Author's note.
I think 'Lila Avenging Squad' was my biggest chapter yet. We'll there's more to come and things might get out of hand. So, leave a review, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Chapter 29
Casino Royal
'Ladybug and Chat Noir have saved Paris once again. A bus with it's failed brakes almost crashed into sien, but thanks to Ladybug and Chat Noir, the passengers are safe. In other news, Wendigo mania has taken over Paris as local music artist Matthew Loca released a song based on it. Street artists have also taken to the street painting murals for Ladybug, Chat Noir and The Wendigo'. William then turned off the T.V. There was then a knock at his door.
"Come in" said William. The door opened up and Ronald entered.
"Oh, hi dad" said William.
"I got a call from the lawyers", said Ronald. "Mr. Kubdel planned on fighting the charges, but after we showed him the security footage, he changed his mind".
"What about Alix?" Asked William.
"She's in the hospital", answered Ronald. "She'll be using a Wheelchair for a while".
"So, she's a paraplegic?" Asked William.
"No, she's not" answered Ronald.
"I suppose, I should get ready for school tomorrow" said William.
"Actually", said Ronald. "I'm giving you the day off. I think you still need a break after those Akumas. I'm also impressed that you took them on".
"If Hawkmoth wanted to Akumatize someone", said William. "Maybe she should choose someone with malice and not petty jealousy".
"You sure you okay?" Asked Ronald.
"Dad, I'm fine" answered William.
"Well, if you need anything, just say so" said Ronald.
"You know I will" said William. Ronald then left. William then got his phone out and texted Marinette.
'My dad says I can stay home tomorrow, wanna come over if you're not busy?'.
Marinette replied not too long after.
'Sure, my parents can handle things. See you then'.
Unbeknownst to William, Ronald was looking through a crack in his door and smiled. It had been so long since he saw William with a friend. Well, not WITH a friend. But he was still glad that William was talking to someone.
The next day.
After Marinette got home from school, she headed straight to the bus stop and got on the bus unaware that she was being followed. She eventually arrived at the resort and walked inside.
William was in his room when he heard a knock at his door.
"Come in" said William. The door then opened.
"Hi, William". William then saw Marinette standing in the doorway.
"Nice to see you made it" said William.
"Of course" said Marinette as she sat down on the couch next to William.
"So, have you heard of Akuma's before you came Paris?" Asked Marinette.
"Only murmurs and mentions", answered William. "Nothing serious".
"Your opinions on the?" Asked Ladybug.
"They range from weird, trying to hard, boring and stupid" answered William.
"Also, why is that you don't mind me, but hate a lot of my class?" Asked Marinette. William just stared at her.
"Because you don't piss me off", answered William. "A part from you, Adrian, Sabrina and Nathaniel, I want to murder everyone of those stupid, spoiled fuckheads. And that Lila girl only cements my beliefs in that view. Seriously, I could literally get every person she lied about on the phone and debunk her. But, you can't fix stupid now, can you?".
"I suppose you're right" said Marinette.
"And that bitch Alya is a bad friend", said William. "I'm surprised that it wasn't you who ended your friendship. And that Lila girl, tch, where do I even-".
"Where do you even what?". William and Marinette looked to see Alya and Lila standing in the doorway.
"Oh look", said William. "It's Lila and her personal doggie. Now tell me, can she roll over and do tricks too?". Alya was fuming.
"I, want, the money, you stole" growled Alya.
"Oh for fucksake, not this again". Everyone looked to see Ronald behind them.
"We had an agreement with your principle and the authorities", said Ronald. "YOU placed the bet, YOU lost. And the card shufflers run on their own personal system, so they aren't hacked".
"But", said Lila. "But he's-".
"Enough with the fucking crocodile tears", said Ronald. "Now, get out of here before I call security". Alya just crossed her arms and stood their smuggly.
"We're not going anywhere" said Alya. Ronald smirked and pressed a button on his phone. Then, a trapdoor opened up underneath Alya and Lila and they fell in before it closed.
"I always wanted to do that" said Ronald.
"When did you install that?" Asked William.
Later that day. William dropped Marinette at her home. But, she invited him inside.
"I'm home!" Marinette called out. Sabine then appeared.
"Oh, hi Marinette", said Sabine. "I see you brought a friend".
"Yeah, I brought him here because he invited me into his home" said Marinette.
"Well, I hope you had your invitation" joked Sabine. This caused her and Marinette to laugh. William looked at this, and memories started flooding back into heads.
"I. I gotta go" said William before walking away. Sabine walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Really?", asked Sabine. "Are you sure you-". She stopped herself when she saw the look in William's eyes. It was a look of pain, sadness and wanting to forget. She released her hand and backed away.
