Chapter Three:

Who Needs a Costume To Be Heroic?

Third Person POV

"Oh Rairakku, you are my hero or at least my inspiration," Alya said after their shared story. "You are mine, Luka," Nino stated holding out his fist to Luka who bumped it with his own. "I think you both are awesome. I wish I could be as bold as you two," Marinette said, "Aww imōto, you're plenty bold to me. I mean I'm sure your friends can agree that when it comes to them and doing what's right you become so strong and always do your best," Rairakku stated wrapping an arm around Marinette's shoulder.

"That's right girl, it's why you're our student rep of course," Alya stated with a wink, "Just like how you're going to be my strong moral support, helping me with my interview with Loup D'argent today," she added with a grin. "That's right, I hope you don't mind ane (A/N: another word for older sister)," the quiet bluenette said, "Of course, I don't mind, you know I'll be a bit busy this afternoon with fencing and then homework," the older bluenette stated and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"Hey, Adrien also does fencing isn't that cool dude," Nino states, "Really Émer?" Rairakku asked. The model nodded before they excitedly initiated a fencing discussion as the whole group settled into a pleasant break free of akumas.

After the break, Rairakku and Luka's class welcomed back madame Gratitude. "Thank you so much class, I'm happy to be back and welcome to our drama class Rairakku," she said to the class before nodding to Rairakku, "Thank you, madame," Rairakku responded. Madame Gratitude smiled before she continued, "Now before we start our lesson, I have some news on your assignments for this term. So please pay close attention," she said, and the class settled down.

They were a good group of students, so she didn't understand why the other teachers see them in such a negative light. She reasoned that the other teachers were not fond of dealing with a class with such mixed personalities and found that the easiest person to blame would be Athalya. As a drama teacher, and at one point a theatre kid, she knew how to deal with many personalities which meant she was able to get the respect of those four as well.

She made a note to help Athalya with some tips when they go out later before returning her thoughts to the lesson. "Madam Simonè and I have decided to link our tasks for you. She will discuss her aspect with you when you see her later. What I can tell you is that our theme is culture and for our drama class you are going to present a culture of your choice," she began explaining.

"You will be working in pairs for this, you could even work in larger groups if you choose, and each person in your group will represent a different culture. How you decide to present is up to your group or pair, but in true drama class fashion, you need to be committed to your role and clear to receive a high mark," she explained and asked if they had any questions.

When she knew they had a basic idea, she went on with her lesson. "This assignment sounds like fun," Rairakku said to Luka when they were given time to discuss their project at the end of the lesson. "I guess so," he responded with a shrug, she rolled her eyes at him, "Of course you aren't that excited because it's not music..." she stated.

A sudden idea came to her, "What if we incorporate music into it?" She asked gaining his attention, "How?" He asked, she wiggled her index finger, "Wait and see," she stated and went to speak to Madam Gratuite. He watched her curiously and couldn't stop thinking about how she was trying to make this assignment more relatable to him just because he wasn't excited about it, "She is so nice," he said to himself.

After school came sooner than Rairakku thought, but her day wasn't done yet as she now had fencing. This day had gone better than she thought it would, she enjoyed getting to know Luka. Even though he seemed like music was all he thought about, she could tell that he was a good person from their interactions. Not building up her walls was actually an easy task around Luka, part of her was afraid of this but she saw it as a good start and a way of keeping her promise.

She entered the girl's section of the locker room and changed up feeling pretty excited about the extracurricular. Rairakku thought of herself as a decent fencer as her mother had taught her from the time, she was able to hold a sabre. She also learned kendo from her father making her skilled in both regards. Armed with the sabre her father and mother had given her, she headed into the class with her mask under her arm.

"Rairakku!" Someone called, she smiled and turned to the familiar voice. "Hey Émer," she greeted, "Ready for some fencing?" he asked. She let out a light bell laugh and nodded, "Yeah, I'm all fired up," she answered and was ecstatic when he understood her Fairytail reference. "I like you more and more as I get to know you kid," she said to him with a grin.

Rairakku sensed that she had eyes on her and turned to locate the chilling stare, "My eyes are up here Venin," she stated coldly. "I know, but I was enjoying the show," he said with a smirk, she internally cringed with disgust, and wondered what his deal was. She knew her fencing uniform wouldn't completely hide her form, but she did hope it wouldn't gain attention… What she didn't think was that she would be the first girl there.

