Ning/Peace Keeper was not pleased by what the news stations were reporting. President Trump of the USA, without any approval from the Security Council or Congress, convinced their allies, France and the UK, to destroy three targets with a one hundred missiles.
The strike was a response to the alleged chemical attack. It was also a warning to the country not use chemical weapons ever again. According to President Trump's tweets it was a perfect strike.
However, he had broken many laws in order to launch the unauthorized attack. The President of the United States, must get Congress approval before ordering a strike. He also blatantly attacked, without gathering enough evidence, to support a strike.
The destruction of the targets was supposed to minimize death. Regardless of that lives were lost. As far as diplomacy was concerned, the USA had abandon their efforts to talk with Syria early on, deciding that force was the better option.
Ning turned off the news stations as she looked up recent tweet responses to the latest attack. It was a mixed batch, several approved, and others didn't because the attack wasn't constitutional.
Disgusted by the responses, Ning turned off all the computers and TVs. She was created to help minimize conflicts such as these, before the problems started drawing in other countries. In the last decade it felt as if she was losing her ability to prevent conflicts.
"I understand that Syria has been through turbulent times over and over again since it emerge as country on March 8 1920. Coups, occupations, and lastly in armed conflicts.
I know for a fact though that people are fully capable of retaining an identity and coming together again as one united country and people, if they would put down their weapons and talk. "
Leaning back in her chair, she thought about her loyalty to the USA. She loved the country and its people dearly, because she lived in it. The USA was so diverse and progressive, however in the last few decades, the USA had reverted in many ways. Most of them were not good at all.
"The states are creating laws without consideration to the people they actually affect. There has been an increasing amount of guns and bomb attacks. All citizens are having their rights being taking away." She blew a strand of hair out of her face. She needed to get out of the office and do something else. All this work was stressing her out. Getting up she headed to her rooms for disguises and stuff.
Now, Ning wasn't supposed to leave her bunker, unless she was on a job. There was an exception rule. The UN Security Council, had agreed that having cabin fever, was departmental to a person's health.
So three days out of the month, if she wasn't on a mission, Ning was allowed to go outside for a few hours, as long as she didn't draw attention to herself. When she emerged from one of her secret entrances, she now was a black woman, with short brown haired and coco brown eyes. She was taller than her real height and had a fake angel tattoo on her right wrist.
Walking down the streets, she wondered what she should do today for fun. New York had lots of different options, but Ning, or, "Courtney" didn't want to stray too far from her home base.
"Hmm, well I haven't been to Central Park before. Maybe a relaxing walk or a visit to the zoo might ease my frustrations." "Courtney" walked for half an hour to get the park. Walking among the different paths, she felt the troubles that had been bothering her slip away. People waved and said hello to her. It was very nice.
She headed to the Central Park Zoo to enjoy seeing wildlife. Upon entering, she started looking at the different animals, thinking about what symbolism was behind them, and if they responded to some abstract creature, that hadn't been found yet.
Lemurs, rare birds, snow leopards. Everywhere, she looked there were animals, enjoying their homes. Many from different places and still getting along. "If only people could learn to live like this. Maybe even created a better food chain would be nice."
After going to the zoo, she walked back to the UN building, stopping at newsstands to pick up papers. Papers from all over the world about different events, most of them tragic.
Why doesn't the news ever seem to report on anything good? There are plenty of stories out there about people doing good things, trying to make the world better she wondered.
It's almost if the news wants to keep people in a state of anger, depression, or fear. All this bad stuff makes it even harder for me to do my job. After all, so many people do good things because they want to inspire others to do the same.
When she got back to her home, she went back into her computer room/library and decided to see if she could find any studies, to help her with her mission. "I hope the second level of Guardian training, isn't as hard as trying to figure out what to do about the rising conflict of bombing other countries into submission."
A few days later in Paris, Ms. Bustier's class, was waiting in the lobby of the Parisian School for Charming Young Ladies and Gentlemen, waiting to meet their assigned teachers.
There were several other classes from many different schools here. Apparently, many girls couldn't pass up the chance to be in a real ball, and most of the guys were here, so they could spend time with as many pretty girls as possible.
Chloe was huffing in a corner with the rest of the regular students. Her fellow charm school classmates all came from rich families and a few, ugh, scholarship students. The rest of the students seemed excited about meeting new people, which didn't make sense to her. Why would they want to mingle with commoners?
