The sound echoed and blasted eardrums amongst the room as people's chaotic screams were muted by this sound wave that appeared from every direction. Its origins seemed unknown to the unexpecting victims. Marinette's heart beat fast into her chest at an alarming rate. She panted, gripping her chest tightly as the pain felt like a splintering ache. Her blue eyes dashed around the room under the shadow of the mysterious man who hovered over her in a protective stance. He winced from the pain waves as they pulsed through the air. The world moved so fast but to her, it moved ever so slowly. Her eyes still panicked, searched the area as they caught and examined the groups of various people who were experiencing the same agony as her.

It felt almost like a dream. Some people mirrored her pose; on the floor, in pain, others against one another as they tried to move away from the sound that came from all directions as they tried making their way out of the room. Her eyes stared over at a male figure across the way. He leaned against the bottom part of the bar, pulling his phone into view. People dashed between them but something drew her to him. From where she kneeled down she could see his screen was flashing different colors as they flashed along his face.

She stared, his eyes suddenly glazed over as he peered down at the screen. The phone's rainbow colors now reflected into his eyes as they flashed in their own hue of reds, blues, and yellows. His eyes almost resembled like they were projecting mini screens. His mouth fell open as his limbs almost grew limp, his skin grayed over with sharp orange illuminating lines appearing along his visible skin like veins but almost motherboard electronic appearance. His hand holding the phone extended out pushing the screen toward a small crowd near him. The crowd backed away but their wandering eyes stared confused at what he was doing. Suddenly their eyes glazed over as well, their skin colors shifting and their bodies moved in unison as they reached for their phones doing the same movement and pose.

Her eyes widened at this sight.

Luka's eyes stayed along the floor as the blasting sound made his own chest hurt and ears throb. His pocket burned and vibrated, drawing his eyes to look down to his pants pocket as he also sensed the sound wave coming from it. He shakily reached and pulled his phone from his side. Was it his phone making this noise? It burned and vibrated violently in his hand as he turned the screen toward him. Marinette's eyes darted over to him and gasped. Without thinking or hesitation she smacked it from his hand before he dared to look at the screen. Luka grunted as his hissed, shaking his wrist and looked down at her with confusion. He was close to cursing at her for that but followed her gaze as she pointed.

Luka looked and saw what she was referring to. A hitched gasp caught in his throat as he stood quickly to his feet, pulling her up with him. "We got to go!" He yelled as he held her wrist firmly in his hand as he turned toward the exit. They winced back as the crowd seemed almost in a zombie-like state before them. The high pitched noise began to fade and was replaced with zombie moans and groans and people's screaming and panicking voices. "Maaaaaaaaa" they all moaned.

His night was just starting to get interesting and this happens.

"This is some cliche bullshit." He huffed as he pulled Marinette close into him as he looked about the room as people screamed around and flailed in a panic. The panic felt almost like Tetris, your pieces are all lined up but as the pieces stack higher and higher, the parts move faster and faster. The longer they stood there, the more the pieces began to fall apart as people began to turn slowly and suddenly very rapidly. He needed to get them somewhere safe and then get away somewhere to transform.

Lukas heart dropped as his mind panicked when he remembered something critical. "Fuck." He whispered in his anxious panting. Luka cupped his arm around Marinette's waist as he pushed their bodies through the panicked crowd as he looked every which way.

"This way!" A voice yelled. His eyes looked over and saw Oliver standing on the bar as he was pointing toward the back door that led toward the kitchen. He nodded and forced them in that direction as Oliver used a broom from behind the counter to bat zombies away. He nodded and made their way over. Luka lifted Marinette over the counter before he pulled himself up along the wood. He gasped as a person grabbed his ankle, his chin hit the counter hard as he bit a part of his tongue. He glared, turning to face the being. Luka winced as the broom in Olivers hands brushed his face before it flung forward and batted a phone from their extended hand. Luka panted as he laid there stunned. That was so close. He could of been gone, just like that? He huffed as he gripped his hand into a fist as he turned quickly and kicked the person in the face, which caused them to let him go before he tumbled back behind the bar. He fell hard against the shelves as empty glasses fell with him. Some breaking along his hands. He hissed as he stood quickly without a second thought. He retook Marinette's wrist before tugging her towards the kitchen. He followed along a few other people that were following Oliver's instructions with him on their tail. A few people made it inside the kitchen but some stopped half way and screamed starting to turn quickly back out toward Luka and Marinette.

Infected people emerged from the kitchen.

"Fuck!" He hissed as he turned toward Oliver whose face wasn't too amused as well.

"Ollie! In here!" Cat yelled. Their eyes darted over to Cat who was near one of the bathroom entrances. Luka shook his head but was tugged along by Marinette and by Oliver pushing them toward them. "Get!" Oliver spat as he shoved Luka into the door.

"We are sitting ducks in there!" He yelled and then whinced as he saw the crowd of people growing larger in zombie numbers behind them. They moved like a wave in the ocean. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!"

Marinette yelped as she fell forward but Luka caught her. She peered down at her boot heels. One heel snapped like a pixie stick. His arm cupped under her as he leaned her on his hip.

"Better in there than out here kid. Lock the door! I'll try to lure them away, get to the roof when you see an opening!" He yelled as he pushed Luka and Marinette inside before he pulled the door shut. Luka turned quickly as Marinette tumbled to the floor. She stared up as she watched him bashed at the door and cursed to himself. Thumping could be heard from the other side. Cat quickly locked the door. He panted hard and he turned, looking behind him. There was a decent size group of people in this three stall bathroom. He curdled his lip as he slid his back along the door and grumbled as he landed on his ass with his arm resting on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. "If any of you still have phones. I suggest you throw them in the toilet right now or I'm going to break them." He threatened as he stared along the floor, he flexed his hand and sighed before crumbling it into a fist.

The crowd all looked to one another as they all muttered to themselves quietly. A few sat along the floors and others leaned against the walls.

Marinette leaned down next to him as she put her hand on his shoulder as she stared down at the floor. Her heart was racing fast still, she felt almost faint and that she was close to puking. Her fingers shook a tad. Luka glanced over at her and saw her dazed off look and her chest rapidly moving. He put his hand on hers along his shoulder. "Its going to be okay." He huffed as he was trying to reassure her. "Sit" he told as he shifted over a tad, patting the floor with his palm. Marinette's stomach jumped as she looked over at him. He went from being this almost awkward and stuttering demeanor to this protective Alfa that was willing to take the next punch to the face. Behind the mask, she could tell his eyes were filled with concentration as he took the room in. She shakily sat down as she shivered from the cold floor along her butt.

They both sat there as they listened to the thumping along the door and the moans outside.

Marinette held her arms close to her body. She stared over toward Luka and then traveled across other hand as it was still clenched. Blinking with curiosity as she stared. A red liquid dripped from his palm. "Are you hurt?" She gasped as she stood to her knees, grabbing his wrist. Luka whinced and blushed, looking away. "It's fine. Just cut it on the glass back there."

