Miraculous Pretty Cure!

by mjinxlei

Marinette Dupain-Cheng never expected to become Cure Ladybug, one of the legendary Pretty Cures that borrowed power from jewels known as the Miraculous. But the forces of Hawk Moth set its sights on Paris and Marinette finds herself fulfilling her destiny. With a sheltered partner and a black cat shadowing her every move, would Marinette's life ever be normal? Pretty Cure AU.

6. Chapter 6: The Confession Operation!

MIRACULOUS PRETTY CURE!

Chapter 6

A Romantic Dilemma? The Confession Operation!

- o - 0 - o -

"Girl, I can't believe you just called your celebrity crush a stalker," said Alya in between laughs, shaking her head at the pure absurdity of the events Marinette recalled just last weekend. The dark-haired teenager's cheeks were a perpetual crimson shade, though she attributed to a mixture of embarrassment and anger. She just finished recounting what happened during the Search for the Next Weather Girl finals, where she inadvertently bumped into Felice and her older brother, who was none other than the famous fashion model Adrien Agreste. And that she might have believed him a stalker at one point. Marinette should have really excluded that last part.

"Stop rubbing it in, Alya," declared Marinette, putting both her hands on her hips. She didn't have time to tarry long in the pose, since the two were walking on a street's sidewalk, heading to school. Alya dropped by on her house to ask her about the Akuma attack at the TV station. Obviously, the conversation had taken a drastically different turn. "Everyone makes mistakes, you know."

"Not in this kind of level, you know." Alya tried to stifle the giggles, but it was a losing battle. In response to Marinette's miserable expressions, she patted her back. "There, there, it's not the end of the world. You can still score points with your crush."

"I guess," replied Marinette before immediately doing a double-take. "And for the record, I do not have a crush on Adrien Agreste."

"Sure, you don't," said Alya with unmistakable sarcasm on her tone. "I mean, you don't have a dozen pin-up posters of him inside your room, I didn't see even one fashion magazine with him in the cover and your desktop computer doesn't have picture of him with hearts drawn-"

"Okay, enough, I see your point." Marinette hastily stopped her best friend from spilling all her for everyone to hear. "I may have a little crush on Adrien Agreste. Like, who doesn't? He's just the most popular male fashion model there is. And you know how much I adore the Gabriel Agreste's designs."

"Who is also his father," said Alya in contemplation. "Girl, how did we miss out on Felice having an absolutely hot big brother?"

"Now that you mention it, I've never heard Felice talk about him working as a model. Like, she only said she had a brother, but failed to say that he's working as a model under her father's fashion line. Everyone knows she's Gabriel Agreste's daughter."

"No thanks to Chloé, who will talk about it to anyone who'd listen." Alya's eyes widened at what she just said. "Of course! Felice never wanted her identity as the daughter of a multimillionaire out in the open! It's all Chloé's fault."

"Maybe…" Marinette wasn't entirely convinced. She couldn't put a finger on it, but there was something going on between Felice and her brother and father aside from the obvious family time problems. But it wasn't her nature to pry; if Felice didn't want to talk about it, Marinette will definitely won't touch the topic. She wasn't so sure about the redhead walking next to her though. "But Alya, you shouldn't-"

"Ask about it," continued Alya, sighing. "I know. I'm just curious and really want to help, if I could." Marinette looked like she would open her mouth but Alya cut in. "But I can be a sensitive and patient friend and wait for her to tell us."

"Of course you can," said Marinette, playfully bumping the other girl with her hip. "You're my best friend after all!"

Alya rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay, enough of the sappiness." A playful smirk appeared on her face - a huge sign that a certain issue wasn't completely dropped. "Though I can listen about your sappy thoughts of a certain friend's handsome big brother…"

"Alyaaa!" Marinette had no idea why Alya prodded her about it. True, Adrien was as handsome as fashion models go, but there was a certain thing about his appearance that had drawn her into him. Blonde hair and striking green eyes – the same ones the kind boy from her past had . She didn't realize it, but found herself collecting posters and write-ups about Adrien. It didn't help that he was usually modeling clothes from her favorite fashion line. But meeting him didn't prepare her for the fact he both had outer and inner beauty, with the selfless way he saved Felice and Manon and how he easily forgave her about that embarrassing stalker mistake. It was terribly hard not to have a little – just a little – crush on the guy.

Alya was studying Marinette's face all the time, probably amused at the way her eyes narrowed, her lips tightened and how her whole face scrunched as if doing some really difficult math problem. "Alya!"

"Fine, I'll drop the issue, since we're here anyway." Marinette didn't realize they were at the front steps of the Collège already. Alya, however, looked distracted. "What's going on over there?"

A group of students were huddling on the front yard, most of them trying to restrain a huge, burly teenager with sparse black hair and a tuft of blonde bangs. He was glaring angrily at an athletic-looking guy with very definitive Asian features. Marinette saw Alya already heading towards the scene and she promptly followed.

"What's with Ivan and Kim?" Alya asked Rose and Juleka, who were both looking at the proceedings worriedly.

Rose, the petite blonde girl, was the one who answered. "Kim was making fun of Ivan."

"Something about being a coward," added Juleka, a meek and stoic girl dressed in unique gothic fashion.

"That isn't very nice," commented Marinette. Using a louder tone, she addressed the two arguing boys. "Kim, you should apologize to Ivan."

Kim looked the opposite of apologetic, with raised brows and a condescending smirk directed at the other boy. The jock wrenched his arm out of the grasp of his best friend Max, a short brown-skinned boy with thick glasses. "Why should I apologize when it's true?"

