MIRACULOUS PRETTY CURE!
Chapter 3
The Light of Compassion! Cure Plume Appears!
- o - 0 - o -
"Ta-dah!" With a click of the mouse, the browser opened a page full of red and black colors. There were a few images of a masked heroine in a red dress with black spots - one where she was fighting a monster clad in knight's armor, another as she posed and the last one was the confrontation between her and a man's face in black fog.
"What do you think?" Alya's voice snapped Marinette from the computer screen. "I got that last pic through my smartphone. Not even the media came close!"
"Wow," said Marinette, trying to form a smile. She was on her bedroom, seated in front of her desktop computer and she fidgeted as she gazed at the page dedicated to Paris' new defender of justice, Cure Ladybug. In other words, her. She didn't really know what to feel about all of this, but she didn't want to disappoint her best friend. "This is um, really cool?"
"I know, right?" Alya's excitement was contagious and Marinette found herself smiling for real. "I call it the CureLadyblog!"
"Great name," commented Marinette as Alya took a closer look around her room. It was the redhead's first time inside her bedroom and Marinette was quite nervous - it had been a long time since she brought a friend over.
"Are these fabrics?" Alya took a pink rolled material placed on the corner of her room. Then, she opened the closet. "And these dresses…" She eyed the black-haired girl critically. "Did you make all of these?"
Marinette shyly nodded. "I know they're not really that good, but-"
"Girl, what are you talking about, these are great!" Alya babbled, as she looked around her room with an expression of wonder, as if she suddenly found herself in a treasure trove. "And this doll…"
Marinette gulped as Alya found Tikki. The fairy was sitting atop a shelf, out of the way so that no one would see her, but it seemed like she needed to reconsider the kwami's hiding place. Tikki was rigid and stiff as Alya took a hold of her.
"Did you make this one, too?" Alya nuzzled the fairy on her face. "And it's so soft, too…"
"Uh, yeah, I guess?" Marinette was rooted in the spot as Alya hugged the fairy. Tikki's face looked like she was being strangled to death and Marinette moved into action. "Careful with the hugging, it's not stitched properly and it may break in the seams…"
"Oh, sorry!" To Marinette's immense relief, Alya released her iron grip and she saw Tikki catching her breath and then looking passive once more. Alya returned the doll - fairy - in the shelf and took out her phone. "Look at the time, I better head home. See you later, Marinette!"
"Bye Alya!" Marinette tried not to be too happy about Alya leaving.
Alya didn't notice her best friend's conflicting feelings as she took her backpack. "You better follow my blog, Marinette!"
"Oh yeah, sure, sure," answered Marinette hastily as Alya opened her door and waved. She listened to her footsteps going down the stairs before letting out the biggest sigh she had been keeping in for a while.
"That was too close for comfort," she told Tikki, who had now left the shelf and was hovering in front of her.
"Remember, Marinette," said Tikki with a warning in her tone. "Nobody should know that you're Cure Ladybug."
Marinette nodded. The two had already discussed this - with Hawk Moth's forces bent on taking her Miraculous, it was imperative that her identity be hidden carefully, to protect her civilian self and those close to her. Tikki told her that as long as she had the ladybug earrings, it will protect her and her identity, even if she transformed or de-transformed in front of the Akuma and Hawk Moth's minions. The fairy didn't explain exactly how that works, so Marinette decided to take further precautions and only use her Miraculous' powers in hidden places. The biggest problem was that Marinette never had such a huge secret dropped on her shoulders and she was having a hard time keeping a straight face whenever Cure Ladybug is mentioned.
Tikki seemed to have read her expressions. "You can do it, Marinette," she said. "After all, you're not the one pretending to be a doll."
At this, Marinette giggled. "That's right, sorry about Alya, Tikki," she replied. "Do you want to have some cookies?"
"Yes please," came the fairy's excited reply and Marinette smiled. Well, she just had to do her best about this whole secret thing. Now, if only there was someone she can safely entrust her identity to, life would be quite perfect.
- o - 0 - o -
"I'm home, Père." Felice made a small curtsy, wondering if she was polite and graceful enough. She lifted her face and tried to take a peek, but the one she looked forward to meeting did not even bat an eye.
Gabriel Agreste was on his desk, reading documents. His posture, even when seated, was straight and stiff and his blue eyes never left on the papers he were perusing. It had been some months since Felice saw her father, but it looked like he hadn't change a bit. She bit her lip; her mind hastily projecting feeble explanations - all versions of somewhere along the line of "he's busy". A warm hand was on her shoulder and Felice straightened up, looking gratefully at her older brother.
Adrien Agreste was tall and lean, sporting the same blonde hair as her, only a lot shorter and stylishly combed. He was only three years older than her, but he looked mature and in control of himself. Felice guessed that being a model must have accelerated his growth or something, as he looked like the worst of puberty had already come and gone. Despite that, he still had that pleasant and vibrant smile she remembered, though she learned that he only reserved these smiles for Felice and the closest of his friends. As Adrien turned to their father, he had that taut, strained smile. He once called it his "business" smile, but Felice wondered why he had to use that when speaking to his own father.
"I have returned with Felice, Père," he announced loudly.
"Good," answered Gabriel. "Adrien, I'd like to talk to you privately. Felice, you may go now."
The cold dismissal chilled Felice's bones more than the air-conditioning blowing air into her father's study. Her practiced words was gone from her mind and she couldn't find her voice. She must have dithered, since Adrien observed her, worried.
"Are you okay, Felice?"
"Y-yes." Felice managed to reply. "J-just a little headache."
"You must be tired from your trip," said Adrien good-naturedly. "I'll ask Brent to get you some medicine."
"Y-yes, thank you, brother." Felice's reply was automatic and emotionless and she quickly turned her heel and left.
Finally closing the heavy doors to her father's study, Felice bowed her head and bit her lip. It was foolish of her to think that now that she was permitted to live with him again, her father would treat her differently. Getting her hopes up and having the carpet pulled from underneath her hurt more than she could have ever imagined.