Marinette pried his hand open and hissed toward the cut. It was deep. She looked around the room and then at Cat. "You have first aid kits in here?" She asked. Cat nodded as she ran over to a locker box. Using a key attached to her necklace, she unlocked it. She quickly grabbed the kit that resided inside and turned. Marinette was standing before her fast and took the kit from her hands and returned to Lukas side. Luka stared down at her hands as they fiddled with the objects in the kit. Her fingers were so steady and delicate as she placed his hand in her palm.

"I'm going to clean it, this might hurt." She spoke.

With a teasing smile, Luka rolled his eyes. "I'll be fine." He chuckled. But quickly winced as she applied pressure to his hand with a cleaning agent. Cursing under his breath and as he pulled his hand away. "S-see, fine."

She laughed and rolled her eyes. "Men can be such babies." She told as she jerked his hand back toward her. He smiled as he stared along her face as she continued to care over his wound with such softness. Gaze drifting to her lips, noting the tiny smear of her lipstick. "Sooo, about that kiss?" He smirked. She blinked and turned red as she pulled the bandage wrap tight. He winced. "S-sorry." She giggled and stared along his face with a smug look. "You still got black lipstick by the way. Riiiight here." She pointed to his lips. He turned red as he quickly reached, wiping his lips. " Worth it ." He thought.

"What are we going to do?" A female asked.

"Like what emo said, we are sitting ducks in here." A male spoke.

"We will just wait until RubyBug and Viperion save us." Another female spoke.

"How long will that be? Hours?"

Luka looked down at his covered wrist and grinded his teeth as he continued to listen to the outside. His brain tried to unravel his memory; he couldn't remember that stupid chant. He cursed under his breath causing Marinette to look over at him and then over to the people. She tapped her bare feet along the tile floor as she had taken her heels off. "Panicking isn't going to help." She spoke softly but everyone bickering back and forth, her voice was overlapped. Marinette took in a shakey breath as she stood to her shaking ankles. "Calm down!" She yelled which caused Luka to look to her. He stared along her figure. Her dress was still perfect but she stood with a shaky energy to her. "Just, think, we need to work together. If we start panicking, it's going to doom all of us. Stay calm. Something will arise." She huffed.

Luka smiled. She seemed so confident and caring in her voice. He could tell by her shaking it was probably the adrenaline wearing off. He jumped as pounding was heard outside the door again. He stood and took a step back as he extended his arm out, shielding her from it.

"It's Oliver! Let me in!" He yelled. Luka blinked and quickly reached for the door and unlocked it. Oliver came bashing in as he panted with rips and tares on his shirt. A red figure ran inside behind him. Luka whinced and flung forward a bit but then stopped as he recognized the red figure. "Ruby?" He whispered. Rubybug turned and locked the door behind her. She looked toward him and then to everyone in the room.

"Is everyone okay?" She asked.

"A few scrapes and bruises. Some with broken heels but I'm sure everyone can manage." Marinette spoke as she stepped forward. Rubybug looked her up and down and smiled. "Glad to see your safe." Ruby spoke and then stuttered. "That all of you are safe, I mean. Right now we need numbers until Viperion gets here to help." She told. Luka stared after her with curiosity. She got here super fast. He wondered if this club was the area being attacked. Maybe the villain is not too far away. "Who's the villain?" Luka questioned.

Rubybug looked to him and squinted her eyes toward him. She stared wondering. "Before I transformed I saw a female figure appear in a flash on a TV screen. Not sure who they are."

"Any idea what the object is?" He asked.

Rubybug continued to stare along his Viperion mask and then stared along his eyes. It had been so long since she had seen them that color but she gasped. "Viperion?" She whispered. Marinette blinked and quickly looked at him. Luka glanced toward her and sighed. Cat was out of the bag. Luka huffed as he nodded. "Y-yea, it's me. And we got a problem Rube." He spoke as he pulled her toward the corner of the room away from everyone as they stared after them.

Marinette heart raced as she looked the male up and down from where she stood. Viperion, this was Viperion! So many mixed emotions. This was her first time meeting him. She only ever saw him on the Viperblog. She flirted with Viperion the hero of Paris, she ate with Viperion protector of Persians, she danced with Viperion the Wise leader of the Miraculous heros. She turned red as she turned away as she held her heated face. She kissed Viperion the snake charmer heart throb. She wanted to die and scream at the same time. The horny fan girl in her was excited she not just met him but kissed him but the adult her was super embarrassed she acted the way she did to one of the protectors of Paris.

Rubybug stared after him. "Did you seriously come to a bar wearing your own hero persona mask?" She questioned. "That's stupidity right there." She crossed her arms.

"Yea yea, I heard enough from Sass' already. Look. I need your help."

She huffed as she was still a tad angry toward him for how he acted to her last time they were together. She looked over at Marinette and then back at him. "What's going on here?" She questioned. He huffed. "Look, I came to have a fun time out. A hero can have fun."

Her eyes stared down along the corner of his lip and noticed a smear of lipstick. She looked back at Marinette and then sighed as she looked down with a small smile showing. "Clearly a lot of fun, and your hiding in a bathroom? Why haven't you just transformed already?" She asked.

"I. Can't. Transform." He said firmly. The crowd in the bathroom tapped as they walked and all started frantically panicking that they were doomed. She stared after him confused. "Look Sass hid himself into my miraculous. I have to say a chant to release him."

"Okay, say the chant?"

Viperion glared. "I can't remember the fucking chant. It was written on my phone. And of fucking course the vilian has to be circled around the phone and now I can't read the chant now or I'm going to become a zombie."

"I heard the villain on the TV call them byters, not zombies." She looked to Marinette. "Like computer bytes…wait, did you say you don't remember the chant?" Ruby stared and laughed. "A hero that can't transform, on a night at the club and the night of a zombie akuma attack, after clearly getting handsy with a hottie. That sounds like some poorly written fanfiction right there. I might have to use that…"

"This is serious Ruby!" Viperion growled as Marinette hid her face into her palms. "I need your Kwamii to release him from the miraculous. Or I can't help you defeat the villain."

Rubybug sighed as she looked around at the people and then stared along Marinette who turned to look back at them. Her cheeks were red and her eyes filled with worry. "I need to get them safe before I can transform back. So super powers or not. I need you to help me. And then I'll help you."

"What do I need to do?"

"We need to get everyone out of here and up to the roof. If we get everyone up there and lock the door. They will be safe, then you and I can get away to fix this, issue, and then track the villain down."

"I'll help!" Marinette bursted out. Ruby and Viperion both looked at her. Ruby approached Marinette and smiled. "I love your dress, red suits you, you'd make a very cute Ladybug." She told as she looked her over. "What's your name?" Rubybug asked as she touched her shoulder. Marinette blinked and blushed as she stood firmly before the female superhero. Two heros in one night. "M-Marinette." She told as her heart raced in her chest fast.