"Take that back, Kim!" bellowed Ivan with gritted teeth and clenched fist. He looked like he would pounce on Kim and give him the beating of a lifetime. Thankfully, Nino and two other people were restraining him – the timid boy Nathanael and the boyish skater girl Alix – though they were having a hard time due to Ivan's large frame.

"Why should I?" Kim looked haughty as he regarded Ivan with sharp eyes. "You know it's true."

"Shut up!" Ivan roared, looking like he'd be free to punch Kim in a moment. Marinette and Alya hastily went to help his three captors.

"Then confess your feelings!" Ivan suddenly halted in his movements and Kim knew he had already won the argument. "But you can't because you're a big coward!"

With a furious howl, Ivan broke free of the five teenagers' grasp. Marinette thought he was going to tackle Kim or something, but the big guy merely passed through him, barely hitting the Asian guy's shoulder blade as he stomped off towards the school gate. Not entirely thinking it through, Marinette went after him, with Alya following closely.

Marinette caught up with Ivan just before he stepped out of school grounds. She was a little distracted by the arrival of a black limousine and Felice appearing from the opened car door. But she had her target within reach. "Wait, Ivan, stop!"

To Marinette's relief, Ivan halted and turned to her, still looking flushed with uncontrollable anger. Felice was already on the sidewalk and looked at two questioningly. "What do you want, Marinette?"

"Don't let Kim get to you, Ivan," she told him, though Marinette had no real basis on what she was saying. "Confessing your love to someone takes more than courage. No one is blaming you if you're having cold feet."

"I…" Ivan looked a little less angry. "I really had no intention of confessing, but Kim found out."

"We'll make sure Kim doesn't spill the beans," said Alya, who just caught up and was standing beside Marinette. "If not, I'll just blackmail him."

"I don't think that's going to solve the problem, Alya," said Marinette.

"At least it'd give Ivan some time to plan a confession."

"But I don't want to confess!" Ivan now looked more embarrassed than angry. His reddening was eerily similar to what Marinette had just a few minutes ago.

Marinette bit her lip as she considered the situation. Should she meddle with his affairs? Though Ivan had the body of a bear, he was always gentle and kind. He can be quite short-tempered, but she never saw him hurt anyone. If he really was smitten with someone, then there was no reason for her not to help out. "But you do love this girl, right?"

At this, Ivan's features softened. "With all my heart."

"Then you've got to tell her." Marinette gave the guy an encouraging smile. "If you're having trouble, we can help you out."

"Excuse me, Marinette, but I didn't agree to this." Alya looked disapproving but there was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Marinette snorted. "As if you didn't care enough to resort to blackmailing Kim."

"That guy was getting in my nerves recently," said Alya, smirking as if she could already envision Kim's demise. "But this matchmaking plan could probably lead him to his comeuppance. Very well, this girl shall assist thee."

"I'm going to help as well," declared Felice, who of course, listened to every word of their previous conversation.

"You are?" Marinette was a little surprised at this. She knew Felice was the thoughtful type, but she was never this aggressive at something.

"It all sounds interesting," confessed Felice, smiling brightly. "And Ivan once helped me carry my art supplies, so I'd like to return the favor, if I can."

"Right." Marinette remembered it, of course. Felice once brought a whole trunk of expensive brushes and probably a dozen palettes for painting plus one big and very heavy easel for art class. Nobody told her that the school had most of the equipment and that she didn't need to bring all three hundred sixty five colors. She vaguely recalled Ivan helping her bring the easel to her car after class.

Marinette's thoughts were cut off by Alya's very loud proclamation. "And so 'Operation Help Ivan Confess to His Amoureuse' is currently underway!" The redhead turned to the ravenette and blonde and all nodded, as if they were all in agreement.

"Really guys, you don't have to do this," said Ivan rather timidly, unable to cope up with how fast things were unfolding without his intervention.

"But we insist," said Felice, being pushy for once. "I'd like to show the maiden you're pining just how wonderful of a person you are!"

"What she said," added Alya. But she also turned to Felice with a rather stunned expression. "I didn't peg you for the romantic type, Felice."

Felice simply giggled. "I've seen my share of the genre in films and novels."

"Well, glad to have you on board," said Alya. "If it were only Marinette and me, I might have to do all the work."

"Ha ha, very funny," replied Marinette with an accompanying eye roll. "But you know what needs work? Your horrible naming sense with these operations of yours."

"Hey, I resent that!"

Marinette and Felice laughed and to their surprise, Ivan followed with some deep chuckling. He abruptly stopped, looking embarrassed, but the girls only gave him a warm smile.

"So…" Alya took the lead and faced the three other teens. "Now that we've established the team, I think one question needs to be answered – who's the lucky lady?"

At this question – and the synchronized turning of the girls' heads towards him – Ivan grew even redder. His ears and neck turned as scarlet as a fire hydrant as he softly whispered a name. "It's Mylène…"

Marinette and Alya promptly squealed while Felice looked on with a radiant smile. Ivan wasn't done being confused when the screaming was gone in a moment and Alya looked deadly serious as she regarded the two other girls. "Well, girls, we've got our target. Now let's get to thinking up the perfect plan for Ivan's confession."

"Let's share our ideas during lunch break," added Marinette. "Then we can try and see which one will work. The same goes for you too, Ivan."

Ivan looked like he was still trying to catch up to the conversation. "Me?"

"Yes, of course, you're the one who's doing the talking, not us," quipped Alya. Ivan visibly swallowed at this.

"Right, then, after lunch it is," concluded Marinette. She turned to go, but was interrupted by the honking of a black limousine. The vehicle parked near them, wondering if Felice forgot something in her car. However, as the car's window dropped, the visage of a perfect young man graced them and Marinette suddenly felt like her breath was stowed away.

