Again, chapters are updated off their normal schedule. I'm sorry for any confusion this causes, and I apologize if you hate not knowing when updates will occur. I'll resume the schedule once I get my phone back full time.
Edited: June 9, 2021
Chapter Six
Marinette Dupain-Cheng
The familiar sensation of her transformation washed over Marinette; her civilian clothes becoming covered by the black leather suit. When her transformation was complete, Marinette jumped out her window and dashed along the rooftops towards the school. She knew why Alya had been akumatized, and she wished she had realized this possibility sooner.
Music and shouting drew Marinette's attention before she could even get past the first rooftop. Curious, she crept along the roof and peeked over the edge. There, in the courtyard, was Marinette's entire class. Alya was standing on a platform; a microphone clutched in her hand. Behind her was Juleka on the guitar and Rose singing backup chords. Unnerved by the whole situation, Marinette ducked back behind the rooftop and whispered, "Claws out." Her suit faded away, spitting Plagg into the air. She grabbed the Kwami and shoved him in her purse before making her way down to the courtyard. When she arrived, Alya stopped singing, motioning for Rose and Juleka to stop as well.
"Marinette! Happy birthday!" Akumatized Alya rushed down off the platform and wrapped her arms around Marinette's neck before dragging the raven over to the platform, chattering the whole way about how the world is so much better without adults. She hopped back onto the platform and bellowed for Juleka and Rose to begin playing and singing again, glaring at the guests until they started dancing once more.
A skinny boy with huge glasses sagged against the wall, sweat pouring down his face. He was obviously exhausted, but Alya didn't seem to care. "Max! You better start dancing again!"
"I-I'm too tired, Al...ya."
Alya narrowed her eyes and yanked out her bubble wand, pointing it at Max. "Well, if you're so tired, why don't you take a nice long nap in the sky." In one swift moment, Max was enclosed in a bubble and floating up to the sky. The other guests froze, watching Max disappear into the clouds. Alya turned her fierce stare on them. "Do you want to be next!?" she demanded, waving her bubble wand towards them. They all shook their heads and began swaying again, their eyes now wide with fear.
"Alya, this isn't right," Marinette said, turning to her friend. Alya waved off her worry.
"Nonsense. They love this. Right guys?"
The guests nodded furiously in unison. Alya turned back to Marinette, grinning widely. "See?"
But Marinette still wasn't convinced. She desperately hoped Beetlebug showed up soon. She wasn't sure how much longer her classmates would last.
Adrien Agreste
Dressed in his red and black spotted suit, Adrien jumped off his balcony onto the school building, but the Bubbler appeared to be long gone. He unclipped his yo-yo, attempting to contact Chat Noire, but she couldn't be reached. Sighing, Adrien clipped the weapon back to his hip.
Where would this villain go next? To find that answer, Adrien had to determine what had caused the akumatization. He knew the Bubbler was Alya, but what would make Alya mad enough to transform into a villain? And what was the deal with the disappearing parents?
Adrien knew Marinette's mother was pretty strict, and Alya was Marinette's best friend. Was it possible Sabine Dupain-Cheng was the reason Alya had been akumatized?
Well, there's only one way to find out.
Adrien dropped down on the rooftop, drawn to the courtyard by the loud music. Shuffling along on the pavement was his classmates, including akumatized Alya. Everyone looked downright miserable (minus Alya, of course). Marinette, who Adrien assumed was the person this party was being thrown for, was sending apologetic glances to her classmates. It was obvious she felt this was her fault.
Adrien slid down onto the ground, detransformed from Beetlebug, and rushed out onto the courtyard. He slid in beside Nino, matching the boy's movements. "What's going on?" he asked, his gaze moving along the crowd as he waited for Nino's response.
"Alya...she won't let us stop dancing. She sent Max into the sky because he was too tired to go on." Nino's words were practically a pant, showing just how exhausted the boy was. "Mari is the only one who doesn't have to dance."