Even now, five years later, her father could not even look at her. And the tears came as she rushed towards her room. Unfortunately, she bumped into her personal butler, who was always the first one to notice if something was wrong.
"Mademoiselle!" Brent held into her arm, but Felice gave her an angry look. "I mean, Felice…" Her butler was only five years older than her and he was one of her closest confidants, so she told him to use her name when they were alone. But clearly, he needed to be reminded of that.
"I'm okay, Brent," she told him, bowing her head so as not to see those concerned sapphire-colored eyes of his. And of course, to also try and hide hers. Yes, like he didn't see the tears in your face when you glared at him, she thought.
Brent looked thoughtful and sad. And she knew he could guess what happened. But Brent was nice and kind, so he did not voice out whatever it was. Instead, he took another track. "Have you told your father your wish to go-"
"I didn't and it doesn't matter anymore." Felice knew Brent could smell her lies a mile away, but she was far too tired to deal with this. She pulled her hand out of his grip. "I don't want to be disturbed. Good night."
Without waiting for his reply, Felice fled to her room. Despite everything, Brent will follow her requests, even if he knew better. She opened the door to her bedroom, closed it and locked it. She didn't bother turning the lights on, knowing that her large bedroom was as empty as her hollow heart.
And burying her face on the pillows on her bed, the dam finally broke and Felice cried herself to sleep.
- o - 0 - o -
It was too early in the morning for an appointment but Brent was determined to talk to Gabriel Agreste before he left the house for a meeting. He had asked Gabriel's assistant, Nathalie, about the fashion guru's schedule and she had provided him what he needed, along with a stern look. Brent tried not to fidget beneath the lady's appraising eyes, telling himself that he was doing it for Felice. And so, straightening his butler's outfit and making sure his raven black hair did not look like it was a mess, he gently knocked on the door.
"Come in." His employer's emotionless voice always caught him off guard. Shaking his head, Brent opened the door and saw Gabriel look up, then return to what he was doing.
"I apologize for disturbing you this early, Monsieur Agreste," he started.
"Is there something wrong with Felice?" Brent was not sure but he hoped he heard some concern in the tone of his employer's voice.
"No, she is fine," said Brent hastily. "I have already prepared her schedule for the month. The ballet school you favored had already sent their assent to have Felice go there."
"Good, though I did not expect anything less from you." Brent gulped at this. He was recommended by his grandfather - who was Gabriel's personal butler in his younger years - as a steward for Felice's. This was a very unusual, since Brent was only fifteen years old when he started, but Gabriel was never one to stick with what was customary. Nevertheless, he liked working for Felice, even though the girl could have benefited from being outspoken and expressing her emotions more. Though, he knew the reason why the girl was suffering, as he looked up at his boss once more.
"If you don't mind Monsieur," stated Brent, trying to swallow the anxiety swirling in his stomach. He needed to be strong and brave, for her young mistress' sake. "Might I request that Mademoiselle Felice be enrolled in a public school?"
At this, Gabriel looked up and fixed his cold, unreadable stare at the butler. "Is something wrong with Felice's education? Are her selected tutors not up to the standards with the ones she had in Italy?"
"No, they are more than qualified." This is it, don't blink, thought Brent as he stared back at those unfeeling blue eyes. "But I believe that Mademoiselle Felice would benefit from interacting with those of the same age."
Brent expected a lot of things, but not Gabriel sighing heavily. "Did Felice put you up with this? I did not know my daughter lost her voice as well as her ability to think for herself."
"No, I…" Brent faltered and he cursed himself for letting the blonde man get to him. He was trembling with uncontrolled anger. "As someone who looked after and cared about her well-being, I took it upon myself to suggest what is best for her."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow and Brent knew he crossed a line. "I believe I know what is best for my daughter," he said in that annoying cold and dismissive tone that the young butler was seeing red. "I am her father, after all." Brent nodded at this, biting his tongue to stop himself from muttering a careless retort. "This discussion is over. You may go, Brent."
Brent bowed, trying to remove the steely edge in his voice as he replied. "Thank you for the time, Monsieur Agreste." Without looking at the man, Brent turned around and exited the study, his fists clenching and unclenching. When he closed the door, he took a deep breath and tried to calm down.
Brent shook his head. That could've been worse, he told himself. Since Gabriel was not so fond of the idea, he - and Felice - should just give it up. He sighed once more - he knew Felice was looking forward to going to school like a normal girl. And being isolated from her family for five whole years, she deserved a little freedom now that she was back.
Brent sighed once more and felt exhausted, even though the day had just started. He will just do what he does best - be there for Felice and help her get through with life's disappointment. He looked at the round timepiece he kept on his jacket's pocket. It was time for Felice to wake up and prepare for the day and he could coax her out of her distressed stupor by telling her that if she hurried, she could have breakfast together with Adrien. Imagining the smile it would bring to her face, Brent headed towards his mistress' bedroom.
The young butler knocked at the azure-colored bedroom door of his charge's. "Felice, it's Brent," he called, knowing that most of the staff were not around and he could risk calling her by her name. That and he remembered his blunder the night before. "Felice, are you awake?"
Brent knocked once more and worry crept up in his system. Felice was always an early riser and despite crying herself to sleep - he knew she did - she was not one to wallow and mope when she knew she had a full schedule to follow. So when he tried the knob and it opened easily with a turn of his hand, he felt a wave of dread from the pit of his stomach.
Felice's bed looked slept-in, but the entire room was silent and empty.
- o - 0 - o -
Felice knew it was a bad idea, but she couldn't help herself. The entire Agreste mansion was deserted when she woke up and a thought sparked on her mind. She crept out of the house and into the gate, knowing that she would be caught sooner or later. But for once, luck was on her side and she opened the gate and stepped out, finally free!