"I can't believe the school is doing this. We're the elite of the city. None of these lower class kids should be here. The only one who stands out is Adrikins. I'm his best friend," she bragged to the other students.
"We're well aware of that fact Chloe, you've only mentioned it a hundred times during the year," remarked one the male students. The boy in question was short and slender, with dusty skin, with plain brown eyes and short brown hair. He gave the mayor's daughter a flat stare. "Do you not remember what Madame Isaura told us in Hosting Events the other day? A good host makes everyone feel welcomed and loved, no matter their status."
"Just shut up Judekael."
There was a loud clap from the top of the grand staircase. Everyone stopped talking and looked up. There was a tall woman with dark brown locks held together in a bun. Her face was angler with a sharp nose and her eyes were hazel colored. She wore a blush colored dress that was both modern yet had elements from Victorian times, in it.
Standing next to her was a man who looked like her twin. They shared several features, and he wore a plum colored suit. Behind them, was the staff of the school dressed in similar clothes. The staff had one eye on the lady and gentlemen, the other on the students.
"Welcome young ladies and gentlemen. I am Madam Isaura, I'm the headmistress and teacher at the Parisian School for Charming Young Ladies and Gentlemen," she in a velvety voice.
She placed her hand on the gentlemen next to her and introduced him as her brother Monsieur Jerome. He was the owner of the school and was in charge of the administration duties for keeping the school running. He acknowledged the students with a nod.
His sister continued her speech. "I'm very pleased that so many of you have signed up for our fundraiser ball. While your time with us maybe short, I like to remind everyone if they wish to join the school for the next semester they are welcomed to.
This fundraiser ball, is not only a chance to raise money for our school, but also to make new friends. We want you to be able to succeed in any future you chose. The skills you learn here will help make people respect you and open paths which have been closed before."
Monsieur Jerome stepped forward and explained how the classes would run and what they needed to do to prepare for the ball next month. The classes would be divided into an even number of boys and girls so they could be paired up.
Each class would last half an hour, and they would report to the finishing school every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for two hours, meaning they would have four classes each day they were here. There would also be a rehearsal the night before the ball to iron out any problems and make sure their outfits were approved.
After that they divided the students up into different groups. Marinette and Adrien ended up in a group with: Nino, Alya, Kim, Alex, along with Mylene, Ivan, and surprisingly, Chloe and Judekael.
There first teacher was Madame Laurel, who would teaching Basic Etiquette. When they entered the classroom they saw five small tables with two seats per each. "I will now assign your partners. Each pair of partners will sit at the table I indicate." She looked down on the list she had. She partnered up the class, putting Nino and Alya, at the first table, Mylene and Ivan the second table. Next was Kim and Alex, followed by Chloe and Judekael, and lastly Marinette and Adrien.
Chloe was not pleased at all with the arraignment. Chloe opened her mouth and was about to speak only for Madame Laurel to hush her. "There will be no switching partners. This charm school works on the principle that everyone should have a chance to improve themselves no matter who they are. That includes you Miss Bourgeois."
The blond girl pouted as she slumped into her seat unhappily. "I don't need a review on basic etiquette. I already took this class and passed it with flying colors," she muttered to herself.
"Then you can help the others out, by paying attention," hissed Judekael. He was one of the scholarship students and he intend to graduate this school with honors.
Two days later, Ning was setting up her entertainment system, to the UN's ultra fast broadcast satellite, so she could watch the broadcast of Nadja Chamack interviewing Ladybug and Chat Noir. While she couldn't be there physically, she still wanted to support them in some way. "I have to thank the French Representative for giving me access to his personal TV services. I hope Marinette doesn't get nervous on camera."
Finally the show was starting. Ning sat on the couch, her head on a fluffy pillow, a bowl of popcorn in her lap, as she watched Nadja interview the heroes. Her first few questions were harmless; asking how they met, did they have any new powers, what was it like being a superhero.
Then she got too pushy. "As you can see from our video footage it appears that you two are in love with one another. You have even been seen kissing one another."
On the screen was a video of Ladybug kissing Chat to break the spell on him when Dark Cupid attacked. Ladybug started to blush as she stammered out that she had only kissed her partner to free him from the Akuma's control.
"Trust me Nadja, if we kissed for real, I would remember it. After all, who wouldn't remember their first kiss with a girl as beautiful as My Lady," Chat Noir purred.