No wonder Marinette felt this was her fault.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng
There was still no sign of Beetlebug, and the "guests" were becoming more and more tired with each passing minute. Marinette turned to Alya, an idea sparking. "Why don't we take a break for refreshments? I'm starving, and I'm sure everyone else is as well."
Alya froze, eyes widening. "Oh, yeah! I'll, uh, go grab that." She rushed out of the courtyard; Marinette turned to her classmates, another apologetic smile on her lips. And then, not knowing what else to do, she turned and dashed away, transforming into Chat Noire the moment she was out of sight.
She clambered onto the roof of the mansion and seated herself on the floor, her baton open as she attempted to contact Beetlebug. She groaned and threw her head back when her request was rejected for what felt like the hundredth time. Her grip on the weapon tightened when the soft thump of feet hitting the rooftop sounded from her right. She whirled around, staff held in front of her, but her stance relaxed a moment later when she saw who it was.
"Took you long enough," she muttered, lowering her arm to her side and shooting Beetlebug an annoyed glare as she plopped herself back on the roof. Beetlebug chuckled and slid down beside her.
"Sorry. I got caught up in that party." He jerked his thumb back to the courtyard.
Marinette nodded. Before either of them could say another word, Alya returned. Marinette peeked over the edge and watched as Alya entered the courtyard, balancing a cake in her hands. The cake was massive and probably cost a fortune, but Alya, being akumatized and having sent all the adults into the air, had probably gotten it for free.
The cake fell from her hands no sooner had she entered the courtyard, splattering icing across the pavement and all over the guests asleep across the courtyard.
"What are you guys doing!?" Alya shrieked, causing the students to bolt awake, fearful expressions painted on their faces. "This is a party! You're supposed to be partying, not sleeping!" She grabbed the bubble wand resting on her waist and raised it into the air.
"No!" Marinette shouted, diverting Alya's attention. Alya whirled around, her eyes narrowing when her gaze fixed on Marinette. "Are you here to crash my party, little kitty?" she challenged, raising her wand at the superheroine.
"This isn't a party. This is a nightmare."
Alya's glare intensified. "How dare you! This is the best party anyone has ever thrown!"
"Parties are supposed to be fun," Beetlebug said, jumping up beside his partner. "And no one is having fun at this party."
Alya's face became red with fury. "Shut up, both of you!" She waved her wand and encased both heroes in a bubble. "I refuse to let you two mangy mutts ruin my party!" And, with that, she sent their bubble into the air.
Adrien Agreste
The bubble rose into the sky. Adrien watched the nightmarish birthday celebration shrink until his classmates became too small to make out. Despite the seriousness of the situation, all Chat Noire could focus on was the insult Bubbler had thrown at them.
"I'm not a mangy mutt," she whimpered. Adrien rolled his eyes.
"Focus, Chat. We have bigger problems."
She turned to him, eyes pleading. "Do you think I'm a mangy mutt?"
Adrien sighed. "No, Chat, of course I don't think you're a mangy mutt. Now, can we please focus on getting out of here and saving Paris?"
She blinked at him and then nodded, turning her attention back to the city floating away below them.
"We're at the Eiffel Tower," she said, pointing to the giant steel landmark coming into view. Adrien followed her finger, a plan forming in his mind. He turned to Chat Noire with a grin.
"Chat, would you be kind enough to use your Cataclysm?"
She matched his grin with one of her own, raising her hand and shouting, "Cataclysm!" Her fingers closed around the ball of black energy; she lowered her arm and pressed her palm against the side of the bubble. It disintegrated into dust, and the two heroes began to plummet towards the ground. Adrien wrapped his arm around Chat Noire's waist and threw his yo-yo around the top of the Eiffel Tower, using it to swing them to safety.
Their feet hit solid ground a minute later, but neither hero took any time to celebrate. Instead, they bolted off towards the Dupain-Cheng mansion. This time, however, Adrien had a plan. He wouldn't let them get stuck in another bubble, especially since Chat Noire had already used her special power. They had only until her Miraculous drained to defeat the Bubbler.