Freedom was such a happy feeling that Felice felt like she could do anything she wanted. She was dressed in her favorite blue blouse and white skirt, with a blue ribboned boater and the brown tote bag Adrien gave her on her last birthday. She looked like a normal girl out for a morning walk and Felice was elated at the thought. And so, like an ordinary Parisian girl, she headed out for the nearby park.
When Felice arrived at the park, she contented herself with bathing in the morning sun's gentle light and in the slight breeze that swept through the trees. A few people mingled about and Felice was content on observing them - a pair of men jogging, a woman walking her pet poodle, a teenage boy yawning and texting on his phone, an old man in a cane struggling to walk - oh my!
The old man fell into his knees and Felice quickly went to his side. She helped him up and guided him to the nearest bench. Since he was sweating profusely, Felice took out her hat and used it as a hand fan. "Are you all right, monsieur? Should I call for help?"
The old man waved a hand, looked up and said, "Thank you mademoiselle. It was a just little dizzy spell. Blame the old man for trying to enjoy a little walk outdoors, when he should know better."
The bitterness in his tone was unmistakable, but she could relate, to some extent. After all, there were a lot of things she weren't allowed to do. She looked around them, taking in the beauty of nature around her. "It was a losing battle, monsieur," she told him. "You can't just say no for a walk with the sun as bright as it is today."
The old man looked at her quizzically. Now that Felice took a good look at him, he was quite unusual with his Hawaiian flower shirt and there was an appraising look in his bright, distinctive Asian eyes. But the strange expression was quickly gone as he smiled up to her. "How true, mademoiselle. Are you out for a walk, too?"
Felice was taken aback by the question, especially since the old man's eyes looked like it could read her guilty thoughts. "Y-yes, I am." She bit her tongue at the blatant lie. But there were more pressing matters at hand. "Can I do anything else for you? Would you like some water? Maybe I should call your relatives?"
"Such compassion." The old man stated it like it was a simple, undeniable fact. "Your heart knows no limits, does it?" Felice blinked at him while he continued. "But I am fine, mademoiselle. I feel better now, thank you very much."
"If you're sure…" Felice was unwilling to leave an old man who almost fainted, even though he was quite strange. But a rumbling sound echoed around them, cutting off her thoughts and making her blush red.
The man sweetly smiled. "Maybe you should get something to eat? There's an exquisite boulangerie just around the corner, mademoiselle."
Felice nodded. "Then maybe I can get you something?" Her question had the old man's eyebrow raised up once more and she faltered for a bit. She wasn't going to confess that she wanted to finally experience eating good food with some company. Brent was her friend, but he was her butler first and foremost, so he couldn't eat together with her, despite her many requests. So, she ended up with a lame excuse. "Hunger can make you really um, dizzy?"
The old man's look was full of understanding. "If you do not mind, then I would like to have a pain au chocolat please."
"A pain au chocolat." Felice tried not to look too pleased with herself, but the old man's knowing look told her she wasn't doing so well. Embarrassed, she quickly left and headed for the bakery.
- o - 0 - o -
Weekend mornings were the busiest times for the bakery and Marinette found herself helping out instead of lounging around, glad that it was Saturday at last. Her parents would normally not need a pair of extra hands, but there was big delivery coming and her father was busy preparing everything in the kitchen. So of course, it was up to Marinette to assist her mother in the shop's front.
The customers were beginning to dwindle and Marinette sighed. Tikki insisted she accompany her at all times, so there was a big head of what could be a strange red doll poking out from the pink purse that she slung over her shoulder. Her parents noticed it but did not say anything but she caught certain amused glances from the customers. She sighed, deciding to sew herself a bigger purse as soon as it was possible.
After helping a young mother with a toddler over her arms collect her bag of freshly baked goodies, Marinette stood out in front, waving goodbye at the cute little tyke. She was about to come back inside when she noticed a blonde girl in a blue dress looking puzzled as she stared at the bread in display. She looked like a human doll, with her porcelain skin, slim body and thin arms. There was a look of intense concentration in her otherwise pleasant face and Marinette couldn't help but wonder what she was doing there.
Marinette carefully approached the girl. "Can I help you with something?"
The girl shrieked in surprise and Marinette jumped out in retaliation. "I'm sorry," she quickly added. "I didn't mean to surprise you, but you looked like you wanted some bread. Can I help you? My parents own this boulangerie."
The girl's lips turned into an audible "oh" as she calmed down. She had a refined aura as she stood before Marinette. She reminded her a bit of Chloé with the long blonde hair, but hers was not tied anywhere and her smile was neither haughty nor condescending. It looked a bit unsure and modest, like she was struggling with words. "Um…" She coughed as she cleared her voice. "I'd like a pain au chocolat please."
"Of course," replied Marinette, wondering why the girl didn't just go ahead and get some rather than standing around in front of the store. "Come on in."
Marinette went inside and made sure the blonde girl followed. She doubled back when she heard the girl audibly swallow, sniff and sigh.
"Are you alright?" Marinette turned to her to see that she had a euphoric look in her face. It quickly faded as the girl faced her, replaced by the reddening of her cheeks.
"I…" The girl looked uncomfortable, so Marinette gave her a small, reassuring smile. It reminded her of babysitting a timid child. "I never smelled something this good."
Marinette blinked. Well, the smell of freshly baked pastries never got old, but seriously? "Never been to a boulangerie before?"
"Oh no," the girl replied. "I knew these places exist but I was never allowed in."
Okay, that was seriously strange, Marinette thought. "Then where do you buy your bread?"
"Brent does it for me." The look on the girl was serious and genuine, so Marinette didn't think she was pulling her leg. "Though I don't have too much bread in my diet. He does prepare sandwiches and I may have eaten a pie once." After a few seconds' worth of silence from a very shocked Marinette, she broke the silence by adding, "Do cakes count as bread?"
"Well, a cake is a baked good but no, it doesn't count as bread." Marinette's reply was automatic and the words left her mouth before her brain could keep up. She shook her head to try and stay grounded. She believed it was best for her sanity to let the girl do her business. "Um, go ahead and get what you want."
