Notes: It's so interesting learning which stories have French origins
Disclaimer: I don't own the Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir franchise
Miraculous Universe
Ch. 21: A Tangled Web
Mr. Big was at his hideout pacing back and forth. Countess Sophia Marceau was there as well, smoking a cigarette, playing Solitaire, and being lost in her own thoughts. Neither of them said anything until she got fed up.
"Will you stop pacing? What's the matter now?" Countess Marceau asked.
"What do you mean, you stupid cow?! My operation is falling apart! First they arrested René, and then Cyrille, more importantly, they got Élodie, and now they've got Sévérine! They'll be coming after me next!"
"What about me?"
"What about you? I trust you as far as I can throw you. I mean, what do you even contribute to the gang?"
"Are you saying that I'm useless?"
"Yes, but I'm also actually asking what you add to the gang. I honestly don't even know anymore."
"Being a countess, I mingle with other elites and trick them into donating money to our cause…as well as pick their pockets."
"In other words, you're a liar and a common thief."
"How dare you call me common?!"
"Are you even a real countess? Honestly, you're no better than Cyrille."
"Now you're comparing me to that smelly imbecile? He always looked out for himself."
"And you don't? You take more than you give. You think I don't know about your experiments, you psycho?"
"Those are all for the benefit of the organization."
"Torturing people rather than giving them a quick death hardly benefits us. As long as they're alive, they can go around telling secrets."
"I brainwash these simpletons into doing our dirty work and taking the fall."
"A lot of good that does us now. Just like with my favorite assassin, we're going up against other Miraculous users."
"What if I told you I could get them to back off?"
"For what? So you can make a run for it?"
"None of us will have to run once I'm finished. We need to kidnap someone important and hold them for ransom. We tell them that we want the heroes to stop interfering. Once they see we're willing to get civilians involved, they'll fold."
"It won't do us any good if you're going to mess with the target's head like you do with all the others."
"I won't hurt her too much."
"Her? You already have an idea?"
"It has to be someone important. Or rather, I should say, related to someone important."
"Leave me out of this. One thing, genius, what happens if the heroes decide to just try and free your captive?"
She now had a sinister smile on her face.
"Then I'll make them wish they never had."
Meanwhile, at the police station, Roger was talking with his superior.
"You wanted to see me, Captain Jourdan?"
"I'm getting another promotion since this was such a big bust. However, to show you I didn't forget about the fine work you've done, you're being promoted as well."
"Thank you, Ma'am. This is an honor."
"If we can get the rest of these crooks, who knows? I might be asked to join Interpol."
As for the heroes, life went on as usual: school, work, dates, hanging out, etc. As the weather got cooler, Adrien started to wear his favorite scarf. One day, Gabriel actually noticed.
"Ah, Adrien, there you are. I haven't been able to talk with you since summer. I trust your job was very constructive?"
"I learned a lot about how to run a business, Père. Maybe I can be like Nathalie and make sure things don't fall apart."
Gabriel said nothing, while Nathalie stifled a laugh.
"Well, I'm heading out."
"Just a moment, Adrien. That scarf…have you always had it?"
"Marinette made it for me quite a while back."
Gabriel began to examine the scarf.
"This isn't quite as elaborate as her bowler hat, but it's certainly well-made. Simple yet elegant."
"I guess that's what happens when a work of art is made with love."
Gabriel gave him a look, "You don't know the first thing about making clothing."
"I may not know a lot about art, but I know what I like. Good day, Père, Nathalie."
Once he left, Gabriel stood there, clearing thinking about something.
"What's on your mind, Sir?"
"I've yet to truly capitalize on Mlle. Dupain-Cheng since the fashion show. It's safe to assume she turned down Audrey's offer to go to New York, yes?"
"She didn't just turn her down, from what Adrien said, she told her off."
Gabriel was intrigued, "Did she now?"
"First she called Chloé and Zoé so they could watch, and then she called Audrey a has been."
"Well now, perhaps she really does have what it takes."
"Since then she's done three high profile jobs, Sir. Two of those jobs were for Jagged Stone, and the other was for the band he's helped endorse - Kitty Section."
"Nathalie, it's become clear to me that while I believe Adrien has learned how to run a business, he's hopeless in the field of fashion. He wears what we tell him to wear. Mlle. Dupain-Cheng, meanwhile, has proved herself several times. I think the smart thing to do would be to wait until next summer and offer her an internship here."
"That's certainly surprising coming from you, Gabriel. Are you sure that's the best idea, considering your…extracurricular activities?"
"That's the best part of someone being an intern. You can make them do anything and they'll do it. No questions asked. If the need arises that I must put on my mask, my lair is perfectly soundproof, and I can send her out on an errand…pointless or otherwise."