"Felice!" called Adrien, looking relieved from inside the vehicle. "I was afraid you've gone inside the school already." Adrien's gaze was on Felice but Marinette felt her whole body tense. "I completely forgot to tell you that Father invited us for dinner this evening. I already gave Brent the exact address, so I'll see you later then?"

Felice brightened at the news. "Yes, of course!"

"That's what I wanted to hear." Adrien noticed Marinette and with his stare on her, she completely froze still like a statue. "It's nice to see you again, Marinette."

"Yeah, you're nice too. I mean I've seen you again nicely. Ugh…" What was she doing stuttering and mumbling on her words like that. "That is to say, I-"

"Adriekins~!"

One moment, Marinette was embarrassing herself in front of Adrien and then the next she found herself sprawled on the ground. The cause was a blonde girl pressing her face on the window of the limousine, trying to get to the man inside, who visibly looked uncomfortable.

Chloé failed to notice the glare Marinette was giving her. "Ohmigosh Adrien, it's been so long since I've seen you," she cooed in the sickly tone she only used to those she was interested in.

"Hello Chloé." Ever the gentleman, Adrien did not take offense at Chloé's outrageous behavior. "It's also nice to see you. And thank you for taking care of Felice."

"Of course, I'm always treating her as if she was my little sister."

Felice looked puzzled at that. "But I'm older than you."

Chloé pressed on, despite Felice's comment. "So, Adrien, what are you doing here?" Then, she feigned surprise. "Could it be that you came here just to see me?"

"Er, sorry to burst your bubble," said Alya with extreme incredulity in her tone. "But he came for his sister."

Chloé ignored this remark as well. "So, are you coming inside? Or would you rather I accompany you inside your car? I can skip school for you, Adrien."

"Ah, no, don't skip school for anyone, Chloé," said Adrien. "And could you please lower your voice? I don't want anyone to see me here."

"Why would I do that?" If possible, Chloé's voice was louder than ever. A few students even looked at what was going on. "What's the big deal if Adrien Agreste came to visit m-"

Whatever Chloé wanted to say was lost in the multitude of screams and squeals that erupted after the celebrity's name was dropped. "Oh my God, it's Adrien Agreste!"

Marinette felt like an earthquake suddenly struck. As if she was used to it, Felice took her arm and pulled her out of the way of what could be a raging stampede of wild animals. Alya saw them coming and leaped out just in time while Ivan narrowly avoided getting flattened. Chloé, however, had no luck and was consequently drowned in the stream of rabid fangirls. The window was quickly closed, the engine whirred to life and the limousine quickly left, followed closely by a few fanatics.

"What just happened?" Ivan was panting hard, like he just avoided being crushed by a huge elephant.

"Never underestimate the power of obsessive fangirls," said Alya cryptically. "I thought I'd only see the phenomenon in Japan."

Marinette was still reeling from the shock of it all. "Now I understand why he needs that silly hat and glasses." Then she turned to Felice. "And thanks for pulling me out in time, Felice."

"Don't worry, I'm used to it." Felice answered with a smile. Then her face fell, as if she arrived at a certain thought. "I hope Chloé was able to escape in one piece."

"She'll be fine," replied Alya, her tone dripping thick with disdain. "It'll take more than a stampede to stop her."

And surprisingly, Felice agreed with a nod.

"Well, we better get to class then," said Marinette. Felice and Ivan nodded and started heading towards the stairs, making small talk as they did. Marinette followed them, with Alya in tow.

"It's really looking grim, Marinette," stated Alya.

"What?" Marinette's head whipped back to the redhead behind her. "We haven't even started planning for Ivan yet!"

"Oh no, I'm not talking about him." Marinette did not like the mischievous look on Alya's face. "Adrien's got her adoring fan girls and now there's Chloé added into the mix. Competition's tough, that's for sure."

Marinette couldn't avoid letting out an exasperated sigh. "For the last time, I'm not interested in Adrien Agreste!"

Alya did an impression of Marinette's voice before childishly giggling. "Yeah, you're nice, too!"

"Ugh, Alya, could you please drop the issue now? We're trying to help Ivan out, if you didn't't notice."

"Alright, I'm sorry." Alya looked quite far from apologetic however as she stared Marinette down with sincerity and ferocity on her eyes. "But if you change your mind and you do think you like Adrien Agreste, then I'll be supporting you one hundred percent, girl"

"Thanks, Alya." The sentiment was not lost on Marinette. She just hoped she won't be enlisting her best friend's help soon.

- o - 0 - o -

"So girls…" Alya turned to notice a huge shadow almost covering her whole body. "And Ivan. What have we got?"

"I got Mylène's position on the ready," reported Marinette. The four teenagers were huddled together in the courtyard, attracting a few stares from passing students. "Rose and Juleka invited her for lunch in the cafeteria and will be near the lockers in approximately fifteen minutes."

"That's enough time to concoct a full-proof plan." Alya regarded Felice inquiringly next.

"I compiled a few of Mylène's preferences," announced Felice, taking out a notebook. "She likes flowers and nature in general. Her hobbies are hiking and sometimes, miming. It seems she is more attracted to men with gentle and kind demeanors."

"Perfect," said Alya, eyeing a twitching Ivan. Marinette and Felice stared at him too before nodding together. "It's your turn, Ivan. What have you got?"

"I really don't know, Alya." Ivan shifted his gaze, unable to look at the girls' faces. "I'm no good at speaking."

"I'm sure you can think of something to say," said Marinette. "Maybe you can write it down and then memorize it?"