They reached the courtyard in record time. Alya whirled around as soon as they stepped in, her face twisted in annoyance. "You again? Why can't you guys leave me alone!" Her bubble wand was in her hand again; she waved it towards them. Chat Noire shoved him out of the way before he could react. "Use your Lucky Charm!" she shouted, dodging yet another bubble. Adrien wasted no time; he threw his yo-yo up and shouted, "Lucky Charm!" There was a flash of red, and then a black and red spotted wrench landed in his hands.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng
Marinette dodged another bubble, hoping Beetlebug would figure out a plan soon. She could only keep out of these bubbles for so long, and her earrings had already beeped for a second time, warning her of the three minutes she had before her transformation wore off.
Beetlebug lunged towards one of the pipes, using the wrench he had received from his Lucky Charm to undo one part from the other. Air spewed out of the pipe, blowing away the bubbles Alya was shooting from her bubble wand. Frustrated, Alya raised her wand higher, but Beetlebug's yo-yo wrapped around the wand before she could shoot out another bubble. He yanked the string; the wand snapped. Alya collapsed to her knees, an angry scream ripping from her throat. Beetlebug captured the released akuma in his yo-yo, allowing the white, purified butterfly to fly away a moment later. Alya's pink and blue akuma suit slipped away.
Marinette's earrings beeped again; one toe remained on the paw print. "I gotta run," she said, waving hastily to Beetlebug before dashing away. Her transformation faded as soon as she ducked behind the wall. Plagg was shoved in her purse once again (this time with the promise of cheese) as Marinette dashed out to join Alya.
She collapsed beside her friend and wrapped her arms around the brunette. "Thank goodness you're okay, Alya. I was so worried." She turned to Beetlebug, a faint blush on her cheeks as she spoke. "Thank you, Beetlebug."
Adrien Agreste
Adrien's cheeks turned pink when Marinette thanked him. "Oh, yeah, no problem." Even his superhero persona became tongue-tied around the model. His ring began to beep, causing his blush to deepen. "I, uh, better go." He dashed away before either girl could utter another word.
With his transformation worn off, Adrien returned to the scene as himself. The wave of ladybugs had flown across the city as soon as he had thrown up the wrench, cleansing the city of the damages Alya had caused while she had been akumatized. All the parents had been returned from the sky, and the teens forced to dance at Marinette's party had their energy restored. All was well again.
Minus the fact that Nino had completely missed the opportunity to film Beetlebug and Chat Noire for his Beetleblog, and the boy was completely distraught over that.
"Cheer up, Nino," Adrien said. "You'll get another opportunity soon."
Nino nodded, still glum over the missed footage. He brightened a moment later and turned to Adrien.
"Since we're here, you can sign your gift."
Adrien's eyes widened, and he turned and rushed into the mansion, dragging Nino along behind him.
Marinette Dupain-Cheng
Marinette stood at the gate, waving to the last of her classmates as they disappeared around the corner. Nathalie called her inside. As she entered the house, Nathalie handed her two gifts. "One from that classmate of yours and one from your mother," she explained. Marinette looked down at the gifts and then smiled at Nathalie.
"Thank you," she said before moving past her mother's assistant and heading to her room.
"Dinner will be served shortly," Nathalie called after her. Marinette nodded in understanding before disappearing up the stairs.
Once she was in her bedroom, she released Plagg from her purse and tossed the Kwami a piece of Camembert before he could even begin to complain. She sat down on her bed and picked up the first gift, the one Nathalie had said was from her classmate. A card was attached to the front; she untaped it from the gift and opened it, smiling as she read Adrien's hurried handwriting.
Happy birthday, Marinette!
- Adrien A.
She set the card aside and opened the gift, gasping when she saw what was inside. Adrien has created a collage of candid photos he must have taken at the photoshoots he had attended with her. Her response caused Plagg to divert his attention from his cheese long enough to raise his eyebrows at Marinette.
She set the collage aside and opened the gift from her mother. Inside was a small box holding a personalized bracelet. The bracelet was composed of silver and decorated with swirls on the outside. The inside held a personalized message from her mother.