The girl looked surprised and a little bit offended, to Marinette's confusion. "But, don't I have to pay for it?"
Marinette blinked. Was this girl for real? "You do," she replied, but the puzzled look in the blonde girl's face prompted her to explain. "Once you've picked up what you want to buy, you go to the cashier and pay."
"I see." There was a look of focused concentration in the girl's face that Marinette almost laughed. Almost, if the bizarreness of it all was some strange prank. But the blonde girl was deadly serious. "I'm afraid I am not acquainted enough with the proceedings of purchase in a boulangerie."
I bet, thought Marinette but she kept her silence. "Well, do you need anything else explained?" She decided to humor the girl; she was still a customer after all and her parents won't forgive her if she somehow disrespected one - even if it was a weird person.
The girl looked apprehensive at first but soon gave in. "What does a pain au chocolat look like?"
Oh God, give me patience please was Marinette's thoughts as she slapped a hand over her face.
- o - 0 - o -
Felice was now falling in line towards the cashier, just like a normal girl! She was ecstatic; she had learned a lot in this short trip to the bakery. Well, it was all thanks to the blue-haired girl whose parents owned this amazing establishment. She couldn't stop sniffing the air - the aroma was so tantalizingly sweet and fresh at the same time. Not to mention that she was extremely hungry, she was looking forward to tasting these fabled pain au chocolat.
The baker's daughter kept glancing at her with funny expressions and Felice thought she might be experiencing some kind of stomachache. She would ask her about it, as it was polite to do so. The girl was very helpful, so it would be a small return of gratitude to point out the possibility of an upturned stomach.
The woman working the cash register was kind and understanding, as she gently told the girl that she took out too many bills. Felice was surprised at how cheap the bread was! She was about to suggest they raise their prices, but she closed her mouth in time to realize that she may be overstepping her bounds. So she took the paper bag with all the pain au chocolat she picked and decided instead to pass her concerns to the baker's daughter. After all the kindness she received, it was right and just that Felice warn the other girl of their serious miscalculation of their price tags and the detriments of allowing the unfair trade to continue.
"Got everything you need?" The raven-haired girl asked, flashing her a small smile.
Felice was about to answer when she caught the sight of a tall young man from the bakery's display window, trying to cross the street while panting and gasping. His blonde hair was covered by a grey fedora and his green eyes protected by a pair of sunglasses but Felice knew her older brother enough to know what it was him beneath the disguise. She must have a had a look of horror when she saw him, as the baker's daughter took a look at what she was staring and gasping at.
"Are you in trouble?" The girl had a fierce look in her face and Felice was too caught up with her thoughts to even register her words and her expression. Well, now that she thought about it, she had run away and if Adrien found her, she will be in trouble.
Felice weakly nodded before being propelled by the dark-haired girl with her iron grip. She numbly followed as the girl opened a door and Felice found herself in a house's entryway.
"Stay here," said the baker's daughter. "I'll get rid of that guy." And as quickly as she brought Felice there, she was gone in an instant.
After a few moments of horrible thoughts - what had she done, will Brent be in trouble, will she be brought back to Italy - Felice finally cleared her mind enough to realize that she may have caused a misunderstanding.
- o - 0 - o -
Adrien's legs were about to collapse on him, but he was no stranger to ridiculous amounts of exercise. His job as a model had seen to that, but maybe it was the sheer anxiety in his heart that made the running around more tiring than usual. He was aghast as Brent told him that Felice had disappeared and he knew the butler blamed himself for not paying too much attention. Truth be told, if there was someone to blame, it would be him and his father.
Adrien was looking forward to finally catching up with his little sister and giving her the quality family time she missed. Quality family time was already scarce in the Agreste household with their father and his ever-demanding career, but at least he could be a proper brother to Felice. He knew that was what their mother would have wanted, wherever she was right now.
Adrien shook off thoughts of their mother as he crossed the street to that boulangerie where he sometimes secretly bought a bread or two. There was always a chance that someone there saw his sister and he knew Felice wouldn't travel too far from their mansion. He was pleased to see that the owners' daughter was standing in the front porch - she was a shy yet kind girl and would definitely help him out.
"Excuse me," he said as he tried catching up with his breath. "Have you seen a young girl with blonde hair and green eyes? She'd be a bit shorter than you but the two of you would probably be of the same age."
The girl's reply was automatic yet somehow cold. "Haven't seen anyone like that around."
Adrien looked up at the dark-haired girl's face. He was used to the adoring expressions, the glances of envy and the occasional seductive wink, but he didn't expect to see a ferocious face of extreme defiance. He faltered at the girl's commanding gaze. "A-are you sure?"
"Yes," she replied firmly. "Now if you don't want the police chasing after you, you better think about what you've done and leave this place."
Adrien was shocked and a little confused. "W-what? What are you talking about?" He tried to step towards the girl.
"I-I w-will scream and y-you won't like it!" The girl's threats were feeble at best but there was a steely glint in her eyes that told him not to push his luck.
"A-alright, I'll leave." Adrien wondered what he could have done to make the girl this wary of him. He went on his way, glancing back occasionally at the the girl, who stood her ground by the boulangerie like the Imperial guard. He sincerely hoped he can still return to the bakery, now that he was in the black list of the baker's daughter. If Felice's safety wasn't on the line, he would have think that the whole situation was hilarious.
But Felice needed him and he wasn't going to disappoint her. Not now, not anymore.
- o - 0 - o -
This was all my fault. This is my all fault.
Brent's thoughts ran a mile a minute as he surveyed the park. He had only told Adrien about Felice missing, knowing the young man would do anything to have her safely returned. It didn't matter that Brent may be terminated from his services for his carelessness, as long as Felice was fine.
She ran away. She never did something like this. There must be a reason why she suddenly ran away.