His head jerked.

His stomach flopped.

His heart stopped.

It felt like a rock that was thrown into a lake. It sunk deeper and deeper into the pit as he gulped a lump in his dry throat. His eyes blurred over a tad as he felt overwhelmed with every thought crossing his mind. Did she just say Marinette? He stared at her firmly with a hint of both a glare and curiosity. It made sense but nothing made sense all at once. Marinette wasn't a common name. Was this her her? Or someone else. She felt his stare over her body. Shaking, she took the mask from her face and glanced at him.

Those eyes hit him hard like a stake. Bluebell mouse eyes that captured his essence from a single glance. Her melody chimed again into his ears as her aura shifted. No wonder why it all seemed so familiar. His eyes stared along her body. This was more body than he was used to from her. And red of all colors. He gulped as his mind started to go fuzzy. His stomach churned with butterflies as he stared along her loose locks. He was seeing her as a new person then from before. His eyes looked away as he stared toward the ground. What was she doing here? His eyes widened as he covered his mouth, his thumb tracing his lips. She kissed me . Marinette kissed me. Isn't she going back out with Adrien? Isn't that how it was? Was I wrong? What did she say earlier? Fuck. She said something about an ex and about other things but so much happened he can't pin point all that they talked about.

He turned in a small circle and faced the corner as Ruby continued to talk toward her. Marinette frowned, was he disappointed seeing her face entirely? "You are very brave to offer help, but it is too dangerous." Ruby states.

Marinette looked to Rubybug quickly. "B-but I can help." She looked back toward him and then at the floor. "I want to…help."

Viperion's eyes shook as he stared at the corner wall before his eyes drifted to his wrist. He had so many questions but it wasn't the time to be asking them. His eyes grew hard as he turned toward them.

"No. She's right. I'm sorry." Viperion told firmly as he stepped toward her. Marinette looked to him and gulped. She didn't know how to act around him knowing he is Viperion. She was seeing this man through a different lense now. Sure she didn't know who was before but now that she got some type of idea she felt like a babbling fool. Her eyes looked down shy and disappointed. He put his hand on her shoulder firmly as he looked at Ruby. His touch made her relax as she looked at him. "How did it look out there?" He asked.

Ruby stared along Marinette's expression and then looked back toward the door. "Well most of the infected scurried out as soon as the movement died down in there. They must be roaming the streets. There are a few still in there but nothing I can't defend off with my yo-yo. There are a lot of abandoned phones on the ground though. So we have to make sure nobody looks at any of the screens." She started as she unlocked the door. Viperion looked and noticed she had a hand mirror in her grasp. "You used your lucky charm already?"

"Yea, I was afraid to use the camera or phone on my yo-yo because of this infection going on through screens. The lucky charm gave me this mirror. So I am just taking a wild guess it doesn't work on mirrors." She told as she looked the mirror over before she used it to eye outside the door. Nothing, or nobody was in view. "Looks clear so far." She told as she pulled the mirror back and looked back at everyone. "Listen. You can either stay in here or follow us up to the roof. You have to listen to me though." She spoke firmly as she gripped the handle to the door firmly. "You follow closely, quietly, and you are to not look at any screen you see."

Viperion sighed as he scratched his cheek under the mask as he looked back at all the people. He quickly scanned through and counted. There was sixteen people they had to escort to the roof. His eyes looked at Marinette as his heart throbbed. Sixteen and one gem.

"Let's go." He told firmly. Ruby nodded. She crouched down as she opened the door slowly. Oliver walked and held the door open for everyone as they scurried out. Some stayed behind and some followed behind Ruby and Viperion , following their movements. Rubybug looked about the room and huffed toward the route they had to take. She signaled for everyone to go the direction she was pointing. They all scurried behind the bar and walked along the metal flooring that lined behind the bar. A bead of sweat fell down Viperion's temple as he saw the glass from where he fell. He gripped Ruby's shoulder. Signaling down, she looked and nodded. Taking her gloved hand she swiped some of the glass from the walkway as they continued to crouch along. The tvs buzzed a frequency above that made their eardrums feel a ting of uncomfortableness.

She held her hand up and they stopped.

She held her index for them all to be quiet as a moan was heard at the front of the bar. Marinette's heart raced fast as she tried to not hyperventilate. The moaning grew so loud as a bit of a shadow hovered into view.

"Marrrrrrrrrrrrrrneeeeeeeeeettttttt" it's static like voice echoed. Her eyes widened. Did it say her name? Her hand shook rapidly as she tittered a bit on her toes trying to keep her balance. Being stealthy wasn't her fortay as Marinette the clumsiest person alive. She hitched her breath as she tittered forward a tad and Viperion grabbed her quickly as he pulled her into him tightly as he covered her mouth with his hand as she breathed hard into his palm. He whispered a shh into her ear to calm her. Her heart raced faster as the moan to the creature turned quiet. Their pupils shook as they watched the shadow casted along the wall in front of them shift toward the right as they took each other's scents in. They breathed heavy but quiet as they watched. She gripped onto his shirt with fear shaking at her goosebumps. The figures shadow disappeared. The people behind the bar all sighed a bit of relief.

Viperion and Marinette relaxed their bodies from one another and then looked to one another. Marinette smiled. A thud clunked and they all turned and the person stood before them as it extended its arm out. Viperion looked and frowned. It was Zeke. Turned into one of those things. "Fooooounnnnnd yoooooou."

"Run!" He yelled, as he gripped her wrist firmly and dragged her behind him. He had to protect her with or without the mask. The people screamed behind them as they followed behind but they heard less and less people as they scurried. "Vi!" Ruby yelled as Viperion ran past her with Marinette on his hip. She grumbled as she twirled her weapon. Rubybug threw her yoyo at Zeke to hold him off as some of the people ran in pass her. Cat pressed forward as she showed everyone toward the door that lead to the roof. Rubybug ran inside after the few that entered the doorway and turned, locking the door with the bolt latch. She sighed a trickle of anger that boiled in her stomach as she looked to Viperion and then glanced to Marinette. She had to remind herself he wasn't in his super hero gear but she was a bit mad that he didn't help the others behind them. "Everyone. Head up to the roof." She told firmly. "Oliver, Cat, watch over them. I need to fix some things up with my partner." She told firmly as she held her hands on her hips. Oliver placed his hand on Marinette's back to push her toward the stairs. She stared back at them with concern. Viperion sighed as he stared over at Ruby.

As everyone continued up the stairs and she heard the door open and shut above. She glared. "What was that?!" She yelled.

"What?! I'm not in my hero costume. I can't do anything like this!" He rolled his eyes. "Let's just get Sass out of my miraculous and we can get to work."