Time went on, and soon it was October. Countess Sophia Marceau had begun staking out the house of her target.
"This isn't going to be as easy as I thought. She has a routine, but she sure likes to deviate. My best chance is right after the class. I'll need to employ a few grunts to assist with the capture."
A few days later, Kagami was leaving fencing class. She was walking out with Adrien and Ondine.
"I always appreciate you coming to watch, Ondine. I would think you'd be bored by now."
"The way you get worked up and practically wipe the floor with everyone? How could anyone get bored by that? Plus, it gives me time to think."
"I hope you think about more than just Kim."
"Kagami, don't tease her like that," Adrien said, "She's a romantic, like me."
"Except you're not as dumb and/or oblivious as Kim."
"Thanks."
The self-driving car pulled up. A black SUV pulled up behind it.
"Of all the conspicuous vehicles we had to use," Countess Marceau griped, "There she is, but she's with her friends."
The three were still talking.
"If we don't do this now, we may not get another chance. Shove those other brats out of the way and get Tsurugi. What are those dumb kids going to do about it?"
"You don't think we should take them, too?" asked one of the henchmen.
"That tall girl is a nobody, and I would never mess with the Agreste family."
"But they'll call the police."
"So what? They'll never find me."
Four burly men shuffled out of the SUV and rushed the trio. Adrien and Ondine were roughly shoved away, while the other two men grabbed Kagami and dragged her back into the vehicle. Adrien noticed smoke coming out of the vehicle as the men roughly shoved Kagami inside.
"Get your hands off me, you baka!" Kagami snapped.
Placide rushed after the henchmen, but they managed to dive into the SUV as it drove off.
"Placide, they took Kagami!" Adrien cried, "We have to call the cops!"
"I'll do that on the way!" Ondine yelled as she ran past.
"Where are you going?!"
"I have to follow that car! Maybe I can help!"
Adrien grabbed Kagami's things and put them in his car. He and Placide got inside.
"I have to follow them fast before they find somewhere to hide. Pull over somewhere private so I can get out, and then head over to the police station."
While Placide pulled over into a secluded street, Adrien sent a mass text.
To: Chloé, Marinette, Nino, Zoé
AA: Kagami was kidnapped!
Marinette forwarded the text to Alya, while Chloé forwarded the text to Luka.
"Be careful," Placide said.
"I always am, mon amie. Transformez-moi!"
Placide drove off towards the police station, while Matou Noir used his staff to get a look around.
"There's Ondine. Wow, she runs fast. I guess that's what training gets you."
Leaning his staff in her direction, he quickly made up for lost time. He was now running on the roofs alongside Ondine.
"Ondine, up here!"
"Huh? Oh, it's you, Matou Noir! I'm starting to get tired, but I have to keep running! Some thugs kidnapped my friend Kagami!"
"I called for my friends to help, so they'll be here shortly. I obviously can't stop you, but please don't do anything reckless. I'll handle this."
"Okay…I trust you guys."
He now ran farther ahead to see where the SUV had gone. Apireine, Bateleur, and Ladybird flew overhead. Zorrua, Tortank, and Vipèrion were running across the rooftops.
"This way, team! Look for a big, black SUV!"
Bateleur flew up higher for a better look.
"It looks like they've disappeared."
"How could they get away so quickly?!" Matou Noir cried.
"Calm down, Chaton," Ladybird said, "There must be a way to find her."
He snapped his fingers, "I've got it! We need the Rooster Miraculous."
"How is dressing up like a chicken supposed to help?" Apireine asked.
"Trust me on this. I'll be back as soon as I can. Bateleur, can you give me a lift?"
"Where to?"
"The police station!"
Being able to fly made the trip much quicker. Matou Noir was met by Lt. Raincomprix.
"Any sign of the girl?"
"Not yet, but we have an idea how to find her," he then turned to Placide, "Monsieur, if you would open the car door, please."
Noir began digging through Kagami's backpack.
"Here we go. This is an article of clothing she was wearing. Can I get one of those evidence bags?"
Roger hurried in and out with one. Noir placed the cloth inside.
"With this we should find her in no time. Please wait for our call."
"Good luck, son."
Noir and Bateleur took off and rejoined the others.
"There you are," Ladybird said, "Here's the Rooster. What's your plan?"
"One of us uses it to track Kagami by her scent."
"That might actually work. In fact, I'll do it myself. Ladybug, Rooster, unify!"
Her boots were now yellow and went up to her knees. The front and back of the boots had points on them. Her domino mask had a small yellow point on it, like a beak. Her hair was shorter and slicked back, save for several thick strands that hung down the side of her head that were colored a bright red. Several of the spots on her body, mostly on the arms and legs, now had yellow borders around them, and were different shapes that more resembled feathers. She also had several pieces of cloth, both red and black, cascading down from her mid back that resembled tail feathers. She held up her left hand. The Rooster Miraculous looked like a bright yellow spur on her thumb. A few elastic bands attached to her glove held the feather pen in place.