"That is very indecent of you Venin," Adrien stated, "As if I care about your opinion kid," He retorted. "Well, you should care because the kid pointed out exactly what you are... Indecent in more appropriate terms," Rairakku stated, "He's just a kid and…" Venin had been cut off by the arrival of Armand D'Argencourt, the fencing teacher.

"Ahh you must be Rairakku welcome to our class," Monsieur D'Argencourt said, "A pleasure to be here monsieur," she said politely with a bow. "Since you are new to our class, why don't we observe your technique with a first-to-five-points match?" D'Argencourt suggested, "I would be honoured to demonstrate monsieur," she answered.

He nodded in approval and before he could call any of his students Venin stood up, "I volunteer to fight against her, I am first ranked in our division after all," he stated with a smirk. Rairakku tried her best to not react since she didn't want to give him any advantage, "Alright, take your positions," Monsieur D'Argencourt said as he took his position at the side of the Piste (A/N: Court on which fencing action takes place) as the referee with the class sitting behind him.

"You want me to go easy on you gorgeous?" Venin asked as they shook hands with their gloves off, "No need, I will do just fine," she stated coolly before they walked onto the strip and took their positions on the En-garde lines (A/N: on guard). They salute each other and monsieur D'Argencourt, "En-garde..." Monsieur D'Argencourt said as they put on their masks and get into position. "Êtes-vous prêts? (A/N: Are you ready)?" He asks and they respond with a yes, "Allez (A/N: go)!" he called.

The bout begins and Venin began his attack immediately putting Rairakku on the defensive. He continues advancing with Rairakku quickly retreating to maintain their distance, she realises she's almost at the end of the piste. To regain control of the match, she quickly launches an attack in preparation (A/N: An attack into an opponent's preparation of the attack) sending him a step back.

She follows with a lunge and her blade's tip lands on his torso awarding her the first point of the match, much to Venin's dismay. He shakes it off and returns to his end of the piste, after he takes his position and she had returned to hers they prepare for the next bout.

"En-garde..." Monsieur D'Argencourt calls out, "Êtes-vous prêts?" He asks and they respond with a yes, "Allez!" he called initiating the second bout. Venin decides to begin with a feint (A/N: an attack to provoke a reaction from the opposing fencer), she quickly throws him off by executing a ballestra (A/N: French for a sudden leap. A quick jump forward).

However, he reacted in time with her, and both their attacks had landed, his on her torso and hers on his neck. Monsieur D'Argencourt paused for a moment before awarding the second point of the match to Venin, boosting his confidence. Rairakku took a breath as they went to her side of the piste, she reminded herself that he is one of the best in this class so she cannot let her first point distract her.

Venin on the other hand had chalked her first point to luck now and readied himself at his end of the piste. "En-garde..." Monsieur D'Argencourt calls out, "Êtes-vous prêts?" He asks and they respond with a yes, "Allez!" he called initiating the third bout.

Rairakku seized the moment to go on the offensive, attempting to execute a move of one of her favourite fencers. She advanced forward and performed a disengage toward his mask (A/N: beginning an attack in one direction, then quickly moving the point down in a semi-circle to attack a different location. This is used to trick the opponent into blocking the wrong direction.) toward his mask before landing her sabre on his torso.

She crouched as he attempted to defend ensuring there was no doubt on who received the point and monsieur D'Argencourt easily awarded her the second point. Venin tries to shake it off again, telling himself it was just luck. They return to their respective ends of the piste, Rairakku focused herself once more making sure she doesn't let it get to her head.

"En-garde..." Monsieur D'Argencourt calls out, "Êtes-vous prêts?" He asks and they respond, and he initiates their fourth bout. "Allez!" he called, and once again Rairakku went on the offensive, their sabre tips touching a few times before she performs a flunge (A/N: combination fleche-lunge, flying lunge - leap forwards leaving your legs behind you as you reach for the tag, and only at the last moment bring a leg underneath you) and lands the point on his mask.