"Hero form or not, you just bolted, you left those people behind. You said you'd help me get them to the roof." She huffed. "Why did you turn your back on them?!"

"Why does it matter if they turn, we are going to fix everything and everyone will go back to normal."

"Viperion! Why?!"

"Cause I have to save her! And that's all that matters!" He huffed. Rubybug blinked and looked up the stairs where he was pointing. "Her?"

Viperion sighed. "Marinette…" he blushed as he glared. "I have to. Protect. Her." He frowned. "I'm sorry. But, I have to protect her at any cost. Don't ask me why. I just. Have to." He huffed as he looked at her with intense eyes. A feeling of guilt consumed her but a sprinkle of giddy happiness and a teaspoon of jealousy. She stared up at the stairs once more as her fingers twitched along the rim of her yoyo. "You like her? Don't you?"

Viperion rolled his eyes as he took his sleeve bracelet off. "Please, can we get Sass out so I can be more of use." He expressed. Ruby rolled her eyes with a soft smile as she strapped her yo-yo to her side and then punched his arm. "Fine, but this talk isn't over." Viperion glared as he rubbed his arms. Rubybug walked and hid behind the stairs as she detransformed. "Spots off" she whispered. Viperion sat on the steps as he extended his arm out to Tikki. "Hey Tikki, long time no see." He smiled. Tikki smiled. "Hello SoldierBug. I hear you have a tiny issue with your miraculous. Let us see." She smiled as she looked the Miraculous over. Tikki stared along the gem eyes of the snake miraculous and pondered. "I sense him near but-" she stared along his wrist. "He isn't in the miraculous." She frowned.

Viperion blinked. "What? But I saw him go into my wrist." He told as he motioned at the bracelet. The feeling of panic overcame him. "What do you mean he isn't in the bracelet?"

Tikki hovered back and sighed. "He is in the bracelet, just not your miraculous bracelet." She told as she motioned at the black agate bracelet. His heart sank as he looked to the stone. "What? He's in the stone? I don't understand."

"You see, Kwamis can't be captured by objects like nets or jars but we can be captured by magic items. That's how the order of the guardian linked us Kwamis to our miraculous. They entrapped our magic beings into the jewelry where we can only project a version of ourselves to your physical plane. But enchanted objects or objects with Spiritual protection trap our projection forms from showing and our powers from being used. Agate is known for helping one ground itself from evil spirits and thoughts."

"But, why does that keep Sass inside?"

"Well, it's complicated." She sighed. "Master Fu told you about how all Kwami were once evil. Right? We were known as Monotonous at one point." She started. He nodded. "Kwamis like Sass roamed the universe freely for eons and used their powers for their own benefit and some used it to help others cause chaos. Most wars were caused by a kwami using their power to stir chaos."

"You mean a Monotonous." He spoke. She nodded. "Sass was once a Monotonous. Even though he is a Kwami now. No matter how good a person is. There will always be a bit of darkness in them. And well. The agate saw this tiny darkness and is keeping him in there."

"Sass isn't a Monotonous anymore though!"

"Without ying there is no yang. Every light there is dark. And you feeling angry will make it worse. You two are connected. If you feel a smidge of darkness, it rubs onto Sass. The stone will pick up on that." Tikki continued. "I'm sorry, I can't help get him out or I too will be sucked into the stone."

"Can't you say the chant? Sass said you could help him out."

"I can go into the miraculous to set him free but I can't go into the bracelet. I'm sorry. But you will have to break the stone to get him out." She advised as she floated back over to Ruby. Viperion stared down at the bracelet and frowned. "Your ladybugs will fix it. Right?" He asked. Tikki glance back at Ruby and then sighed. "She will have to summon a new lucky charm but yes, they will repair it but," Tikki floated back to Viperions and looked into his eyes. "You can't wear that object anymore. Enchanted objects and crystals can effect your miraculous and Sass if exposed for too long. How long have you had it?"

"Only a couple days." He told.

"Good, stop using it."

His heart sank as he stared down at the bracelet with a sad expression. He was filled with sadness and fear. Maybe it was a placebo but the thought of his nightmares being gone because of the bracelet was so relieving and now he has to revert back to how things were. It wasn't fair. Slipping the bracelet off, he stared at the black rock. His reflection shimmered in its slightly polished surface, his sad expression stared back at him. His heart felt heavy as he dropped the bracelet on the ground and proceeded to stomp along it.

Viperion looked a head as a tiny figure flicked and glitched in his view before Sass took his full tiny form once more before him. Sass yawned and looked around. "What did I miss?" He asked. Viperion smiled and took him into his face as he nuzzled him. "A lot but it's okay." He chuckled. "We got a lot of work to do."

Sass nodded.

"Sass, scales slither!"

Tikki flew over to her holder as she held a tiny mint Andes bar. Tikki took the treat and ate it quickly. She looked to Ruby and stared. Bubbles came out of her mouth when she spoke. "_ you okay?"

"No time to wait! Tikki spots on!"

Rubybug emerged from under the stairs and wiped down her legs as she looked up to Viperion. She blinked as she stared up at him with awe. "You, changed your hair." She giggled. Instead of his hair being shaggy like from before, his hair was a tad loose but push back from his face. And instead of black hair with blue tips. His hair was mostly dark blue now with black roots and his tips faded almost to a off white like blue flames. "I promised Sass I would change it." He spoke. "Does it look, stupid?"

Rubybug rolled her eyes and smiled. "No, I like it. I'm sure Marinette will too." She told as she flicked at his chin. Viperion blinked. "H-hey, listen, I'm." He stopped and looked away. "I know you liked me and, I'm sorry,"

Rubybug hitched her breath as she turned back toward him. "We all feel different toward others. I understand. I'm just happy you like someone that is clearly very caring." She told as she grabbed his shoulders, her voice almost panicking on her words. "I'm use to being sucky in the love department. But there are no hard feelings. Besides, we reeally don't have time to gush about drama right now." she told as she stepped up the stairs. She wobbled a bit as she held her head. Viperion stared. "Sorry, that high pitch noise from earlier I think is still affecting me. Kind of, dizzy, right now. But I'll be okay."

Viperion frowned. He still felt guilty about this. He wasn't an angel in all of this. He knew she liked him and before their team fell a part, he participated in flirting back with her. But she was right. Right now. Wasn't the time. They will have to put a pin in this. He nodded. "Let's go."

"That is a lot of byters down there." Ruby stated as they stared down at the river of people. "See any sign of the villain?"