"That's a good idea, Marinette." Alya and Felice nodded. Then, the redhead yelled in alarm as she looked at her mobile phone. "Oh God, it's almost time." She then stared at the group with single-minded determination. "Team, let's split up. Felice and I will procure the flowers while Marinette will help Ivan with his speech. Capiche?"

"Right," replied Marinette with the same level of resoluteness.

"Good. Let's go, Felice." The two girls did not waste a single second as they quickly went on their way.

Ivan watched the girls go. "I appreciate the help, Marinette, but I think I'm not up for this."

"Don't think like that, Ivan," said Marinette, putting a hand on the boy's back. "Mylene is a great girl. She'd at least listen to what you have to say."

Ivan brightened a little at this fact. "You think so?"

"I know so! So, what about that little speech?"

"I'm not that confident," confessed Ivan. "I haven't done something like this before."

Marinette crossed her arms so that she could think better. There must be something that will make Ivan more self-assured. Her gaze shifted to Ivan's black shirt and the two crossing bones on the design. Her eyes widened as an idea popped on her head. "Ivan, aren't you a singer?"

"Hm? Oh yeah."

"Do you write songs often?" There was a gleam on Marinette's eyes as she asked the question.

"Sometimes," answered Ivan, scratching his head in embarrassment.

"Then you've got to write Mylene a song!" Marinette had to mentally tell herself not to squeal.

"A song?" Ivan's face stiffened in surprise, but his eyes showed that he was taking the suggestion into consideration.

"Yes, that way, you won't be so nervous, too!" Marinette was on a roll. "And it'll be quite romantic!"

"Yeah, that could work…" Ivan looked positively happy as he shook the girl's hands. "Thank you so much, Marinette! I'll go work on the song and I'll meet you later."

"No problem, Ivan!" shouted Marinette as the big guy hastily made his way back to the classroom. As Ivan waved back at her, she was so pleased with herself at the suggestion.

Tikki shared the same sentiment. "That was a great idea, Marinette!" whispered the fairy from beneath the girl's pouch. "And it was kind of you, Felice and Alya to help him out."

"Well, the less negativity the better, right?" Marinette smiled at the kwami as she pulled out her phone to text Alya about the serenade plan. "This way, there'd be less fodder for Hawk Moth and his minions!"

- o - 0 - o -

Mariposa dithered. She was due to report to Lord Hawk Moth inside his private chamber, but she was having second thoughts. She still had no Miraculous in her possession and she was not looking forward to seeing the others' smug expressions. Especially that brat - every fiber of Mariposa's being despised that snot-nosed, flimsy-looking, arrogant girl!

"Mariposa, how lovely it is to see you." Oh great, now the fake gentleman was here. Luciferin looked ridiculous with the overly long top hat, bright crimson jacket and conceited grin. He was definitely over the moon with her failures no doubt. "Shouldn't you come in already? Lord Hawk Moth was never a patient man."

It took all of Mariposa's willpower to avoid grinding her teeth to dust. "Of course, do you really think I'd be dilly-dallying when I'm obviously summoned? Unlike other people, the master see me important enough to call me to a meeting."

Mariposa was glad to see Luciferin's face turn sour. But the man still had the guts to snap back at her. "I don't see it fit to waste our master's time with delusions of grandeur. I let my actions do the talking."

Luciferin turned on his back and hobbled away, ignoring Mariposa as she grunted in disgust. This is nothing but a minor setback, she thought, burning holes at the man's retreating form. She will definitely be the one to defeat the Pretty Cure and retrieve their Miraculouses.

- o - 0 - o -

"Do you really think this is gonna work?" There was a dubious look on Ivan's face, in contrast to the eager expression he once wore when Marinette touched the serenade idea. He was holding a bouquet of tulips, courtesy of Felice and Alya, who had quickly regrouped with Marinette once they were done with their task. The four teenagers were now hiding behind a row of lockers, pointedly glancing every second or so at the adorable Mylène – a short and chubby girl with her blonde hair fashioned in multi-colored dreadlocks – having small talk with Rose and Juleka. Most of their classmates were also in the vicinity, waiting for the bell to ring. Fortunately, Kim was not around; though Marinette didn't think he'd try to disrupt their plan, his very presence might force Ivan to do something reckless.

"Trust me, Ivan," said Marinette in a tone full of confidence. "Mylène won't be able to resist you after she hears your song!"

"And a song written just for her, no less," added Alya, fanning herself. "If someone did that to me, I'll be really impressed."

"What's more impressive is that you finished it in just ten minutes." Felice's smile was positive and encouraging. "I'm sure Mylène would appreciate the effort."

"Felice's right, Ivan." Marinette gave Ivan a pat in the back and the boy seemed to have a calmed down a little. "As long as Mylène knows you're interested in her, you've got a chance. We can think about what to do next once you've confessed your feelings to her."

Ivan breathed in and out until he was ready. "Alright, I'm gonna go for it!"

"Go Ivan!" cheered Marinette as the huge teen made his presence known.

Juleka was first to notice Ivan, who pulled out his phone and put in a nearby bench. His nervousness was very obvious as his shaking hands opened a note – the one Marinette knew held the lyrics to his newly finished song. By this time, Rose and Mylène have also spotted him.

Ivan fidgeted as he pressed a button on his phone, held the paper with two hands and faced the apple of his eye. "M-mylène, um, th-this song for you…"

Marinette looked on with uncontrollable anticipation as she raised her heels to look more closely. Felice and Alya were on each side of her, quietly observing the event, though it was pretty clear they were excited to see their perfect plan implemented.

