Chapter Eight:
Enter Reverser
They leave the art room, sometime before the final bell. Nathaniel is sitting on the stairs, imagining the story play in front of him, looking to be in pure bliss. Marinette and Marc are hiding behind a staircase across the room, spying on him. "Do you think he likes it?" Marc asked, "Look at his face, of course, he does," Marinette replies. "Its rude to spy on people," Adrien states as he appears behind the pair, Marinette quickly spins around as she begins her reply.
"Eh No! It's not what you think at all! Its just that... its gonna be... eh... Nathaniel's birthday is soon and, ehm, Marc and I wanted... to give him a disguise... I mean, surprise!" she tried to explain in her usual manner around Adrien. "Cool!" he states with a wink, not really buying it, "Very typical of you, Marinette. Well, if you need any help with that, let me know," he says and begins walking off.
"Sure won't!" she said in a higher-pitched voice from embarrassment, "Sure will," she corrected and slumped. "You're just as shy as I am, aren't you?" Marc asked, "Just do as I say, not as I do, okay?" Marinette replies. They turn their attention to Nathaniel who is now with Oceani, "Oh no, Oceani could tell him that it's my book I hope they don't turn to the back," Marc says nervously and begins to worry while Marinette tries to calm him down. "It's okay, I'll go by and make sure she doesnt say or look at the back," Marinette states and rushes to the two on the staircase.
"Hey Nath, what's got you so happy?" Oceani asked as she peered at the book he was reading, she paused thinking about why it looked so familiar. Suddenly it hit her, "Hey that book..." she started, but was interrupted by Marinette. "Hey how's it going guys?" she asks the two, "All good here Mari," Oceani says, Nathaniel nodded in response. "So, uh... what did you think?" she asked hesitantly, but Nathaniel responded enthusiastically.
"Its seriously amazing! But how did you get a hold of it?" he asked, "First, I need to know if you're willing to meet the person who wrote it and then trusted it to me," she answered. Nathaniel looks at her suspiciously, "Is it... who I think it is?" he asked. "I can't tell you anything. Please don't insist," she answered, "Sure. Of course," he says with a wink. "Awesome! You're gonna make someone very happy," Marinette says, "I know you will," Oceani agrees and hides her smile behind her hand.
Nathaniel tries to hand Marinette back the book, "You keep it. You can give it back to the author later today. In person," she says holding out her hand to stop him. He thought that its a dream come true and faced Marinette seriously, "This isn't some kind of prank, is it, Marinette?" he asked, she shook her head. "Meet at the Place des Vosges Square Fountain. Trust me, you will not be disappointed," she said and headed out.
"Hey Nath, could I tag along?" Oceani asked, "Sure," he answered trying to hide his excitement. "Was the story that great?" she asked as they walked together, "Definitely," he said happily, "Uhm, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to let anyone else see it, but it's you so would you like to?" he asked, offering her the book. Oceani took it excitedly, "Aw thank you Nath, I have always wanted to read this book," she stated accepting the book and immediately diving in.
Nathaniel was going to ask her what she meant, but since she was already engrossed, he shrugged it off as her just being zealous. They walked together to Place des Vosges Square Fountain, he had to ensure she didn't trip or walk into anything as she read. Not that she asked, she seemed to be able to navigate it perfectly, they were completely unaware that their arrival was being observed by Marinette who was using her phones camera to zoom in on the park.
"Final phase of operation Comic Book, Tikki," Marinette stated, "This will be better than a fairy tale ending," the kwami added. "I hope that Oceani being there doesn't make Marc too nervous," she said and Tikki nodded in agreement as they watched. Marc was sitting by the fountain and saw the two who were just a few paces away, he pulled his hoody more feeling shy and calmed himself down with what Rairakku told him. He knew he was ready to take the leap, he was not going to back down now, but he froze as he saw their faces so close to each other and they were reading the back of the book.
"That part was great, but I've always been curious about what he writes at the back," Oceani says, "He? And what do you mean at the back?" Nathaniel asks and leans in to read with Oceani. She blushes slightly and he thought about her scent, it was a sweet vanilla, not like an ocean breeze as he expected. "Marc is always writing in the front, but once in a while I've seen him write in the back," she said, Nathaniel began to blush with embarrassment. He should have known it wasn't Ladybug, how could he be so dumb.