Viperion shook his head as he kneeled over the corner as he looked around the area. Even with his form of night vision he couldn't see much except the shapes of the moving people down below and the illumination of their tiny screens. He huffed under his breath as he tapped his fingers across the concrete ledge. Chat Noir would of made this a bit easier. "Why are most of the street lights out?" He asked out loud. Ruby was wondering the same thing as she squinted her eyes trying to see. There wasn't much they could make out from their view. Marinette sat from afar as she stared along the heroes as she curled into Cat as she shivered. She looked off in the distance at the Eiffel Tower. She sighed, wishing she was home in her bed right now. Her parents either are byters right now or are worried sick about her. Sadness swirled in her stomach as the cool air made her shiver. Her eyes second glanced at the tower as she went to look away when she saw a spark of light flicker in the middle of the tower. The light was orange with hints of blue. Marinette stood slowly, her knees wobbled a bit as she walked closer to the ledge. "Hey, guys." She whispered.

"Maybe they knocked out a transformer?" Rubybug asked.

"Guys."

"Nah, it looks like a few streets are like this. Maybe the villain is traveling through the electricity through the lights."

"Guys."

"Maybe, but probably unlikely."

"GUYS!" Marinette yelled. They jerked their heads to her quickly. Viperion stared upon her shaking figure as she was pointing toward the tower. They stared and saw the light Marinette was noticing. "I think your next best bet is to look there." She told.

"Maybe." Rubybug states as she stared along the metal of the tower. "Why would the villain want power though when it's corrupting the phones?"

"Maybe they are using the tower like an antenna." Marinette spoke.

"Let's investigate." Viperion stated as he stepped up onto the ledge. Marinette grabs his wrist. "Please let me go with you. I don't know why but I feel I should go." She tells firmly. She had this sinking feeling this was happening somehow because of her. Viperion stepped down and gripped her shoulders. "I'm sorry but you need to stay here." He says firmly and then frowns as he feels the coldness on her bare shoulders on his fingers. "You guys should wait in the stairwell. If the door in the stairwell stays locked and secure. You should stay safe. And warm." He speaks calmly as he looks to Marinette. "Get inside, Marinette."

Ruby stared between them as they spoke softly to one another.

"Please, I think the zombie said my name from before!" She cried as she gripped Viperion wrist as he started to turn away. He stared down at her with confusion. She pulled her hand away as she looked down with uneasiness. "I heard it say Marinette. I'm sure of it. I don't know why it said my name but it said my name."

They all flinched and one of the people behind them stood up and yelled. "Wait?! You're the reason my boyfriend is a freakish computer zombie?!" He yelled. "Marinette?! You are behind this? You're lucky you got two super heroes behind you or I'd punch you in the face right now." He hissed. Marinette flinched and took a step back. "Shush, calm down, no need to get railed up. We need to stick together." Cat assured him.

The heroes looked to one another. Viperion thought back from earlier that night. Marinette had stated her and her friend had gotten into a fight earlier from her arriving to the bar. Could that be the source? This ability also seems, familiar as well. "What is your friends name?" Viperion asked Marinette. "The friend you mentioned getting into a fight earlier tonight?"

Rubybug blinked and stared Marinette over with creased brows as her mouth fell slightly open. Taken back Marinette looked to the ground as she whispered her name to them. His eyes shot over to Ruby. "It's Lady wifi all over again." He said and they both jumped as a loud crash was heard as the stairway door swung open and a wave of byters crawled from the stairway out to the opening. The last bit of people screamed as phones shoved into their faces. "Marrrrrrrrrrrrinettttttttteeeeeeee" their voices cried in an echo. "Foooooooounnnnnd yooooooooou."

Cat turned quickly. "Get Marinette out of here!" She yelled as held her arms out, making a shield between Marinette and the crowd. Oliver joined in.

Marinette frowned and then squeaked as she was suddenly lifted up into a pair of arms. She pulled at her dress as arms cupped under her legs and along her back. She gasped as she was suddenly flying through the air. She hid her face onto a plated chest of armor as her arms held around his neck. The cold air cut against her legs like razors as her teeth rattled. She pressed her cold nose into Viperion neck and she closed her eyes so tight they might rip. Viperion's eyes softened as his cheeks turned pink as he held her close as they flew through the air. He landed along a building stretch and they ran across. "We can't just leave her just anywhere." Viperion called.

"We might have to take her with us."

"No out of the question." He states.

"She's safer with us then not." Ruby states. "If we would of left sooner, she would of been zombified."

Viperion sighed as he looked about to the rooftops and grumbled as he noticed crowds of Byters swarmed the tops of them. His eyes glanced along her exposed skin as it looked almost blue from the cold. He came to a brief stop. Rubybug looked back and slid along the tiles as she looked back at him. "I need to get her home and dressed in something warmer before she turns into a popsicle if she stays with us." He said firmly as he looked down the roof as it declined down. He looked both ways along the streets as the river of byters continued to follow them below. "These byters are going to follow my every move now that they have their eyes on her." He states as he looks back at Ruby who was looking around the area as she thought. She suddenly smirked as an idea came to mind. They watched as she walked across the balcony of the roof and tugged at a cloth awning. "I have to lure them away for you to get her to her house safely. But can't lure them away when they see I don't have her." She stepped back and flung her yo-yo up to the sky. "Inspiration!"

A box fell from the magic glow above and landed in-between them. Viperion stared confused as he adjusted Marinette in his arms. "A box?"

"You know, the perks of being an adult and being the holder of the ladybug miraculous? I can control what kind of charm I can summon with inspiration." She states.

Viperion rolled his eyes. "Get to the point." Rubybug opened the box and pulled out a plastic bust with messed up fake dark hair. "The point of the matter is, creation rocks. And comes in handy ." She says as she pulls a plastic arm, waving the hand. Viperion groaned. He walked right into that one. Marinette couldn't help but giggle like a bell which made Viperion blush as he tapped his foot a bit annoyed. He expected that joke coming from Chat Noir, not Ruby. Lucky Charm she can summon a random object with no penalty but the item can be anything and she has to use her wits to use it properly. And then her power of Inspiration where she can summon any object she wants. But she can only summon a form of an object she has seen in person and the object will vanish within a five minute countdown. Viperion did sometimes grow a bit jealous of her power, it came in so handy at times. They watched as Rubybug fiddled around with the parts and was able to put together a fake mannequin. "Soooo what are we going to do with that?" He questions as he props Marinette onto her feet. "I'm going to carry this mannequin like it's Marinette and lure them away."

"I think they will be able to tell it's not her." He told as he kicked the box looking inside. "Can't summon an outfit with the thing?"

"If zombie movies have taught me anything. They have an amazing sense of smell. I could have summoned an outfit but they might not fall for it cause of that. This is where Marinette is going to help me." She told as she ripped the cloth from the awning. "But you're going to hate me for this." She sighed. "Both of you are."

They stared confused.