"So does this confirm that you want to date Ladybug? That you are actively pursuing a relationship with your partner?" the reporter inquired eagerly. Chat Noir face blanched as he realized his mistake.
"I'm just complementing partner for beautiful looks, honestly."
"Chat Noir and I are superhero partners. We care for each other, as friends. Our job is to protect Paris and stop Hawkmoth. We don't have time for romance while we do our job."
On screen, Nadja looked down at her watch and listened for a minute to her boss. While no one watching could hear what was going on, Ning had really bad feeling.
Please, please don't push it. It's not worth the ratings to find the answers to your questions Mrs. Chamack, Ning thought to herself as she watched. Unfortunately her silent plea didn't come true.
"So if you're not romantically involved when you're on the job, that must mean you are when your civilians. Would you like to tell us about some of the dates you've been on?"
Ladybug stood up angrily, followed by Chat Noir, who had an expression of betrayal on his face. They had both agreed to this interview to help protect the citizens of Paris, and reassure them that they would be working day and night to find Hawkmoth. Not be hassled about if they were in a relationship with one another.
Ladybug's temper came out. "It is one thing to ask us about our actions as heroes, but it's a breach of our privacy for you to ask us about our civilian lives. It shouldn't matter if Chat Noir and I, are couple or not. We do our job and that's the most important thing."
The super heroine stomped off the set angrily. Chat Noir paused and turned to look at the reporter. "What's more important to you? Reporting the news or keeping a promise? You promised not to ask about our civilian lives, so I guess that answers my own question."
Nadja watched as the superheroes left. A few seconds later the broadcast stopped because they were having "technical difficulties." Ning knew what that meant.
"This isn't good at all," she muttered to herself. She held Nooroo's Kwami Charm in her right hand, willing a connection between the kwami and her. The charm gave her half of Nooroo's power. Hopefully it would be enough to find out what was happening.
"Nooroo, please Nooroo, if you can hear me, please give me a sign."
"I can only whisper. Hawkmoth has…to akumatized…Chamack. Powers based on…media control."
With that the message cut out. Ning was beside herself, what could she do to help her friends from so far away? She was very tech savvy, yet she wasn't skilled enough to hack a system in another country, to take control of the power grid.
Clutching Tikki's and Plagg's Kwami Charms, she sent them Nooroo's message and hoped they could get it to their wielders. All she could do was sit in her bunker and hope for the best.
Finally, two hours later, the broadcast came back on. On screen was Nadja next to a picture of what she looked like and that her akuma name was Prime Queen. She thanked Ladybug and Chat Noir for helping her and promised that next time she reported the news, she wouldn't stray from what was agreed.
"Thank the heavens, that's over. Hawkmoth is becoming bolder by the minute. I need to figure out how to get to Paris and soon."
Indeed, Ning wasn't the only one worrying about this. Master Fu was trying to decipher the Miraculous Book. Hawkmoth was gaining strength, refining his akumas. He might discover hidden abilities of the Butterfly Miraculous soon, if he couldn't decode the book.
Master Fu was hunched over his table. He had a pad of paper next to the book and was writing the translation from the book into English. It was slow going, as he had only learned part of the code, when he was very young.
Wayzz was sitting on his shoulder, trying to help him out. The kwami himself remembered more of the code, but it was still difficult to translate. The code writers had put in false codes or gibberish in case someone who knew part of the cipher, stole it.
After a few minutes passed, Fu looked down at his translation. He frowned as he read the first sentence. "The Butterfly Miraculous can create water to swim in, while naked? This can't be right."
"Another false sentence. What about the rest of the paragraph? Does any of it make sense to you?" Wayzz questioned his wielder.
Fu looked down at the paper and started to read from it again. "The cane that accompanies this Miraculous, has many uses. It can hold a Champions butterfly, view past events, and turn to a sword when necessary. Hmm, that is new information."
The old man continued to read what he had translated. The rest of the paragraph was missing key words, so he used his ancient wisdom to fill in the gaps. The paragraph contained much of what they knew, but there was another fact that they didn't know.
"The Butterfly Miraculous special ability is the gift of empathy. This gift is only available, at first, when the wielder is transformed. Over time, this ability will start to manifest when the wielder isn't transformed. Those who master this ability will be able to feel and influence the emotions of others, including other Miraculous users, in times of danger."