Panic and anger mixed on his muddled brain. He was running in circles, eyeing every bush and every tree and every possible hiding place. Felice was always good at hide-and-seek, even when they were young. He shook the thought out of his mind as he took out his pocket watch once more.
It had already been an hour. Felice was gone for an hour. Felice, who never experienced being out on her own, who never knew what danger lurks in the corner, who showed kindness even to those who didn't deserve it, was gone.
And there was only one person to blame.
The image of a tall blonde man with perusing blue eyes and a tight smile burned in Brent's mind and he was inexplicably consumed by an intense anger.
"A servant seething with rage at his master's unjust commands, when all he did was for the sake of his beloved charge. How invigorating."
Brent looked up to see a man in red and yellow gentleman's clothes, standing on one of the branches of a nearby tree. He wore a black top hat and a purple butterfly-like bow tie. His face was calculating and snide and Brent saw himself reflected in his amethyst eyes. His voice was empathic, understanding the situation Brent was in. "Offer your wrath to Hawk Moth and he will give you your vengeance."
Brent's other senses left him, until all he could see was the red of uncontrollable fury. He dropped the pocket watch into the ground, his body no longer under his control.
Luciferin licked his lips. Pirouetting where he stood, he pulled out his bow tie and crumpled it in his palms. "Akuma, Akuma, hear his plea!" He spun one final time and opened his palms to reveal a purple butterfly with a red aura. "The butterfly rages, release him, s'il vous plaît!"
As the butterfly entered the timepiece, the unmoving butler was trapped in a shining purple cocoon. Black mud-like shadows burst forth from the timepiece, forming a huge brawny humanoid monster in a butler's outfit, holding a chained pocket watch.
Luciferin looked at his latest creation with glee. "Akuma, time to spread chaos and show them how furious you are!"
The Akuma nodded and started on messing up the park, breaking benches and uprooting a fountain. All the while, Luciferin laughed, knowing that it will only be a matter of time before his quarry appears.
Unbeknownst to master and monster, an old man in a Hawaiian shirt was quietly observing them. He had a toothy grin as he whispered, "It is time. Show us your lights, Pretty Cure."
- o - 0 - o -
Felice was mildly surprised when the baker's daughter announced that she was coming with her back to the park. The dark-haired girl had insisted that she go home immediately, but after explaining to her about the frail old man waiting for his pain au chocolat, she changed her mind and decided to escort her. Felice was left speechless at her kindness, but knew that something was wrong when the girl kept glancing around their surroundings like a guard dog sniffing for a bomb threat. Felice was definitely convinced that she had eaten something funny and was about to voice out it to her when they hear a piercing scream.
No sooner had they heard that blood-curdling shriek, a couple of people ran towards them, bent on escaping to the direction they came from. Felice looked around in confusion, what was happening?
Felice saw the baker's girl whisper to her purse and wondered what she was doing. Before she could say anything, the girl grasped her hand and pulled her towards the direction the fleeing people were headed to.
"Go back to the bakery," said the dark-haired girl in a hurried tone. "You'll be safe there."
"But…" Felice's protests were unheard as the girl bolted off, towards where the running people came from. It was very clear that there was some kind of danger there, so why did the girl decide to head on that direction?
Felice thought that maybe she should do as she was told. She was already walking back when she remembered something - the old man! The old man was sitting in the general direction where the peril was supposed to be and he couldn't run because he was dizzy! Her thoughts were full of the poor, kind old man, who was probably hurt right now. Without a moment's hesitation, she turned her heel and followed the baker's daughter.
- o - 0 - o -
Marinette arrived in time to see the Akuma uproot a tree with its bare hands. True to her word, Tikki had sensed the forces of Hawk Moth stirring. This was quite the inconvenient time for an attack, as she was escorting a girl being stalked back home. Sometimes, Marinette loathed how unbelievably helpful she was. But she was reared to have a good sense of justice and to do what is just and right, so she did.
The Akuma noticed the new arrival and turned to face her. This time, the brawny black monster was dressed in a butler's uniform and holding a chained pocket watch. The butterfly mask on its head was of a burning red color and Marinette set her sights on the target.
"Tikki, let's go." The fairy flew out of her purse and into her earrings. Marinette took a deep breath to ease her nerves - she was never going to get used to this.
"Pretty Cure…" Marinette touched both her earrings, starting with the right one. With the red light coming out from her finger, she drew a circle. She punched through the ring, welcoming the burst of bright scarlet light. "Miraculous Metamorphosis!"
Surrounded by warm, gentle light, Marinette's clothes slowly changed into a red blouse and skirt with black spots, black belt, gloves and heeled boots and a mask. Two pink ribbons were added - a large one at the back of her skirt and a smaller one on her neck, with the round emblem of a ladybug in the center. Her pigtails lengthened into triple its size and the last light turned into a yo-yo buckled in her belt. Stepping out from the bright radiance of transformation, she posed. "The light of fortune that blooms over the land. Cure Ladybug!"
Luciferin quickly noticed her dramatic entry. "Cure Ladybug," he said, sneering. Beside him was a young man in a butler's outfit imprisoned in a purple cocoon, which led Ladybug to thinking that he must be the Akuma's victim this time. "How nice of you to join us. It's finally time to put you in your place!"
Cure Ladybug shrugged his threat with a retort. "If there's anyone that's out of place here, it would be you, Luciferin!"
Luciferin visibly bristled. "Akuma, sweep the floor with this annoying bug!"
"Akumaaaa…" The monster howled as it aimed a punch at Cure Ladybug. She slipped out of the fist's direction and responded in kind, hitting the monster's body with a punch of her own, knocking it back a few feet. She quickly used the momentum to propel herself to the monster, but the Akuma gripped the chain of its timepiece and sent it rushing down on her. The heroine hastily changed direction and the heavy round clock missed her by a beat. She rolled over as the monster aimed another vertical swipe with the pocket watch and swiftly did a back flip as a horizontal slash came next.
