Chapter 16: Welcome to Themiscyra
Even as their adventure was clearly coming to an end, Ladybug and Chat Noir were still getting amazed by whatever it was their journey gave them, especially now, given this was a welcomed treat. After being on Apokalips for so long, it was a breath of fresh air to be among good people for a change. Despite this, Ladybug found herself getting shy over this as she finished giving her response to the many bowing Amazons. Chat Noir giggled, giving her a wink.
"At least they aren't like rabid press reporters, M'Lady". he pointed out, getting a giggle out of her.
"Good point, Adrien. Still, could you guys stop doing that? Not being rude but you really don't have to do the bowing thing, I'm not your queen or anything..." she said to Artemis and the other Amazons gathered around her.
The red headed Amazon looked up with dismissive look.
"Don't be so foolish, child. The Ladybug is a symbol me and my sisters looked up to for centuries. It's only right we..." she trailed off as her eyes suddenly caught sight of Grail, who was looking greatly bored though it looked as if she was trying to hold her anger back.
"Guess wearing those Miraculouses could've made them loyal to me, even if bright red isn't my colour." she muttered as Artemis and the Amazons jumped to their feet, aiming their weapons right at the hybrid, who glared at Wonder Woman.
"And you say they've not changed?" she asked angrily, feeling as if she had been tricked by all Diana had said.
"Just stay where you are! You two, get Menalippe, tell her to bring the Zero Gauntlets with her!" Artemis ordered, as if she was full of fire in giving out these commands. Two of the Amazons nodded and began to fall back off the beach.
Wonder Woman stepped in between Grail and Artemis, holding her hand out towards the latter in a peaceful gesture.
"Don't be so harsh, Artemis. She's coming quietly, and I can only hope you all treat her with cautious respect." she advised in a calm tone, getting a stern look off of the Amazon.
"As wise as you are, Diana, I don't want to let my guard down around this snake. If she were to have killed my sisters in Bana-Mighdall, I wouldn't be as kind as you are." she hit back, getting a firm roll of the eyes from Diana.
"I don't doubt you on that" she said as Artemis drew her axe back towards her, with Ladybug and Chat Noir taking in the great size of the weapon.
"Okay...I've got a feeling I'm gonna be seeing a lot of strong women. Wouldn't be too shocked if they can lift huge rocks." Ladybug said in slight amazement, only imagining the weight of the axe as Artemis looked to them in slight pleasure of being highly spoken of.
"Heh, wouldn't mind seeing their weapons. Probably make awesome use of them." Chat Noir added with a smile, giving Artemis a thumbs up.
The response he got was something he didn't know how to welcome, as he watched Artemis's face turn into a frown, something the other Amazons on the beach shared as they walked around him, staring at him in a slight mix of confusion and disgust. It sent a shiver through him as he took this in, with Ladybug frowning back at the Amazons as Grail made another comment.
"Looks like I'm not the only one not welcomed here. It'll be interesting to know what's their case with you" she said smugly to Chat Noir, who looked at them with a hurtful face.
"Uh...why're you looking at me like that? Are you...not used to seeing a guy around here?" he asked nervously, getting a sharp response from Artemis.
"Not exactly. You wear a Miraculous that brought great pain to the Amazons." she told him in a tone lesser than friendly, as if she was talking to Grail.
"Wha? What do you mean?" Ladybug asked back a little more defensively, angry that her lover was getting more trouble from the others.
Wonder Woman then stepped towards Artemis, looking as calm as always as she pushed her axe back a little.
"You should remember that this Chat Noir is different, Artemis. Having spent the last few hours with him and Ladybug, and having heard so much, I can gladly tell you Adrien isn't like Hercules. He uses the Chat Noir Miraculous well, likely better than others." she assured, giving Chat Noir a comforting smile to show she wasn't standing for the slight hostility he was getting.
He frowned with Ladybug though over something she just said.
"Hercules? You mean THE Hercules?" the blonde haired teen asked as the Amazons came back with Menallipe.
"He was Chat Noir once? Um...how did things go down?" Ladybug added, taking in the slightly uncomfortable looks from the Amazons around them, making Chat Noir's ears lower out of fear and nervousness. Wonder Woman's eyes showed slight pain as she looked away.
"I think we should talk about it later. Come, we have to see to Grail, persuade my fellow Amazons to get her a light punishment." she replied as Menallipe, an Amazon with a more darker tone of skin, one sided hair set and a purple cape covering one of her arms, slid the Zero Gauntlets onto Grail, covering her hands and forearms in its bulky size.
They were white with gold lining at the top and bottom ends, while her hands were covered in a slightly softer material. They let off a slight glow, slightly covering Grail's whole body in it, sending a shiver through her, and slowly, she began to feel a little...colder, as if the hot fire of anger was taken out of her, with her muscles feeling less tense from the gauntlets being put over her.
She opened her eyes, feeling a little dazed from what she just went through.
"I...I can't feel the Omega Effect...these gauntlets must've been crafted by a fine god." Grail said as she looked at them in fascination.
"Thankfully one you haven't killed. Come, all of you, for Queen Hippolyta will get the final say on what Grail should get." Menallipe said to everyone on the beach.