"I'm going to kill her for this." He grumbled as he poked his head out of the door as he watched Rubybug fiddle with the mannequin. The red dress shimmering in the moonlight as she cradled the doll. "LET'S GO TO THE SEINE MARINETTE. YOU WILL BE SAFE THERE." Rubybug yelled with an annoying tone. She was normally good at acting, but this was a bit forced. Viperion grumbled with a roll of his eyes as he glanced over to Marinette who was red as her dress she once wore, hiding her body in the mesh material. She looked at him and he quickly looked away. Her heart was beating fast as her face and body was burning hot. The feeling of exposure and violation boiled in her tiny body. She felt like the little mermaid in this get up when she got her legs and they used a washed up tarp to make shift an outfit. But instead of being confident wearing the strange get up, she was starting to doubt this rescue attempt. "I feel this is overkill." Viperion grumbled as he watched Rubybug blur up into the sky.

Viperion held his breath as he listened closely. He heard the moans, screams and the sound of feet stomping away below the building. Marinette looked around the small hutch that they were hiding in as she listened along side. The moans faded after a few minutes and the atmosphere grew silent. Marinette gulped as she laid the back of her head on the wall behind her. This night felt like it was dragging on and on now, her body was growing tired. Her shoulders shook as she tried to fight off the chills of the weather. The cold was starting to make her feel sleepy.

Viperion turned to her as he whispered. "Okay, I think it's safe. We need to get going." He hesitated as he reached to pick her up. Carefully, he tried to make sure the fabric didn't budge too much around her as he lifted her off the ground. "I know your getting tired, but I need you to show me where you live." He told as he walked out of the hutch. His eyes looked around to make sure all was still clear. Grumbles escaped her lips as she laid her head against his chest. "Hm?" He asked as he looked her face over. "I live on Rue Gotlib" she rubbed her eye as she yawned. He knew the street. He often took that street during his jogs. "Okay. Are you ready? Going to get cold again. Hold onto the tarp. Not the way I wanna get peeks at your body now." He chuckled. Marinette blushed as she rolled her eyes, shaking her head at his comment. She pulled her arms close to her body.

The air was cold and chilly as the night grew on. The moon glowing bright above the night sky. Viperion held with all his might onto Marinette as their bodies cut through the dark starry sky. Marinette's eyes grew heavy but she blinked the cold air into her eyes to keep herself awake as she held the tarp tightly against her semi nude body. Her eyes looked off at the buildings they breezed past. She never imagined seeing such a view. Most of the street lights were off but the further into Paris she could make out some lights where Paris was not affected. The yellow, oranges and peach lights along the horizon of the pitched black city. It was acting almost like they were staring at the ocean and the lights way out were the lights to a ship sailing by. Her eyes looked over as they landed along the buildings as Viperion dashed across the rooftop. Her body shook against his as her eyes looked down at the roof tile that flickered under his booted feet.

Trailing on, her eyes looked down at her crunched up body, tailored in the awning fabric. His armored chest slithered into her view as she scanned his body's against hers. Her eyes drifted up and stared along his face. His eyes, red and glowing, locked on the path a head. His jawline clenched and his nostrils flaring rapidly as he inhaled fast. He looked concerned but the hints of blush on his cheeks it looked as if he was trying to keep himself stern. She smiled softly as she looked away down. He was probably embarrassed for her, being naked in his arms. Though she was embarrassed sitting there naked, she felt safe in his arms. "Thank you." She whispered. Viperion glanced at her from the corner of his eye as he leaped through the air again and then back forward as they landed. "That's what I'm here for, keep you safe. I promise to keep you safe."

"No, thank you, for tonight, it was, fun." She told as they came to a quick halt. He panted, his calves burning as he looked about. He smiled down at her. "Yea, me too." He chuckled. "Where is your house?" He asked as he looked around the street. She pointed. "There, that balcony, go up there." She told. He blinked as he stared ahead. He knew that bakery. "You, live, there?" He asked. "Yea, it's my parents place," she started as she peered down below at the shop. It was dark. A frown trickled on her face. She wondered if her parents were okay. "That's their bakery. My dad mostly does the cooking while my mom does the computer work, register, orders and such." She smiled. He stared down at the bakery as he thought of the interaction a few days ago with the man in the shop. Tom. That must have been her dad. Everything was starting to connect together. He gulped as the smell of baked goods still trickled in the air. He looked down at her as she stared ahead. Since finding out Marinette was the girl of tonight. His mind has been racing and constantly detangling all the information.

Andres voice echoed.

Your meeting is one that will be a surprise. Their bodies crashing into one another at the shop flashed in his memory. Sweet as can be with blueberry scoop eyes. He could see the bit of her eyes from his angle. She wears perfume of coconut and mint. She had been wearing the brown sugar perfume since they met but now she comes in like a masked seductress wearing that scent as if she was somebody new. But things won't be easy, there will be conflict. Is he referring to the encounter with Adrien or maybe it was something more to that. A cookie is the best I can give. It's a hint to where she possibly may live. A bakery. Why didn't he think of that? He didn't really pay much attention to that line but it makes sense. Does it make sense? Maybe it was a coincidence. All of it. That's not too crazy. Right? It's not that he doesn't believe in the Love Fortune Teller that is André but it sounds all too good to be true. Viperion sighed his hopes and thoughts away.

They landed softly onto the balcony. Marinette hobbled over as she opened the trap door. Viperion kneeled down as he stopped her. He looked down into the room briefly. He scanned the dark room and noticed nothing. He pulled himself up right and nodded as he slipped into the opening. He landed along her bed as he looked around the room once more closer. So this is where she lives. Her room smelled of her normal brown sugar but a hint of dust also trickled as if she had not lived long in the room. Still nothing seemed out of the ordinary from his view as he peered down below; this was a good advantage point.

"Okay, all seems clear in here." He whispered as he kneeled back and looked up to her. He held his arms out to help her down. "D-don't look." She blushed as she swung one of her tangled leg down. He rolled his eyes as he briefly looked away. "How can I help you if I can't look?"

"Just don't!" She huffed. "It's not easy moving in this get up. Oh when I see Rubybug again. I'm going to kick her- ah!"

Marinette's bottom slipped too fast for her to rebalance herself along the edge and she descended through the opening. Her body colliding on top of Viperion. They both groaned from the impact. Their bodies lied tangled together along the cushion of her bed. Their eyes looked to one another as they both turned beet red as their noses touched. His hands twitched above her back as he was afraid to touch her like this. Her body covered in goosebumps as the coldness of her body was flooded with the heat of his body but along with the heat of embarrassment. His heart beat fast but his face grew soft. Now that her mask was gone, seeing her this close to him was very breath taking to him. Her locks long and loose along her bare shoulders and draping down on her collarbone. Her navy blue hair was dark but shined from the back as the moon light peered down on them from the door above, it looked so soft he wanted to caress through it. Her lips still black from before but pursed from the surprise fall. Her mind was racing as she laid along him. Her fingers were gripping on his biceps from the fall, her touch could make out the firm muscle under the scale textured armor. Her eyes stared at his red eyes that looking longing almost at her. She gulped as she stared along his lips as she pulled her face away. Did she dare do it again?