Shaking his head, he pushed away the thought and they read together, "It's notes and a perfect character outline for you," Nathaniel said. Suddenly, the book was pulled from her hand and Nathaniel instinctively pushed Oceani behind him. Marc stood before them clutching the book to his chest, his emotions were swirling and overwhelming him and unfortunately Hawk Moth was ready for that. "Ah the same boy from earlier, but now it's a possible friendship ripped up and a crush he may not have a chance with. Picture perfect no more," the villain states before sending out an akuma.
"Uhh, operation Comic Book has hit a snag!" Marinette states and turns to head out but is frozen in place... I'm in trouble, was all that ran through her mind as she tried to avoid those stern lilac eyes. "Operation Comic Book?" Rairakku asked with her arms folded, "You will explain right now, simply and quickly," she adds. "Uhm uh, can I explain while we head to Place des Vosges Square Fountain?" Marinette asked quietly, "Yes, but fast," she said as they headed downstairs.
"Sorry Luka, I have a bit of an emergency. You wanna wait here or tag along?" Rairakku she asks her friend, "I'll come with, you may disappear if I don't," he said and the group headed out. Meanwhile at the fountain, "Hey, why'd you do that, you could have hurt O-shay again," Nathaniel said angrily, "I-Im sorry Oceani," he apologised still clutching his book. The group didn't notice the akuma until it merged with Marc's book.
"Reverser, I am Hawk Moth. You've been hurt by what could have been a great friendship and you hurt the girl you care about, so from now on, you can change that. No one will be who they claim to be. I'm giving you the power to invert anyone. The hurt will be mended. The strong will become weak. The brave will become cowards. In return, you will seize Ladybug's and Cat Noir's Miraculous for me," Hawk Moth said, and Marc didn't resist. "Nothing will be the same anymore, Hawk Moth," he said.
"O-Shay, go to the Louve by Alix right now," Nathaniel whispered to her when the Akuma contaminated the book, "But..." what she started but he cut her off. "Once he is transformed, I'm sure he is going to do something to us, splitting up right now is the best option. Trust me," he said, she nodded and ran to a cab. Nathaniel watches as Marc throws his book on the ground, which transforms into a big paper plane. The group of Marinette, Rairakku and Luka arrive in time to see him before he mounts and is engulfed with purple.
"Marc-chan! Nat-chan!" Rairakku called out and Luka holds her back, Nathaniel runs to the group that was close to the bench Xavier Ramier or Mr. Pigeon, is sitting on. Rairakku pulls him into a hug and asks if he's okay, he assures her that he's fine while Marinette approaches Marc. "Marc? What happened?" Marinette asked, "I'm not Marc anymore," he states and does a small stunt with his paper plane. "I am Reverser! And you, Marinette, the one who caused all this! You think you're the super helpful girl who's loved by everyone? Well, from now on, everyone will hate you!" He exclaims and grabs a paper plane.
"Reversion!" he says and throws a paper plane at her, she dodges but Mr. Ramier is hit. All of a sudden, one of his pigeons pecks him, "Ouch! What's happening to you, my little pigeons?" he asks, but all pigeons fly off. "Where are you going? Wait! Come back! Please!" he calls out and runs after his pigeons. "But I don't get it! I really was trying to help you!" she says in defence, "LIAR! You told Nathaniel I was someone else! He was surprised when Oceani said it was my book!" he shouts.
"I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding Marc-chan, please can we figure it out together?" Rairakku asks gently causing him to faulter. "I..." he starts but is interrupted by Roger who uses his whistle to get his attention. "Hey you! What is this thing?" he asks, pointing at the hovering paper plane, "Vehicle registration please," he adds.
"You're all about law and order? Well, were all done with that! Reversion!" he says returning to his akumatised state and throws the paper plane. Roger laughs evilly as he shoots his tazer in the air, "Do whatever you want with that paper plane of yours. I've got other plans!" he said and ran off, Reverser turns back to see Rairakku alone.
"You all go, I'm sure I can get through to him. Luka don't protest right now I need you to keep my two safe. He is after them both, so Marinette at the entrance divert home while you boys head somewhere safe," Rairakku explained quickly when Roger interrupted. They hesitate, especially Luka who grabs Rairakkus arm before she could go back to Reverser, "Be careful," he said simply. She gave him a smile in response, "Hai," she said and ran back to Reverser.
