
"Turtle Sentry, the number nine hero of Paris, the Emerald Shield, the Unbeatable Defense," Izuku muttered, recounting all his knowledge of the heroes he'd followed for years. "First debuted 35 years ago, when he captured the Green Glove Gang as they robbed the national bank. From then on, you made a name for yourself as the defender of people and worked side by side with the police. And 30 years ago, he was granted a spot on the top ten heroes of Paris and has remained there ever since."
Mina, Kendo and Turtle Sentry were left with different expressions. Mina slightly giggled at her partner's extensive knowledge of heroes and their accomplishments. Kendo pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance at Midoriya's muttering rambles. All the while, Turtle Sentry just smirked and chuckled at how well informed and prepared at the drop of a hat.
"My, my, most people have to look up that kind of information on their cellphones instead of their memories. You have the advantage of me, young man," Turtle Sentry chuckled. "You have some interesting officers, Captain Kendo. I'm sure your father would be proud."
"More like he'd have more than a few extra gray hairs," Kendo muttered. "I've got an assignment for you two. Turtle Sentry asked for assistance on a case that's been hard to crack for a while. Over the last three months, the Lower East Side has been having a rise of criminal activity and gang related attacks to certain places and businesses. It wouldn't seem out of place, but we believe there is a new more dangerous gang that is behind these attacks."
"Whoa! You want us to take on a dangerous gang, boss?" Mina asked a little too eagerly.
"This isn't a game, Ashido. I need you two to be on your best behavior," Kendo replied. "I don't want a repeat of the Fish Market Incident."
"Um, in our defense, we didn't know the oysters were going to be turned into makeshift shurikens," Izuku sheepishly said. "It was still an accident."
Turtle Sentry's eyes widened. He remembered reading about such a strange incident months ago involving two police officers. He had always assumed the two officers responsible for such chaos would be a couple of trigger happy action junkies. But now that he saw the two young officers, Turtle Sentry could only think that these two had either a knack for trouble or were danger magnets.
"Regardless of it being an accident or a joke from god herself, I want you two to be on your best behavior and do everything by the book." Kendo pointed at them with an enlarged finger to drill in her point.
"R-Right, Captain Kendo!" Izuku and Mina bowed before a thought crossed their minds.
"Um, may we ask why you're giving us the assignment instead of someone like Detective Naomasa?" Izuku asked.
"Naomasa is looking into something else." Kendo's hand shrunk down. "You two will go with Turtle Sentry, look at the activity and report back. If there is a new dangerous gang on the rise, we'll coordinate a strike to stop them if they're such a big threat. Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Izuku and Mina saluted her before running out to gather their things.
"They seem energetic," Turtle Sentry said.
However, as soon as Izuku and Mina walked out of the office, they ran into one of the other officers. The man was pushed onto the mail cart, knocking back other officers and their paperwork. The cart continued riding onto the elevator when a man dragging an arrested criminal was knocked back along with the criminal as they were covered in letters and boxes.
Turtle Sentry could only see in awe at how the police station descended into a quick but very comedic chaos before his eyes.
"Energetic is one word for it, sir," Kendo sighed. "Walking wrecking balls is another way of saying it."
Turtle Sentry chuckled at how the two officers were quickly putting everything back together before his eyes.
After they finished cleaning up the desks and the elevator, Izuku and Mina got into Alien Queen with Turtle Sentry in the back seat.
"We're really sorry about the mess, Mr. Turtle Sentry." Izuku bowed his head in an apology.
"No need to apologize young man. Everyone has one misstep from time to time," Turtle Sentry said. "It was just a one time thing, afterall."
Izuku and Mina just looked at each other and decided that it was probably best not to answer his comment. They just laughed along with him, making it seem like it was something that didn't happen to them on a daily basis.
They drove off to the Lower East Side as Turtle Sentry filled them in on what had happened the other night and his encounter with the controlled men. The two officers were keeping notes on what the pro hero explained but it also showed that there were gaps in the attacks and how they were being targeted. According to the hero, the men that attacked the business had been the very owners of the place while under the influence of a Miraculous. They noted that the victims dressed the same way and all carried the same kind of handkerchief on them.
As they arrived at the crime scene, Izuku and Mina observed the result of last night's attack. They parked the car and stepped inside to see all the damages.
The building was severely damaged and burnt to a crisp. The sign had melted down and was closer to being a doormat than something you were supposed to hang. The inside didn't look much better. The tables were burnt and broken down, with the chairs matching them in the same bane. The ceiling lights dangled while others were broken beyond repair. All the decorations, be they pictures, paintings, or trinkets, were now no better than burnt pieces scattered on the floor.
"An explosion did all this?" Izuku asked. "The explosion must've had some kind of accelerant. The floor is sticky, did the CSI guys gather samples?"
"I believe they did." Turtle Sentry replied. "Hard to believe that Monsieur Artroi was forced to do this. He was very fiercely protective of this place."
"How come? You know the man, Turtle Sentry?" Mina asked.
"Yes, he is a good man. He takes care of this cafe with everything he has," Turtle Sentry replied. "In a way, he was one of the few that was doing a lot of good in this neighborhood."
"If the other places have been hit the same way, then that could give us a connection if we can learn more about their involvement with each other." Izuku looked at one of the pictures that hadn't been burnt.