Cure Ladybug jumped once more to put some distance between her and the Akuma. The monster was holding the timepiece with both hands, like it was wielding a morning star. Well, if a close-quarters fight wasn't gonna cut it, then she had a better option at hand. She took out her yo-yo and sent it flying towards the monster's butterfly mask.
What happened next was completely unexpected for the heroine. The Akuma threw the timepiece out and spun its body around, creating a mini-tornado. The yo-yo was easily sucked into the vortex, along with the string and the heroine holding unto it. Cure Ladybug yelled as she was whirled around by the force of spinning monster and soon found herself thrown out of the twister. She crashed painfully into a garbage can, losing one of the dots on her ladybug brooch.
Luciferin looked elated at the proceedings. "Time to throw the trash, Akuma!"
The Akuma stepped towards Cure Ladybug, while the heroine was trying to recover from the dizziness she felt at being whirled around. She came back to reality just in time, as the monster aimed its pocket watch at her once more. She hopped out of the way, the timepiece meeting the trash can, which was effortlessly flattened.
Cure Ladybug retreated into a safe distance, considering her next moves. Clearly, Luciferin was out to get her but she was not going to give in to him. She spun her yo-yo around, creating a veritable windmill over one arm and was about to head over to do battle once again, when she noticed a blonde girl in a blue dress arriving from the other side.
"You…" Cure Ladybug gaped as the blonde girl with the pain au chocolat appeared. She looked wide-eyed at the heroine and then terrifyingly at the humongous black monster. She then have a shocked expression as she gazed over the butler imprisoned in the cocoon, covering her mouth with her hands.
"Brent…" Cure Ladybug could hear her horrified whisper. The Akuma also heard her and aimed a horizontal swipe at the civilian with its deadly pocket watch.
"Watch out!" The heroine's body moved at its own accord. She didn't know how she was able to quickly close the distance between her and the girl, but a sharp pain pierced through her body as she was beat away with the force of an incoming train.
- o - 0 - o -
"Watch out!"
Felice did not see the horrible black monstrosity coming for her, she was too preoccupied with seeing Brent in such an alarming position. But she did witness the masked girl in the red dress protect her. The girl was smashed away by the swipe of a gigantic timepiece, while Felice cried out as she fell into her back.
The ensuing dust clouds fogged Felice's vision for a while, but she heard the distinctive sound of chain grinding and the yell of a girl. When Felice could she once more, the masked girl was helplessly tied by the chain of the timepiece, looking pained as the metal links strangled her thin body.
"Stop!" Felice's terrified voice was out of her mouth before she could stop it. "Stop it!"
The monster turned to her and Felice could see the purple glowing eyes beneath the red butterfly mask. She trembled at the sight of the enormous and powerful abomination, but a strong and familiar voice caught her attention.
"I wanted what was best for Felice. But he did not…"
"Brent?" Felice stared at the butler frozen inside the purple coffin, but did not see his mouth move.
"He was making her suffer! He left him alone for five long years and now he claims he is her father, when he had never done anything to warrant that!"
Brent's words were overwhelming and Felice could hear the angry quaver in his voice. "She just wanted to go to a public school and make friends, but he can't even give that to her! What kind of father imprisons her daughter like a bird in a cage!"
These were Brent's innermost thoughts and Felice was nonetheless touched. She once thought that Brent only saw her as his charge and that she was the only one who treated him like a friend, as he was bound to his duties first and foremost. But it was clear that he cared for her deeply, like how much he meant to her - her only escape to a life full of solitude and loneliness.
Brent's voice turned hollow and depressed. "I tried to help her out, to give her what she wanted. But her blasted father just have to be so high and mighty!"
"Brent…" So he tried asking for her - Felice didn't know what to feel.
"How ridiculous." The snickering voice of a gaudily-dressed man in a top hat caught her attention. "A true butler should just do his duties, nothing else. Getting caught up with your charge's business is just plain foolish!"
"That's enough!" Felice was surprised at the furious edge in her voice. The masked girl looked up at her surprised while the top-hatted man looked down on her. "Brent is the best butler there is and you don't have the right to talk about him like that!"
The man eyed her curiously. "So you're this butler's mistress, eh?" There was a scheming look in his eyes that brought shivers to Felice's spine. "It would be quite ironic if the steward killed his beloved charge," he mused with a blood-curdling smile. "But you know what? I love the irony!" Pointing at her direction, he commanded the monster, "Get her, Akuma!"
The Akuma moved towards Felice while the masked girl struggled from her bonds. "Get out of here," she yelled. "Run!"
Felice wanted to flee but she was rooted to the spot. Her emotions were a mess and she could feel them bubbling up to the surface, attempting to break free. It took her only a moment to realize that she wanted nothing more than save Brent, to show him how grateful for she was for his compassion, his loyalty and his continued presence in her life. And that thought kept her standing on her own two feet, a look of defiance gracing her face. She held on her steady gaze as the monster called the Akuma aimed a swift punch towards her…
And a bright blue light burst out from her tote bag, blinding the monster as it stepped away from the radiance. Felice watched open-mouthed as a blue doll-like creature flew out from her bag. It had two antennae, a pair of beady eyes and a peacock's tail and she never saw anything like it. The thing yawned as it hovered in front of her, swiping its tail to and fro.
"Finally," it said, gazing at Felice with unblinking eyes. "Have you found your resolve yet, Felice?"
"My resolve?" Felice watched open-mouthed as the blue creature spoke once more.
"If you want to save your friend," it said. "Then you better accept Duusu's help."
"Duusu?" Was it the strange being's name?
"You have a strong light within you, Felice," said Duusu as it - she - held up a beautiful pin made of a peacock's teal feathers. "Accept the Peacock Miraculous and your destiny."
Felice took the pin and felt a gentle, familiar aura, reminding her of her mother's embrace. She tucked it into her left breast, just above her beating heart. Duusu's gaze was full of passion as Felice nodded. The creature then faded into blue light and went inside the pin. She can feel Duusu's presence as she motivated her to go on, but the words she needed to say were already on her lips.