D'Argencourt easily awarded her this third point and Venin does his best to hide his growing frustration as they return to the En-garde lines. "En-garde..." Monsieur D'Argencourt calls out, "Êtes-vous prêts?" He asks and they respond, and he initiates their fifth bout. "Allez!" he called, and Venin takes the offensive. Their sabres clash a few times and he suddenly and successfully disarms her with an envelopment (A/N: essentially a bind (pushing your opponent's sword with your sword) that is extended into a full circle), leaving her sword thrown a bit away.

He attempts a lunge to move to another attack, but she jumps back too quickly and backflips, to ensure any hit he attempts would land below the waist and not count. She retrieves her sabre as the rest of their class gasp at her agility and watches Venin attempt to attack as she's still kneeling on the ground in a split squat. She performs a Quinte Parry (A/N: Blade held up almost horizontally with bent arm) and follows it with a riposte as she stands, landing her tip on his torso.

Granting her the fourth point, while she's being awarded her point, Venin storms to his end of the strip. He receives a warning from monsieur D'Argencourt while Rairakku takes her position. "En-garde..." Monsieur D'Argencourt calls out, "Êtes-vous prêts?" He asks and they respond. "Allez!" he called initiating their fifth bout.

Venin breaks into a flèche attack (A/N: An aggressive action in which the fencer launches themselves at their opponent, often breaking footwork for a running motion). She retreats, jumping back and blocking his quick jabs while D'Argencourt gives Venin a yellow card. Yet he continues his dirty play even though she is one point away from winning. He feints, but instead of attacking her torso, he attempts to make hand contact.

She sees the attempt and kicks him on his chest as hard as she could causing him to go down into a reverse lunge. He looked at her with dangerous eyes as he blocked her attack and stood up, continuing his attacks. She managed to parry, but his attacks gained speed as he backed her to the edge of the strip and was about to execute another illegal move, a blow with his guard.

She crouched down before he could hit and carried out a drop sweep (A/N: A martial arts move, spinning and sweeping one or two legs from a crouched position). Rairakku quickly stands and lands her final point by touching his neck with her tip. "Halt! Rairakku is our winner and Venin, those plays at the end would have gotten you a black card. Disqualifying you from a tournament, I don't want to see any dirty play like that again," he stated and reprimanded Venin.

D'Argencourt then turned his attention to Rairakku, "Your skills were superb, where have you been trained?" He asked. "I was part of the Suginami fencing club and my parents taught me everything I know, even the dirty plays that can be carried out and how it should be countered," she explained, he nodded.

"Excellent work," he said, "Review the old and learn the new," she replied. "Ah a fan of Yamada Masaru," he stated and nodded before moving on to paired-up spars, where Adrien and Rairakku had a few bouts. "Thanks for the bouts Rairakku, it was so awesome," he said after they changed up and were walking out of fencing.

"My pleasure, you're a really great kid," she said as she playfully punched his shoulder, "You really think so?" He asked. "Of course, kiddo, now I do believe your ride is here... See ya tomorrow Émer," she said and waved him off as he bid her farewell, then began her walk home.

Rairakku's POV

"Oba, oji. Tadaima (A/N Translation: aunt and uncle. I'm home)," I called as I entered the bakery. "Okaerinasai (A/N Translation: Welcome back) Rai," they both greeted me, they then asked about my day and the akuma attack. I assured them that I was fine and after some time I headed to my room which is on the third floor. It was on the same floor as the living room and kitchen, but toward the back with its own balcony on the side.

I look at the time, I have about an hour before the interview, so I sit with my homework. Soon it was time to meet Alya for the interview, I tell oba and oji that I'm going to check on Marinette and that I will come home with her, they give me permission.

"Ittekimasu! (A/N: This is generally said as a person is about to leave the house to inform them of their departure)" I say at the entrance of the bakery, "Itterasshai! (A/N: This is said by everyone in the house in response to the departure)" came oba and oji's response. I leave the bakery and find a spot to transform then follow the directions Alya had given me, arriving in no time at all.

She welcomed me warmly as soon as I arrived and introduced me to my imōto, I decided to use this interview as an opportunity to test how well I've hidden my identity from her. I avoided looking at her too much during the interview and was thankful that Alya hadn't prepared questions that would expose my identity.

It was a short one that consisted of what it felt like to be a hero, how it felt to work beside Ladybug and Chat Noir and my ideals. That last one I had to be careful with because of my speech in school earlier that day. She had also asked about my sudden appearance, "Well, Ladybug and Chat Noir had been doing a fine job without me all along, so I didn't need to jump in," I answered with a shrug.