Happy birthday, Mari. I love you now and forever.
She slipped the bracelet on, the message lifting her spirits. She and Sabine may not always agree, but she knew her mother loved her. Their relationship had struggled through the heartbreak that followed her father's disappearance, but her mother had never stopped loving her.
But knowing that didn't chase away the feeling that she had lost both of her parents when Tom disappeared.
Adrien Agreste
The next day, Adrien arrived just minutes before the first bell rang. Nino was standing in the doorway, waiting for him, as usual. But today he wasn't alone. Standing beside Adrien's best friend was Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She was laughing at something Nino had said, but her attention shifted to Adrien when he entered the building.
"Adrien!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around the blond boy and causing his cheeks to heat up. She pulled away, a bright smile on her face. "I just wanted to thank you for your gift. It was really thoughtful, and it made my day so much better."
Adrien could hardly comprehend her words. His brain had turned to mush the minute she had focused on him. It was only when he caught Nino's eye that he realized he was standing there, gaping like an idiot. He mentally shook himself and smiled. "I'm welcome-I mean-you're welcome." His face flushed again; Nino facepalmed. Thankfully, Marinette just flashed him another bright smile.
"I'll see you both in class," she said, waving to them before turning and disappearing into the school. Once she was gone, Nino wrapped his arm around Adrien's shoulder and steered the blonde boy into the school.
"We seriously need to work on your social skills."
Adrien groaned and buried his face in his hands. "I have social skills," he muttered. "They just disappear when I'm around her."
Marinette Dupain-Cheng
Marinette, satisfied now that she had properly thanked Adrien, slid into her seat beside Alya. Her best friend promptly turned and raised her eyebrows.
"You know Agreste has a major crush on you, right?"
Marinette shook her head. "That can't be right. Adrien's just a friend."
Alya's expression transformed into one of bewilderment. "You cannot seriously be this dense, Marinette."
"I'm not dense!" Marinette protested. Alya merely pursed her lips, obviously not believing Marinette, but Ms. Bustier entered the classroom before either girl could say anything more.
"Good morning, class! Since Valentine's Day is less than a month away, we're beginning a new chapter on fairy tales. Your final project will be due at the end of the month. I'm assigning you all into groups of four." She began reading off the names. After sorting the first two groups (one consisting of Sabrina, Chloé, Kim, and Max and the other consisting of Rose, Juleka, Nathaniel, and Ivan), Ms. Bustier called out Marinette's name, placing her into a group with Adrien, Nino, and Alya. Alya and Marinette exchanged glances, grinning at one another; Nino nudged Adrien, smirking at the blond.
Once the class was sorted into groups, Ms. Bustier turned to the board and wrote down five titles: The Princess and the Frog, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel. "Each group will choose one of the following fairy tales to base their project on. The next few weeks will be spent reading the tale and creating a chart depicting the plot. On Valentine's Day, we'll compare the plots and make a list of similarities between the tales."
She then called on each of the groups, crossing off the tales as they were picked. When it was Marinette's group's turn, Alya jumped up and claimed the tale of Rapunzel. Ms. Bustier crossed the title off; Alya grinned at her groupmates.
"We're going to perform a skit for our final project." It was obvious there was no room for negotiation. "Who would like to play Rapunzel?" Alya didn't give anyone time to respond before barreling forward. "I vote Marinette. Any objections?"
"I object," Marinette said. She couldn't play the main character. She was a model, not an actor.
"Perfect. Marinette will play the princess," Alya said, ignoring Marinette's objection. "Now, who should play the prince."
Nino wasted no time. "I vote Adrien."
The blond boy flushed red and shook his head. "I can't do that."
Alya, once again, ignored the objection. "I agree. Adrien is the perfect person to play the prince. Nino and I can figure out our roles once we finish the book."
Adrien and Marinette exchanges worried glances, but there was nothing either of them could do. Alya had made up her mind, and it was obvious neither of them would be able to change it.