Though her body felt warm, her back felt cold under the goosebumps on her spine which caused her to shiver. They both looked and she gasped as she shoved her hand quickly over his face. "Don't look!" She freaked. The tarp that was once wrapped around her body was now blanket over him but exposed her back. Her pink bra and panties shinning from the beacon light above. "Yu haft toth be quiiet" he murmured through his lips that were pressed down from her pressing on the side of his face. "Then don't look" she growled under her red skin as she reached shoving a cat plushie over his face. "Hide under ." she huffed as she smothered him under the soft plush before she turned grabbing the tarp as she pushed her hand onto his gut. He grunted as her body shifted off his and her body heat and weight disappeared. He huffed as he sat up but was greeted with another plushie hitting his face.

"I said no looking!" She huffed as she tried descending the ladder. He rolled his eyes as he laid back along her bed as he stared up along the ceiling. He stared along the glow in the dark stars above that clung to the pink paint. Found it funny she had a set just like he had. He smiled as he chuckled to himself. This was the weirdest rescue mission he has had in a long time. He laid his hands along his stomach as he closed his eyes and took the room in through his nose. Her mint scent began to mix together with the brown sugar. His nose if could would of formed a cavity with all the sugar sweetness in the air.

Marinette huffed as she ran over to her dresser. Heated red cheeks lined her face. Might as well at this point have her cheeks tattooed red with how much she keeps blushing she thought to herself. Her hands dug through her wardrobe as she tossed outfit left and right. She sighed with relief as she found what she was looking for. She pulled a pale autumn Auburn oversized sweater with twisted knitted patterns going along the sides. She quickly slipped the sweater along her body before she grabbed a pair of black pants thrown along the ground. She hopped into the jeans as she motioned toward her boots along the other side of the room. Her fingers gripped the tongues to her boots as she peered down at the trap door. Her heart clenched tightly as she sat along her lounge couch.

The feeling of worry overcame her as she glanced back up toward where she left Viperion. He still laid staring up at the ceiling as he awaited her permission to look once more. She glanced back down as she slipped one of the boots on. Wonder crossed her mind if her parents were okay or not. Maybe they were in bed and never got affected by this infection, she thought. She tugged the last boot on as she looked one more toward Viperion before she turned back. She reached as she pulled the trap door slightly ajar before a voice called her from behind. "Marinette. Don't." Viperion called from the bedside as he glared down at her. She frowned. "I just-" She whispered as she shut the door slowly.

"It's too dangerous with you being the target, we need to get you somewhere safe so Ruby and I can get everything back to normal. Now, let's go. I have an idea of where to hide you." He called as he stepped half way down the stairs. Reaching toward her with a soft extended hand, his eyes plead. She sighed as she turned toward him with acceptance. "I just wanted to see if they were alright." she frowned as she stepped toward him. "I understand, we will fix this, I promi-" he started before his eyes darted quickly toward the trap door as it opened slowly. She gasped as hands suddenly reached and tugged at her ankles, causing her to fall forward along the hard floor. The grip on her bone was strong as she turned and stared down along at her father as she whimpered in slight pain. His eyes flashed red, blue and yellow. "Papa?" she cried. "Marrrrrineeeeeeeeete" he called. "Papa, let me go!" she cried as she tugged at her leg. Her nails scratched at the floor as he began to drag her toward the opening. Viperion growled as he jumped down and slid along his knees as he went to grab Marinette's wrist. "Get off her!" He yelled as he tugged. He flinched back and shielded his eyes as a woman appeared beside Tom holding a phone toward him. "Stayyyyyyyyy awaaaaaay" she murmured. "Proootect Marineeeette"

"No. I will. Protect. Mari-" he gasped as his grip left her wrist and she was tugged along the ground. "Marinette!"

"Viperion!" she screamed as her nails chipped at the floor before the door slammed shut and she disappeared. His heart pounded as if this was some type of horror film. The door shut fast as he scrambled toward it and lifted the door with zero hesitation for the possible consequences that could have been on the other side. He panted at the sight; nothing was there. "W-what?" he blinked as he looked around the room, nobody was there. "Where the hell did they-?" he jumped down. He looked around the room before he darted toward a door that lead to a spiral staircase. Looking down, he saw nobody. He jumped as the bracelet on his wrist vibrated, he looked down and poked the eyes to the snake as a projection screen floated into his view. Rubybug's face flashed into view. He gulped before he answered it with wincing eyes. "Viperion! What happened?" Rubybug panted as she was running along the rooftop. "I was patrolling around the tower until you got here, I don't see the villain but Marinette is here, what happened?"

"H-how the fuck is she-gah! She got snatched by her parents, they were turned into Byters." he panicked as he bolted up to the balcony. His feet stepped along the balcony fence as he looked down before he peered over to the tower. "You said she is there? What are you doing?"

"I'm running for dear life right now." she huffed. "I turned and suddenly Byters were on the roof behind me. I don't know how they appeared there. How did she get away from you? They have an advantage now."

"Well if we didn't have to take the detour of getting Marinette dressed, maybe this wouldn't have happened." Viperion snarled. "It's a good thing they took her when she was clothed. She was mortified. That was the stupidest plan I've heard. And you know how dumb Chat Noir's plans were, what the hell was that anyways?"

"It wasn't anything, I-" she hesitated as she held her temple. "I honestly felt that was what was going on." she huffed. He rolled his eyes not believing her. He was still annoyed by that decision, he felt maybe she did that to embarrass Marinette. Out of jealousy maybe? She said she was fine but this was an odd move from her. "What?" she glared as she turned and kicked a byter across the face as she flipped backward and flung her yo-yo, swinging away. "You think I did that on purpose?"

Viperion blinked as a blue light flashed behind him, he turned and suddenly a multitude of Byters came swarming from the opening. Viperion quickly leaped off the roof. He reached by flicking his chain sword out before flinging it out and catching it along a flag pole. He swung his body out and rolled across the roof to another building's protruding window. He panted. "I think I know," he panted.

"Know what?" She growled. "You think I wanted to do that to her? I wanted to protect her, not embarrass her, what kind of monster would do that?"

"No!-I know how they are getting to us. I think it's the Power of the Horse."

"W-what?" Ruby yelled as she continued to run with all her might. "That doesn't make any sense, how do they know where we are? They have to know our location to teleport to us."

Viperion blinked as he looked up as moans were heard above. "Fuck!" he hissed as he rolled his body off the window. His body fell as he stared down at the group of Byters below, they all extending their phones up toward him. He shut his eyes tight as he quickly flicked his whip one more time and swung just barely out of their reach. Viperion hissed as he opened his eyes but quickly shut them tight as his body flung into window glass, it shattering all over his body. He rolled across the office building's room. He panted as he looked back at the open window he just made, quickly he darted up, expecting another group to appear any second. He ran across the office quickly, he made it halfway before he looked back and stopped. Nothing. He coughed as he bent over out of breath. He isn't used to being chased much anymore. He may have to amp up his jogging routine. "You okay?" Ruby yelled as she was still yo-yo-ing across the screen in his view. "Y-yea." Viperion stared as he looked around. His eyes caught sight of the tower as he stared along it. Marinette's voice echoed in his head. " Maybe they are using the tower like an antenna. "

"That's it!" he spoke. "Ruby, you have to get into a building, fast! That's the only way to get away from them."