"Oh, I, I see", said Sabine. "Well, have a safe trip home". William then left.
Later that night, Sabine and Tom were in their bedroom.
"Did Marinette get home safely?" Asked Tom.
"Yes, she did" answered Sabine. Tom immediately noticed the tone of her voice. He'd been married to her long enough to know when his wife had seen something she didn't like.
"Is everything okay?" Asked Tom.
"Marinette came home with William" answered Sabine. Tom's papa bear mode kicked in.
"Did he hurt her?", asked Tom. "I swear if he-".
"No, he didn't do anything", answered Sabine. "But I had a 'mother's eye link', if you would".
"A what?" Asked Tom.
"You know, when you stare into someone's eyes and you see things that explain what made them" answered Sabine. Tom immediately understood that. His mom had A LOT of those when he was a child, especially after his parents divorced.
"Then, what did you see?" Asked Tom.
"Let me put it this way", said Sabine. "Have ever noticed that we only saw ONE of William's parents?". It took Tom a few seconds, but it then hit him like a truck.
"Ooooooohhhhhhh, now I understand", said Tom. "Christ, how long do think he's lived like that?".
"I don't know", answered Sabine. "But something tells me that this scar runs VERY deep".
The next morning.
Ronald was in his office, when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in" said Ronald. Valerie then opened the door.
"Is everything alright?" Asked Ronald.
"You may want to have a look at this" said Valerie. Ronald followed Valerie towards the main entrance and gasped at what he saw. There, were Marinette's Classmates, Marinette and William. Marinette was sat on the floor holding her cheek and was being comforted by Nathaniel and Sabrina. Meanwhile, William was fighting with Kim.
"Get you fucking hands off me!" Growled William.
"Not until I strangle you!" Shouted Kim.
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY SON!". Kim was then yanked off of William by his hoodie, by Ronald.
"You better have a good FUCKING REASON why your hands were on my son's neck" demanded Ronald.
"He was only giving him what he deserved" said Ivan.
"Deserved?" Asked Ronald.
"These morons still blame me for them losing their dance money and still accused ME of cheating in that Poker game", answered William. "THEN, they said I got Alya's mother fired. Total bullshit I might add, Marinette tried to defend me, then she got slapped by that Four-Eyed Slut. I called her a dumb Vagina and them Kim called me a bastard child. Then I said 'I know who my father is, too bad your brain is as small as your dick or you'd know that'. He then punched me, I slugged him and then we got into a fight". Ronald turned to Alya and the others with pure hate in his eyes.
"Lila's in her room crying because of you two", snapped Alya. "She keeps blaming herself for the fact we can't have a dance anymore. So we-".
"So I was right", said William. "You are her little doggie. Tell me, when do the collars come in?".
"Why you twisted fuck!", shouted Alya. "How can you be so cruel? I bet even your own mo-".
"Finish that fucking sentence and I will have ALL of your families out of the job and exiled from Paris", said Ronald through teeth gritting so much, the almost looked like they were gonna crack. "GOT IT?!". That outburst made the entire place silent.
"You", he said pointing to a man at a register. "Get me the numbers of their parents. I want them in my office, fast. YESTERDAY FAST! Valerie, you and Marinette's friends take Marinette and William to the first aid room. And get me EVERY available security guard to watch these brats". The man at registration started typing away.
"This is Valerie", said Valerie into a walkie-talkie. "I want EVERY available security guard in the main entrance lobby, NOW!". About 20 security staff showed up. Guards, bouncers, the works.
"Make sure these kids don't go anywhere", ordered Ronald. "Valerie, get those kids to the med room". Valerie carried William while Sabrina and Nathaniel carried Marinette.
"Let me know when their parents arrive", said Ronald before walking away. "I gotta call my legal team". Adrian had snuck away. He was feeling a mixture of disappointment and guilt. Disappointment because Marinette tried to out Lila. But, mainly at himself for not doing anything. And guilt because he could've done something, but he didn't.
Ronald eventually made it to his office and sat down, reaching for the phone. But he stopped when he saw a picture of him and his wife when they had just moved in. He then took out a necklace he kept hidden in his jacket. At the end was a locket, he opened it to reveal his wife holding William when he was only 2 years old.
"Elizabeth", said Ronald. "I'm sorry".
In Hawkmoth's lair.
"The aching heart of a father", said Hawkmoth. "Believing he failed to protect his son, and the anger at those who hurt him. This isn't a meal for my Akuma, but a feast". He then infected a butterfly and sent it out.
"Fly away, my little Akuma", said Hawkmoth. "And Evilise this aching father's heart".
The Akuma then made it into Ronald's necklace. The outline of a butterfly then appeared on Ronald's face.