"Hello, someone in there?"
Izuku and Mina turned around and saw Alya standing there with a notepad and phone in hand.
"Alya?" Mina asked. "What are you doing here, girl?"
"Izuku, Mina, what are you doing here, my favorite law enforcing babes?" Alya asked as Izuku and Mina crossed the police line. "This is a bit far from your usual hangouts. If you're looking for a new place to check out, you certainly picked an interesting spot."
"We asked you first, Alya," Izuku chuckled.
"My editor sent me here to find out what's going on in the neighborhood," Alya sighed. "Ever since my Chat Noir investigation hit a roadblock, I've been looking up any news that would help me make ends meet. The other heroes are great and all but they lack a certain mystique to them like Chat Noir has."
"Chat Noir?" Turtle Sentry asked. "I think I've heard that name being mentioned around the streets."
Alya looked down at the hero as he walked out of the burning building. She gasped in awe at the sight of the number nine hero, calmly walking towards their conversation. In all her run-ins and articles on the heroes of Paris, she had always hoped to talk to the oldest member of the top ten. And now she was face to face with him.
"Turtle Sentry? Wh-what are you doing here?" Alya asked.
"I requested the help from the police in the case of these latest acts," Turtle Sentry replied. "I'll be working with Officers Midoriya and Ashido for the foreseeable future. Sadly, my detective skills leave something to be desired."
Izuku scratched the back of his head in embarrassment as Mina pumped her chest with pride.
They had often been mocked by their reckless actions and their goofiness, but now they were working with a top pro hero. It was a matter of great pride for them and they couldn't help but feel like things were now turning around for them.
But before they could say anything else, Alya snatched them away from where they stood. She turned them around, pressing their faces against hers.
"What gives you two? You get paired up to work a case with Turtle Sentry and you don't tell me? I thought we had something special." Alya pouted with puppy dog eyes.
"Sorry, Alya, but you know we can't tell you anything about an on-going investigation," Izuku replied. "We'll gladly tell you about what we find afterwards."
Alya noticed something odd about the way Izuku spoke, there was no stutter. She was pressing her face against his but all she was getting was a light blush on his and Mina's faces.
"You could ride along though, there's no rule against that." Mina pointed out, booping Izuku's nose.
"Um, I-I-I should probably ask Turtle Sentry if-if he's alright with it." Izuku skipped back to the hero, leaving the two women alone.
"Hi hi, I just love watching him go like that," Mina giggled.
Alya turned her inquisitive eyes to Mina, causing her glasses to glow up with the reflection of the sunlight. She noticed the extra pep on her step and the way that she was being more honest and only a little playful. Alya narrowed her eyes at Mina, keeping her in place.
"So, Mina, tell me, from girl to girl, how are you doing?" Alya asked. "Anything new happened to you? I heard that you got a few close calls with the mischievous bunny girl. Anything you wanna tell me?"
Now it was Mina's time to sweat. She looked up at the sky, avoiding her vixen friend's questions. She didn't know why, but whenever she was asked about her relationship with Izuku, she behaved like a maiden in love. This was new for her, but she felt her face getting warmer and blushing like a schoolgirl.
"Um, I don't know w-what you're talking about, girl?" Mina replied. "We're just like the best partners ever, Dynamic Duo all the way!"
"'All the way'?" Alya asked. "Are you sure he didn't comfort you? Like took you out and gave you a nice good old time, like a gentleman?"
Mina's mind snapped back to that night. That night she confessed her emotions to Izuku and they made her bed feel like a bed of roses and warmth. Her head began to spin as she remembered what she felt that night. She really wanted to go through that feeling again with her emerald haired hero and gentleman. She was so enticed by the prospect of feeling his lips on her body once more that she didn't notice that she was drooling.
"So, spill girl," Alya whispered.
"Izuku and I made love," Mina said in her dreamy state.
"What?" Alya's eyes snapped open in surprise.
"I-I-I mean we um, sort of started a relationship if you can call it that," Mina stuttered. "I guess we're partners with benefits and we're seeing where it is going. We're not exclusive or anything like that. But oh look at that."
Mina tried to walk away from the conversation, but she was stopped in her tracks.
Alya's hands clamped down on Mina's shoulders.
"Tell me all the details." Alya blushed with a smile that could only be compared to that of a vixen being presented with a delicious rabbit.
Mina couldn't help but awkwardly chuckle at her predicament.
"Sorry, Izuku," Mina muttered.
Izuku went back to Turtle Sentry to explain the situation to him. He expected the old hero to be against the idea of an investigative reporter to tag along with them.
"So, that's the situation, I can tell her no if you want, Turtle Sentry," Izuku explained.
"Hm, as useful as her skills could be, we are dealing with dangerous people, so it would be for the best if she keeps her distance," Turtle Sentry replied. "See if she knows something, we could use any leads apart from what happened last night. And the handkerchieves that they were all carrying."
"I'll see what I can do." Izuku turned back to talk to Alya.
However, as soon as he reached her and Mina, Alya gave him a salacious smile, a blush on her face and her glasses lit up by the sunlight. Izuku couldn't help but feel like a rabbit after being found face to face with a hungry vixen. He could see Alya's sharp row of teeth glistening at him as Mina scratched the back of her head behind her. His deductive reasoning clicked, warning him of what had happened. Izuku's face paled as Alya walked towards him with a pronounced sway of her hips and tail, making the rest of her curves appear more alluring than usual. Izuku wanted to pull out his grappling gun and fly away, but in broad daylight and in front of a pro hero, that was not an option.