"Pretty Cure!" Felice's finger touched the pin, elated as a sudden of gale of wind blew out from the contact. She traced a three-feathered wing with the same finger, watching as blue light traced from the tip. She laid out her arms as the drawn figure burst out in a strong gust of wind, tossing out hundreds of blue lights. "Miraculous Metamorphosis!"
Felice watched as the lights surrounded her, twisting and turning as if glided by a strong breeze. A few converged into her body, turning into a blue blouse with short frilly sleeves and a blue skirt that did not reach her knees. A pair of lights glimmered by her feet, turning into white heeled boots that covered up to her knee, with blue feathers adorning the edges. A few other lights pressed through her palms, conjuring a pair of white gloves that stretched out over her fore arms. A ray of light twirled in her waist, turning into a golden linked chain. Another moved into her back, creating an upright teal peacock's tail over the back of her waist. One orb of light engulfed the pin over her heart, dressing it up in an aquamarine-colored ribbon, while the nine ornate feathers shone. A blue mask covered her eyes, a few feathers spurring out of the edges. There was a twinkling sound as a pair of dangling ivory wing-like earrings appeared on her ears and a two-feathered hair pin fastened unto the right side of her head. Her hair lengthened and puffed out, creating a wavy explosion of blonde curls. Finally, the last of the lights turned into a thin, folded fan, holstered into the links of the chain over her waist.
Finally, the girl opened her eyes and watched as the last of the azure lights disappear with a another strong gale. "The light of compassion that shimmers in the wind," she recited, sending a breeze as she twirled on her feet. She placed both hands over her pin and her heart and stretched them out, striking a pose.
"Cure Plume!"
- o - 0 - o -
Cure Ladybug gaped open-mouthed as Cure Plume appeared from the fading light. So that girl was a…
"Pretty Cure?" She gasped; her struggling from the chains forgotten for the moment. "Tikki, what's happening?"
Tikki's voice was full of joy and awe. "A new Pretty Cure is born," she whispered unhelpfully. Well, Cure Ladybug couldn't really blame her, even she was astounded at the sudden turn of events. One moment she was screaming for the girl to run as the Akuma bounded on her and the next thing she knew she was consumed by a bright blue light. Now, the girl was a Pretty Cure.
Cure Ladybug was not the only having a hard time processing the situation. "Another Pretty Cure?" Luciferin's tone was devoid of understanding. "But why?"
Cure Ladybug would like to know the answer to that as well. The commander and the Akuma dithered and it was good since Cure Plume looked like she didn't have an idea on what was going on. Her blank expression changed as she nodded; Cure Ladybug was willing to bet that her kwami was blurting out last minute instructions. She hoped she was going to do something about the chain trapping her, since she was down to two spots already.
Luciferin recovered too soon for Cure Ladybug's liking. "No matter," he said. "I will deliver two Miraculous to Hawk Moth. Akuma, show our fine feathered friend hospitality!"
The butler Akuma pounded on Cure Plume, but she easily evaded the attack with one sidestep. Since one of his hands held the chain that kept Cure Ladybug, it can only use one fist as it tried to smash the blue Cure. But Cure Plume was faster than the monster every time and the Akuma's strikes only landed on soil, as the graceful cure danced around him.
"She's fast," commented Cure Ladybug.
"Cure Plume is gifted with incredible finesse," stated Tikki. "Though she is not as strong as Cure Ladybug, she can gain an edge in battle by confusing her opponents with her amazing agility!"
And Cure Ladybug can see what Tikki meant, with the Akuma looking puzzled as none of its attacks ever came close to Cure Plume. Frustrated, the monster became wild and impulsive in its attacks and after landing a savage blow over mounds of dirt, she watched as Cure Plume trip it up with two swift kicks in its unprotected shins. It plopped into the ground, loosening its grip on the chain as it fell. Cure Ladybug moved into action, stretching her arms successfully to push the bands away. She quickly jumped out and made her way to Cure Plume.
"Thanks," she told the blue-dressed heroine with a grin.
Cure Plume returned the gesture with a graceful smile of hers. "I believe the goal is our mask?"
"Yes," replied Cure Ladybug, good to know that the new Pretty Cure was up-to-date. "Once we break it, we can purify the Akuma for good. Do you have a weapon?"
Cure Plume took a thin object from her belt. It expanded to show a beautiful fan made of blue and teal peacock feathers. "Duusu tells me that this fan works as a boomerang. And it is sharp as a newly polished sword."
"Really?" Cure Ladybug's mind was racing - she was sure Cure Plume could even hear the gears turning. "Then it's perfect."
One of Cure Plume's eyebrow rose. "I assume you have a plan?"
Cure Ladybug felt it was time to establish some ties. "I do and I need you to trust me."
"I trust you." Cure Plume's reply was simple and immediate that Cure Ladybug was taken aback. She seemed to have read the spotted heroine's expression so she smiled and explained. "You've saved my life and is intent on saving Brent's. There's no reason for me to deny your help, Cure Ladybug."
"Glad to know where on the same team, Cure Plume." Cure Ladybug offered a hand and Cure Plume shook it. The two then faced the Akuma, which was already back on its feet. "Now, let's finish this up."
"Agreed!" And without wasting a moment, Cure Plume dashed to the enemy, as swift as the wind itself. The Akuma used the chain of its timepiece as a shield, as the blue Cure landed quick attacks with her fan. She moved too fast for the Akuma's eyes, striking from different directions at all times.
"What are you doing, Akuma?" Luciferin looked infuriated at the current situation. "Send her flying with your timepiece!"
The Akuma complied and started spinning, extending the timepiece. Cure Plume jumped out of the way, as the monster turned into a mini-tornado. The winds began to suck her in, but she did not look disturbed. In fact she was smiling widely as she shouted, "Ladybug!"