"Jackpot, I am Hawkmoth. I understand the ache in your heart, protecting your son, is the goal of every father. And I'm giving you the power over this casino in order to protect him. But, in return, you must bring me Ladybug and Chat Noir's Miraculous".
"Place your bets, Hawkmoth", said Ronald. "Because the house always wins". Black-purple bubbly mist then encased Ronald, then spread out towards the Casino".
Meanwhile, Valerie was tending to Marinette and William's injuries.
"Thanks Valerie" said William. "I swear those guys are morons".
"Can you walk, Master William?" Asked Valerie.
"Yeah, I can" answered William. Suddenly, there was the sound of screaming coming from outside.
"What the hell is that?" Asked William. They all got up and look out the door to see people running out of the casino as it was enveloped in black-purple, bubbly mist. When the mist faded, the Casino was now behind a large golden door with the four playing card suits on them.
"What's going on?" Asked a citizen. Suddenly, all the casino screens turned on, revealing a golden head wearing a top hat decorated with diamond suits and had a spade suit on the front while he had a heart suit and a club suit tattooed over his eyes. Only one thought came to their mind, Akuma.
"Greetings everyone!", said the Akuma. "My name, is Jackpot. But, you should not be alarmed". To more screens then appeared by the main one.
"If you do not appear on the screen", said Jackpot. "You may go". Alya and her friends appeared on the screen. Everyone else, walked out.
"Now's are chance!" Shouted Alya. They tried to make it to the exit, but, the doors slammed shut. They tried to open them, but it didn't move.
"Tisk tisk tisk", said Jackpot. "Didn't you hear me? You were on the screen, so you can't leave".
"Look", said Alya. "If this is about your son, we're sorry and-".
"Oh yes", said Jackpot placing his hand on a lever. "You will BE!". He then pulled it and Alya and her friends fell into a trapdoor.
"Now", said Jackpot. "All I need are players for my game". The outline of a butterfly appeared on his face.
'Excellent, your playing your cards well. Now, it's only a matter of time before Ladybug and Chat Noir's cards fold".
"That is not good" said Valerie.
"We gotta get out of here" said Sabrina. William then got up and walked out of the med room.
"Where are you going?" Asked Nathaniel.
"To talk to my dad", answered William. "Maybe if I talk to him, I could weaken Hawkmoth's control over. Valerie, get Marinette and the others out of here". William then ran off.
"William, come back!" Shouted Valerie before running after him, with Sabrina and Nathaniel following not to far behind. Marinette then closed the door and Tiki popped out of her purse.
"William has no idea what he doing" said Marinette.
"Then what are you waiting for?", asked Tiki. "Just say the words".
"Tiki, Spots On!".
With Adrian.
Adrian ran into the men's bathroom and Plagg came out of his jumper.
"We gotta rescue them", said Adrian. "There's, something different about this Akuma".
"Can't we just let them get what they deserved?" Asked Plagg.
"No, we can't", said Adrian. "Plagg, Claws Out!".
Ladybug and Chat Noir got out of their hiding spots and then met up.
"Nice to see you here, M'Lady" said Chat Noir.
"Glad you could make, Chat", said Ladybug. "Although, I think we have our work cut out for us".
"Yeah", agreed Chat Noir. "There's something in my gut's telling me that this Akuma is gonna give us a workout, and not the kind to burn fat".
"Not to mention we got to rescue people as well" added Ladybug.
"You mean he kidnapped people?" Asked Chat Noir.
"Yeah, some kids that have grudge against the owner's son" answered Ladybug.
"Speaking of the son, where is he?" Asked Chat Noir.
"He", said Ladybug nervously. "Went to talk to the Akuma".
"WHAT?!" Shouted Chat Noir in shock.
"The father was Akumatized", continued Ladybug. "So the son, William, thought if he talked to him, he could weaken Hawkmoth's control".
"Damn, that is one brave kid" said Chat Noir.
"Come on", said Ladybug. "We gotta get him and the others out".
"Others?" Asked Chat Noir.
"His friends weren't captured", answered Ladybug. "But they did follow him. No, actually, one of them got out. Marinette, she saw me and told me everything".
"Everything?" Asked Chat Noir.
"I'll fill you in on the way" answered Ladybug. They then ran off.
Meanwhile, William was still running in the halls when he stopped. He was then placing his hands on the walls, touching everything picture and ornament.
"Okay, let's see", said William. "It should be right-". He stopped when he touched a light and pulled it down.
"Yes" said William. A secret passage then opened.
"Sorry guys", William told himself. "This is between me and my dad". He walked in and the passage closed. Not to long after, Valerie, Nathaniel and Sabrina arrived.