Alya's hand caught him in a firm dominating grip with a hungry smile.
"I know what you did, Izuku~," Alya whispered into his ear. "I gotta say, your little adorable and handsome combination doesn't do you justice when it comes to being in bed~. I won't say that I'm not jealous that Mina got the first slice of you, babe~. But just know that I'll be patiently waiting for you and Mina to ask me for a night together~. In the meantime, I'll tell you anything you want." She licked Izuku's ear, turning him into a blushing, shaking mess.
Izuku didn't know if he could actually pick her up on that offer or if he should hide in a cave somewhere in the American continent. His nerves were so shocked by the revelation that Alya managed to get Mina to confess to their relationship that he couldn't think straight. He swallowed out of instinct alone as Alya's hungry smile turned into a more friendly one.
"Oh well, I bet you two have plenty to do, so I'll keep my distance," Alya said with a friendly smile. "However, if you want to hear about the rumors about the new gang in the area, feel free to call me. You both got my number."
Alya walked away, spotting some people she could interview for the article. However, every move she made, she made sure to have Izuku and Mina's full attention. That was one of her great skills that were tied to her personality and her astute intellect. She could hold the attention of anyone she wanted with her words or her looks, but very few watched them both being used at the same time on multiple occasions. She always looked at everyone as an equal and the only times she showed her true intentions was when she knew she could count on those knew were her equals.
Plus, Alya loved to tease those that really connected with her.
"I sometimes wonder if she's doing this to rile us up before telling us to cut loose," Mina said. "But who do you think she's into the most?"
"I-I don't… really…" Izuku managed to say as his brain rebooted itself. "...W-wait, did she say something about a new gang?!"
Mina blinked twice before snapping back to her senses.
"Oh, right, she just mentioned it." Mina snapped her fingers, realizing Alya's words.
Izuku and Mina couldn't help but sigh as they turned to face Turtle Sentry. They explained what Alya had told them and decided that the best course of action was to ask around and hoped to gather information on this new group.
"A new gang? Just when this neighborhood was starting to get back on its feet." Turtle Sentry sighed. "I suppose we must start asking around. Perhaps someone here will know a thing about these people." He took out an evidence bag with the packaged handkerchief.
"Is that from the crime scene, Turtle Sentry?" Izuku asked.
"Not from the café, but all the men under the control of that Miraculous had one of these." Turtle Sentry handed the bag to Izuku for him and Mina to examine it. "They're analyzing the others as we speak, but I don't think they'll find much."
"Wow, the fabric is very good and the stitching of this logo is incredibly well made," Mina pointed out. "Mind if I touch it?"
"It's probably for the best that we don't Mina," Izuku said. "This could be used as the carrier for the Miraculous that turned the people into mindless slaves."
"I thought so as well, but whatever the handkerchieves carried is most likely long gone," Turtle Sentry said. "We'll only show them the handkerchief to verify if it's the signature of this new gang."
The trio started walking while Alya kept up with them from a distance.
As they all walked down the street people greeted and paid compliments to Turtle Sentry. Most would've expected this kind of greeting from the adoring fans of heroes, but the greetings for the old hero were a little different, more grateful and more sincere. Vendors, shopkeepers and pedestrians alike offered their gratitude to the old hero as he passed by.
"Turtle Sentry, thank you for the other night!"
"Just doing my job, Monsieur Luc." Turtle Sentry waved.
"I just got some of those tea leaves you asked for the other day, feel free to come by. I'll save you some."
"I will have to take you up on that offer, Monsieur Sebastian." Turtle Sentry chuckled.
"Mr. Fu, have you seen any other heroes today?"
"Not yet, but they are doing their best around Paris," Turtle Sentry replied.
"Thanks for all the hard work, Mr. Fu."
"Glad to be of service." Turtle Sentry tipped his hat at the passing young women.
"Wow, that's a lot of people that praise Turtle Sentry, some even know him by name," Mina said.
"Well, that makes sense. He lives in this neighborhood and has worked here for most of his career, bettering it for the best." Izuku replied.
"That's true, my home is actually in that building over there." Turtle Sentry pointed to a tall building on the corner of the block ahead of them.
Izuku and Mina smiled, at the sight of the hero waving back to his neighbors and those that were happy with what he'd done for them. They were seeing a clear reminder that heroes were people as well and that they often had an effect on the people that live near them. Their experiences with Queen Bee had only shown them one side of the heroes and how they operated but this was the opposite spectrum for them.
Just then, a young girl came running towards the group. She was panting and looked like she had run a marathon. She had pale skin, dark blue hair cut in a bob cut style, and matching blue eyes. She wore a black jacket on top of a white t-shirt and a pair of black pants and rocker boots. She had long earphone jacks coming out of her ears and the typical punk rocker attitude that a rock genre musician had at all times.
"A Ms. Jiro, bonjour mademoiselle," Turtle Sentry said, tipping his hat.
"Mr. Fu, please, tell me you found something about Fei." Jiro knelt before the old hero.
Izuku and Mina looked at each other and wondered who the girl was talking about.