As Ivan opened his mouth to sing, a loud noise blared out of his phone and Marinette instinctively closed her ears. She could not even hear a word of what Ivan was singing! The sound was earsplitting and she watched as a few students ran away from the source. She watched as Mylène escaped with them and Ivan stopped abruptly after seeing her go.

"Oh no…" Marinette glanced at Felice and Alya, who were shocked at both the music and the situation.

Ivan roared as he crumpled the note, took his phone and stomped out towards the school's entrance. Marinette quickly went to him, Felice following closely but Alya seemed to hang back. "Ivan, wait!"

Fury seeped through Ivan's words as he spat it out. "It didn't work, Marinette."

"I'm sorry, Ivan; I didn't think you'd use heavy metal music to serenade Mylène." In retrospect, Marinette should have asked what genre Ivan played.

Ivan grunted, but it was a less angry noise. "Forget it, Marinette."

"Ivan, wait, maybe we can-" Marinette's words were cut out by the sudden appearance of Kim, who just entered the academy. Kim looked at the huge boy with a haughty expression and went on his way, putting fuel to the fire that had been raging inside Ivan's mind.

To Marinette's shock, Ivan suddenly sprinted out of the school and into the yard. She looked at his retreating back, feeling helpless that she couldn't do anything for her friend. Worse, she practically ruined Ivan's chances at wooing Mylène.

"Marinette, we have to follow him." Felice touched her arm gently, looking very worried.

Marinette nodded. There was time for apologies and blame, but this was definitely not the right moment.

- o - 0 - o -

Ivan knew Marinette and her friends were only trying to help. But he couldn't prevent the fury from bubbling up within him, as he stomped out of the school building and into the courtyard. He was planning to go home for the afternoon; hopefully his temper would have receded by then.

Still, he couldn't stop his thoughts from raging on. Ivan painstakingly made the song for Mylène, but she didn't even stay to hear it all. And Kim's smug face as he looked at him – it was incredibly infuriating! Ivan will make them pay someday.

"How positively precious! I like the murderous look on your face, young man."

"What?" Ivan turned his head skyward to see the weirdest man he had ever seen. Standing on top of the school's outer fence, this man wore a red collared formal jacket, yellow-and-black striped pants and a pair of brown shoes. His top hat resembled a light bulb, with the black and red colors. His pointed features somehow kept Ivan from moving and the boy shivered at the menacing look in the man's amethyst-colored eyes.

Luciferin eyed Ivan like a predator finding unexpected prey. "Righteous fury from a heartbroken man is definitely something. Won't you tell me what's bothering you?"

For some reason, Ivan felt like he could pour his heart out into this man. "Mylène won't even give me a moment of her time. Kim called me a coward even though I'm not!"

"Yes, yes, go on, let it all out."

Ivan's rage was all-consuming and uncontrollable, contorted into a destructive force. "And my friends kept pushing me to confess, even when I knew I would fail!"

"And there would be nothing more satisfying than wreaking vengeance on those who wronged you." There was a manic grin on Luciferin's face as he spun around and pulled out his butterfly tie, crumpling it with one fist. "Now, offer your wrath to Hawk Moth!"

"Akuma, Akuma, hear his plea!" Luciferin continued, watching Ivan's eyes glaze over. He opened his hand to reveal a struggling purple butterfly surrounded by a crimson light. The insect quickly flew towards Ivan, entering his clenched fist to enter the creased paper within. "The butterfly rages, release him, s'il vous plaît!"

An explosion of glowing purple and red energy burst forth from where Ivan stood. It stopped the two girls from their tracks and Luciferin looked greedily at his new creation. A brawny and well-muscled black monster stood, with a red butterfly mask covering its head. Instead of hands and feet, it had huge rocks for fingers and toes and its body was covered in a protective shell of stone. The golem-like Akuma roared, creating a small tempest that blew some dirt off the ground.

Luciferin smiled at the Akuma. With this level of fury on his side, things will be a lot different this time.

- o - 0 - o -

"This is all my fault, Felice," confessed Marinette meekly as the two girls searched for Ivan. For such a huge boy, he was quick on his feet and suddenly disappeared from view. "I shouldn't have pressed him to confess and I shouldn't have suggested the song idea."

"Marinette, that's not true and you know it." Felice faced the dark-haired girl with such fierce determination in her face that Marinette had to step back. Always so graceful and polite, she never expected the blonde to be able make such an expression. "You're the kind of person who would help out anyone in need. And from what I heard about Manon, you were always so considerate. You'd even accept a request from her mother at the last minute!"

Marinette was starting to get embarrassed at all the compliments Felice were throwing her way. Still, she at least wanted to hear something. "So, you don't think I'm being a goody-two-shoes?"

"Is there something wrong with being a goody-two-shoes?" Felice smiled as she regarded her friend. "That's what makes you 'you' Marinette. You wouldn't be who you are without it."

"I completely agree!" added Duusu, the blue peacock kwami as she emerged from Felice's tote bag. "You can still benefit from being a little confident, though. The same way with Felice's awkwardness."

Marinette had to agree with Duusu on that point. Still, it was one charming thing about Felice, as it makes her grounded and closer to average people like them. "Felice wouldn't be Felice without her tendency to misinterpret things."

It was Felice's turn to blush. But it was short-lived as screams could be heard from inside the school. "What's happening?"

Duusu looked like she would be sick. "Oh no…"

Tikki soon mimicked her expression as she came out from Marinette's pouch. "It's an Akuma!"

Marinette bit her lip. Considering the situation, she had a hint on who the victim could be this time. She really hoped she was wrong. She turned to Felice looking alarmed and distraught - she must have gone to the same conclusion as she had. Without wasting another second, the two girls quickly changed course and headed back to the academy.