"Damn, lost him" said Nathaniel.
"How can he be that fast?" Asked Sabrina.
"He exercises with me" answered Valerie. Their conversation was cut short when they heard the sound of rumbling.
"What's that?" Asked Nathaniel. Then, giant Poker Chips were rolling towards them.
"Against the walls!"shouted Valerie. They then pressed themselves against the walls as the Poker chips rolled by.
"That was close" said Sabrina. Something then fell from the roof. It was a spade suit. The three of them then looked up to see more coming down.
"RUN!" Shouted Nathaniel. They ran as fast as their legs could carry them, narrowly missing the spades. Eventually, the spades stopped.
"THAT was close" said Valerie.
"Ronald's turned the entire resort into a death trap", said Sabrina. "I can only imagine what he turned his casino into".
"Are you guys alright?". Valerie, Nathaniel and Sabrina were surprised to see Ladybug and Chat Noir coming towards them.
"Ladybug. Chat Noir" said Sabrina.
"Thank goodness you're here", said Valerie. "My boss, he got Akumatized and-".
"We know", interrupted Ladybug. "Marinette told us".
"How'd she get out?" Wondered Nathaniel.
"She must've gotten out of a window or a door" added Valerie.
"And it looks like she escaped these traps too" said Chat Noir pointing to the spade suits.
"You three need to get out of here now", said Ladybug. "We'll rescue your friend and stop the Akuma". Valerie then placed her hand on Ladybug's shoulder.
"I'm coming with you", said Valerie. "I made a promise to look after William, and I intend to keep it. And there is nothing you can do to change my mind". Ladybug only sighed.
"Very well then", said Ladybug. "But you're gonna need some help".
"What help?" Asked Sabrina. Ladybug ran her finger across the top of her yo-yo and it opened up to reveal white energy. She reached in and pulled out a wooden box and walked up to Valerie.
"What's that?" Asked Valerie.
'Valerie Robberts", said Ladybug. "In this box, is the miraculous of the tiger, which grants the power of Elation. You will use it for the greater good. Once the job is done, you will return it to me. Can I trust you with this?". Valerie took the box from Ladybug.
"I made a promise to protect William", said Valerie. "And I intend to keep. So yes, you can". She opened the box and a small light buzzed around her.
"What in the name of?" Wonder Valerie. The light stopped in front of her to reveal a small purple, tiger-like creature that was smaller then her palm.
"Hellooooo theeeeerrrreee", the creature said in a tiny voice. "My name is Roarr and-". She stopped when she saw Valerie.
"Whoa, you look like a tough cookie" Roarr said impressed.
"Well, I was a Marine" said Valerie.
"Marine?" Asked Roarr.
"They are EXTREMELY tough soldiers", answered Ladybug. "And she's got the medals to prove it".
"A warrior, huh?", asked Roarr. "I think you and I are gonna get along just fine".
"I couldn't agree more" said Valerie. She then took out the Jewellery, a Panjas Bracelet and placed it on her right hand.
"To activate it", said Roarr. "All you need to say is 'Roarr, Paint my Stripes'".
"Hold on, William", said Valerie. "I'm coming. ROARR! PAINT MY STRIPES!" Roarr then entered the jewel and it turned magenta with a yellow paw. After the transformation was done, she looked different. Her hair was now purple and magenta, with the back tied into a black striped ponytail. Her right hand had a clawed gauntlet around her bracelet, her eyes had turned orange and looked like those of a tiger. She wore a purple domino mask that was coloured Magenta with purple lining and a tiger stripe over each eye and tiny purple and Magenta tiger ears. She wore a mainly magenta with purple palms, neck, shoulders, stomach and calves, all decorated with tiger stripes. She also wore magenta boots with purple toes and soles and had tiger stripes as well. There was also a bolow tied around her waist like a tail.
"HA! Not bad", said Valerie. "I never thought I'd look good in Magenta and purple". Ladybug then reached into her yo-yo, took out another wooden box and walked over to Nathaniel.
"You're Nathaniel, right?" Asked Ladybug.
"Yeah", answered Nathaniel. "You saved me when I became Evillistrator".
"I read your comics by the way", said Ladybug. "They are pretty good". Nathaniel blushed at this.
"So", said Nathaniel curiously. "Are you-".
"Nathaniel Kurtzberg", said Ladybug. "This is the Miraculous of the goat, which grants the power of Passion. You will use it for the greater good, once the job is done, you will return the Miraculous to me. Can I trust you with this?". Nathaniel then took the box.
"I will do my best, Ladybug" answered Nathaniel. He opened the box and a small light danced around him.