"I haven't found her yet, Jiro. But I've called for backup from the police and they're looking for her." Turtle Sentry gestured to the two officers who awkwardly waved at Jiro.
"Really? These two?" Jiro deadpanned.
"Please, go home, Jiro. If you think of anything, feel free to swing by my place," Turtle Sentry said.
Jiro nodded before walking away from the old hero, while shooting a slight glare at the two officers.
"Um, I believe we need a few answers, Turtle Sentry," Izuku said.
"I'll tell you about it after we ask around about the handkerchief and this new gang," Turtle Sentry sighed.
"Right, one problem at a time!" Mina said with cheer.
Izuku, Mina and Turtle Sentry went door to door asking if anyone recognized the symbol or had heard word about this new gang. They sadly only got mixed messages from some not recognizing the symbol to others not being aware that there was a new gang making trouble for the neighborhood. It was odd for the group to go from door to door, not getting much information out of the people. Most of their answers ranged from half glances to minor mentions or from third to fourth witnesses.
Izuku knocked on the door, getting the attention of the owners.
"Excuse me, monsieur, I'm officer Midoriya of the Paris Police. We would like to ask you a few questions." Izuku and Mina showed their badges before asking their questions.
"I'm sorry, sir, I didn't see anything."
"I think my girlfriend's dad saw something but I'm not sure."
"That looks like a pretty handkerchief but I don't know who wears them in this day and age."
"My girlfriend mentioned something about the explosion last night but I wasn't really listening."
"I saw those guys last night, but I don't know who they are. Sorry."
"A new gang? Are you sure it's around here?"
Izuku, and Mina sighed after receiving the same kind of response from the ninth person they had asked. They were hoping to get some information, but it seemed all they were getting were unreliable looks at the situation. They looked to Turtle Sentry who looked as frustrated as them in terms of progress. They couldn't blame the hero, but this was the grunt work that led to the truth. The two officers thought that given the time, they could stop to take a break.
"We could take a break if you want, Turtle Sentry," Izuku suggested.
"Perhaps tea will help, but I can't shake the feeling that we're missing something," Turtle Sentry replied.
"Like the fact no one seems to remember or see these guys?" Mina pointed out. "Maybe it's time to call in our secret weapon?" She whispered into Izuku's ear, pointing at Alya walking behind them.
Izuku looked down at Turtle Sentry, hoping that the old hero would give him some pointers on how to proceed. But he was only given a shrug by the hero. Izuku sighed in defeat before signaling Alya to join them and share her findings.
Alya skipped towards them, wrapping her arms around Izuku and Mina's shoulders. She gave them a tight hug as she giggled like a schoolgirl after being asked to play her favorite game.
"Well, well, well, so now do you want my help, my pretties?" Alya asked Izuku and Mina.
"Yes, please," Izuku replied, blushing at his proximity to Alya's and Mina's faces.
"We bow to your great investigative reporter skills and knowhow," Mina blushed adding her own bit.
"Save the bowing for later," Alya said. "Now, what do you want to know?"
Izuku, Mina, Alya and Turtle Sentry decided to take the conversation to a more private location. They went into Turtle Sentry's apartment and office of his work agency.
The apartment/agency was a perfect blend of a home business and living accommodations for the elder hero. Half of the floor was filled with heroic notes on crime, a map of the city with marked shortcuts and pointers, a rogues gallery of his previous villains and their respective biographical information, and a phone to be called to action should other heroes needed his help. The other half of the floor consisted of two separate bedrooms, a kitchen, a small table and a living room. If it weren't for the work area on the other side, guests would mistake this as a normal apartment with three bedrooms.
Izuku, Mina and Alya sat down while Turtle Sentry prepared some tea.
"The kettle is on the flame, which should give us enough time to talk." Turtle Sentry sat down with the officers and the reporter.
"Alright, where would you like me to start?" Alya asked.
"Please, tell us what you know of this new gang that everyone seems to not know of or see," Izuku said. "It seems weird that almost no one knows about them or if they even exist."
"Well that I don't know how but I've got a theory. This new gang calls itself the Beauties and the Beast. From the information I've gathered from those that have seen this new gang, they appear whenever a few people go missing only to appear the next day." Alya pulled out a pair of news clippings on the neighborhood. "These attacks have happened to different businesses in this neighborhood. The owners and some of the regulars aren't around when it happens and only appear one or two days after the deed is done."
"I remember these fires and acts of vandalism. They were all prominent businesses that were helping the neighborhood, but after the attacks they never fully recovered." Turtle Sentry scratched his beard.
"So, it seems that this gang gathers people that are familiar with the locale, puts them under some kind of spell, forces them to steal or destroy the place, and then returns them with no memory of what happened," Izuku summarized.
"Talk about a smooth operation, but how come people don't remember?" Mina asked. "I think I'd remember setting my shop on fire."
"That's the part I haven't figured out," Alya admitted. "I do know that they get some good knowledge of the place because they almost always make a quick escape."
"Except for last night, due to my involvement." Turtle Sentry heard the kettle boiling.
"That doesn't explain where they get all their stuff or where they are preparing these attacks," Mina said. "I mean, we saw the pictures of the suits and the handkerchief, those don't look like something you buy off the stand."
"Can I see this handkerchief?" Alya asked.