Ladybug's eyes went wide with amazement upon hearing that name. She was so stunned that she almost didn't know how to react. Wonder Woman looked over at the teen heroine and noticed her expression, easily understanding why Ladybug was feeling this way.
"Queen Hippolyta? As in THE Queen of the Amazons?!" Ladybug squealed, her voice going all high-pitched and excited as she tried to restrain herself.
"The one and only." Artemis confirmed, "The very Amazon who bore the earrings you now possess. It'll be quite a treat for her to meet the newest Ladybug."
The bluenette was so overwhelmed with joy that she had to mentally reassess herself that she was still standing and hadn't fainted already. At the very least, she could barely feel her legs anymore. Cat Noir felt a little nervous for the Amazons hadn't exactly been pleased to see him so he could scarcely imagine how Hippolyta would react to seeing him.
"Will Queen Hippolyta be OK with me around?" Cat Noir asked anxiously, "I mean, there's clearly bad blood going on between the Amazons and my Miraculous. Last thing I want is to be treated like a criminal..."
"Mother will understand Cat Noir. She isn't so judgemental like she used to be." Wonder Woman insisted, "She has come to accept that not all men are like Hercules or Ares. If anything, she'll provide all the answers if you come as well."
Cat Noir shrugged in response, seeing no harm in coming along. He had to admit that he WAS keen to find out why the Amazons hated Hercules and what role did his very ring play in this hatred for him. He also noticed Ladybug was ecstatic at the very idea of meeting Queen Hippolyta so he couldn't let her go without him.
"OK then, here's hoping." Cat Noir said, his voice a mixture of optimism and nervousness.
"Then let's go and meet her at once so that Grail may receive her sentence and you receive the answers to all your questions." Wonder Woman declared.
With that, they journeyed up from the beach and into the coastal homes that housed the many Amazons living there, going about their daily business. Wonder Woman smiled as she took this in, seeing how nothing much had changed since her childhood. Grail looked slightly amazed by what she was seeing, though she tried to hide it with a cold frown as all the civilians looked at her with a mixture of fear and disgust. Grail felt a small pang of hurt, as she felt she had every right to be treated as an equal to them for being half Amazon...but part of her couldn't blame them, for she must've made them feel ashamed to be a product of there home.
Ladybug and Chat Noir gazed around in awe, seeing how light and well structured the homes were. They looked so old and out of place from the rest of the world, but so fresh and new. To any outsider, it was like walking through Ancient Greece despite this being the 21st century.
"Heh, it's like we've gone back in time. They've done well to look after the place. Probably helps being shielded from the rest of the world." the bluenette noted as she saw a food market down a nearby road.
"Yeah. Don't think we'll be coming back here for a while, so I'm gonna enjoy every moment of it. Wonder how they entertain themselves?" Chat Noir said aloud as he saw a few Amazons collecting fresh water from a nearby fountain while others were playing some sort of table games outside a nearby bar of sorts.
"Something tells me I might spend a long time sleeping here. Looks very boring." Grail said dryly, not liking the overly pleased voices of the two teenagers. Artemis just shoved her in the arm, giving the message to keep quiet.
It took them another five minutes to see they were going up higher in the city, climbing up a stretched path alongside a huge tower, which had many entrances stretching out of it from other levels. Shortly, they came to one of the entrances, consisting of two large, dark stone doors with two Amazons guarding it. Seeing who it was coming their way, they gave a slight bow before using their great strength to push the doors open.
A light of fire greeted the eyes of the newcomers, with Ladybug and Chat Noir gasping in awe at the grand scale of the room around them, seeing huge gongs on the upper platforms, with a spiral like sculpture letting in a beam of sunlight from the outside. Many Amazons, mostly warriors, were gathered around in a circular pattern, all of them eyeing Grail intently as Wonder Woman and Artemis led them all in.
Keeping behind a few of the Amazons in front of them, Ladybug held Chat Noir's hand as her eyes took in a certain dark haired older Amazon standing tall with a bronze headpiece sat in her hair while she was clothed in a purple robe with a golden sash, and a breastplate similar to Wonder Woman's over her chest, while a certain blonde haired Amazon stood next to her, her own face lost of any emotion as she looked at Grail.
"Adrien...I think that's her." Ladybug said quietly as she pointed at the Amazon in purple. Chat Noir nodded nervously, squeezing her hand as he felt a sour feeling.
"I think you're right...I might have to keep out of the way." he answered back as the Amazons in front of them began to spread out, causing them to stop in their tracks as they suddenly saw a huge circular hole in between them and Hippolyta, with several fire torches hung to it's walls, lightening it up as they went down further, with a staircase stretching down with them.
Looking up from the pit, Ladybug and Chat Noir froze as Hippolyta's eyes locked onto theirs. There was silent shock and amazement in them, almost in disbelief at what she was seeing far opposite her, something the other Amazons followed shortly with and began to talk amongst themselves.
Grail snorted as she glanced at the two.