"Also, my powers had not manifested as quickly as theirs, so I was still honing and developing them," I added, hoping it has thrown any suspicion off me. I mean it was close to the truth when I received Gin, I spent the day exploring the abilities he granted me, but there were still things I could learn. "Thank you for this interview, Loup D'argent, it has been an honour and my absolute pleasure to have you as my guest on the Ladyblog," Alya thanked me as the interview was drawing to a close. "The pleasure is mine, Alya, thank you for this. It was a great way to be introduced to our wonderful city and I'm sure you will eventually have an interview with our famous duo," I said.

"That duo has now become a trio with you, Loup D'argent," she said with a wink, "I guess so, those two will be a whole lot of fun to work with," I answered truthfully. "I'm sure it will, and that's all from our Ladyblog today, this is blogger Alya signing out," Alya said as she ended the interview. "Thank you again Loup D'argent," she said to me as I smiled up at her, "Come on you have thanked me enough Alya," I said, "You're probably right," she said with a laugh.

"Well, I should be on my way, it was a pleasure to meet you both. It's been fun," I say preparing to leave, "Okay then, please take these macaroons Marinette and I made for the road," Alya said. I take a couple and thank them both and tell them goodbye as I jump out the window, as soon as I feel their eyes leave me, I double back into a spot to transform back.

"These are delicious," Gin said as he ate the macaroons while hidden in my jacket, "Really? Let me have a bite," I say and break a piece to taste. We walk to Alya's and I knock on the door, "Hi mam, I'm Marinette's cousin. I came to check on the girls," I say to the lady who opened the door. "Welcome, I'm Alya's mum Marlena. Come on in the girls are in Alya's room," she said introducing herself and inviting me in, "A pleasure to meet you, Mrs Marlena, you have a wonderful home," I say as I come in.

She thanks me and then points out Alya's room, "Hey there Foxy and Bluebell," I say as I opened the door. "Hey, Rairakku… Foxy?" Alya said before looking at me questioningly, "What are you doing here ane?" Marinette asked. "I told oba and oji that I wanted to check on you and spend time with foxy as well," I explained and looked at Alya.

"Hope you like the nickname and don't mind me crashing here 'til we head home," I say to Alya with a grin. "Not at all girl, but why foxy tho?" She asked, "Because foxes are clever and curious creatures, also your hair and eyes remind me of a fox," I simply explain making her giggle and say thank you.

Marinette's POV

Onee-chan showing up made the afternoon even more enjoyable; we talked, ate macaroons, and relaxed. Alya's mum asked us to stay for supper, I phoned home and let them know that we were invited to stay for supper and would come home afterwards. Mama and papa said it was alright, so we enjoyed a lovely dinner with Alya's family.

Ane put her hands together and said 'Itadakimasu' before we started eating as she always did. We had to explain that it simply means 'Let's eat!' or 'I will eat now' then she explained that after eating she would say 'Gochisōsama deshita' which means 'I really enjoyed this meal' to show appreciation and gratitude toward the one who prepares it. Alya's mum smiled and thanked her to which ane didn't know how to react, "No thank you for your hospitality," she said.

It was soon just the three of us at the table and ane told us about her first day in fencing class. "Girl with all you have done today, especially with break and what happened in fencing. I said it before and I say it again, girl you're my hero!" Alya exclaimed. "Yeah ane, you're still as bold as ever," I smiled at her, I wish I could be that strong and bold.

"Awww, come now it wasn't such a big deal. I just stand for justice is all," she stated waving her hand nonchalantly. "That's my ane for you," I smiled, "Yeah, and she manages to nab one of the cutest guys in her class. The way you two act together definitely seems lovey-dovey," Alya said making her lose her relaxed exterior for a bit.

"What? Come now foxy, it's as clear as day that Lu and I don't have anything going on. He's just my first friend and it's the first day that we have known each other," she responded a little flustered at the thought, "Come on girl, the chemistry between you two is insane. Don't you agree Mari?" Alya asked. "Uh yeah, I agree," I say and see a glint in ane's lilac eyes… I'm in trouble. "Really Mari-chan… You know nothing escapes my eyes and I picked up on quite a few things today," she said, the little glimmer in her eyes was still making me nervous as she slyly changed the subject.