Izuku handed the handkerchief to Alya, who felt it between her fingers.
"Hm, I see what you mean, Mina. This is some good stuff, almost as good as the Agrest Fashion Line." Alya put down the handkerchief.
"You can't go anywhere in Paris, France or Europe and not hear about that line," Turtle Sentry said. "My granddaughter, Fei, is a big fan of it. Can't wait to ask them to design her hero suit when she graduates."
Izuku noted the sadness and worry in the old hero's voice. He moved his head, spotting a picture of Turtle Sentry out of costume, standing next to a young woman with long black hair tied in a ponytail while wearing a red t-shirt, a black jacket and a pair of gray pants. He could only guess that that was the same Fei that Jiro had mentioned and had gone missing.
Just then, it clicked.
"Turtle Sentry, how long has your granddaughter been missing?" Izuku asked.
"Two days now. Why do you-?" Turtle Sentry began. "Oh no, you don't think-?"
"Um, mind telling us what's the problem here?" Mina asked.
"Yeah, we kinda need some pointers guys," Alya said.
Turtle Sentry set down a small map of the Lower East Side of Paris. He quickly marked all the places where the attacks had taken place. As he did this, Izuku pulled up the pictures of all the people that had been in the last attack.
"If people that frequented the locals are being taken, and used to commit arson, then there is a good chance that the next place is one that Fei went to often." Izuku observed the map, hoping to see a possible pattern to the attacks. "If she's been missing for two days, then the next place must be somewhere she frequents."
"I'll call for reinforcements to come assist us. It'll be tonight or tomorrow night." Mina pulled out her radio. "This is officer Ashido and Midoriya, requesting back up. We believe that there will be another attack here in the Lower East Side."
"Damn, you two are good." Alya pulled up her phone, taking notes on the situation. "Any locations we can look at before the rest of the officers arrive? This is going to be one heck of a scoop!"
"Fei and her friends tend to go to these three locals around the neighborhood, Trotter's Music Independents, Marisol's Training Gym, and Buzzer's Café." Turtle Sentry recalled.
"Have any of those been overly successful as of late?" Mina asked.
"Marisol's Training Gym has been making a lot of progress with the city and has several programs for young people to become better members of the community." Turtle Sentry scratched his beard. "I know the man that runs it, he should be there."
"Alya, Mina, we'll go check out that place and see if we can see who's our kidnapper and brainwasher!" Izuku and Turtle Sentry got ready to go.
"Wow, he's really firm when giving orders." Alya whispered into Mina's ear.
"Yeah, he really is~," Mina sighed dreamily.
Izuku, Mina, Alya and Turtle Sentry drove off to Marisol's Training Gym, after getting the word out to the rest of the force. They arrived at the gym, spotting a large building with a large sign of a kung fu school on top.
"Is this the place?" Mina asked.
"Yes, but for some reason it is locked," Turtle Sentry said. "I'll go investigate, you three stay here and wait for backup." He got out of the car, leaving the two officers and the investigative reporter inside.
Izuku, Mina and Alya looked at each other, sharing a look of worry for the elder hero. They knew that he was an old pro when it came to hero work, but he was still an old man going in blind.
"So, shall we follow him?" Mina asked.
"We can't charge in blind, but we gotta wait for backup." Izuku gritted his teeth, if it were a little darker then he'd be able to put on his suit and aid Turtle Sentry. "Not to mention we'll be basically breaking and entering without an order."
"Well, that's simple, you two just have to say you went after someone that broke in," Alya said.
"Well, yeah, we could do that. But who's dumb enough to break in and have us follow them?" Mina asked.
Izuku and Mina then realized that they were now alone inside the car. The two officers looked at the back seats and saw no trace of Alya. Before they could turn around, the sound of a window being opened caught their attention. Faster than a game of ping pong, their heads snapped back to the gym's side. Izuku and Mina were greeted to the sight of their friend and possible lover, Alya, breaking into a possibly dangerous gym.
"Oh my god," Izuku groaned.
"We're so going to arrest her one of these days." Mina pulled out her pistol. "I'll take the side she went in, you go after Turtle Sentry."
"Right." Izuku grabbed Mina's hand as she pulled out her pistol. "Mina, please, just grab Alya and get out of there."
Mina blushed as she felt the strength with which he held her hand. She remembered that Izuku was a man and a gentleman at that, and clearly didn't want her to get hurt. She smiled before planting a kiss on his lips. Mina may have been a badass and a flirt, but she also liked being treated like a woman by the man she cared for.
"You too, Izuku." Mina winked.
As Izuku reeled from her sudden kiss, Mina got out of the car, leaving Izuku on his own.
Izuku blinked as he saw that he was alone and the light of the day was going down. He narrowed his eyes, getting out of the car. Rushing to the dark side of the gym, he pulled out his mask and fedora. It was early in the day, but it was time for Izuku Midoriya to be Chat Noir.
Alya dropped down and stuck to the shadows as she looked for any signs of life. She had entered through the locker room, and was making her way through the room's exit. She held out her phone to catch anyone or anything that came out. She had even set up her recorder to see what she could catch.
"Alright, now, let's see who is the big bad wolf that's been taking people off this fine neighborhood to wreck it," Alya whispered, walking on her tiptoes. "I swear this would be a great blog if I didn't already have a job." She smirked, passing a mirror in the changing room.