"Marc-chan..." she started, "Yuki-san, I don't want to hurt you, you're the only one who spoke the truth and gave me good advice," he said cutting her off. "Then take my advice now Marc-chan, you don't need that power. We can figure this out together. I am your mentor, aren't I?" she asked with a smile, he hesitates and Hawk Moth rings through his thoughts making him clutch his head.
"She is trying to keep you from changing things on your own, invert her and go after those who wronged you. I need Ladybug and Chat Noir's miraculous," the butterfly villain said. "Marc-chan! Are you hurt? I'm right here," she said running toward him, "No Yuki-san," he said weakly, and a paper plan darted toward her. She managed to dodge landing on the ground, "I'm sorry Yuki-san, if I listen to you, I'll back out," he said and flew off.
She punched the ground, "I failed!" she said and pulled out her phone. "Lu, I failed to stop him, he couldn't bring himself to reverse me so I'm fine, but he is coming for you guys so be careful," she said after her call connected. "We will, we are almost at the Louve. You stay out of trouble Raira," he replied, "Sorry Lu, but I will have to back-up my kids," she said to herself after cutting the call.
"Where did operation Comic Book go wrong? We better find out!" Marinette said to Tikki as they ducked in an alleyway to transform. She swung up to a building and saw Reverser fly away from Rairakku and quickly followed after him. She catches up to him above the road as he is flying on his plane, by grabbing a hold of his arm with her yo-yo.
"Stop, Reverser, listen! We don't need to fight, so please make the right choice and give up!" she said, "You talk a lot, Ladybug. But what will you do without your powers? Reversion!" he replies and throws a paper plane. She dodged it effortlessly and he throws multiple planes, she engages pro-dodge-mode and dodges them all, "You can't stay still, can you? Well, let's go for a ride then!" Reverser says and flies off with Ladybug still hanging on.
Somewhere above a river, Reverser is flying with Ladybug still attached to his arm. He stops to throw yet another plane, which she dodges, he throws more, and she dodges them as well. Hawk Moth decides to intervene, "Be clever, Reverser. A writer must never be short of ideas," he says, and Reverser notices a cyclist in the distance. He smiles, "You used to be quick on your feet? Now you've got two left feet! Reversion!" he says and throws a paper plane, Ladybug dodges it as he expected and so it hits its target.
"Aaah!" the cyclist shouts, "Oops!" Reverser says as he smiles, "Wah! S-Sorry! How do I ride a bike?! Uuaaahh!" The cyclist shouts gaining Ladybug's attention, "Oh no!' she says as a man falls off bridge, the cyclist shouts and she manages to save the man. "Thank you, Ladybug!" the cyclist said, but it was going according to Reversers plan.
Ladybug sees the paper plane approaching and blocks it with her arms to no avail. "Aah! Ugh," she shouts, "Gotcha!" Reverser says as she throws her yo-yo, which hits the bridge railing and bounces back in her face. She stumbles over a bench and the yo-yo hits her in her face, again.
"Hahahaha! How do you like your new role, Ladyklutz?" he asks with an evil laugh, "Excellent work, Reverser. Now that she's weakened, get hold of her Miraculous, her earrings!" Hawk Moth tells him. "Your miraculous are mine! he says as he reaches for her earrings," "Awesome costume!" Chat Noir shouts as he hits Reverser.
"Hah! Too bad well have to tear it up!" he makes his pun as Ladybug struggles to stand, "Ugh," she says. "Everything okay, m'lady?" he asks her, Reverser responds first, "So you think you're brave, Chat Noir? Revert from puss to wuss! Reversion!" he says and throws a paper airplane. He dodges, "Oh, yeah, I'm so scared. Come on milady, let's wrap this up," he says to his partner.
"Chat Noir, wait!" she says and falls over, distracting Chat Noir, "M'lady?" He asks and Reverser ceases the moment to throw another paper airplane at Chat Noir. "Whaaaaaaa...!" Chat Noir shouts in fright, "What's up kitty, got vertigo?" he asks. Chat Noir runs and jumps into Ladybug's arms for protection.
However, Ladybug loses her balance and they both plummet into the river, Reverser looks down, but they're gone. "Locate them, Reverser. The Miraculous are so close!" Hawk Moth says, he looks again but doesn't see them. "They are powerless now, Hawk Moth. We've got all the time in the world. I'll take care of them as soon as I've inverted Marinette, Nathaniel and Oceani," he said flying off. Hawk Moth groans "There is also that new hero from yesterday, so hurry. I want my miraculous!" he says.