"I think we can tell who's going to be the hot subject of today in Amazon history" she said bluntly, only for Hippolyta's eyes to look right at her with a sharp glare, now lost of the awe she had when she saw Ladybug and Chat Noir, who nervously made their way towards Wonder Woman, who gave them a comforting smile as she stood beside them.
All eyes turned to Grail, who felt a wave of dread coming over her as she began to realise her fate was going to be decided. However, Hippolyta looked to Wonder Woman, who have her a slight bow.
"Word got around quickly, my daughter. I almost couldn't believe it at first, but as you can see, we were gathered here in quick preparation for our...soon to be permanent guest." she said firmly as her eyes trailed back to Grail, who shivered under hers and Antiope's gaze.
Diana stepped forward, a firm look on her own face as she began to talk.
"I am glad you were waiting, mother. For what I'm about to say, I'd like you to think it over: since we have changed since the final years of Tikki's presence and opened up to the world of man, I plead with you to treat Grail with the same respect you give to other prisoners of this island." she told her mother, who's eyes narrowed in interest at her daughter's suggestion.
"And what form of respect would you want to have extended towards her, my dear?" she asked in response, looking at her up and down as if she was scanning her.
Chat Noir felt his stomach tighten, not really liking their interaction so far, for it reminded him of how things were with his father. He could only hope it was going like this due to Grail's presence in the room.
"That she's given a cell with enough exposure to sunlight, is fed daily, and in constant discussion with an Amazon of intellect and guidance. And if that goes well...I'd like to see her socialise on the island, under observation by Menallipe of course, for only she can remove the Zero Gauntlets." Wonder Woman explained, causing more quiet talk amongst the Amazons around them, some in disbelief over the suggestion.
"Noble of you as always." Artemis brought up, getting a glad nod from Diana.
"I did learn from the best." she pointed out as Antiope came over to her with an uncertain look.
"That is perhaps a little too fair of a punishment, Diana. She killed her own mother, an Amazon herself, and killed several of the gods in our pantheon, along with many other innocents." she said to her in a firm tone.
"And you think all of that means we should be harsh towards her?" Wonder Woman replied, her tone stern but level so as not to sound confrontational to the Amazon General, "That we should treat her the same way our enemies treat their prisoners? The world of man has taught me that not all people are beyond saving. It is possible for even the most vile of people to be redeemed. I should know..." she added, taking her Lasso of Truth from her hip and showing it to Antiope, "I've often made bad people see the truth of their actions and they changed their ways for the better. Why must Grail be any different? We cannot judge her solely by being related to Darkseid Antiope."
Ladybug and Cat Noir were quietly impressed with how the Princess of the Amazons had worded that speech. They could easily see why she served as an Ambassador between their world and Themiscyra. She always spoke with such wisdom, optimism, hope and courage that it was amazing to think that there'd be ANYBODY who couldn't be swayed by her. It also impressed them to think there really could exist anybody that could be this kind and compassionate. How this woman had ANY enemies at all was anyone's guess as far as they could tell. The two teens glanced over to Hippolyta, wondering how she'd respond. The elegant queen seemed to be sharing Wonder Woman's sentiments for she nodded slowly and looked over at Wonder Woman with gentle eyes. She had the face of a mother who could somehow love everything and hate nothing.
"Once again, my daughter speaks with such wisdom, compassion and logic." Hippolyta announced, her voice low but somehow still radiating power and respect, "The Gods truly blessed us all when they gave her life all these years ago. Diana, we all acquiesce to your demands. We will make sure Grail is treated fairly, just like all other prisoners. Hopefully, we can make her more like an Amazon and less like an Apokaliptian."
Grail was so stunned that for a moment, she wondered if this whole scenario was just one crazy dream she was having. She was so surprised at Hippolyta's response that she couldn't even feel the Zero Gauntlets around her hands. She stared at Queen Hippolyta with an incredulous expression on her face. Grail was staring at the queen as if thinking her head had turned into a turnip.
"You...show me...mercy?!" she gasped, "By the Gods...such a thought would NEVER have occurred to you back then! You really have changed!"
"And all thanks to my beloved daughter." Hippolyta said with pride, glancing at Diana as if she was the most precious treasure she'd ever collected, "She has always been a proud reminder of what the Amazons stood for all those years ago."
"Thank you mother." Wonder Woman said with a polite bow.
"Along with guidance from Tikki, might I add?" Antiope brought up as she glanced at Ladybug, who smiled shyly at the Amazon's look.
"Indeed so. As time goes by, Grail, you'll see things better than the rage filled vision you see right now. All shall be well, as long as you'll cooperate." the queen of the Amazons added with a sharp look with her eyes, making the hybrid grumble in frustration.
"If it means I get to stay alive, I shall do so, however reluctant I am..." she trailed off as Menallipe began to take her down the steps towards one of the first few cell doors.
"We do have a lot to teach you, Grail. Not just the ways of the Amazons...but about your mother. There's so much you do not know about her." Hippolyta said in a sympathetic tone, making the grey skinned woman stop in her tracks for a moment.
She looked up to the queen, who could see, in just these moments, was the image of a lost child full of questions about the world she did not know.