- o - 0 - o -

"No, wait, aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

"Aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Marinette and Felice arrived just in time to see a rock-covered Akuma take hold of both Kim and Mylène. The two look frightened as the monster roared and brought them outside, using the humongous hole it created in the building's wall. Most of students watched in terror and stayed away from the Akuma, but Marinette could see Alya closely following the monster with her phone on hand.

"Alya, wait!" yelled Marinette but it fell on deaf ears.

"Marinette, we've got to help Mylène and Kim!" Thankfully, Felice was there to help her focus one problem at a time.

"Right. Time to clean up this mess." Marinette quickly headed towards the monster-sized hole on the wall, with Felice tailing her close behind. A purple cocoon awaited them outside, with a huge burly boy trapped within.

"Ivan!" cried Felice.

"So it was Ivan who got victimized by the Akuma!" said Marinette, all feelings of despair returning in her system. She could her the roar of the monster as it rampaged on the street across the school.

"We've got to help him, Marinette!" Felice looked serious as Duusu emerged once more.

"Right." Marinette saw Tikki floating beside her and nodded. She focused on getting back Ivan - she can deal with her own negative feelings later.

Marinette touched her ladybug earrings, feeling the sudden surge of power as Tikki entered the jewels. Felice clasped her peacock pin, letting Duusu closed in on it and a small whirlwind spiraled around her. With two synchronized voices and the figures of a circle and three-feathered wing shining before them, they called out for the courage to stand up and fight. "Pretty Cure Miraculous Metamorphosis!"

- o - 0 - o -

Alya followed the golem Akuma as it made a racket in an busy urban street. She watched as Kim screamed like a little girl, in contrast to the more collected Mylène, who was smart enough not to annoy her captor with such annoyances. She might have enjoyed catching his pathetic screams on camera, but a bigger problem arose as the monster stop and look at Kim.

"Who's the coward now, Kim?" The unmistakable voice of Ivan came out of the monster, stopping Alya in her tracks.

"Oh no! Ivan's the victim?" The realization made her stomach sick.

In response, Kim screamed some more. The Akuma was having none of it though. "Will you shut up, you loud crybaby?"

And to Alya's horror, the Akuma threw Kim away, sending him flying towards a building. He screamed some more and if not for her dedication to getting everything in camera, Alya would have closed her eyes and braced for the impact there and then. But a black-and-red blur caught the flying jock just in time, while what looked a blue-feathered bird kicked the Akuma's back, making it tumble forward.

"The light of fortune that blooms over the land…" The dark-haired heroine landed on the ground, with Kim safe and sound beside her. "Cure Ladybug!"

"The light of compassion that shimmers in the wind…" Her golden-haired partner nimbly approached the earth and alighted gracefully. "Cure Plume!"

"Shine! The bright lights that guide the world!" Standing side by side, the two Pretty Cures spun on their heels, doing their own poses at the end of their routine. "Miraculous Pretty Cure!"

"Bravo, bravo!" Alya couldn't help but cheer, not noticing at how embarassed the two heroines were for being forced to recite such taglines by a hyperactive blue fairy.

"Al - I mean you girl over there!" Cure Ladybug faced her and Alya couldn't help but squeal. "Can you help this young man find his bearings?"

Kim looked absolutely pathetic as he hyperventilated. Alya would have let him be, but there was no way she'd refuse helping out a Pretty Cure. Speaking of helping out… "Our classmate Mylène was captured by the Akuma! I think the Akuma's victim this time was Ivan, but he liked Mylène so hopefully he won't let her be harmed."

Cure Ladybug looked a bit thoughtful at this fact. Alya expected the Pretty Cure to nod and thank her profusely, not look like she got the situation well-read and under control. Still, they were the Pretty Cure, so Alya bet they always knew what was going on.

"Thank you for the information." It was Cure Plume who showed the appreciation, but Alya was giddily happy nevertheless.

"Y-yes, thank you!" Is it just Alya or did Cure Ladybug looked like she was recovering from a previous blunder? "You should stay away from the Akuma, alright?"

"Yes, absolutely, Cure Ladybug!" And with that, the two heroines were gone, heading towards the Akuma, which was just getting up.

"I've got to tell Marinette that the Pretty Cures thanked me!" Alya was so excited as she pulled out her phone to construct a text message.

- o - 0 - o -

With Alya finally - and hopefully - out of the way, Cure Ladybug set her sights on the Akuma. It was a rather humongous black thing and tough-looking too, with its stone-like protective coverings that reminded her of a turtle's carapace. The ugly red butterfly mask on its face glinted in the noontime sun and the sooner it was turned into pieces, the better.

Cure Ladybug launched into the air, aiming a fist at the Akuma's head. However, the monster recovered just in time and parried her attack by covering its face with its free arm. Cure Plume seemed to have the same idea, as her feet landed on the stony flesh moments after her attack connected. This was a big mistake, however, as the Akuma swiped his hand and the two Pretty Cures were thrown out of balance and fell on the ground painfully.

A faint beep reminded Cure Ladybug that she should always be careful. She did not have time to think more though, as a huge shadow fell over her. She did not even need to look up to know that the Akuma was trying to squish her with its rock-hard feet. The Pretty Cure rolled over, narrowly avoiding being literally crushed underfoot.

While the heroine tried to get her bearings, she heard her partner yell and land a swift kick on the monster's shins. It didn't have much of an effect, as the abomination tried to flatten her with its free hand. The other was still clasped over the worried Mylène. She looked frightened, but otherwise calm and unharmed. This was a bit odd to Cure Ladybug, after saving a horrified and screaming Kim.

"What are you doing, Akuma?" Cure Ladybug saw Luciferin appear on a nearby building rooftop, looking quite incensed. "Get rid of that girl on your other hand so you can fight the Pretty Cure with both!"