"What the hell?" Wondered Nathaniel. The light stopped in front of him and faded to reveal a small, black and white goat-like creature.
"Hello there", it said in a high pitched voice. "My name is Ziggy, and I will be your Kwami".
"Kwami, huh?", wondered Nathaniel. "You look like one of those cute, adorable, animal sidekick".
"Hey, I'm no sidekick" said Ziggy indignantly.
"Well, we got someone to save", said Nathaniel. "So, will you help me?".
"You don't even need to ask" answered Ziggy. Nathaniel Then took out the jewelery, a pair of hair clips, and put them on.
"If you want to be a hero", said Ziggy. "All you need to say is 'Ziggy, Bleat It'.
"ZIGGY! BLEAT IT!" Shouted Nathaniel. Ziggy then entered the hair clips, turning them black. After his transformation, he looked different.
He now had two got horns coming out his head and a white domino mask over his eyes. He wore a skin tight suit that was grey-black and had white stripes that went from his waist to his shoulders in a 'V' shape with a zipper that had a triangle handle stretched from his neck to his waist. He wore white gloves and grey-black boots with white soles. There was white fur around his neck area, wrists and below his knees.
"Hehey, I look pretty good in this" said Nathaniel. Ladybug reached into her yo-yo, pulled out another wooden box and walked over to Sabrina.
"You have been through a lot, haven't you?" Asked Ladybug.
"Well, I wouldn't say 'a lot'", answered Sabrina. "I mean, I started working for someone, I stood up to my tormentor, and, huh, now that you think about it, I have".
"Sabrina Raincomprix", said Ladybug. "This is the miraculous of the dog, which grants the power of Adoration. You will use it for the greater good, once the mission is done, you will return it me. Can I trust you with this?". Sabrina took the wooden box.
"Well", said Sabrina. "Like William said, 'if an opportunity presents itself, grab it by the balls'". She opened the box and a small light flew around her.
"At this point", said Sabrina. "I'm not surprised". The light faded to reveal a small, orange and white dog-like creature.
"Hi there", it said in a feminine voice. "My name is Barkk, and I will be your Kwami".
"You are?" Asked Sabrina.
"Indeed", said Barkk. "Shall we get going?". Sabrina took out the jewellery, a collar necklace, and placed it on her neck.
"To transform, all you gotta say is, 'Barkk, on the hunt'" said Barkk.
"Well then", said Sabrina. "BARKK! ON THE HUNT!". Barkk then entered the necklace and it turned black and orange. When Sabrina's transformation was done, she looked different.
She wore an orange headband with small, orange and white dog ears. She wore a domino mask that was orange on one side and white on the other, both separated by a black line. She wore a skin-tight suit that was black on the top of her back and her biceps, a stretched out white heart outlined in orange that went from her neck to her stomach, from her stomach to the top of her thighs it was coloured orange, her forearms and the rest of her legs were coloured white. There were orange bands around her wrists and ankles and black palms and soles.
"Not to sound rude", said Sabrina. "But I feel like a furry".
"Oh PLEASE don't open that can of worms", said Nathaniel. "I've heard enough arguments about that in the art community".
"Guys", said Ladybug. "Rescue and defeat Akuma now, social commentary later. Valerie, can you lead us to the Casino?".
"Certainly", said Valerie. "It's one of the first things you see at the entrance, follow me". They then followed Valerie to the gold door that had the card suits on it.
"This is where the casino" said Valerie. Chat Noir then walked up and pounded on the door.
"HEY! LET US IN!" Shouted Chat Noir. The main screen turned on, revealing Jackpot. They now got a better look at him. He was wearing a red, whit and black suit decorated with playing card suits.
"Ladybug, Chat Noir", said Jackpot. "You made it". He then noticed the three new heroes.
"Oh, and you got a few new friends", said Jackpot. "Who might they be?".
"My name is Caprikid" said Nathaniel.
"The name is Ms. Hound" said Sabrina.
"Call me, Madam Tigress" said Valerie.
"Well now", said Jackpot. "Guess we got a few new players in our game. So, you think you're gonna win?".
"We don't think, we know" said Ms. Hound.
"How much are you willing to bet on that?", asked Jackpot. "50? 60? Your friends?". He then snapped his fingers and a smaller screen appeared, showing Marinette's classmates trapped in a giant, glass sphere.
"What do you plan on doing with them?" Demanded Caprikid.
"You'll see soon enough", said Jackpot. "I hope you all have good grades in probability, because you surviving this is completely up to chance. The chance I don't destroy you that is". The screen then turned off and the door opened.
"Well, this is it", said Ms. Hound. "No turning back". They walked in and saw that the Casino had changed colours to red, white, black and gold.