"I could totally see someone wearing that on a normal day," Tortank said.
"Thanks…oh, and call me Lady Plume."
She then took the feather pen in her hand, "Sublimation! The power to track someone by their scent. Where's the cloth?"
Matou Noir handed her the bag. She opened it and began to sniff. She zipped the bag back up and began sniffing the air.
"I know this is for a good reason," Apireine said, "But does anyone else think she looks odd sniffing around like that?"
Lady Plume began walking slowly in one direction, and then another.
"This way!"
The rest of the team followed as she led them through the city.
"Don't mind us, folks," Vipèrion said to several passersby, "Official business."
Lady Plume stopped and began fluttering around to different spots to pick up the scent.
"This isn't as easy as it could be," she said, "I mean they did take her in a vehicle."
Meanwhile, the SUV drove around the city a few times before they quickly pulled into an abandoned warehouse. Kagami was struggling and spewing Japanese at them the entire time. They went straight to the center of the warehouse and tossed her into a makeshift jail cell.
"Now calm yourself, young Tsurugi," Countess Marceau said, "Or to put it another way… SHUT UP!"
"You can't make me! My mother will hear of this!"
"I'm counting on it. She'll do whatever it takes to get you back."
Kagami was now looking her up and down.
"What are you staring at?"
"I'm sure I've seen you before at a party you likely had no business being at. You're the Countess Sophia Marceau. The woman who's faking being nobility, as they call you."
"I have royal blood in my veins!"
"Who was foolish enough to give you a transfusion?"
"What you smart aleck little -"
"Smoking will only cause your barely passable looks to fade even faster."
"How dare you -"
"And the monocle isn't fooling anyone. I hope you didn't pay too much for it."
"I've had enough of this. I can't kill you, but I'm sick of listening to you. Transformez-moi."
Her outfit looked the same, but it was now various shades of pink.
"You have a Miraculous."
"Yes…let me show you what it can do. Gift!"
Meanwhile, the heroes were still trying to find Kagami.
"Lady Plume, I nearly forgot something," Matou Noir said, "Besides Kagami's scent, try to find cigarette smoke. Someone in that SUV was smoking. I'm sure of it."
"Will do, Chaton," she said as she continued the search.
At last, she picked up something.
"I think she's close. It's a good thing we're tracking by scent, because the sun's starting to set."
They finally came to the warehouse.
Lady Plume snorted, "I can definitely smell cigarettes."
She kept sniffing around the outside. They came up to a door. She tried opening it, only to find it locked.
"A locked door on a supposedly abandoned warehouse," she sniffed the air a bit more, "Yes, I'm sure that's her. We'll have to go about this carefully. These creeps have a hostage, after all."
"All the more reason to hurry," Apireine said, "Bateleur, break down this door."
"That'll be awfully noisy," Vipèrion said.
"Yeah, and they're bound to have a Miraculous," Zorrua said.
"Whatever it is," Apireine said, "We can handle it. Break the door down."
"You've got it," she lifted one of her wings and pointed it at the door, "Liberation."
A feather shot at the door and unlocked it.
"That was anticlimactic," Apireine said.
"Maybe, but now they won't hear us. Although I'm sure they know we're coming."
The heroes filed into the dark warehouse. As they did so, they tripped a silent alarm.
One of the henchmen saw the alert, "Countess Marceau, the -"
"When I'm in costume, you simpleton, my name is The Contessa!"
"Sorry, Contessa, but the superheroes are here."
"SIGH! I should've known. Stay here and keep an eye on the girl and the car. I'll deal with these interlopers."
The heroes were slowly making their way through the hallways.
"Maybe we should split up," Noir suggested.
"I don't like it, but you're probably right. Okay, team, with my enhanced sense of smell and his night vision, Matou Noir and I will go this way. Zorrua, you also have night vision, so take Tortank that way."
"Copy that."
"Vipèrion, you've got all your…snake senses, so take Apireine and Bateleur that way."
"Will do."
As Lady Plume and Matou Noir walked on, he noticed her worried expression.
"And I thought I was worried. Are you okay, My Lady?"
"I have a bad feeling about this. We're obviously walking right into a trap. Lucky Charm! An alarm clock?"
"It's an old school alarm clock. Maybe it's to distract them."
"Gift!" a soft voice spoke out.
"What did you say?"
"That wasn't me, Minou."
A gift box fell to the ground.
"Where did that come from?" Noir asked.
"Oh no!"
They were enveloped by a bright light as they fell to the floor.
"Did you hear something?" Zorrua asked.