Cure Ladybug received her signal and let go of what she had been doing all the time. The string of her weapon was looped around the vicinity for several times, as she ran around the place while leaving the yo-yo in tied into a tree. In the center of the looped string was the Akuma, spinning without moving. Just as planned, the string was beginning to be sucked into the Akuma's vortex.
"What?!" Luciferin realized the farce too late. "So she was acting as a distraction?!"
"Time to tie up the loose ends," said Cure Ladybug as she pulled the yo-yo back. The string tightened, coiling around the Akuma that had drawn it in. The monster's spinning attack was cut short by the tightening string and found itself trapped by Cure Ladybug. "Plume, now!"
Cure Plume was ready. With one flick of her hand, she sent her fan flying, striking the butterfly mask with precision, cutting it into half. Freed from its master's control, the Akuma slackened.
"Finish it, Cure Plume!" Cure Ladybug called, her yo-yo and string in place, hoping that Cure Plume will be able to use her finishing move. But the feathered heroine's determined face made her think that everything will turn out okay.
"It will be my pleasure," replied Cure Plume, as her fan boomeranged back to her grip.
Holding the fan to the sky, Cure Plume chanted. "This refreshing breeze shall show you true compassion…"
A gale of wind started forming around Cure Plume as her fan was bathed in bright teal-colored light. "Pretty Cure…"
And with a spin, she flapped the fan to the Akuma's direction. "Feather Storm!"
Cure Plume's swing of her fan created a blast of powerful wind that rushed into the Akuma. The wind carried hundreds of teal peacock's feathers, gathering on the shadowy creature and blowing the darkness within. A timepiece fell into the ground, while a white butterfly flew out. Another batch of teal feathers blew into the whole place, restoring broken benches, uprooted trees and a crushed fountain. The last of the wind freed the young butler from his prison and he slumped into the ground, unconscious.
"Ciao, pretty butterfly," said Cure Plume as the insect disappeared into the sky.
Luciferin watched the situation unfold with barely controlled indignation, his top hat flaring a bright red. "This isn't over, Pretty Cure! I will have your Miraculous, you can count it!" And he quickly disappeared by the use of his elongating top hat.
Cure Ladybug retracted her yo-yo back as she headed to the fainted butler. Cure Plume got there first, holding up the young man in her arms. "Brent," she called with concern. "Brent, are you okay?"
"Felice, I…" The butler opened his eyes for a moment before fainting once more.
"He'll be okay," said Cure Ladybug, catching Cure Plume's panic-stricken look. "He looks like he's just tired. I'm sure he's a tough one, so he'll be fine."
Cure Plume nodded. "He is."
"And I don't want to overstep or anything but…" Cure Ladybug chose her next words carefully. "It looked like you meant so much to him. So I hope, whatever the situation is, you could resolve it."
Cure Plume looked surprised at her words and the spotted heroine worried she may have crossed the line. But the blue-clad girl smiled up to her. "I will take your advice to heart."
"Great." Cure Ladybug offered another smile and suddenly remembered that she was supposed to be helping out in the store. "Oh, crap, I gotta go!"
"But wait, I don't even have your n-"
"See you, Cure Plume!" Cure Ladybug threw her yo-yo to the nearest tree and lifted herself up, heading back to the bakery.
- o - 0 - o -
Cure Plume watched as Cure Ladybug disappeared into the trees. She felt her transformation melt out of her body with an audible pop. Duusu was now back to her side, settling on Felice's shoulder like a bird.
"Well, that was some bad timing," cooed the blue kwami. "We didn't even get her real name."
Felice smiled. Things were going to change and she welcomed it; her previous life felt like a fragment of the distant past. "We will see her again, I'm sure."
"Felice?" Brent had finally gained consciousness while Duusu flew towards the girl's tote bag to hide. Felice's guilt came crashing back down on her as the butler looked up at her with a curious expression.
"I'm so sorry, Brent," confessed Felice, bowing her head down. "I didn't mean to run away. I just wanted to be free for a while and-"
Felice's next words were cut short by a fierce hug from the young butler. And she knew she didn't have to say anything further.
- o - 0 - o -
"Look, I'm sorry. There were things on my mind and I completely forgot that I didn't have her name." Marinette was apologizing to the kwami inside her back pack as she emptied her locker with the things she will use in class.
The ladybug-colored fairy sighed. "I just hope we could meet her again."
"Trust me, we'll find her sooner than you think," said Marinette, heading to her classroom. School will start any second now and she didn't want to be reprimanded again. So she quickly hopped to her seat and waved at Alya before sitting down.
The bell rang and Madame Bustier entered the room. A familiar blonde girl was tailing her inside and Marinette felt her jaws drop. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet a new student transferring to our class as of today."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all." The unmistakable civilian identity of Cure Plume curtsied before Marinette and her classmates. "My name is Felice Agreste."
- o - 0 - o -
Author's Note:
Wow, this chapter was long, like longer than usual. But I wanted to get over with Cure Plume's introduction in one chapter so this behemoth was born. Though, it was partly my fault since I tried to compile a lot of happenings in one chapter.
And so we have Cure Plume, who will of course be Cure Ladybug's partner. I hope Felice was a good character - I gave her the usual ojou-sama treatment along with very limited common sense. I actually had fun writing her interactions with Marinette. And speaking of interactions, Marinette thought Adrien was a stalker! Poor Adrien was confused. ;-)
I settled with Cure Plume since Cure Peacock doesn't really work well for me. Aside from being an English word, Plume is also French for feather, so I thought it was the best name for the Peacock Miraculous Pretty Cure. Her specialty is awesome grace and super agility, in contrast to Cure Ladybug's bruiser-like abilities and strategies.
Anyhow, please drop a review before you leave! I'm quite the nervous wreck, so if I don't get proof that my readers liked what I'm doing, I tend to overthink. Like a LOT. Anyway, this is all from me this time, adieu!