"Okay, we need to be careful", said Ladybug. "It could be a trap". Suddenly, the slot machines turned on, catching their attention.
"Did any of you pull the levers?" Asked Chat Noir.
"Not me", answered Nathaniel. "My religion forbids gambling". Eventually, all the slots stopped on seven. Something then shot out of the tray, Ladybug and the others ducked, with the object getting stuck in a column. Caprikid grabbed the object and saw that it's….
"A giant gold coin?" Wondered Caprikid. Soon, more coins came flying out.
"Looks like we hit the jackpot" said Chat Noir.
"More like the Jackpot's about to hit US" said Ladybug. They had to dodged everyone of them, or use their weapons to deflect them.
"Okay, fuck this!" Shouted Madam Tigress. She then grabbed one of the coins and threw it at one of the machines. When the coin struck the machine, the machine exploded.
"Quick!", shouted Chat Noir. "Grab any coins coming at you and throw them back". Ms. Hound grabbed one of the coins and tossed them back. So they did. They grabbed any coins coming towards them and flung them back. Soon, all the slot machines were destroyed.
"These will be fixed after the Akuma's defeated, right?" Asked Madam Tigress.
"Definitely" said Ladybug.
"Well, that's good", said Madam Tigress. "Because if they didn't, hehaaaaaaRonald would have a cow".
"We need to keep moving", said Chat Noir. "I think the deeper we go, the closer we'll get".
"What if it leads into another trap?" Asked Ms. Hound.
"Do you think we even have a choice?" Asked Ladybug. They then ran further into the casino, suddenly, the lights cut out.
"I can't see anything", said Chat Noir. "I can't even see my hand in front of my face".
"That's my hand" said Caprikid.
"And my face" said Madam Tigress. The lights then turned on and saw that the floor was now green.
"What's this?" Asked Ladybug.
"I think I know", said Madam Tigress. "From the numbers on the floor, I think were in a giant craps table".
"LOOK OUT!" Shouted Ms. Hound pointing to the sky. A pair of giant dice came down.
"SCATTER!" Shouted Ladybug. They scattered as the dice landed and bounced. The dice then started to roll all over the area, almost crushing them.
"We gotta get rid of those dice" said Caprikid.
"Madam Tigress", said Ladybug. "You can use your powers to stop them".
"What?!", shouted Madam Tigress. "How?!".
"All you gotta do is channel your emotions into your Miraculous", said Ladybug. "Then, you thrust your fist forward, shouting 'Clout'".
"Clout?" Asked Madam Tigress.
"I didn't come up with the name" answered Ladybug. Madam Tigress then got up and clenched her right hand. She thought about everything that brought emotion to her. Her training at the army base, her deployment, her retirement, Ronald hiring her, being there for William…..first time he saw William smile out of happiness in years. The jewel in her miraculous glowed.
"CLOUT!" She shouted thrusting her arm forward. A massive energy pulse spread across the area, the dice were sent flying and were smashed into pieces against the wall.
"Whoa" Madam Tigress said impressed.
"You go girl" said Nathaniel.
"How many gambling styles are there?" Asked Chat Noir.
"We went through two of them", said Madam Tigress. "So there should be two more; cards and roulette".
"Then what are we waiting for?", asked Ms. Hound. "Let's go". They then ran off. Then then made it to another room. This time, it was filled with poker tables.
"Poker?", wondered Ms. Hound. "Isn't this the same game that Lila lost the dance in?".
"Yep" answered Valerie. The mothers on the shufflers then started up.
"That can't be good" said Caprikid. Soon, playing cards came flying out of them.
"This is gonna death by a thousand cuts" said Madam Tigress. They then put up their arms to protect themselves.
"Now how are we gonna deal with this?" Asked Chat Noir.
"Caprikid", said Ladybug. "You can you your powers for this".
"Me?" Asked Caprikid.
"Yeah", answered Ladybug. "You can use your paintbrush to create simple objects. All you need to do is shout 'Genesis' then draw a simple object in the air". Caprikid then took out his large paintbrush.
"GENESIS!" He shouted. After drawing in the air, he created…
"A Fire Extinguisher?" Asked Ms. Hound.
"I got an idea" said Caprikid. He ran out in front and sprayed foam everywhere. The cards stopped and the shufflers shorted out.
"Alright, nice job, Caprikid" said Chat Noir.
"No problem", said Caprikid as he tossed the fire extinguisher away. "Now, let's head to the winner's table". They ran and eventually found the roulette tables. There, in the centre, was a giant one, with a glass sphere holding Marinette's classmates.
"So good you finally decided to show up". They saw Jackpot behind what looked to be a control desk.
"Handover your Akuma, Jackpot", said Ladybug. "And this can be over".