However, as Alya passed the mirror a silhouette within the mirror barely missed her before disappearing. Alya reached the door, hearing something from the other side of it. She opened the door slightly, looking into the training ground.
"Please, don't!"
"Don't worry my lovely. You'll feel like you're in a dream by the time this is over."
Alya's eyes widened at the sight before her.
In the center of the gym stood two villains, one small and pretty and another one tall and monstrous, holding down a lone poor man that ran the gym.
The first villain had green skin with bright pink hair tied in a bun, making her look almost like a rose connected to a perfume bottle. She wore a tight black catsuit with red stripes on her legs, shoulders and medium heels.
The other villain was a large monstrous feminine creature with a long purple tail, three yellow eyes, and blue tendrils coming out from her head like dreadlocks. She was muscular with razor sharp teeth and tattered clothes covering her chest and lover part with a loincloth.
"Where is Reflekta? She should be here, Princess Fragrance," the monstrous woman said.
"Oh don't worry, Horrificator. My girl is just making sure there are no other stragglers around." Princess Fragrance giggled. "Now, while we're at that."
Princess Fragrance raised her hand, letting out a red gas at the man's face.
"There we go, the last member of our little gang. Now, Princess Fragrance commands you to rise." Princess Fragrance snapped her fingers, making the man stand up with his eyes glowing from the Miraculous.
Alya was recording all she was hearing and seeing when a hand placed itself on her shoulder. She nearly jumped out of her skin before noting the pink hand that was next to her.
"Shh. Keep quiet," Mina said. "I need you to get behind me before they notice us."
Alya nodded before, she heard a pair of high heels walking towards them from behind.
Mina and Alya turned around and saw the owner of the high heels. But before they could take a good look at her, a blast came towards them. Mina pulled Alya out of the room, avoiding a blast of a laser.
"Hey girls, looks like we've got a pair of party crashers in our little recruitment rally." She walked out into the light, revealing her full self.
She was a tall woman with pale skin, bright purple eyes, long black hair that reached to her back with a bang covering her left eye, and a headband with an eye on her forehead. She wore a dull red wine dress with a short skirt with reflective mirrors around the dress in the shape of eyes, dominatrix high heeled boots and matching elbow long gloves with crystals in the back of her hands. This was Reflekta.
"See? I told you my lovely girlfriend was making sure we weren't missing anyone." Princess Fragrance walked up to her girlfriend, planting a kiss on her lips. "I love you, honey."
"Love you too, my rose." Reflekta kissed her girlfriend back.
Mina reached for her gun, mentally cursing that she was forbidden from using her Miraculous to fight. But just as her fingers touched her service weapon, a blast of crystalizing light blasted the weapon away.
"Ah ah ha, no toys for you," Reflekta mocked as Mina growled.
"So, what do we do with them?" Horrificator asked.
"We could use some more hands in this job. We'll take them." Princess Fragrance raised her hand, unleashing her gas on Mina and Alya.
Just then, Turtle Sentry came out from his hiding spot. He threw his hat at the three villains only for Horrificator to smack it away with a roar.
"You won't hurt anyone else!" Turtle Sentry caught his hat, glaring at the villainesses.
"No offense sir, but we are three and we've got three hostages." Princess Fragrance ordered Mina, Alya, and the gym owner to stand around her. "What do you have?"
Turtle Sentry looked up to see a shadow moving from above.
"The unexpected," Turtle Sentry replied.
Izuku jumped down from the shadows, landing a blow on the back of Horrificator's head. Clinging onto the large beast of a woman, the vigilante turned the beast of the villain trio into his improvised weapon and distraction. He grabbed hold of her tendril braids, turning her around, using her tail to knock back the other two villainesses.
Turtle Sentry used this opening to make his move. He channeled his Miraculous into his arms, creating a pair of green boxing gloves. Jumping in the air, he brought down his fists upon the villainesses.
Reflekta grabbed her girlfriend, rolling out of the way of the attack. She then fired at the old her, who lifted his hands just in time to block the attack.
Turtle Sentry slammed against the gym owner and Horrificator, knocking Chat Noir off of her.
Izuku landed on the padded floor with a grunt as Horrificator grabbed the old hero. Pulling out his kali sticks, he rushed to help the old hero. He used her large leg to jump at her face, swinging his sticks in a cross form. Striking her eyes, he freed the old hero before kicking her in the chest.
"Are you alright, Turtle Sentry?" Izuku asked, holding his combative stance.
"A little taken by surprise, but I'll live," Turtle Sentry replied, cracking his neck. "Should've known better than rushing in."
"We gotta take her down before getting close to the other two," Izuku said.
"I've got something for enemies that drank their milk. But I'll need a second." Turtle Sentry began focusing his energy between his hands.
"You might have to cut that time short." Izuku spotted Reflekta and Princess Fragrance along with his friends approaching one of the large mirrors. "Work fast!"
Izuku ran towards Horrificator as she did the same. He slid down between her legs before striking at the back of her right knee. He jumped back against her but was swatted away by her tail. He cashed against the glass mirror before dodging a large punch by the skin of his teeth. His mind raced as he sought a different strategy. He ducked and dodged the large fists of the monstrous woman, getting scratched by her claws and the shards of glass flying in the air.