Ladybug and Chat Noir watched as Grail's face turned to that of sadness as she looked to the distance.
"...I shall look forward to what I learn of that, then..." she just gotten out before she continued her walk towards the cell door, which had the typical look of a barred door and a single bed. It wasn't that far from the top, where just enough daylight was beaming in from the large window behind the spiral sculpture.
A sour, twisted feeling came to Grail's stomach as she sat down on the bed. Her lifelong training and mission had all come down to this: being locked behind bars like any other criminal the heroes of the world fought. Her mission for peace and utter goodness had gotten her locked away, even when Apokalips' throne was just within a grasp.
It was just ironic where she was imprisoned now was the place of her birth, and while she saw it...she felt something easing her as she stared into the wall opposite her.
With one final glare shot at them from the imprisoned hybrid, Ladybug and Chat Noir let out a glad sigh as she saw her look to the wall again, seeing that finally, their battle with Grail had come to an end.
Hippolyta then walked towards them, one hand holding the other as she eyed Ladybug with Antiope. She stood opposite the young hero, who shook slightly out of nervousness as it settled into her that right now, in front of her, was another Ladybug. Another, actual holder of the earrings she had on her right now. To be in the presence of not only another Ladybug but a queen was just amazing.
Hippolyta's eyes trailed up and down the bluenette, going soft as she fully took in Ladybug, who she looked right into the face. And then...
"I have to say...didn't think Ladybugs would get smaller." Hippolyta said with a smirk and a light tone.
"Do cut me some slack your majesty, I haven't even graduated High School yet!" Ladybug giggled, "Heck, I'm not even old enough to vote or legally drink yet!"
"Yes, judging from your size, I'd have more associated you with one of Earth's more juvenile teams like the Titans." Hippolyta murmured, "But you stand before me as the new bearer of the earrings I once possessed myself. The keeper of the Miraculous must've deemed you worthy of the earrings child if you are the newest Ladybug."
"Well I did help him out when he tested me on my compassion..." Ladybug remarked, thinking back to when she'd first met Master Fu.
"I pretty much got mine for the same reason." Cat Noir added, "Although the Amazons all looked at me as if I'd just killed one of them...they said something about Hercules being a previous wielder of the ring?"
He had been nervous to bring it up and now he'd asked the question, there was no going back. He was about to find out what it was about the Cat Miraculous that had made Hercules so infamous with the Amazons and why its presence seemed to be a poisonous reminder to them. Hippolyta took in what Cat Noir said with cold eyes, staring at his ring as if it was something that should be destroyed without question. It made the teen hero shudder to think she could look kind and friendly one minute and then cold and stern the next with a simple shift of the eyes.
"Yes...you do not know of what Hercules did with that ring." Hippolyta acknowledged, her voice softer and more gentle as if acknowledging that Cat Noir wasn't an enemy, "I imagine you must be very curious my boy so we shall let you know everything. Rest assured, as you have allied my daughter in battle against Grail, you will NOT be treated as an enemy here."
"Well um...thank you." Cat Noir said shyly, secretly relieved that the worst wasn't going to happen.
"Before I tell you, would you mind shedding your costumes so that I may not only see who are the new bearers of the Miraculous, but also so I may meet your Kwami?" the queen asked, "I have looked forward immensely to seeing Tikki again."
Ladybug and Cat Noir found themselves quite glad to be in the presence of a queen as reasonable as this one right now. They had noticed that she hadn't demanded they do this, she had asked them. Hippolyta was the sort of queen who only made demands when necessary and preferred to ask polite questions rather than order people. Despite this though, Ladybug and Cat Noir weren't sure if they should cede to her request.
"Your majesty, do forgive us, but I don't think we should really do that." Ladybug said cautiously, hoping she'd chosen the right words to say, "We're supposed to keep our identities a secret. We weren't even supposed to know who either one was and yet circumstances caused us to blurt out our secrets."
"There's no need to be so cautious child." Hippolyta said softly, "We won't judge you if that's what you're afraid of. And we're certainly not going to share your secret with anyone outside of Themiscyra. As is, I'll happily agree to drop the request if you don't feel comfortable with it."
Ladybug looked a little thoughtful and she remembered how this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and given this was the queen of the Amazons asking her, who was being greatly fair towards her boyfriend, she realised it was more fair to be open with another Ladybug. Also, it was fair for Tikki to meet up with a Ladybug she hadn't seen for a long time. So she looked up at her with her mind made up.
"Okay, we'll show you. One Ladybug to another, as they sometimes say." she chirped, getting a quick nod from the queen.
"Then let's leave this room so none of the other prisoners in the pit can see. Can just be between a few of us and you both". Artemis then brought up, gesturing at the prison pit with her axe.
"Yes, that would be wise, thank you, Artemis. As trusting as I am with the rest of my people, it's fair this secret we shall share stays between us. Menallipe, lead the others out. Come this way, the throne room isn't far from here." Diana then offered as she led them towards another stone door that a guard opened for them while Menallipe began leading the other Amazons out.
