Honey Bee watched her teammates as they stood waiting in the castle hallway. In honor of their bravery for defeating the akuma, they were to be awarded honorary knighthood, similar to Le Paon, who promised to watch them from the audience along with Master Fu.
Rena Rouge was checking her outfit in a mirror, her kwami adding a few more charms to her dress for decoration. Carapace was rocking on his toes, the shield smaller than normal for the occasion and attached firmly to his back. Chat stood relaxed against the wall, the scarf a bit higher than normal, but his eyes fairly visible as he watched Ladybug pace nervously, occasionally adjusting the skirt that covered up some of her thighs.
"You sure you can handle this," asked Honey.
Ladybug nodded, trying not to break her concentration.
"At least we don't have to say anything, we just accept titles and leave," offered Chat.
"But what if I trip? What if the sword cuts my ear off? What if my parents are here? And they recognize me!"
"Dude, if anyone is going to trip it'll be me," assured Carapace.
"Plus the king has zero records of chopping ears off," added Honey.
"Plus this is a thing only for knights and a few royals, so unless your family fits into either of those categories, they probably aren't here," continued Rena, giving Ladybug a reassuring pat on the back. This seemed to calm Ladybug down as she took a deep breath.
"Are you ready," a guard peaked in, making Ladybug jump.
"Ready," informed Honey. The guard nodded and shut the door, everyone lining up with the boys along the edges, Ladybug next to Chat, Rena next to Carapace, and Honey Bee front and center.
"Present for the first time ever to the court and Royal Knights, I present," a guard announced as the doors swung open. "Chat Noir, Ladybug, Honey Bee, Rena Rouge, and Carapace." The five walked down the great hall, guards lining up bearing royal family flags. Honey Bee held her head up high, careful not to meet her father's eyes as he watched them stroll pass. Ahead sat King Gabriel and his wife, Queen Emilia, their son nowhere in sight. It would have been nice to see the prince in person. Honey stopped at the foot of the stairs, her teammates doing the same. King Gabriel stood, a page handing him a sword.
"Kneel," their king commanded, the five sinking to both their knees for Rena and Ladybug's skirt's sake.
"Do you swear loyalty to the crown and to the kingdom which crown governs," The king stood at attention, holding his sword before him.
"I do," they chorused.
He approached Chat Noir, Honey noticing him slightly stiffening at the contact of the sword to his shoulder.
"Sir Chat Noir," the king tapped both his shoulders before moving onto Ladybug.
"Lady Ladybug," the king tapped both her shoulders, the kids smiling at her repetitive name.
"Lady Honey Bee," Honey could feel the weighted sword tap her shoulders.
"Lady Rena Rouge."
"Sir Carapace." The King stepped back. "The Miraculous Knights of Pari." The king announced, bidding them to stand as the applause rang throughout the hall. They turned to face the audience, many people please by the outcome, some looking more skeptical of the situation. Knighthood was usually awarded after years of service or an amazing triumph on the battlefield. Here it was being awarded to five youths after one battle that destroyed several buildings.
"We would like to thank you for this honor, your Majesty," Honey Bee turned to see Ladybug addressing the king.
"Le Paon and her predecessor Yù Guī have kept Hawkmoth at bay for many years, and we are honored they chose us for this role." Ladybug turned back to the crowd.
"We may be young, but that does not mean we value this kingdom any less than those who have risked their lives on the battle for it. Pari is my home, and I will not take this honor lightly to defend it from Hawkmoth. None of us will. We will pick up the torch Le Paon is leaving for us to see Hawkmoth defeated once and for all no matter how long it takes. So we all can live in a kingdom that doesn't have to fear that tyrant of a villain."
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers, all doubt gone from the room. Ladybug smiled at the crowd before proceeding down the steps, the rest of the team following after her. Someone in the room, someone started chanting, "Miraculous!" the word growing into a roar as they walked past the knights and nobles. Honey smiles, taking it in as she watched her teammates.
Carapace practically strut like a peacock, his head held up high. Rena waved her hand as if she were royalty at the crowds. Ladybug marched ahead, all nerves from before gone. Chat walked with reserved confidence, his eyes trained solely on Ladybug.
And that's the origin story. I'm going to mark this as complete for now since Miraculous Knights gives more details about what follows. If I feel up to it, I may add occasional adventures building up on the relationships to come in Miraculous Knights. Maybe.
Thanks for Reading!