"Maybe… Did you?" Tortank asked.
"I have this feeling. We'd better go check on the bug and the cat."
The two hurried back and saw someone descending from the ceiling.
"Not even a superhero can stand up to my power. Now I'll take your Miraculous."
As she reached for Ladybird's earrings, she was clipped by Tortank's shield.
"Back off, you creep!"
The Contessa growled in frustration as she crawled into a nearby vent.
"Did she just crawl into a vent?" Zorrua asked.
"Looks that way," Tortank said, "She probably knows every nook and cranny of this place. Hey, wait, why aren't they moving?"
Ladybird and Matou Noir were still on the floor, both staring into space.
"Ladybird? I mean, Lady Plume! Hello?"
Tortank waved her hand in front of Lady Plume's face.
She leaned close and whispered in her ear, "Marinette!"
Marinette's fantasy
Marinette was alone in a sparse woodland, wearing a simple dress, and walking around barefoot. She was singing to herself, and dancing as if she had a partner. As the trees became more scarce, she felt someone come up from behind her. They gently grabbed her hands and began to dance in time with her. They spun her around so they could dance properly. It was Adrien, and he was dressed rather plainly as well, but he had a regal bearing.
"Oh!"
"I'm awfully sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to frighten you."
"It wasn't that. It's just that you're a..."
"A stranger? But don't you remember? We've met before."
"We have?"
"Yes, you said so yourself. Once upon a dream."
The two began to dance again, and all seemed right with the world. They soon sat down by a river and admired the scenery. She was leaning against him, feeling happy, if a bit drowsy.
Adrien's fantasy
Adrien was wearing a fancy suit, while Marinette wore a beautiful dress. They were each coming down a flight of stairs, and met at the bottom. He bowed and she curtseyed. He offered her his arm, which she happily accepted. He escorted her to the dinner table. As they enjoyed their light meal, Luka was playing the violin. Hearing the music, Marinette eagerly pulled Adrien onto the ballroom floor. Adrien was a little nervous, but she positioned his arms for the dance. The two began a waltz, and she was soon resting her head against his body. Adrien was now beaming with happiness. On the sidelines, Nino and Kim gave him a thumbs up. The lights began to dim, and the pair were now out on a balcony.
"Marinette, are you...happy here with me?"
"Of course."
*RIIIIING*
Lady Plume woke up.
"The Pig!" she cried.
"Are you okay?" Tortank asked.
Noir now awoke, "What? What happened? What was that? Where am I?"
"Calm down, mec," Zorrua said, "You're right where you were before."
"It was the power of the Pig Miraculous," Lady Plume explained.
"What? Isn't it supposed to show you your greatest desire or something like that?"
"That's my understanding, Chaton. We'd better keep moving."
"What about the other group?" Tortank asked.
"That's a good point," Noir said, "You keep going. I'll go check on them."
"Well, I may not have night vision," Lady Plume said, "But I can smell which way to go. I'll lead the way. Zorrua, keep an eye out for that woman."
"Gift!"
Another brightly wrapped present fell through the air.
"Duck and cover!" Lady Plume shouted.
Unfortunately, Zorrua and Tortank weren't fast enough. They were now slumped over on the floor. Lady Plume shielded her eyes, so she wasn't affected. The Contessa didn't seem to notice.
"Now I'll get even with this fat turtle for hitting me."
Lady Plume kicked her in the shin.
"I'm onto your game, lady."
The Contessa slipped into a nearby room. When Lady Plume followed her, the room was empty.
"She disappeared again. Oh no! She got Zorrua and Tortank."
Nino's fantasy
Nino was dressed in a black swashbuckler outfit, complete with boots, a sword, and a nice hat, but no glasses.
"People of Paris!" he announced, "Have a drink! Eat all you want! Enjoy the music!"
"Sing us a song!" someone called out.
It was Alya, and she was wearing a beautiful white dress, heels, and no glasses.
"Sing a song?" Nino said, pulling the brim of his hat over his face, "I couldn't possibly."
Alya pulled a small guitar out from behind her back and tossed it to him. He immediately grabbed it, winked at her, and then began to play. The crowd was clapping in time to the music.
"Who's brave and ready for trouble?"
"You are!" the crowd shouted.
"Who's so unbelievably humble?"
"You are!" the crowd shouted again.
"Who is your favorite fearless hero?"
"Nino Lahiffe!" the crowd rang out.
As a band began to play, he tossed aside the guitar and pulled Alya close to perform an intimate dance. The crowd began to chant his name.
"Nino! Nino! Nino!"
Alya leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Nino."
He leaned in to kiss her.
*RIIING*
"Zorrua, wake up!" Lady Plume shouted.
"I'm awake!" Zorrua shook his head, "Was that an alarm clock?"