"What? If I go into a building, I'm a sitting duck." Viperion understood that feeling but quickly rebutted. "Rube, I think the villain is using the tower like an antenna," he spoke. "They are using some type of echolocation I believe to track us. But it doesn't work if we are inside a building."

Rubybug's phone disconnects suddenly. "Rube? Ruby?!" he yells as he shakes his wrist. He looked around through the window as he tried to see if he could see her somewhere but nothing. Viperion paced back and forth as he tried ringing her yo-yo.

Missed call.

Missed call.

Missed call.

"Fuck!" he grumbled. He calls her one more time as panic overcomes his body but her face comes into view.

"It worked." she panted. "Sorry, I had to lose them and get inside fast before they tracked me down."

"Where are you?"

"Our favorite hiding spots." she huffed as she turned the camera around to the brick walling of the sewers. "Works like a charm for quick getaways. What is your location?"

"I don't know, some office building." he huffs as he looks around at the paperwork on the desks as he walks toward the fire escape. "I'll make my way to the sewer. They are bound to send Byters in here since my last location was outside the building." He swallowed his panting as he descended down the stairs. "I'll move to a different part of the sewage before they do send Byters down from the manhole I entered. You sound out of breath." Ruby says. "Not used to this kind of cardio much anymore," he replies. "Y-yeah, I normally do kickboxing during my free time but this, this is a bit different," she comments.

"Well, it looks like our phones are safe from the virus." he chuckled as continued down the stairs. His paranoia was getting the best of him as he kept looking back upward. "That's the plus to magic, just to be safe, we should jump off, meet me where the pipes end before the bridge by the Trocadéro."

"Gotcha!" She replied before hanging up.

"So that's what happened. I thought maybe you got turned and that's why you weren't on her tail," she spoke. Rubybug was leaning against the sewage walls as Viperion paced back and forth as he explained what happened. Rubybug shook her head as she held her forehead. "You okay?" he asked. She was quiet and then looked at him. "Huh? Oh, sorry the murky air is making it hard for me to think." she responded. "S-so you think it's some type of echolocation?"

He nodded.

"Now that we know it has to be some type of sound wave bullshit, it makes sense, that is how they found us when we were on the roof above the club," she responded.

Viperion stopped as he thought back. He never heard the door below the stairs bust into, so they had to of been teleported in the stairway when they were distracted. That was how they were attacked. When Marinette and he hid in the hutch after Rubybug took off with the mannequin, the wave must have thought Rubybug did have Marinette. He looked at Ruby as he huffed. Guess her dummy plan worked, but took some steps that weren't necessary. He looked away as he continued to pace. They probably then noticed that Marinette and him were at her house. The villain probably teleported her parents there on purpose or they were already there waiting when they arrived. "This villain is pretty damn smart." he sighed. "We need to hurry and get to Marinette, now."

"Hold on Romeo." Rubybug glared as she held her hand up, stopping him as he went to sprint forward. "We need a plan."

Viperion groaned. "We rush in and break the corrupted object."

"Rush in, seriously?" she rolled her eyes as she rubbed her temple. "Can't rush without being pinpointed."

"We just sneak into the Eiffel tower."

"No go, when I was patrolling and getting chased there were zombies on the stairs making their way up to the tower."

"Where did you see Marinette?"

"At the top. She seemed like she was knocked out with a few Byters around her."

Viperion thought and huffed.

"Why don't we go into the den?" Rubybug asked. "It's kind of like teleporting straight to the top."

Viperion winced and huffed as he looked away from her. "Only I can go into the den, outsiders are not allowed, you know this." he stared down at his miraculous. The power of second chance was already hard enough to control, one wrong move going into the Den could cause a ripple of issues. He had not been in the Den since Master Fu passed away except for, personal reasons. He frowned to himself. "No Den." he told. Rubybug groaned. "You can't just not use that power!" she yelled. "Master Fu gave you that power to use when needed, when is that going to be?!"

"I…" he stopped. "It's complicated."

"You make it complicated." she huffed. "Look, I understand why you didn't use it that night but this is different. We are simply using the power to put ourselves at the top. Maybe before Marinette is even up there. It won't have any bad effects on the timeline."

"She is right." a voice echoed. Both of them jumped and stared down the dark circle of the sewage piping. Su-Han emerges from the shadows, standing with poise, his arms staying behind his back. He stared directly at Viperion. "The Snake Miraculous is the most Powerful of the Miraculous. Being able to manipulate time is a big responsibility. You have the power of Second Chance and the Power of Slither. The holder must be able to watch the outcomes of events and calculate the next best possible move. You know this." he stared as he walked toward him.

"But, Master, I-"

"Silence. Without a wielder of the Cat Miraculous, you have to depend on your powers 100%. When it was the three of you, it was balanced out like Lady Justice." He pointed his cane over to Rubybug. "You have the Ladybug, the scale on the left." he pointed to his right. "The Cat on the right." and then he pointed his cane toward Viperion. "And The Miraculous of the snake in the center, holding the two, keeping all balanced. You are what makes the Miraculous teamwork."

"Why haven't you picked a worthy holder for the Cat Miraculous?" Viperion glared. "Would of been helpful right about now."

"Why give the most powerful object to a hero that isn't needed." he told. "There was no threat until the other day."

Viperion stared down at the ground as he took his Master's words in. "The Snake goes into the den and waits to strike. If you refrain from entering the den, it's as if you are leaving yourself vulnerable. It is okay to be cautious, but it's not okay to never strike. If the Snake doesn't at least try and bite the Hawk that lifts it from the sky, it has no chance. But if it does, the percentage of the snake landing safe and sound is heightened in chance. Giving the snake a second chance at life." he sighed as Viperion continued to stare at the ground below. "If you doubt your ability, I will take the Miraculous back and find a new holder if you wish to relinquish this responsibility. It is a lot. I know." Rubybug quickly looked at Viperion with a crease of her brows. Her heart clenched hard as Viperion stared down at his Miraculous, caressing it with his thumb.

"Marinette needs you." Rubybug whispered as she placed her hand on his wrist. "You have to at least try."

Viperion looked at her with sadness in his eyes and his brows frowning along his forehead. I promise to keep you safe. His voice echoed. His promise he made to Marinette. His lips pursed into a snarl as he looked and placed his hand out. "Slither!" he yells. A white portal with a teal glow appeared before them. "Let's go save Marinette."

Rubybug smiles.