Aha! So it wasn't part of the villain's plan. Cure Ladybug could work with that, as she rushed towards the monster's feet, unleashing a rather forceful punch. The attack did nothing at the hard granite, but it shocked the monster to tumble away. Cure Plume quickly followed up by sending her fan towards the mask, but it was deflected by the arm holding Mylène. Cure Ladybug's suspicions were confirmed when the monster made sure to the captured girl won't be harmed with the blocking maneuver, using its arm instead of the fist that held Mylène.

However, the next sequence of events were not what Cure Ladybug expected. "If you're not going to do it," roared Luciferin, his top hat emanating a deep shade of red. "Then I will!"

The villain took out his top hat and sent it flying towards Mylène. The hat's brim turned into a sharp blade mid-flight, transforming into a horrible buzzsaw! Both Cures were taken aback by the sudden development, but both were too late to do anything.

"No!" cried Cure Ladybug as the hat-saw almost reached Mylène. Opposite her, Cure Plume threw her fan to repel the weapon, but she looked helplessly desperate. Just when they would hear a blade connecting flesh, there was a clang of metal hitting metal.

"What?!" Luciferin looked outraged. He was a gruesome sight to see, but turned slightly comical as he avoided his own hat, which was sent back to him. When he was safe from his own weapon, he eyed the newcomer who repelled his attack with disdain. "You…"

Cure Ladybug found herself looking at a tall, lean young man dressed in skin-tight black leather. Atop his messy blonde hair were a pair of black cat ears and covering his emerald-colored eyes was a mask. "Chat Noir?"

"Hey there, buginette!" Chat Noir greeted her like they coincidentally met on a busy street on a warm sunny day. "Long time no see! Did you miss me while I was away?"

Cure Ladybug stared at him with incredulity on her expression. The last time she met Chat Noir was when he tried talking her out of being a Pretty Cure. And she remembered Tikki's warning about him, even though he claimed he was an ally. Still, he was the one who saved Mylène, hitting the incoming buzzsaw with the long steel staff he carried.

Cure Plume looked righteously piqued at the new arrival. "Do you know him, Cure Ladybug?"

"What?" Chat Noir looked dramatically hurt, putting a hand over his chest. "My name didn't even come up in small talk between you two lovely ladies? Me-ouch!"

Cure Plume giggled at the pun while Cure Ladybug just rolled her eyes. She watched as Chat Noir made his way to the blue Cure, doing a small bow at her. "Chat Noir, cat extraordinaire, at your service, little birdie."

"Little birdie?" Cure Plume raised an eyebrow at the nickname.

Chat Noir winked before turning back to Luciferin, whose hat had finally returned. His eyes turned into thin slits, surprising Cure Ladybug. "I don't like men who thinks they can get away with threatening and hurting ladies. Especially ladies who can't fight back."

That was rather chivalrous of him, thought Cure Ladybug. Luciferin looked mighty angered at the cat-boy, but did not even open his mouth to speak. Which was pretty odd, the heroine concluded.

The Akuma roared, pulling Cure Ladybug out of the commotion of Chat Noir's sudden arrival. It still had Mylène captured on one hand, but the monster was now shouting its inner thoughts. Or more accurately - Ivan's inner thoughts. "I didn't wanna do it; I didn't wanna confess!"

"Ivan.." Once again, Cure Ladybug thoughts of guilt and shame returned.

"But they forced me to do it!" bellowed the monster, stomping its feet like it was some kind of tantrum. "I failed even though I tried so hard, it's making my blood boil!"

"That's enough!" Cure Plume's voice cut through the Akuma's words like knife through butter. She had an intense look in her eyes as she pointed at the Akuma. "Don't you think you've embarrassed yourself enough in front of the girl you like?"

The Akuma pointedly look at the girl trapped in its hand. "I… But I…"

"Courage isn't something you're given!" shouted Cure Plume, looking uncharacteristically aggressive for once. "Courage is something you make for yourself. It might be difficult at the start or you might think it'd be all in vain but…" The blue Pretty Cure looked positively bright as she poured her heart out. "But it's all an experience I'd rather have! Than to never even try at all!"

"I.. But I…" Cure Plume's passion got through the Akuma, as it faltered where it stood. Cure Ladybug expected it to have that effect though, even she was moved! "I really loved Mylène…"

"I'm sure you do…" said Cure Plume simply and gently.

"That's enough, you bumbling Akuma!" roared Luciferin, his face disfigured with intense fury. "Get the Pretty Cure or you'll face my eternal wrath!"

A red aura forced the Akuma to stand back and fight. But Cure Plume's words filled Cure Ladybug with pure passion as she dodged through all the monster's furious punches. It was rather easy to avoid them all, with the monster only using one hand to fight. Arriving at its feet, Cure Ladybug threw her yo-yo out, its string wrapping around the abomination's free arm. If they can't take the mask from a distance, then they'd just have to close in on the target.

The yo-yo pulled Cure Ladybug up, but the Akuma swung his arm to dislodge it. The heroine anticipated this movement, had the yo-yo let go of the arm and twisted in the consequent free fall for a while, before catching Cure Plume's soaring fan as it swept towards the monster's head. Cure Ladybug let go as the monster repelled the wing-like weapon once more with its free arm, but its other arm was hovering just beneath Cure Ladybug's feet. Letting gravity put more oomph on her legs, the heroine kicked on the arm with all the power she can muster. The rock-like covering on the arm broke under the pressure of an ultra-powered kick and its palm opened up. Mylène yelled as she suddenly found herself falling to the ground, but she was quickly caught by a prepared Cure Plume, who even caught her returning fan in mid-air.