"Aw, where's the fun in that?", asked Jackpot. "Especially since you made it to the high bidding tables. Where you can put SO much on the line. You can either win it all or lose it all".
"Playing with people's lives isn't a game" said Ms. Hound.
"Not if their lives don't matter", argued Jackpot. "And since when do the lives of Bullies matter?".
"This is NOT the way to deal with them", said Madam Tigress. "What about your son?".
"Funny thing you should say that" said Jackpot with a smirk. He then clicked his fingers and lights came on revealing William sitting in a glass case with black trim.
"William!" Ladybug and the others shouted.
"Hey LB" said William.
"And in the red corner" said Jackpot clicking fingers again. This time, revealing Alya in a glass case with red trim.
"LADYBUG!", Alya cried. "Help us!".
"Oh, it's not Ladybug who you should be begging for" said Jackpot.
"Huh?" Everyone in the room asked.
"Bring me Marinette Dupain-Cheng" demanded Jackpot.
"Why do you want Marinette?" Asked Ladybug.
"I wanna play a game with her", answered Jackpot. "You can search for her, then stay outside this room while we play".
"Sure", said Ladybug. "I'll be right back". Ladybug then left the room.
"Still can't believe we almost got crushed by dice" said Caprikid.
"Tell me about it", said Ms. Hound. "And those cards were a pain in the ass too. Also, does this costume make my butt look big?".
"Depends", said Caprikid. "Do you WANT it to look big?".
"Okay, I'm here". Marinette then entered the room.
"Ah, Marinette, you made it" said Jackpot.
"What do you want?" Asked Marinette.
"To play a game of roulette", said Jackpot. "You are to choose either a black or red number. Guess right, your friends go free, lose, I'll have the miraculous. Oh, and here's another twist. If you choose a black number, William gets to go free and Alya gets to be punished. And the opposite will happen if you choose red". Everyone gasped.
"Why are you doing THIS?" Asked Madam Tigress.
"Because", said Jackpot. "Marinette needs to make a choice. She can either choose the BFF that abandoned her for the next shiny thing or the bad boy who was always there for her".
"Like that's a competition", said Alya. "Of course she'll choose me. After this, she and Lila can make up and we can all be friends again". Marinette walked up to to a panel that had all the numbers on the roulette. There was nothing but silence, Marinette could practically hear the sound of her heart.
"Marinette", said William. "Trust your instincts. Roulette is one of the easiest games to win in".
"Will you shut it?!", shouted Alya. "It's your fault we're here in the first place".
"Oh yeah", said William. "Blame me for your mistress' fuck up for challenging a CASINO OWNER'S SON to a game of Poker. You are a fucking idiot".
"Lila was rusty", countered Alya. "Besides, you cheated".
"No, I didn't", said William. "You assholes are sore losers and Short Pinkie's in the hospital because of it".
"You just like ruining others lives, don't you?" Asked William.
"No", said William. "You just like being a selfish bitch. How the hell does that 90's dipshit deal with ya? I'm surprised he hasn't dropped you like a sack of shit. Then again, a sack of shit would be better".
"SHUT UP!", shouted Alya. "Marinette. Choose the right one". Eventually, Marinette pressed one of the numbers.
"Black 25" said Marinette. Alya only gasped.
"I just hope the ball lands on that number" said Kim.
"Don't you mean 'hope YOU land on that number'?" Asked Jackpot with a smirk. He pressed a button and the roulette started to spin. The class sphere then rolled along it as well.
"Oooooohhhhh, you can just cut the tension with a kitchen knife" said Jackpot. Eventually, the ball stopped rolling and landed on…
"Black 25", said Jackpot. "You win. And Alya, well, she lost. Bye-bye". The floor underneath Alya's canister, revealing spikes made out of diamond suits. The bottom of the canister opened and Alya fell. Chat Noir then jumped towards her and caught her.
"Marinette, get out of here!" Shouted Chat Noir. Marinette then ran out of the room.
"Well", said Jackpot as he stood up. "Looks like I'll have to take your Miraculous the old fashioned way". He then dragged his hands over his jacket and pulled out two swords made of diamond suits.
"BRUTALLY!". The two sides clashed. They had to dodge the swords and he also had other weapons as well, such as heart shield, club bludgeons and spade axes.
"You think you can defeat me?", asked Jackpot. "Haven't you heard the old saying that the house always wins?".
"How about we try our luck?!". Ladybug came running in, and threw her yo-yo and it hit his head.
"Glad to have you back" said Caprikid.
"Unfortunately we're getting nowhere", said Chat Noir. "He's got the home field advantage".
