"We can't just sit here, Orion, what if they need our help?" I'm frustrated at Orion, who just wants to sit on the rock and fish. What if our best friends need our help? "If they need us, they would find a way."

"Didn't she something about a friend? Another superhero?" "I've met him before, love. His name was Argos."

"Talking about me? Ah, no wonder my ears were burning." I whirl to find a nicely dressed boy with a feather fan staring at us. Unlike Ladybug and Cat he wears no mask, just a hood to cover his head. "Are you Argos?" "The one and only, and I need your help, and Ladybug sends it too." "Great! I knew we shouldn't be sitting here!" I leap up. "I've found out that there's to be masquerade ball tomorrow night, and Ladybug and Cat will go undercover. And I want you two to go undercover as well." He flutters his fan in front of his face. "Did Cat ever tell you identity?" Orion steps forward. "Yes. He told me he's Adrien Agreste." "Ah, you would think then Adrien is down in the cellars. But if I detransform...fold my feather." Orion blinks and his mouth drops open with astonishment. "Adrien?" "No, just his cousin Felix. But that's how I got in to the castle." "Clever!"

"But, Felix, we don't look a thing like Ladybug and Cat! Or Adrien!" "Ah, but if you change your appearance and offer your services to Crone, she will leap at the chance." "Why would we do that?" "To get in and help your friends, of course. Sapphire, Ladybug has told me that you are great with hair we'll my wife, Kagami, is excellent at wardrobe. If you have your hair care products, Kagami and I will take care of the rest." "I'm all for helping, but we all play our parts perfectly. I don't want to see anyone get hurt." I smile and take Orion's hand. "Sometimes you have to risks, but we can pull this off."

Two and a half hours later, I have dark brown hair and Orion's is a thatch of blonde and brown. We were peasant clothes, very different then the Temple uniforms. "Follow us," Kagami says, and we do as we are told.

Two boats are moored as we leave the cave and I have to blink in the dazzling sunlight. "Get in," Argos says, and once we're in he nods to Kagami. She transforms and begins the wind, us steering towards the castle. I think of myself as a brave girl, but the sheer height of the walls and their thickness makes me gulp. But if it was Orion and I inside the prison, Ladybug and Cat would do the same for us.

Orion makes to knock on the knocker, but I grab his arm. "Wait! Before we begin our new roles, will you kiss me just one last time?" Orion smiles, brushing his lips against mine, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Orion is strong and just, kind and smart. "This won't be the last kiss, love, but its a smart idea nonetheless."

A guard opens a door and stares at us. "Greetings, we're traveling through the area, looking for work and saw your lovely castle." Orion is so good at this. "We wouldn't ask for pay, but maybe a bite to eat and a place to lay our heads?" "Follow me."

I want to hold Orion's hand, but resist as we walk into the cold castle. Crone, wearing a magnificent gown of black (why does she always wear black?) feeds tidbits to her crows and looks surprised to see us. "These two are looking for work, ma'am. Said they were traveling through the area."

"We do need help with security at the ball and Gabriel and I will be to busy. But before I hire you…." she narrows her eyes and pulls two crumpled sheets of paper from her gown. "You wouldn't have seen these two running about the forest, would you? They are dangerous and must be stopped."

My hearts thumps and my throat feels heavy, looking my friends faces, looking so pure and innocent. "Just a woodcutter, ma'am, but not a Cat or Ladybug." "Good answer. You wouldn't have seen them anyhow, their locked up snug and tight in my prison."

I stare at her, anger bubbling like a fountain. She notices. "Why, child, you look angry. Do you have something on your mind?" I change expressions immediately. "Anger? Why, no! Though I will be if I don't get food or drink soon."

Crone picks up a bell and rings it. "Very well. I will have someone show you to your quarters. But let me warn you. If you let those two escapes, you'll pay dearly."

As we're escorted to our rooms, the name Gabriel is making me crazy. I need to check on something, and something soon!