Meanwhile, the drill kick on the arm propelled Cure Ladybug even higher, passing the Akuma's head in an instant. With a twist of an arm and a loud yell, she sent her yo-yo towards the mask one last time. The weapon crushed the ugly crimson cover into a thousand pieces.

"Go for it, Cure Plume!" Gravity claimed Cure Ladybug as she tilted away from the Akuma, which fell on its knees now that its mask was gone.

Cure Plume deposited Mylène safely on the ground before taking out her weapon once more. "This refreshing breeze shall show you true compassion", she chanted as an uplifting gale surrounded her and her fan. "Pretty Cure…" When her fan shone exceptionally bright, she swiped it with all her might. "Feather Storm!"

A burst of wind swept through the Akuma, carrying mystical teal feathers that closed in and dispelled the darkness covering the abomination. With the black goo dissipating into nothingness, a crumpled paper was left. A shiny butterfly in pure white color came out of it and flew towards the radiant sun, following a warm breeze. Back in the school courtyard, a confused Ivan was released from his prison.

"Ciao, pretty butterfly." Cure Plume looked satisfied as thousands of teal feathers started repairing the damage all around them.

"This isn't the end, Pretty Cures!" Luciferin looked outraged as he used his elongated top hat to escape. "I will have my vengeance soon!"

Cure Ladybug watched the villain go with a sigh of relief. Then, remembering a certain person in black, he tired looking around but saw no sign that Chat Noir paid them a visit. Mylène looked a little confused but otherwise unharmed and the girl looked at Cure Plume, who approached her with a familiar creased note on her hands.

Cure Plume smiled as she gave the paper to Mylène. "I think you will find the content of this paper interesting," the heroine told her. "And I have the suspicion that you know who to give it back to."

Mylène blushed at this. Maybe there was still hope after all, thought Cure Ladybug.

- o - 0 - o -

"I'm so happy for Ivan!" Marinette couldn't help but giggle once in a while, recounting the next set of events after the Akuma mess was taken care of. Due to Cure Plume's quick thinking and intervention, Mylène was able to read - and understand, that was the most important part - the song Ivan had written for her. Touched at the guy's expression of adoration, Mylène hugged the puzzled big guy, who looked like he just won the lottery. "It'll be just a matter of time before those two get together!"

"I agree," whispered Tikki from her purse. Marinette was alone on her way back to her house, but nobody seemed to notice that she was talking to what could be a stuffed toy.

"And did you see Felice doing that passionate speech? It was so unlike her."

"I'd say." Tikki paused like she was contemplating something. "We still have to talk her about the Pretty Cures though."

Marinette groaned at this. "Really, how could we miss out that again?" Speaking of missing out, there was something on her mind, too. "That Chat Noir, he disappears as quickly as he appears, huh? I wonder what could be his real intentions?"

At this, Tikki did not have a suitable reply. Or did she keep herself from replying? Marinette wondered which one was it. Still, her fairy was nothing but supportive, so she knew Tikki would tell her if it was important.

Marinette was deep in her thoughts that she completely did not hear someone calling from the road beside her. "Marinette! Hey, Marinette!"

Marinette jumped at the sudden interruption. "Ahhh, what? Where?"

To her absolute shock, a young man with stylish blonde hair and green eyes was chuckling at her expense. His limousine was matching her every step, with the window opened to unveil the perfect portrait of Adrien Agreste.

"A-a-adrien!" Marinette's stammering was getting worse and she started to have a faint idea why.

"You looked like you could use a ride," said Adrien. It took all of Marinette's willpower not to stare open-mouthed at him. "Hop in and we'll take you to your house."

"What? But! Err, I uh…"

"You live on that wonderful boulangerie just across the park, right?" Then Adrien smiled thoughtfully. "And before you could ask, I know that because I'm a regular customer, not a stalker, alright?"

If girls could melt under the afternoon sun, Marinette would be the textbook example of the phenomenon. She could even feel her brain short circuit. Surprisingly, being brain-dead enabled her to spout a few sensible words. "House close! Not bother! Dinner with Felice! So just walk."

Adrien took Marinette's impressions of a robot good-naturedly. "Well, I guess it's close enough to walk." With his face rapidly disappearing under the raising window, Marinette could finally release the air she didn't know she was holding. "I'll see you around, Marinette!" And then he was gone.

With the car and its occupant out of sight, Marinette felt an extreme sense of longing. True, Adrien Agreste was so handsome he could kill her with just one grin, but his kindness and sensitivity always brought a smile on her face. And butterflies on her stomach. Maybe there was an Akuma mixed in there somewhere?

Tikki's worried voice rang out. "Marinette, are you okay?"

"No, I think I'll be sick," confessed Marinette . Then using all the courage within her, she finally admitted to something that was always on the back her mind. "And I think I'm falling for Adrien Agreste."

- o - 0 - o -

Author's Note:

And so I'm trying to save face by putting up these chapters as quick as I could.

This was a rather fun chapter to write, despite it's filler-y content. Still, I think it's necessary to establish Marinette's romantic interest on Adrien slowly but surely up to the point she'll be all gaga about him like she currently is in ML. And some character development for both Mari and Felice. Oh yeah, this chapter also features a short appearance of Chat Noir - I hope you guys didn't forget about him. He'll pop up from time to time to help out the Cures, so look forward to his continuous presence and horrible cat puns.

And truthfully, the fast update was helped by the fact that Hugtto Precure had a recently amazing episode. Sufficed to say, it inspired me to keep writing when I'd otherwise procrastinate.

Anyway, see you in the next update! Toodles~