Hawk Moth was right to worry, because Reverser did not see Loup D'argent dive in with the two after placing her weapon like an oxygen mask. She places their weapons on their mouths so they can breathe and helps Chat Noir pull Ladybug through the water. They soon climb ashore with Chat Noir and Loup D'argent helping Ladybug. "Ah, even swimming is impossible with this curse," she said in frustration, "Achoo! Great. Now I'm sure I'm gonna catch a cold," Chat Noir whined.
"How are we gonna defeat him?" she asked, "What? You wanna face him again? I really don't wanna fight that bad guy! He looks so mean," he protested. "Sorry kitten we must... Reverser is looking for a boy named Nathaniel and two girls Marinette and Oceani. So, we have to reach them before he does. Luckily, I know where two of them are," Loup D'argent stated and led the way. "I can't do it! The stairs are too high. It's making me dizzy," he says making Ladybug sigh before sticking out her hand. "Come on, little kitty. Here, kitty kitty. That's it, were good," she said, Chat Noir whimpers, but follows.
"See? You're gonna be just- WOAH!" Ladybug says before she falls over again, "Uugghh...We're not outta the woods yet," she states, Loup D'argent shakes her head. "Let me get you guys there, it's what big sisters do," she said and summoned a clone to carry Ladybug on her back while she carried Chat Noir bridal style. "You are Ladybug and Chat Noir, I'm sure we can win even in this state. I'm here to have your backs the whole way," she assures them before taking off to the Louvre.
Meanwhile, inside the Louvre, Luka and Nathaniel joined Oceani and Alix, "I'm glad youre okay Nath," Oceani said and gave him a hug. "Told you I would be O-Shay," he said hugging her back, they pulled apart in a flustered manner when Alix whistled. The group had put on the news updates of Reversers actions, after Luka and Nathaniel filled the girls in. Alix was skating about as she listened in and spoke to her friends.
"It will take him some time to find you both here," she stated, "True, but he may turn to another way to draw them out. He is a writer after all so finding a creative way to draw out his targets shouldn't take him too long," someone shared, it was a voice they recognised from yesterday. "Loup D'argent?!" they asked, switching off their news update and turning to confirm what they heard. What they saw, however, was two of her, one holding Chat Noir in a princess carry and the other had Ladybug on her back.
"Nathaniel! Oceani! We need you, it's an emergenc- WHA!" Ladybug starts as she gets down from Loup D'argents back, but trips on a perfectly flat surface. The group stare in shock and confusion, "This is getting tiring..." she groaned. Loup D'argent helped her up, "I know hun, now you both catch them up while I recharge. I'll be in the lavatory, please take care of my partners while I'm gone," she says after placing the two on the couch.
Ladybug quickly brings the group to speed and as she finishes, Loup D'argent returns, "Bad news kids. Confirming my hunch from earlier," she says and shows them Nadja's news update. "Its been confirmed, ten thousand tons of garbage have just been released from space and are about to rain down on Paris, unless mayor Bourgeois cancels the process, the city will soon be under a mountain of trash. The man behind the chaos, Supervillain Reverser has given an ultimatum," the reporter states.
"Its..." she is cut off by Reverser who has put on his live-feed, "Ladybug, Chat Noir and Loup D'argent! I command you to deliver Oceani, Nathaniel and Marinette to me right now! I also demand that you hand over your miraculous!" he demands. "We have to try and talk to him, and we're gonna need you two, Nathaniel and Oceani!" Ladybug states, "What about Marinette?" Chat Noir asked.
"We won't have time kitten, those things are coming back down. Reverser will have to settle for Nathaniel and Oceani," Loup D'argent answered him. "I'm coming with you," Alix states, "No way! Its too dangerous," Ladybug responds. "Actually, I'll just stay here too, so I don't get in the way," Chat Noir says as Alix sneaks up behind him, "Boo!" she scares him and he jumps with a shout toward Ladybug, but Loup D'argent intercepts him and securely catches him.
She pets his head soothingly as she looks at Alix, "I got their backs don't worry. You and Luka need to stay safe here," she states. Alix looks disappointed, "Fine," she says, Loup D'argent places Chat Noir down and walks over to her then pats her head. "You'll be the first to know if we need back-up. It may be keeping them safe should anything happen," she says. "Alright, thanks Loup D'argent," Alix responds, starting to cheer up, "Nathaniel and Oceani are my friends. I'll do whatever I can to not drop them," she states.