Izuku noticed her slow movements and the large muscular mass that she had. He narrowly dodged the claw slash that tore through the floor next to him. An idea popped into his head as he spotted an opening between her legs once more. Izuku dove between her legs, grabbing her tail with his hand. Holding her tightly, he moved her back and forth, avoiding her attacks more easily.
"Stay still!" Horrificator snapped, turning around with a dangerous backhand swipe.
Izuku ducked under the large muscular arm, pulling the tail along with him. He roped the tail between her legs, avoiding her stomping feet.
"Hey, quit it!" Horrificator snarled.
"You got it!" Izuku pulled her tail, before landing a strike behind her knees with his kali stick.
Izuku moved out of the way as Turtle Sentry jumped into the fray.
Turtle Sentry jumped in, slamming his green orb against the weakened Horrificator. His attack expanded into a large blast of concentrated shield energy, sending Horrificator against the wall, embedding her in it.
"Shell Pulse!" Turtle Sentry called out.
"Look!" Izuku turned to see Relfekta, Princess Fragrance, Mina and Alya going through a portal in the mirror.
"We need to catch up to them!" Turtle Sentry and Izuku ran towards the portal.
Izuku pulled out his grappling hook, before picking up Turtle Sentry.
"Hang on!" Izuku fired his grappling gun into the portal as it closed, pulling him and the old hero into the portal.
Izuku held onto Turtle Sentry as they traveled through what seemed like an endless corridor of mirrors. He looked to the sides, spotting reflections of himself doing all that he was doing before looking ahead. His eyes landed on a bright light ahead of them. He closed his eyes as they became engulfed by the light.
They came out through the other side of the portal, arriving at a storage warehouse. The warehouse had lots of stolen equipment from the attacks, there were maps and blueprints of the different places they'd hit, and a series of clothes for the attacks. But the one thing that caught the attention of the vigilante and the hero was the makeshift holding cell where the missing people were held.
Izuku spotted the two villains with Mina and Alya by their side, not noticing that they had followed them. He picked up the old hero and quickly hid behind one of the crates.
"Where are we?" Turtle Sentry whispered.
"It appears to be their hideout," Izuku replied, keeping his eyes on Mina and Alya as they were put with the other people. "This is where they've been planning their attacks. But look at all this equipment and resources, they couldn't have just stolen all this."
"We need to get closer and take them for surprise," Turtle Sentry spotted his granddaughter. "They might have more people as hostages. Normally I'd be putting you in cuffs, but I'm not foolish enough to think that I could take them alone."
Izuku kept his eyes open, looking for a way they could sneak up to the two villainesses. However, his eyes drifted to where Mina and Alya were being held. He didn't want to attack his friends, and he feared what would happen if he hurt either of them. Silently, he gestured Turtle Sentry to follow him to the other crates.
They got closer to where the two villains were discussing their situation. They overheard them talk as they hid behind the crates.
"What do we do now, Rose?" Reflekta asked.
"Think positively and maybe Horrificator took care of those two heroes," Princess Fragrance said. "The boss has faith in us and has given us all these resources. With what we've stolen, his numbers are through the roof. Sure we don't get as much as we want but we're doing great. And no dumb heroes are going to get in our way."
"Yeah, his stuff is the best. The custom job is of the highest quality." Reflekta looked at her reflective gloves. "You're right, as always. I'll go check on Horrificator and see if she's done. You rest and once I'm back we'll get the hostages ready for the score."
Reflekta walked towards the mirror, leaving Princess Fragrance alone.
Back with Izuku and Turtle Sentry, they saw this as their opportunity.
"I'll deal with the stinky perfume girl, you get the people out of here," Izuku whispered.
"And leave you all the fun against two villains? Not a chance. We need to take them both out before they leave and bring their friend back." Turtle Sentry tipped his hat. "I'll keep the mirror lady busy while you deal with the perfume lady. After that, we'll save the others and give them to the police."
Izuku nodded. It wasn't the best plan in his mind, but it was the only one that they had.
Izuku went out first as Princess Fragrance approached the controlled hostages. As she lifted her hand to spray them once more, he tossed one of his kali sticks at the wall next to her. As his stick struck her hand, Izuku jumped forward, blocking her approach to the hostages.
"You won't use these people as your puppets any longer!" Izuku recovered his kali stick and pulled out his second one.
"Reflekta, we've been found out!" Princess Fragrance shouted as Izuku kicked her away from the hostages.
Reflekta turned around, growling at someone hurting her girlfriend. She clasped her hands together, creating a small army of herself and Princess Fragrance.
As they charged at Izuku, he stood his ground, giving Turtle Sentry the opening that he needed.
Turtle Sentry jumped in front of Izuku, summoning a large shield dome around them. His shield tore through the light clones, leaving only the originals with them.
"Now, while you still got time!" Turtle Sentry
Izuku jumped out of the forcefield before getting into the fight. He ducked under the gas of Princess Fragrance as Reflekta created more light copies of herself. As the clones charged at him, Izuku swung his kali sticks, shattering the illusions while keeping his guard up. He ducked under the punches of several clones before landing a blow to the illusions. Izuku spotted Princess Fragrance coming after him with a blast of her gas.