"Catch me if you can!" Shouted Jackpot. He then jumped into the roulette. Ladybug and the other heroes then jumped in.
"We got you now" said Ms. Hound. Jackpot then snapped his fingers and the roulette started spinning.
"Way to jinx your chances" said Jackpot.
"LUCKY CHARM!" Shouted Ladybug. Her yo-yo then spun in the air. When it stopped, what came down was a red and black spotted….
"A tube of super sticky glue?" Wondered Ladybug.
"Hahahahaaa! You think That will help you?" Mocked Jackpot. He was now fighting Madam Tigress and Caprikid. Ladybug then looked around and saw that the glue, the roulette, Chat Noir, Madam Tigress and Ms. Hound's ball were highlighted.
"The Akuma has to be in the necklace around his neck", said Ladybug. "Ms. Hound, get your ball ready". Ms. Hound then pulled it out.
"Chat Noir, get this glue on his foot" said Ladybug.
"On it" said Chat Noir. Jackpot then tried to kick Chat Noir, but he smashed the glue on the bottom of his foot. When Jackpot put his foot down, he couldn't move it. He was stuck.
"Okay", said Ladybug. "Ms. Hound, I need you to say 'fetch' before throwing that ball. Chat Noir, cataclysm the roulette, Madam Tigress, get ready to punch him". Everyone then nodded.
"Cataclysm!" Shouted Chat Noir. He placed his and on the roulette, the area cracked and crumbled before stoping, causing Jackpot to jerk forward.
"FETCH!" Shouted Ms. Hound. She then threw the ball and it hit Jackpot's necklace. Madam Tigress tried to punch him, but he ducked.
"Was that ball supposed to distract me?" Asked Jackpot.
"No, the punch was" answered Ladybug. Jackpot looked confused, but then, his necklace disappeared.
"HEY!", he shouted. "Where did it-". He didn't get to finish as he was knocked out by Caprikid. The necklace then appeared in Ms. Hound's hands.
"Sweet", she said before handing the necklace to Ladyug. "I believe you can take it from here".
"That I can" said Ladybug before she smashed the necklace, making the Akuma fly out.
"No more evil doing for you, little Akuma", said Ladybug before spinning her yo-yo. "Time to de-evilise". She then swung her yo-yo and it caught the Akuma.
"Gotcha", said Ladybug before opening the Yo-yo and releasing the now purified Akuma. "Bye-bye, little butterfly".
She then threw the glue into the air.
"MIRACULOUS LADYBUG!". Swarms of ladybugs fixed everything and turned the casino to normal. Ronald was then de-Akumatized.
"Pound it!" The heroes said bumping fist.
Hawkmoth's lair.
"Rgh, Ladybug. The next time we face, the odds will be stacked against you and the house will win!".
Palacio De Oro.
Sabrina, Valerie and Nathaniel returned their Miraculous to Ladybug.
"Thanks for your help" said Ladybug.
"We should be thanking you", said Nathaniel. "I at least we know that Marinette trusts William". Ladybug just looked worried.
"Haha uh yeah" Ladybug said nervously.
The next day.
Marinette was drawing in her sketchbook when two hands slammed down on her desk. She looked up and saw Alya.
"What the hell?" Asked Marinette.
"I should be asking you that", answered Alya. "Why did you choose a number of William's colour against mine?".
"Seemed like the right choice", said Marinette. "Plus, do you think Ronald would really harm his own son, even as an Akuma?".
"Well, he should've", said Alya. "It would've taught him a lesson".
"A lesson about what?". Alya looked behind her to see William.
"A lesson that you shouldn't ruin the things of good people" answered Alya.
"What good people?", asked William. "All I see a pile of spoiled meat and allow me to show you where that belongs". He grabbed Alya by the scuff of her collar, dragged her out of the classroom and slammed her into a trash can.
"This is where you belong", said William. "Such a shame I can fit your mistress in there with ya". He then walked back into the classroom and sat next to Marinette.
"Though, out of curiosity", said William. "WAS that the reason why you chose a number of my colour?".
"Well, there is another reason", confirmed Marinette. "Whenever you're around, luck seems to go in your favour. So, I trusted my instincts and, chose a number your colour". William was now blushing.
"Well, uh, I, th-thank you", said William. "It's nice to see that, someone has faith in me". This came as a shock to Marinette.
"No one has had faith in you?" Asked Marinette.
"No one outside of my family", answered William. "Hell, I barely have faith in myself".
"Well, I do", said Marinette. "And I can see that underneath it all, you do care". William, only smiled.
Palacio de Oro.
Ronald was in his office, going over the security feed from the cameras, seeing Ladybug and the other heroes in action.
"What did you get yourself into now, Fu?" Wondered Ronald.