Upon hearing that Wayzz rubbed his little paws anxiously. Empathy was a powerful gift, and in the right hands, it could save many lives. In the wrong hands, if Hawkmoth was to learn to use his ability, as a civilian, he had the power to figure out Ladybug and Chat Noir identities.
If he masters his empathic abilities he could force a person to become angry enough to be akumatized. Nooroo gave half his power to Peace Keeper, would that prevent him from gaining full control? Wayzz wondered.
Master Fu, on the other hand, was wondering if it was possible for Ning, to access the special ability, through the Kwami Charms. If Ning could access the abilities, she might be able to block Hawkmoth, or even find him. The power of the Kwami Charms, was still a great mystery to him, even after all the years he had spent with them.
"It would appear old friend that our lesson plans for Ning, need to be adapted. As important as it is to learn the powers Hawkmoth has access to, we need to learn more about the Kwami Charms."
Wayzz shook his head and floated in front of his master and friend. His big eyes shifted into a stern look. "We need to prioritize. Hawkmoth is a bigger threat. We need to learn more about him, Ning will have to wait."
Master Fu said nothing, just got up and started to make some tea. He could feel Wayzz getting impatient. It was not often that Wayzz lost his patience. However, Master Fu was in no hurry.
After blending a special brand of tea, he resumed sitting and took a sip from his cup. He offered a second cup to Wayzz, but the kwami wouldn't take it. The old man wasn't upset and just continued to drink his tea.
This was a battle of resolves. Wayzz believed he knew best, because he was the Kwami and had several life experiences. Nooroo was his "brother" and rescuing him needed to be their main priority.
Master Fu, while much younger than Wayzz, had a better understanding of human nature. Incredible feats could be achieved if given the right circumstances. Being Ladybug had given Marinette confidence. While being Chat Noir gave Adrien a sense of freedom and worth.
Ning had grown much over the years, but only know was she truly understanding, what it meant to be an individual. To have her own thoughts and opinions. To become a Great Guardian, she needed to explore many different opportunities to reach her full potential.
After several minutes of silence, Wayzz antenna dropped. "You win Master Fu. For now we'll focus on learning as much as we can about the Kwami Charms." The old man gave him a small smile, enjoying his victory.
Dreams were an interesting phenomenon. In sleep, the minds creates images, to help us work through the problems of the day. Sometimes the subconscious mind imparts knowledge to conscious about something it missed.
Other dreams though, were more complex. Sometimes dreams carried messages or foretold an event that was going to happen. Other times dreams linked together helping the dreamers fix something together.
The most powerful dreams, happened to be the most vivid. In these dreams, a person could talk to a departed love one or a real person. If they dipped really down, they could even touch their souls or enter the dream realm itself. That is why it was so important to write down what you remember of your dream.
In his massive room, Adrien clutched his sheets tightly. His eyes were shut tight. His body was shaking a little bit, as he tossed and turned. His blond hair was starting to stand up as he gasped for air.
"No, no, stop!" he yelped in his sleep, waking up Plagg. The little kwami was annoyed and was about to nip Adrien's toes, but stopped when he saw what state he was in.
It has to be a doozy of a dream if he's this agitated Plagg thought. He blinked his green eyes and twitched his whiskers. The Kwami of Destruction weighed the pros and cons of waking Adrien up.
He was obviously greatly distressed and whatever he was dreaming, was causing emotional pain. On the other hand, Plagg had learned that there were times to help and other just to stay back. So the little kwami settle on the edge of his wielder's pillow and watch him for a little while. If Adrien didn't wake up at his usual time, he would do it for him.
Inside, Adrien's dream, the boy once more found himself directly in the dream realm, instead of his own dream bubble. Like before, he was standing next to the gateway. Pushing it open, he walked into a dream.
Adrien found himself inside a dark room, with large circular glass window. He tried to feel around the room, but his hands touched nothing. Suddenly the window let in light.
Adrien gasped. Hundreds of white butterflies flew all over the room. Standing in center of the light was Hawkmoth, well who assumed was Hawkmoth, as he matched the picture in the Miraculous Book.
"Ladybug, Chat Noir! How those children irk me! Their powers should be mine! My ultimate wish, I will stop at nothing to achieve it. Losing isn't an option for me." Hawkmoth talked out loud to himself.
The butterfly flitter rushed past Hawkmoth and started to swirl around Adrien. "No, No, stop!" he shouted as he tried to shoo the insects away. He screamed as he felt the butterflies landing on his body and start to change him. His body was growing and shifting, his clothes were changing.