He was being overwhelmed, and his head was getting dizzy. But he had to continue the fight. He noticed how there was no sound coming from the clones. He bobbed and weaved under their attacks, blocking and flipping the clones with his kali sticks. With a swift strike to the face, he shattered another clone before coming face to face with Princess Fragrance.
Izuku tossed his kali stick at her forehead, knocking her back. He was then punched by the real Reflekta.
"You dare hurt my girlfriend?!" Reflekta snapped.
Izuku hated himself for it, but he now knew which one was the real Reflekta. He dropped to her floor, swiping his feet under her foot, dropping her. Using this opening, he broke her crystals with one strike from his kali sticks.
Princess Fragrance was about to use her gas on Izuku but was then encased in a green bubble shield.
"Not this time, young lady." Turtle Sentry focused his shield on the villain.
"Thank you," Izuku said.
"You did the heavy lifting, it seemed appropriate," Turtle Sentry said as the hostages started to come around.
"Wh-where are we?" Mina asked.
"Weren't we in a gym?" Alya asked. "Is that Chat Noir?"
"Grandpa?" Fei asked, passing other hostages.
Izuku used this chance to tie up Reflekta and disappear from the scene.
"Huh, that young man must be shy," Turtle Sentry chuckled. "Though I must say that vigilante has style."
A short while later, Izuku reemerged from amongst the hostages by the time the authorities arrived. He united with Mina and Alya, making sure that they were alright before turning to the older hero and his granddaughter.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Turtle Sentry asked.
"Yes, grandfather. I am. I just hope I didn't worry you too much," Fei said.
"You're my granddaughter. I will worry about you even if you were twice your age." Turtle Sentry hugged Fei.
"Is your granddaughter alright, Turtle Sentry?" Izuku asked.
"She is, thank you officer," Turtle Sentry replied.
"Thank you for aiding my grandfather, officers." Fei bowed in respect.
"Our pleasure, kid." Mina smirked, hugging Izuku.
"I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to ask you a few questions," Alya said. "I'm Alya Cesaire from Lady News Paper."
Fei looked at her grandfather who shrugged.
"I suppose I can answer a few of your questions." Fei laughed.
Izuku and Mina spotted detective Naomasa coming their way with a look of displeasure in his face. He was not smiling like usual and looked like he had just been told that his dog was sick and his rent was past due.
"Hey boss, everything okay?" Mina asked.
"Just peachy, Ashido. Just peachy." Naomasa walked away.
"That was a bit cold," Alya muttered.
"Yeah, he's usually much happier when we solve cases and no one gets hurt, well except the bad guys." Mina wrapped her arm around Izuku's shoulder. "Right, Izuku."
"Yeah," Izuku muttered.
Late that night, Naomasa was smoking in the backyard of his house. He'd have a long day and was just waiting for a chance to let off some steam. He really felt like he'd struck a wall in his investigation.
"What's wrong, detective?"
Naomasa dropped his cigarette, pulling out his gun. He then let out a sigh of relief at the sight of Chat Noir.
"Almighty, don't do that." Naomasa put away his gun.
"Sorry, but you seemed out of sorts back at the Lower East Side," Izuku said.
"You were there? Don't cats usually have bells on them to tell people where they are?" Naomasa picked up his cigarette.
"It helps to avoid capture. What happened?" Izuku asked.
Naomasa sighed, knowing that the vigilante was just as deeply in this as he was. He pulled out a pair of pictures. He handed them to Chat Noir before taking a puff of his smoke.
"The Bubbler, real name Nino Lahiffe, was found this morning in his cell in a vegetative state." Naomasa let out smoke in a sigh.
Izuku looked at the pictures. One was of the Bubbler when he first arrived at prison and was tagged and the second one showed him in bed with his eyes closed with his face turned brown instead of blue.
"How did it happen? Drugs? Concussion?" Izuku asked.
"Nope. He was bruised and beaten up, but that didn't turn him," Naomasa said. "And that's not the biggest thing. He no longer has his Miraculous."
Izuku almost dropped the pictures.
"What? That's not possible." Izuku looked at the pictures again, looking for anything that could tell him more.
"The tests don't lie." Naomasa took a puff of smoke. "Someone entered his cell and took his Miraculous, leaving him in that state and left without leaving any trace. And that someone must have a lot of power to do so."
Izuku's mind went back to what he had heard from Princess Fragrance and Reflekta. If what Naomasa was saying was true then there was only someone with that kind power and influence to move unnoticed.
"Hawkmoth." Izuku spotted something in the second picture.
Izuku narrowed his eyes.
"What tattoos did the Bubbler have when he was taken into custody?" Izuku asked.
"Um, a tear tattoo on his face, his gang's symbol on his chest," Naomasa replied. "Just those two."
"Not the print of a butterfly wing?" Izuku asked.
"What?" Naomasa asked as Izuku showed him the picture.
"Look. On his neck." Izuku pointed.
Naomasa narrowed his eyes as the light from his cigarette illuminated the image better. He saw what Chat Noir meant.
On the neck of the former gangster and villain was what appeared to be a half finished tattoo of a butterfly wing.
"That wasn't there before," Naomasa said.
"I don't know what Hawkmoth's Miraculous might be, but this shows we're on the right track," Izuku said. "This is a message to all that are working for Hawkmoth and for us."
"And what's the message?" Naomasa asked.
"A warning." Izuku looked at the picture.