"It was, yes."
"What happened?"
"You were trapped in a fantasy by the Pig Miraculous."
"Oh, so that's what that was. I'm glad you were here."
He looked over and saw that Tortank was still under the Pig's spell.
"You better keep looking for that witch. I'll stay here and snap Tortank out of this."
"Well…I guess since you know what to expect now… Okay, I'll leave it to you, M. Fox."
She ran off into the darkness.
Alya's fantasy
Alya was running through a forest while dressed in a red cape and hood that seemed to cover her entire body. Hot on her trail was a tall werewolf. She ran past the tree line. They were in fact in a city park. She kept running until she reached a nightclub. She glanced behind her, and sure enough, the wolf was closing in. She ran past the crowd until she reached the stage. She stood there and looked out into the audience. The wolf, as it turned out, was just Nino dressed in a suit.
"He's so handsome."
He was sitting at a table and looking straight at her. She now realized what was going on. She removed the hood and cape to reveal a red outfit that showed off her arms and legs. She tossed her glasses aside and began a musical number.
"All the girls are crazy for a certain nerdy wolf!"
As she sang, the entire time, Nino looked like he wanted to leap over the table and pounce on her. She moved closer and closer to him.
"You're not rugged, it's true
But when I look at you
I just, ooh, Wolfy! Ooh, Wolfy!"
She reached over, grabbed him by the shirt, and pulled him into a rather rough kiss. The strange part, though, was that she felt nothing. She stood there, not sure of what to do. Nino stood up, straightened his shirt, walked up to her, and then gave her a gentle kiss.
"Tortank?"
Her eyes snapped open. Zorrua had his hands on her shoulders.
"That kiss...it felt so real," she said.
"That's because it was real. I had to do something."
She hugged him, "I'm glad you did."
Meanwhile, Matou Noir was about to catch up with the others.
"Hey, guys! It's me."
"Did you forget something, Cat Man?" Apireine asked.
"Gift!"
"Don't look at it!" Noir shouted.
Yet again, a shiny gift box went off. Apireine, Bateleur, and Vipèrion were caught in the blast.
"Don't touch them, you hag!"
"How dare you call me that?!"
"Come out of hiding and I'll do more than call you names."
"No, I don't think I will."
It went quiet.
"She's gone again. I've got to help these guys."
Chloé's fantasy
Chloé was wearing an elaborate ball gown. Her hair was done up in a fancy bun. She felt nervous and a bit confused.
"There are so many people here. I don't even know what I'm doing here. I'm not sure where to go. Maybe I can find someone that will help me."
There was a tap on her shoulder.
"Can I help you?" came a gentle voice.
She turned to see a tall handsome man in an outfit she could only describe as princely.
"I'm a bit lost actually," she replied.
He held out his hand, "I think you're exactly where you need to be."
He led her out onto the terrace and they began to dance. She was mesmerized by his cyan eyes.
"C'est ça l'Amour," she thought, "Le grand l'Amour..."
She opened her mouth to speak, and he did likewise. Almost as if he knew what she was going to say, they spoke at the same time. It came out as a lovely song.
"Tu es ce que j'attendais
Tu es mon rêve fou!
C'est ça l'Amour!"
They leaned in to kiss, but then, Chloé pulled back.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"This isn't real."
"It could be."
"BUT IT'S NOT!"
A loud clock chimed. There was a flash of light. Chloé was now alone, her dress in tatters, and her hair unkempt. She sank to the floor. She looked like she was about to cry. However, she instead stood up. Suddenly, her Apireine costume began to cover her body. All that was missing was the domino mask.
"No one does this to me and gets away with it," she growled.
With a wave of her hand, the domino mask was in place. She closed her eyes, and when she opened them, she was back in the real world.
"Apireine" Noir said, "Are you okay? I can't believe you snapped out of it by yourself."
"What exactly was that?" she asked, "I didn't get a good look at it."
"The Pig Miraculous," Ladybird said, "It shows what you desire."
"I see. Well, don't let me hold you up. I'll help out Bateleur and Vipèrion."
"Are you sure?"
"Your Lady will need your help."
He gave a nod as he headed further into the warehouse.
Zoé's fantasy
Zoé was being led down the streets of Paris by Chloé and André. Everyone else was dancing and singing. Alix was painting an elaborate picture with only spray paint. Nathaniel was next to her making sketches. Théo was chipping away at a sculpture. Marc was typing away on a typewriter. Rose was, funnily enough, selling roses. Juleka was walking her pet cheetah, of all things. They passed by a club where a group of women were performing the can-can. They stopped at a store to buy a new dress.
"You'll be très jolie!" exclaimed Marinette.
Adrien danced into the store, grabbed Marinette, and then took her outside to dance some more.