Following Diana and Hippolyta through the door with Artemis, Antiope, Ladybug and Chat Noir waited for the door to close as they found themselves in a hallway of sorts with a window the far end near a set of stairs. Once the door had closed, they faced the four Amazons with their nerves slightly on the edge, feeling as if they were about to lose their sensibility without their masks. Still, they did it with Batman, so it was best they go through with it now.
"Okay. Tikki, spots off." Ladybug ordered as she closed her eyes.
"Plagg, claws in." Chat Noir said, closing his eyes along with his lover as they felt the wave of colourful magic whiz over them from top to bottom, both of them standing there in their ordinary clothes along with what was left of their Apokaliptian battle armour.
Opening their eyes, Marinette giggled shyly as Tikki floated next to her while Plagg tucked himself into Adrien's pocket, making his holder send out a shy wave at the Amazons, with Artemis, Antiope and Hippolyta staring at them in humbled awe.
"Hello little Tikki." Queen Hippolyta replied softly, "You haven't changed a bit."
The Kwami flew straight up towards her former master and nuzzled against her cheek with glee. It was like watching a kitten nuzzle its master, heart-warming to watch and very adorable.
"Hippolyta!" Tikki squealed with delight, "I never thought I'd see you again after all these years! You look fabulous! It's like no time's passed for you since we parted ways!"
"Antiope tells me I have a few more wrinkles at the very least." Hippolyta snickered, shooting a teasing glance over at her sister, "Though I think honestly, I've aged a little better than she has."
"Always keen to rub it in aren't you my queen?" Antiope retorted, sharing a smile of jest in return.
"Nevertheless, seeing you all again is quite welcome after being fused with Darkseid back on Apokalips." Tikki chirped, her adorable little face lit up with delight, "It's especially a first for me as I get to see TWO Ladybugs in the same room together!"
"You mean you've NEVER had this happen before?" Marinette asked curiously, "This is the first time you've ever met more than one person who's bore your Miraculous?"
"Sure is." Tikki replied, "I always move on from one owner to the next. I don't often get to meet my previous owners, now when I outlive them..."
The tiny Kwami looked away with a remorseful look on her face. It was as if she felt guilty over the fact that she'd outlived some of her previous owners. It was after all, the biggest curse of the Kwami. Being immortal, they were always going to outlive the people who used their powers. Hippolyta shared a sympathetic gaze over at Tikki.
"At least one of your owners is blessed with the same gift as you so this occurrence could happen today." she acknowledged, "You should savour such a proud moment Tikki, getting to interact with more than one person who's wielded your prodigious power."
"If only I had somebody to glad to see again too." Plagg muttered grimly.
Adrien looked down at Plagg and immediately figured out what it was he meant by that. He had to be referring to Hercules. Now he'd brought it up, it was time to finally acknowledge the big elephant in the room.
"So now I can hear it from you as well as the Amazons Plagg, what DID Hercules do with the Cat Ring that made them hate him so much?" he asked.
The Amazons fell silent as their eyes and Marinette's turned to Plagg, who folded his arms with a remorseful look. Tikki eyed him with a lot of sympathy, seeing there was a lot of pain in his little eyes. Marinette cupped him in her hands and held him towards Adrien's face, her own showing a soft look.
"Whatever it was, you don't have to hide it anymore, Plagg. It's always best to share this kind of stuff with people you trust." she advised, getting an agreeing nod from Adrien.
"You, don't keep it all bottled up, pal. Just take it slow". he added in a soft voice.
Blowing out some out from his little mouth, the black Kwami closed his eyes as it all came back to him.
"I should've known better the second I was handed to a demigod. I know these days to everyone on Earth, Hercules was a myth, and most myths have different kinds of stories to tell. Well let me tell you...some of the stuff you guys might've read about Hercules is...sadly true." he said glumly as he opened his eyes, making Adrien's brows push together with wide alarmed eyes.
"You mean...he actually attacked the Amazons? I thought he was just tricked into doing that." he brought up, getting a tut from Hippolyta in response.
"If only that were true..." she grumbled coldly.
"Look...Hercules was a proud guy when I was handed to him. He achieved a lot of things, did the whole underworld thing, battled Medusa, took on that many headed monster, whatever Disney or any other movie showed. Zeus gave me to him out of hope with my power mixing with a demigod, that we could destroy the monsters menacing his people. Should've seen it, just him alone, wearing that ring, powered my abilities through a sword and one slash could wipe out a whole row of an army. He used me for good...but as you know, power sometimes gets the better of you." he said as he glanced at Hippolyta with sympathy in his eyes.
"When Hercules destroyed so many enemies, he became obsessed with making Greece the one kingdom all kings and gods bow towards and follow. Having kicked Hades' butt so many times, he had control of the dead with myself fused to him. When he heard about Hippolyta having Tikki, and what she achieved, Hercules wanted the Ladybug Miraculous...this was way before Diana was born, so it was just a year before Themiscyra was hidden away. So...he took a fleet of his own followers, and the residents of Tartarus and attacked Themiscyra..."
He rubbed one of his arms over his face as he shuddered, suddenly feeling sour as it all came back to him. Marinette listened with baited breath while Adrien's eyes were full of worry over what he was about to hear.