"What do you mean Raiku?" Alya asked, she had decided upon using that nickname after ane explained why she called her foxy. "Well foxy, firstly I noted that my imōto has her eyes on a certain blonde and that she has an admirer. I also noticed that I have one and you may have one as well," she answered counting it off on her fingers. "What?! Who?" Alya and I asked eagerly, she laughed at our reaction before answering.

"Well, we all know the blonde in question for the first part. Then the admirer is Nathaniel, the boy with impressive art skills, I like him he's cute. Then for you foxy... that boy Nino seemed to show some signs of liking you. It was a bit confusing, like mixed signals, I even thought he liked Mari-chan at first, but he seemed to like you," she explained with a giggle then deadpanned as she thought of hers. "Mine is none other than Venin," she stated and made a gagging face that made us both laugh so hard we nearly fall off the chair.

"Yeah, yeah laugh it up," she said rolling her eyes, making us laugh even more. "But mine doesn't like me for the reasons your admirers do. It has me kinda jealous," she stated with a pout. "Actually onee-chan, I think something has escaped your Byakugan," I state as I remember seeing her and Luka at lunch. I know that connection between them can't be my imagination, right? I wondered.

"Really? What makes you say so Mari-chan?" She asks, "Well, you and Luka just seem really close. Even if you don't think so right now, you both have a real connection and the way you have behaved around him is nothing like in Japan. I know how you were at first and how you behaved around everyone after, aunt Douce told me…" I started, she gave me a soft look. "Also, Alya and I saw you two hugging during the break," I quietly added and Alya jumped in with it.

"Yeah girl, he was surprised, but really enjoyed the hug. He was also blushing a bit and so were you," Alya stated causing ane to blush. "You have a crush on him don't you onee-chan?" I ask, she shakes her head furiously. "No, yes, maybe... I don't know. All I know is that I am not able to build my walls around him and it scares me a bit… But I also know that we just met and from experience, I know anything can happen. So, in the idea of Shakespeare, let's leave it all to time for now, shall we?" She asked still slightly flustered.

She can't build her walls around him… she hasn't felt that way in a long time, I know that for sure. I really hope that I'm right about Luka liking her because I don't want her to suffer again after trusting someone. Her saying this in front of Alya surprised me but it makes me happy that she is willing to trust. Alya laughed at her flustered manner pulling me out of my analysis, we agreed with leaving it to time and enjoyed the rest of our supper with other talks.

After our fun evening, it was soon time to say goodbye. "Thank you for having us," I said with a smile, "Yes, thank you for having us Mrs Marlena and Foxy," ane smiled and gave a small bow. "Your cooking was divine," she added as she stood up straight. "You can take the girl out of Japan, but you can't take Japan out of the girl," Alya said with a grin which ane returned. "You know it Foxy," she replied, "See you tomorrow," we said to Alya as we turned to leave.

The walk home was definitely not a quiet one, and we were home before I knew it. "Mama, papa, we're home," I say as we enter the shop, "Hi girls, we know you've already eaten, but how about some tea and dessert at least?" Mama asked as we came up to the kitchen while papa locked up. "Would I ever say no oba? Well, maybe to the tea but never to the dessert," ane smiled and took a seat with mama, patting next to her for me to join her.

I shook my head and settled down next to her, "You and your sweet tooth onee-chan," I said as she grinned at me. "You know it Bluebell," she says as papa comes up with our dessert. Ah, perks of having a bakery, I thought as we bit into our sweet treats.

When we finished up, we all said our goodnights, ane said 'Oyasuminasai' which is the Japanese phrase for goodnight. She said she'd pop into my room after she washes up, so I am sure we will be sleeping late today. I headed upstairs and jumped into a warm shower, then changed into my favourite pink and black pyjamas. As I brushed my hair, I thought about what we would be talking about and hoped that we could talk about her opening up with Luka.

There was a knock on my skylight that interrupted me from my thoughts. I walked to check who it was, "Chat?" I asked as I came to the skylight. He was the usual culprit and so I thought I'd find a pair of green eyes and a punny cat, but I came face to face with a lilac and silver-eyed grey wolf, Loup D'argent…