He spoke with a thick accent, "Paris holds the key to l'amour!"
"Welcome to La Ville Lumière, ma sœur," Chloé said.
The group was now atop the Eiffel Tower, while the entire city was at the foot of said tower. They began shooting off fireworks.
"Hey, wait a minute," Zoé said, "This is silly."
She suddenly blinked her eyes rapidly and shook her head.
"Wow," Apireine said, "You woke up on your own, like me. Not surprising. What was your fantasy?"
"An idealized version of Paris where everything was a musical or something."
"You have the weirdest dreams."
"Hey, if I recall, it's the work of the Pig Miraculous."
"You're correct. Now to snap snake boy here out of it."
Luka's fantasy
Luka was staggering through an alley. He felt scared, he felt tired, and most of all, he felt alone. He was wearing a dark trench coat, a wide-brimmed hat, and a scarf that covered most of his face. He at last came up to a door and rang the bell. The door swung open and smacked him in the face, knocking him to the ground.
"I am so sorry. I didn't see you there. Here, let me help you up."
A beautiful blonde extended a hand, but as he reached out to take it, she recoiled.
"You?! Go away and leave me alone!"
She went back inside and slammed the door. He sat on the ground, cold and afraid. It was now raining. He closed his eyes and listened to the noise the rain made as it hit everything. He began to sing a melancholy song.
"Je cache ma peine, sur ces mélodies
Sur ces quelques notes, qui sauvent ma vie?
Un monstre à Paris."
Suddenly, the rain was no longer hitting him. He looked up to see the woman standing over him with an umbrella. She had a contrite look on her face.
"Désolé," she said, extending her hand again.
He reached out again to take her hand, but she slapped his hand out of the way and grabbed him by the shoulder.
"Wake up!"
Vipèrion was awoken from his stupor. He looked at Apireine.
"It was you."
"Of course it was me! Who else could get you out of some dumb fantasy world? Everyone's waiting for us. Go catch up."
"What about you?" Bateleur asked.
"There's something I need to do first."
"Don't take too long," Vipèrion said, "You know we can't do this without you."
The Snake and the Eagle ran off. Apireine then took her spinning top and looked it over.
"Ladybird said we should all be able to summon another Miraculous from the Miracle Box if we need to. She uses her yo-yo like when she uses it to message or call us."
She took her trompo apart and looked at it.
"I just need to concentrate on the Miraculous I want."
She took a deep breath and started concentrating. Soon, the bottom half of her trompo was glowing. She opened her eyes.
"It's working. Okay, I need…the Tiger Miraculous."
She reached her hand into the glow, and sure enough, she pulled out the familiar panjas bracelet.
"I did it! Now let me see…"
She put the bracelet on her right hand.
"Bee, Tiger, Unify!"
Her gloves now had claws, but her right glove was now completely black, plus much thicker and tougher. Her suit now sported more black stripes, while the yellow parts were now closer to orange in color. Her wings were now a light brown color. The bolas wrapped around her waist like a tail.
"Maybe I should've let them stick around so I can declare my new name…Tigrireine!"
She flew to catch up with everyone else. Meanwhile, after roaming through the halls, the others were about to reach the large warehouse area.
"Wait a minute," Lady Plume said, "She's got Kagami. She'll try to use that to her advantage."
"You think she wants our Miraculous?" Tortank asked.
"No doubt about it. Otherwise, why do something so risky? We need to play her game by being sneaky."
"My ears are burning," Zorrua said.
Lady Plume sent a message.
LB: Everyone standby, we have a plan. Wait until the right moment.
The team walked into the main room. The Contessa was in the cell she put Kagami inside.
"Hello, so-called heroes. As you can see, I have a prisoner. Unless you want to tell her mother that she's short one daughter, I suggest you back off."
"What do you want from us?" Lady Plume demanded.
"I want you to leave the organization to its devices. However, to make sure you never interfere again, I want your Miraculouses."
"You're getting pretty desperate," Matou Noir said.
"You'd better watch your mouth, alley cat. I'm holding all the cards here. Your little friend here is already affected by my power, so unless you want me to do something even worse, place your Miraculous on the floor."
Everyone looked at each other.
"It looks like we have no choice," Lady Plume said, "We won't risk any civilians. Everyone, we have to surrender."
One by one, the Miraculous were placed on the floor. The teens then kneeled on the floor.
"My now, without your costumes, you all seem so…ordinary."
She swaggered out of the jail cell and went to pick up the Miraculous.
"This is how you get things done, Mr. Big," she said to herself, "Ooh, those are nice earrings. I'll have those first."
When she grabbed at them, however, they disappeared.
"What in the…?!"
The other Miraculous and all the "heroes" disappeared as well.
"You dare to trick me?!"