"He...didn't just enslave the Amazons...he tortured some for Hippolyta's whereabouts, killed a few...worse of all he...molested a few others, to try and make them snap, claiming he was their ruler. That was when Hippolyta showed up as Ladybug. She was done hiding under orders from Hera, she wasn't going to stand back. And she gave Hercules hell. For once I was glad I was getting my ass kicked. And the weaker he got from the fight, the more I started to gain control. Like I said, he was a demigod, it's a hard power to live when you're a Kwami like me. And thanks to Hippolyta, I managed to blast myself and the ring from his finger. Zeus showed up with all the other gods, took all the dead back to Tartarus and wiped Hercules from Earth. Last I heard, he's spending a centuries long punishment on Olympus, holding up the whole mountain by himself, for what he did. Zeus made sure history to the Earth was altered, hence why there's so many differences you hear. Tikki tried to cheer me up, kept telling me it wasn't my fault but...back then Hippolyta and the Amazons hated me, they felt I was responsible, saying I just stood back and let him do it...if he wasn't a demigod, I would've destroyed him myself, but I understood Hippolyta's pain...I felt everything he did and it made me sick, inside and out. So I took my Miraculous and shut myself away from the world...it was hard enough telling Master Fu about all this, I made him swear not to hand me over to anyone...then there was you." he finished, looking to Adrien with a glad face, making the blonde haired boy freeze, while the three Amazons frowned in confusion. Marinette, Diana and Tikki just smiled as Plagg went on.
"Being in your possession Adrien, you taught me all over again that not all people are like Hercules and that I could be in the hands of somebody as compassionate and heroic as yourself." Plagg replied, "After the horrors committed under Hercules's control, it was a genuine breath of fresh air to be in the hands of somebody like you. As far as I was concerned, you were a HUGE step up from Hercules! As far as I'm concerned Adrien...you're the best Cat Noir that there's ever been!"
Hearing all of this, Adrien found himself with so many thoughts spinning in his head. It was unbelievable to think that he had been bearing the very Miraculous that Hercules himself had wielded so many years ago. And yet he'd used it to do such terrible things and commit unspeakable atrocities to the Amazons. The blonde boy was finding it hard to even look at his ring the same way again now. He was beginning to feel dirty just wearing it. As he as he was concerned, it was now a symbol of oppression and corruption rather than a mighty gem that bestowed incredible power. But yet...Plagg's final words had really hit home for him. He had effected the Kwami's life so positively that he considered him THE best Cat Noir ever? His heart felt warm with appreciation, not sure what to say about such a kind statement. How wonderful it felt to know he'd had such a positive impact on someone's life, even if it wasn't a human's. He supposed that in a way, he'd managed to twist what had been seen as a weapon of a madman into a tool for heroism, and all without knowing it. Hippolyta seemed to agree for she responded.
"It's quite clear that Plagg thinks very highly of you my boy." she acknowledged, "And considering the fact you use his powers for good, it is a positive sign that we could have a new generation of Cat Noirs. One that aspires to do good, as do those who wield the Ladybug earrings. While Hercules's actions will never be forgotten, I can happily say that Plagg is more than forgiven. I think it only fair that we shift the blame away from him at this point."
"I think so too your majesty." Marinette agreed, "Adrien's proven himself to be very much a hero with the powers of Cat Noir, always watching my back and helping me out any which way he can."
Adrien just smiled with pleasure, knowing that much of what Marinette had said was out of love for him as it was out of experience with the two in action against Hawk Moth's akumas.
"I'm just glad that the Amazons don't have to hate me now." Adrien replied with a meek chuckle.
"I'll have to make sure word of this is passed on fast, especially to my own Amazons in Bana-Mighdall." Artemis said as they began to make their way to the throne room.
"And rest assured, Adrien, this is an island, word will. Go around to everyone's ears. I'm sure they'll remember it, given it's been very long since we've had both a Ladybug and Chat Noir here." Diana said softly to the boy as they climbed the stairs.
"Hopefully seeing him and me alone without fighting was enough of a hint for them. But it'd still be great if you passed the word on. He's been through a lot, your majesty" Marinette spoke up to Hippolyta as she slid a hand into Adrien's, making his cheeks light up happily.
"Speaking of Bana-Mighdall, we had a Ladybug that visited us a few times. Not much of her is known, but I can say she was quite a verbally passionate woman. Can only hope she survived most of Ancient Egypt. Kept our city's location to herself all her life." Artemis explained when the thought came to her.
Marinette looked at the Amazon in shock as it hit her over what she was talking about.
"I-I think I know who you mean! There's a hieroglyph of our in the Louvre. It's, uh, a museum in Paris, in case you don't know." she said nervously as they came to the throne room.
"Well, it is good history is somewhat remembering her. I hope they remember you well, Marinette." Artemis replied as she put her axe down, allowing the two to take in the throne room.
Marinette and Adrien looked around the room with their mouths open and their eyes wide in amazement. The throne room was one of those rooms that looked more extravagant and opulent than it needed to. It gave off the appearance that the whole room was made of gold just by appearance alone. Everything seemed to sparkle and shine in the light, even the throne itself. It must've taken a long time for the architects of this palace to make this room.