As soon as we're alone, Orion shrugs out of his shirt, and goes to shower back in his own room. I'm momentarily distracted as his muscles are well defined and toned. Digging in my bag, I dig a old copy of Agreste Fashion Monthly out of my bag and flip through it. There. Gabriel Agreste stands out in a picture. Could this be the "same" Gabriel who is Adrien's father?

"You look like your putting together a very complicated puzzle," Argos appears out of nowhere, making me jump. "How did you do that?" I gasp, and he smiles at me apologetically. "I'm sorry to have frightened you. Ladybug gave me the Horse Miraculous so I can get to place to place as needed."

"How are you related to Adrien?" I ask. "I'm his cousin. Why?" "When Crone was talking to us, she mentioned a Gabriel. I put two and two together and got Gabriel Agreste. Yes, I know." I leap up. "Argos, I need to talk to Cat. Can you take me to him?" "Just say please."

I scribble a quick note to Orion and follow him through the portal. "His cell is over there. I'll be hiding but I see when your ready to go." I nod and peek through Cat's cell door. "Cat? Cat?" "Sapphire?" Cat slowly gets up and comes over to the bars. "Hold on, I'm coming in with you." "How? The door is locked." I smile. "A clever ladybug showed me how," I tell him, sliding out a hair clip from my hair. Cat grins and I wiggle the pin back and forth, now grinning myself as I hear the click.

"Crone has hired us on to help at the party. And Argos will be hidden and helping too. But more importantly," I dig in my canvas bag. "Does this man mean anything to you?" I hold up the picture of Gabriel and Cat recoils like he's seen a ghost. "Claws In." "Adrien?" "That man is my father, Sapphire. And yes, I know he's Hawkmoth." "Then why the reaction?" "Because M'lady doesn't know that I know. I saw him on the island challenge." I put the magazine back with a huff. "Don't you think if she's going to reveal soon you should tell her and not keep secrets from her?" Cat laughs bitterly. "Its a little late to do that now." "Do it at the party as Adrien! After all, you'll be in disguise at first, don't waste this opportunity!" Cat takes my hand, looking scared. "Do you think she'll still love if she knows?" "Not telling her would be even worse." "Your right. I have to find the courage." I squeeze his hands tightly. "I already know you have the courage. Now, go do the right thing."

I have to leave after that, for Felix has to help Adrien get ready for the party, and Kagami is doing the same with Marinette. I find a simple tea dress along with a list of instructions. I'll be serving tea and refreshments to the invited guests, but what the list failed to mention was my secret missions. One, make sure my best friends don't get scared and the other will be a lot harder. Talking to Gabriel Agreste himself. I don't know if it will be tonight, but I will. Unless Adrien does it first.

Orion is to escort people into the ballroom, and he asks me to help with his hair and bow-tie. "I tried putting the thing and it nearly strangled me. Are you sure its not a snake in disguise?" I laugh. "Come here. I'm going to make you pretty."

Going down to the kitchens after we're ready, I catch sight of Crone on a back staircase, staring at a locket. I know she's our enemy, but I can't help feel compassion. "Is that someone special on the picture?" Crone whirls, anger and hurt glittering in her eyes. "What are you doing just standing there! You have work to do, go!" "Yes, of course. Forgive me."

I may do as she asks, but I caught what was in the locket. It was a picture of a small girl with curly black hair. Did Crone's daughter die? Is that why she's so miserable and bitter and wants to make a wish herself? I will find out more.

The kitchen is a hive of activity, everyone bustling and I'm handed a plate. The first guests are just beginning to trickle in and I play my part.

Its not long before the halls are buzzing and I hear a clink of a glass. "Friends and honored guests, it is my pleasure to introduce Gabriel Agreste!"

Adrien's father emerges wearing a purple and black suit and I have to stifle a gasp, for on his lapel pin is the Butterfly Miraculous. "Friends and honored guests, this fashion season will be the best one yet, for the collection will feature two jewels. Two jewels so priceless they cannot be sold, but don't worry, wee have copies being made."

"What are these fabulous jewels?" Someone calls out in the crowd. Gabriel smiles evilly. "The Miraculous of Ladybug and Cat Noir."