AR: I'm about to go Rayman on this witch!
Just then, Tigrireine flew into the room and shouted, "Clout!"
Before the Contessa knew what hit her, a fist connected with her face, and she was sent flying across the room. She slammed hard into the wall and fell to the ground. The four men she brought with her charged at Tigrireine, but the other heroes rushed into the room. The four mooks stopped in their tracks. They looked at each other, walked over to the jail cell where Kagami was being held, moved her out, and then they all went inside.
"Smart move, gentlemen," Bateleur said.
The Contessa was now staggering to get up.
"Fight dirty, will you? I'll make you regret approaching me."
Before she could do anything, Tigrireine tackled her to the ground.
"Get off me you -"
She then flew her up into the rafters and shoved her against the ceiling. The Contessa kicked her away and began running along the beams. She was almost at the nearest window.
"Leaving so soon?" asked the hybrid hero.
The Contessa looked behind her, but the hero was nowhere to be found.
"Down here."
The Contessa looked down. Tigrireine was standing upside down on the bottom of the beam. She grabbed the Contessa by the leg and pulled, causing her to fall roughly to the floor. The impact left her woozy. Her eyes went wide as Tigrireine descended.
The heroine bared her fangs, "I'm not done with you yet!"
While still a bit out of it from the fall, the Contessa managed to stand up, and was now attempting to run.
"Get away from me!"
Before she could get too far, Tigrireine threw her bolas to stop the villain from moving. Being tied up caused her to fall over, but the Contessa continued to try and inch her way out of the room.
"I've had enough of you, you pretentious pig. Venom!"
The Contessa finally stopped moving. Lady Plume walked over and removed the pearl anklet from the Contessa's leg.
"That takes care of that."
"That's the Pig Miraculous?" Tigrireine wondered, "A pearl anklet? How fitting for a woman that's such a bore."
Matou Noir snickered, "I get it…bore and boar."
"It wasn't that funny. Now what about Kagami?"
"The police should be on their way. Let's get their attention. Cataclysm!"
He turned the nearest wall to dust.
"I'll keep an eye out for them," Bateleur said.
"Kagami, can you hear me?" Lady Plume asked.
Kagami's fantasy
Kagami was running and jumping across the roof of the Notre-Dame cathedral. She was now standing atop the highest point, bathing in the light and taking in the magnificent view. She noticed all the citizens of Paris who seemed too preoccupied.
"If I was in their skin
I'd treasure every instance
OUT THERE!
Strolling by the Seine
Taste the morning
OUT THERE!"
*RIIIING*
Kagami finally snapped out of her stupor.
"I'm glad I still had that clock."
Kagami looked around, "Ladybird? Your costume is different. Where am I?"
"Those kidnappers took you to an abandoned warehouse and used the Pig Miraculous to trap you inside your own head," Matou Noir explained.
"How did you find me?"
"Long story short - magic."
The police finally arrived.
"All right now," Roger said, "Spread out and search the entire warehouse, just in case."
The four guys in the jail cell got on their ness and put their hands over their heads.
"We give up," one of them said.
"Good to hear. Get them into the truck."
"And over here we have the ringleader of this stupid idea," Tigrireine said.
Roger walked over with a pair of handcuffs. Tigrireine removed the bolas, but Countess Marceau was still paralyzed.
"Sorry about that. Let me try something."
Tigrireine snapped her fingers. The Countess immediately screamed.
"Keep her away! Don't let her near me!"
Tigrireine hissed at her as the Countess scrambled to hide behind Roger.
"Please just put me in the car! I'll tell you everything I know! Just keep her away!"
She allowed Roger to slap the handcuffs on her. She then quickly walked over to the police car. One of the other officers opened the door so she could go inside.
Tigrireine walked up to the car and tapped on the glass.
"Do you promise to tell us everything?"
"Yes, I promise!"
"Because if you try to weasel out of it…"
She punched the wall, causing it to crack. The Countess said nothing, just shuddered in fear.
"I think we'd better get you to the hospital, Kagami," Matou Noir said, "Just in case."
"Lt. Raincomprix," one of the other men said, "You'd better call more than one ambulance. We found a few more people in here, and they look like they're in bad shape."
"I'll get right on it. You heroes, if you'd please escort the young lady to an ambulance, I'd appreciate it."
"You can count on us, sir," Tortank said.
"Can you walk, Kagami?" Zorrua asked.
"I feel a little weak, but I'll be okay. I think it's just because I haven't eaten."
As they took her to the ambulance, someone came running up.
"Hey, Kagami! Are you okay?"
"Ondine, is that you?"
"I followed the heroes here, but I knew better than to go inside. I called the police and hoped for the best. I knew the heroes would save you."
Kagami hugged her, "You're a good friend, Ondine. Can she please come with me to the hospital?"