"Wow..." Marinette gasped, "I doubt even the Queen of England's throne room looks as amazing as this!"
"There's no need to oversell the place." Hippolyta said modestly, "To an Amazon, this room wouldn't be considered as impressive as some of the other places on this island."
"But we're not from Themiscyra so this will look amazing to us!" Adrien cried.
"Heh, more excitable children from the outside world. Glad to know there is." Antiope said lightly as Diana went to a nearby vase, slipping her hand behind it and pulling something out.
"Good thing I left a spare comm for mother when I last visited." she said to herself as she began to adjust some of its settings.
"Tell me, where is it you two live?" Hippolyta asked as she led them over to the throne with Artemis and Antiope.
"Oh, Paris, the capital of France. In Europe, in case you're unsure." Marinette answered back quickly as Tikki smiled.
"A very cultural place, Hippolyta. Full of so much history and beauty and landmarks. I hope you get to see it someday." the Kwami said brightly, making Antiope nod.
"Might get, what you Outsiders would say, a world tour if negotiations go well. I'm very interested in the country of England, and Japan. I do wonder how much different the cultures of those two islands have changed." she said in a slightly eager tone, something the general didn't often use.
It was then the queen took the seating out of the throne, making Marinette and Adrien do a double gasp at this, not use to seeing a ruler making such use of something as powerfully known as a symbol of control and might.
"I don't know about the royal rulers of today, but those of our era made quite the use of everything we had, even our thrones." Hippolyta spoke, having heard the gasp of the two.
"Something I'll keep in mind to pass onto my Amazons." Artemis said more to herself as Hippolyta brought out, what seemed to be, several scrolls from the throne, making Tikki's eyes light up in delight, showing she knew what they were.
"You've kept them there? After all this time?" she asked in awe as she floated towards the queen, who nodded in pleasure.
"Yes I did. Kept them well looked after, whenever I was on my own. Only other person who I knew about it had to swear to me she wouldn't let slip about the details of the contents." Hippolyta said with a knowing glance to Antiope, who rolled her eyes.
"After all we've been through, I thought you knew to trust me especially." she said sarcastically as she gave her ruler a slight shove with her hand, getting a giggle out of her as Diana joined Marinette and Adrien's sides, sliding her comm into her belt after adjusting it.
"So, um...what're those? They for us?" Marinette asked with interest, taking note of how Tikki knew of them already.
"Indeed. Given the world of today is much more well connected and easy to travel over, it occurred to me that at some point I'd have to entrust these to someone who knew well of the Earth today. Given little Tikki speaks well of you, Marinette, as does Plagg for you, Adrien, I'm entrusting these to you." Hippolyta spoke wisely as she gave one to Marinette, who unrolled it to find something that left her near speechless.
The scroll contained a detailed drawing of a landscape, but down in such a style that you would find in a museum about the great past before the present. Interestingly enough, down to the side were several key items detailed, some looking like stones of varying colours and sizes, along with different sorts of Miraculouses, one of which looked like a snake.
"Are they maps of some kind? Sorry for saying the obvious, but, is that what they are?" Adrien asked politely.
"It certainly is. The last holder I had before Hippolyta advised me to give these to my next holder. Good thing it was Hippolyta Given she had the best way of protecting it." Tikki said brightly as Adrien opened up another.
"I would've given these to Diana as she is very knowledgeable of the outside world, but given Tikki had left Themiscyra long before Diana had left, it couldn't be done. Now, I might not recognise these places, but I'm sure one of them could be your city of Paris. The keeper of the Miraculouses might be helpful in pinpointing where exactly these are." Hippolyta went on as she allowed the two to examine them.
Marinette and Adrien couldn't help but feel amazed as they glanced down at the scrolls a second time. A map of some sorts, and entrusted to them personally! What were all these different Miraculouses that the maps seemed to detail? Were these maps supposed to lead to these gems? And what powers did they contain? They had to admit that they were interested to learn more. Once they got back to Paris, they'd have to show these to Master Fu.
"I wonder if John Constantine would be interested in looking at these too." Wonder Woman thought aloud, seeming to read their thoughts.
"Provided Master Fu hasn't kicked him out already to save his sanity." Adrien remarked.
"Master Fu? Who is he?" Hippolyta asked, hoping she hadn't rudely cut into the conversation.
"Oh, he's the Miraculous Keeper." Tikki quickly replied, "He took over long ago and has been keeper of the Miraculous ever since. He's 186 right now so he's been at it for quite a while!" she added with a slight giggle.
"I had wondered if there was a new keeper after the one I knew had passed on..." the Amazon queen murmured thoughtfully, "Do you know where this new keeper is?" she asked, turning to Marinette.
"Sure do!" Marinette replied cheerfully, "He's living in Paris too. It's how me and Adrien got our Miraculous! I never thought I'd actually meet him personally or that he was that old guy I helped on the street that one time." she reminisced as thoughts on that fateful day she first became Ladybug came back to her.
"Then you'll be able to show him the maps straight away once you return home." Hippolyta said brightly.