Mirrors popped out of the ground, encircling the boy. Closer and closer they came until there was only enough room to stand up. Pushing himself upright, Adrien's eyes widened like saucers. The reflection seen in them couldn't be right!
On his right side, he was dressed exactly like Hawkmoth without the mask. On his left, he was dressed in his Chat Noir outfit except for his mask. As he leaned closer to the mirror, the image rippled. He felt his face changing and twisting.
Adrien took a step back knocking into the mirror. He jumped up and spun around. He tried to yell at what he saw, but he couldn't get anything out.
He had become Hawkmoth! He held the terrible cane as akumas fluttered around him. The reflection was talking, but he couldn't hear what he was saying. Turning all around, he saw panoramic sequence of events.
Adrien/Hawkmoth moved through the mirrors laughing until he entered the light. Ladybug was tired up and badly beaten. She was begging him, for mercy maybe?
The reflection ignored it, hurting her by smashing the pommel on her head. As blood oozed out of her skull, he tore the earrings off. Pulling the ring out of his pocket, he touched the two together.
There was bright flash as the mirrors shattered all around him. "Let me out of here, I don't want to see this anymore!"
In the real world, Adrien shot upright in his bed, panting hard. He rushed over to his mirror, checking signs for any cuts or blood. There was nothing and his face was normal. He looked down at his ring, happy that it was there.
"You okay kid?" Plagg asked from the bed. The little kwami was yawning and rubbing his eyes.
Adrien nodded his head and gave one of his fake smiles. "I just had a nightmare. It's over with. I'm fine." Deep down, he knew that hadn't been an ordinary dream. It was trying to him something.
Glancing at his clock, he still had some time before he needed to get up. So he laid back in bed. He could look up the dream symbolism later.
Back in the USA, Ning was stressing out even more. Ever since the USA and allies attacked Syria, the entire UN Security Council, had been in deadlock about how to respond, and what they should do, to finally end the war in Syria.
Some countries were arguing about doing a chemical weapon, while others wanted to work on the diplomacy angle more. The truth, was simply that the UN wanted to bring peace and justice to Syria, but were unable to agree on how to reach that goal.
"At least the Security Council agreed to a retreat in Sweden to take a break. Hopefully, getting away for a few days, will be enough to make the members more flexible on the situation," Ning mused to herself, as she finished her jog around her gym.
Since the Security Council had asked for her help with this particular issue, she had been super stressed. There was so much to think about and her loyalty issues to the world, kept cropping up, as she tried to figure out how to reach a conclusion that everyone could live with.
She was also anxious about wanting to start her new training regimen with Master Fu. The situation with Hawkmoth was getting worse. There was no doubting that it was taking a toll on Marinette and Adrien. Even Tikki and Plagg must be exhausted with all the activity lately.
To get rid of the stress, Ning had gone all out in her gym. So far, she had done five activities. The secret weapon of the UN Security council, after warming up, had down stair climbing, weight lifting, boxing, along with some rowing and her laps.
Walking over to a fridge, she grabbed two bottles of fresh water to cool down with. Her body was sore, but she felt so good. "I think I'm going to sit in my hot tub for a little while to relax and help with my sore muscles. Heavens know, I need to be a bit more relaxed."
A loud beeping sound started to echo over the gym. Knowing it was a message from her superiors, Ning got up and walked over to a video unit installed in the wall. Toweling off a bit, she stood straight and answered the call. "Peace Keeper here. I'm ready for my mission briefing."
The screen flickered to life and she was the French Representative looking back at her. She stiffened for a second before resuming her straight posture.
"Peace Keeper, I have new mission orders. As you know, the Council is going on a retreat to help break this deadlock. While your input has been helpful, we also believe you are in need of a retreat. I suggested you head to Paris, and it was agreed on."
Ning's eyes widen by a fraction of an inch. The Council had agreed to send her to Paris? Surely she was dreaming! "Sir, does the Council believe that I should investigate further into Ladybug and Chat Noir?"
The French Representative shook his head. "Right now, superheroes are the last thing on the Council's minds, especially since they're part of your network of Peace Keepers. You should talk to them about any new information they have collected."
"I will sir. Can you provide me with transport? I would like to get to Paris nippily." Her superior agreed and send he would have her transport ready in half hour. That would be enough time for her to prepare an identity.
Looks like I'm going to Paris after all, she thought to herself with mischief grin.