"It's okay with us," the medic said.
"I suppose I'd better call my mother. No, wait, I don't have my phone."
"Oh, right," Matou Noir said, "Your friend Adrien grabbed your things and took them to the police station when he went to alert them."
"Well, I'm sure he'll get them to me once he visits. I'm not really in the mood to listen to my mother."
The ambulance left, leaving the heroes looking the crime scene over.
"Well, I think the police have everything under control," Lady Plume said, "I think we'd better clear the way."
They all headed for the nearest rooftop. Meanwhile, Félix was watching the crime scene.
FGdV: The Contessa was arrested, Mother
AGdV: I just know she's going to blab. I'll have to move fast to cover my tracks. What did she do anyway? It hasn't come up on the news yet
FGdV: She kidnapped Kagami Tsurugi
AGdV: She did what?! Tomoe will be furious…
Back on the roof…
"By the way," Bateleur said, "Love the new outfit, partner. Although it makes you look a bit like a hornet."
"Tigrireine is my name. Punching villains in the face is my game."
"What exactly did you mean by going Rayman?" Zorrua asked.
"I just meant I was going to punch her, but I wanted it to sound clever."
"You looked incredible," Vipèrion said.
"Oh…uh, thanks."
"That was really awesome," Tortank said, "She didn't see that coming at all."
"I'd better get going," Matou Noir said, "See you next time."
"We'd better go, too," Bateleur said, "Right?"
"Oh, right, of course," Tigrireine said.
The three heroes ran off in separate directions.
"I hope she remembers to give the Tiger Miraculous back," Lady Plume said, "I'm going to visit Kagami if I can. You guys better get some rest. If that Countess really is going to start spilling secrets, we might be able to take down the big boss of this organization."
Matou Noir found a place to hide and changed back. He then met up with Placide.
"Let's get to the hospital. I want to check on Kagami and give her back her stuff."
Soon, Adrien was in the hospital, and was directed to the room Kagami was staying in.
"Are you okay, Kagami? Did they hurt you?"
"I was stuck in some weird dream sequence type thing, and they handled me rather roughly, but otherwise I'm perfectly fine."
"I brought your stuff."
"Thanks, Adrien. I can't believe mother isn't here yet."
"Excuse me! Pardon me! I'm so sorry!"
"That voice sounds familiar," Kagami said with a smile.
"I didn't think she'd be here," Adrien said, "But at the same time, I should've expected it."
Marinette came stumbling through the door.
"Kagami, I'm so glad you're okay. I got you this."
She handed her a small stuffed dragon.
"You can name it whatever you like."
"Thank you, Marinette. The hospital told me I should be able to leave tomorrow."
"I know I'm supposed to be quiet!" a voice rang out, "I'll make this quick!"
Chloé walked into the room with Zoé and Sabrina.
"I was so glad to hear you were saved, Kagami. I suppose it was bound to happen. These smugglers must be getting desperate."
Sabrina went over to hug Kagami.
"I'm happy you're safe."
"Thank you, Sabrina. This whole ordeal makes me wish I could do something to help. I don't want this to happen to anyone else."
A nurse came by.
"I think you should let her get some rest."
"Thank you, we will," Marinette said.
"We probably should be getting home," Adrien said, "We'll see you real soon, Kagami."
"Yeah," Chloé added, "Here's hoping your mom doesn't use this as an excuse to lock you away or something stupid like that."
"You better get home as well, Ondine," Kagami said, "Thanks for looking out for me."
They hugged, "My pleasure, mon amie."
That night, the news report had finally come on. Mr. Big was furious at the situation.
"I knew she'd get caught. She was such an idiot!"
He was now getting a phone call.
"Yes?"
"How dare you kidnap my daughter, you fool?!"
"I had nothing to do with this. That fake aristocrat came up with such a stupid idea."
"You do realize she'll tell them everything, yes? She never had any loyalty to the organization."
"I'm aware."
"If they trace the smuggled technology to my company, I'm not going down alone."
"Our inside connection will make sure that doesn't happen. I never told the Countess who the double agent was. I also never told her about you or the other important contacts."
"Well I suggest you do something about it before you're caught as well."
"They can't catch me."
"Unlike that self-proclaimed blue blood, I know who your contacts are. Don't forget how much you owe me."
"Of course, Tsurugi-san."
"If you think for one minute any of your other contacts wouldn't hesitate to, what is the phrase? Throw you under the bus, then you're more foolish than I thought."
"You'll see. I'll defeat those pesky heroes myself. Once they're out of the way, things can go back to the way they were…more or less."
"You're many things, but I didn't think naive was one of them."
She hung up on him.
"I'll make her see. I'll make them all see. I will not let these nobodies destroy everything I've built."