"And now I've adjusted the comm's settings, we'll be able to go back to Paris right away." Wonder Woman confirmed.
"That is, unless you two would like to stay a little longer." the queen offered, a kind smile on her face.
Marinette and Adrien both shared a look that was clearly full of desire of some relaxation, and they knew where they would like to go in order to get that downtime, so they looked back to Hippolyta with apologetic faces.
"As nice as it would be to check the whole place out, and really, it looks great, but we've gotta get home. My mom and papa still think I'm with Master Fu and I don't want them to keep worrying all night." she explained politely.
"Yeah, and we can't risk them finding out about her identity as Ladybug, same with me as Chat Noir. They were okay with me despite knowing I'm Hawk Moth's son, but I'm not sure how they'd take this after everything from last time was so soon." Adrien put in, not seeing the slightly distant expression on Marinette's face when he talked of her parents.
Hippolyta nodded in understanding, a smile still on her face.
"That is fine, children. After all you have been through, I can only hope you both get the relaxation you deserve...as long as you don't succumb to inner desires." she finished with a slight smirk, making Marinette and Adrien turn a bright red. They knew exactly what her majesty was implying.
"Whoa, whoa! No need to go that far, your majesty!" the bluenette gasped as her hands waved wildly at her sides.
"Y-Yeah, we-we're only young, not thinking that far!" Adrien said with a shaking hand over his mouth, now too embarrassed to look at Marinette.
The three Amazons in front of them burst into a loud giggle, clearly pleased with the response they got.
"Heh, seems as if your new sense of humour is paying off, Hippolyta." Antiope said as she looked to the ruler of the Amazons.
"Yes, so it is. Many thanks to my daughter for that." she replied as she looked to Wonder Woman, who sighed with an amused face.
"Yes it has. Didn't think it'd get to your head, mother." she said lightly as she brought the comm up, only to pause for a second.
Then, she created a huge amount of silence as she put her arms around her mother and aunt, closing her eyes to treasure the moment. Both Hippolyta and Antiope returned the hug, both smiling warmly as they knew what this meant. Pulling away, their eyes went soft as they looked at each other.
"Do come back soon, my dear. I do wish for your visits to be longer." Hippolyta said lovingly.
"They will, mother. I promise." Diana replied before Hippolyta planted a small kiss on her forehead.
"No matter how long you spend away in the world of men, you'll always be welcomed back again Diana." Hippolyta said kindly, "And we all relish the next time you'll come back."
"And hopefully the next time, our guests can have an extended tour." the princess replied, smiling softly over at the French teens.
Marinette and Adrien knew for a fact they were looking forward to seeing Themiscyra again. They had a feeling that they'd only seen the tip of the iceberg and knew there was much more to see than just this throne room. Maybe next time they came, they'd also come face-to-face with a reformed Grail too, though Marinette still had her doubts that even the Amazons would reform the hybrid villainess. Nevertheless, she was excited at the very idea of coming here again.
With that, Diana stepped away from the crowded group and spoke into her comm, a tone of gladness with her firm voice as she gave out her command.
"Wonder Woman to Chrome Stone, open a Boom Tube to Paris for me, please."
And with the command given, it wasn't long until the humming of the familiar portal first came along and then they were greeted by the white, swirling orb that was going to a small gateway to home.
Tikki flew up to Hippolyta and Antiope, her eyes sad but pleased as she knew what this meant.
"It was so great seeing you both. I promise you, I'll come again. There's so much we have to talk about" she said sweetly. Antiope smiled and gave her head a smooth before Hippolyta cupped her into her hands and gave her a little kiss, getting a beam on the Kwami's face.
"Goodbye, little Tikki. May you and Marinette keep being at your best." she said warmly, taking in the sight of the little Kwami as she was given a small bow from her.
Flying off towards Marinette, she rested in her hands as Plagg sat in Adrien's pocket, giving the three Amazons a grateful look as he could see the look of forgiveness on them.
Diana stood close to the Boom Tube, holding out a hand to the two lovers in a gentle gesture that said only one thing to them. Not giving her a chance to send out her offer, Marinette took hold of her hand as Tikki sat in her pocket, allowing her to take hold of Adrien's own hand.
They shared a long, loving and pleased gaze as they now knew it was all truly finished. It was time to go home.
Yet as her sight started to blur as she walked closer into the Boom Tube, Marinette began to wonder about one thing: her parents. After all she had been through, with Joker, Riddler, Hawk Moth, and going into a huge, destructive battle against the darkest of gods, and her sanity driven towards the tip of the edge...was it time to tell them? To know their daughter was Paris' bright hero? She honestly didn't know...but it was likely the time was getting closer to be open now.
And so the battle is over. Grail is imprisoned with a hopeful redemption in the future for her, Ladybug and Cat Noir got to meet Queen Hippolyta herself and now they have maps to other Miraculouses. Given all our heroes have gone through, I think they're due for a break before anything else happens. But what will happen when they return home to Paris? And how will Adrien feel when Master Fu and Constantine share what they've found a few chapters ago?
Tune in for the final chapter next time...