SURPRISE! Early Update! Actually I have to switch my upload day to Tuesdays because my work schedule changed…again. I'll also be out of town this weekend and I'd rather not rush this out the moment I get back. But we've all been looking forward to this chapter so instead of waiting an extra day I decided I'd just update it now. Don't expect this to happen again. I'm still writing Season 1 and still need to have enough backed up to keep my weekly schedule. Chapters will also be getting longer from here on so here's your cake you may eat it too.
Content warning: Talk of self sacrificing, threats, manipulation, anger issues, scars, trauma, minor flashbacks and PTSD.
Chapter 7
Tanuki
"Miraculous Ladybug!" Marinette shouted as she released the Lucky Charm to heal all the damage done by the battle between her and the Akuma. Chat Noir was helping the formerly Akumatized victim to their feet confused as to what just happened. The crowd cheered for their victory but they couldn't stay long; they'd be transforming back soon.
"Time to go Kitty." she said to her partner preparing to slip away.
"Oh before you do, any sign of that Raccoon holder?" She shook her head. It had been over a month with no sign at all. It was like he'd vanished from the face of the Earth. She hoped this meant that he'd managed to find a way home but her more realistic side was worried he'd gotten hurt or worse. She didn't know what he really looked like either so he could be blending into the crowd and she'd never know."
"Don't worry Milady, I'm sure he'll turn up." She wished she could have his optimism sometimes.
"Yeah sure." He could tell she wasn't convinced but just then his ring gave off its last warning and the two parted ways.
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The large window closed as the battle ended. It was another failure for Shadow Moth but this was also a teaching moment for Varian. He had been living with Gabriel for over a month now and he had recovered enough to where it was safe to use his Miraculous again. Shadow Moth had invited him to see what a battle was like and how he used his powers to turn people into Akumas to use against Ladybug and Chat Noir. With the help of a Senntimonster Varian was able to see the entire battle for himself. He now knew more about the two heroes of Paris and what exactly it meant to Akumatize someone.
The process didn't seem to hurt the victim, and once the connection was broken there was no memory of the battle. Then there was the Lucky Charm Ladybug used to repair the damage as if it never happened. The whole thing seemed just so…clean. They were fighting a war here and he knew wars, even small ones were messy.
"I can tell you have questions, do not be afraid to ask them." Varian sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He had a lot of questions but how to ask them?
"This is just…a lot to take in." Varian thought for a few moments before asking his first. "Why don't you need to transform back after using your power but the rest of us do?"
"It's to protect the younger users. An adult's body is better equipped to handle the power of a Kwami. Using your special power drains a large amount so the Kwamis take the brunt to protect the user. That's why you transform back after 5 minutes. The Kwami needs to refuel." That made sense but it also told him something else.
"So Ladybug and Chat Noir as well as most of the other holders would be children as well." Gabriel smiled pleased Varian was catching on so quickly.
"Another thing, you said you Akumatized yourself to throw off suspicion but you still retained your memories?"
"The memory loss is a built-in precaution in case the victim recognizes me. When I Akumatize someone part of the spell gives them powers the other gives me control. I can choose to give someone powers but also free will. Doing so negates the memory loss." Varian nodded.
"That's why Miss Nathalie still remembers as well." Varian correctly assumed but there was something he was a little concerned about, he was just afraid to voice it.
"Are you wondering if I would Akumatize you if you choose not to help me?" Varian stiffened, it was easy to forget how well this man could read him or at least his emotions.
"Let's clear this up right now. I want you as an ally, not just a temporary servant. That isn't something I can force on you. You are still free to leave at anytime but understand to protect my identity I would have to erase you memories of our time together." Varian gulped at the thought of losing his memories in this strange new world. Would he lose everything or just what he knew about Shadow Moth?
"I would make sure that you were in a safe place if that were the case but I hope it won't come to that." He put his hand under Varian's chin so that the boy was forced to look at him. "I'm telling you all this now so there is no mistake. I would do anything to bring back my wife just as I know you would for your father." Varian blinked as the memory of his father being encased replayed in his mind. It still hurts so much.
"Only the wish can give us both what we want and Ladybug will not give that up without a fight. I'm strong but it's not enough, I've gotten so close so many times only for victory to be snatched away at the last moment." His grip was becoming painful but as Varian winched he pulled away.
"I…apologize for that." It hadn't really hurt; he was just surprised the older man had actually apologized. "This battle has been going on too long. Right now Ladybug is still a child but one day she'll be an adult and even more powerful than before. I have an unseen timer ticking down that will stop one day with no way of knowing how long I have left."
The thing about Gabriel that scared Varian the most was just how similar they were. It was like he was seeing himself as he watched the man desperately plead for his help. It was hard to look at from this side but he also remembered pleading for help and no one would listen. He still hadn't decided if he wanted to play a part in another war even if it was an unusually clean one but one thing he did know, Gabriel needed help. If nothing else Varian wanted to help him…somehow.
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It was a Saturday and Adrian was relaxing in his room with most of his homework done the previous evening. When Ladybug told him about how she had messed up and asked a Kwami to use its powers without a holder he was more than a little surprised. They both knew how dangerous it was and as a result a rough holder was on the loose somewhere in Paris. There was a small part of him that was a little annoyed that she hadn't called for his help only to remember if she wasn't transformed she wouldn't have been able to.
He sighed and flopped down on his bed. Maybe he was overthinking this, but it seemed lately she was pushing him aside in favor of other holders. It would be different if they knew each other's identities but if Shadow Moth ever caught one of them they'd be forced to give up the other. It may be safer but it was still frustrating.
Right now he was awaiting the arrival of his father who had been in Germany on business for almost a week now. Both Nathalie and Gorilla had been keeping a close eye on him so his friends had been unable to sneak in for an impromptu get together. Nathalie also informed him that his father had something important to talk to him about once he arrived.
"I wonder what he wants to talk to me about. I hope it's nothing serious." Adrian wondered as Plagg floated over to his favorite snack nook.
"Maybe he brought back a souvenir?" He took a bite out of a large piece of camembert testing the quality. "I hope it's a cheese platter. I haven't had a good Wilstermarsch in a long time."
Adrian looked up hearing a knock on his door. "Son, I need to speak with you." and instantly felt nervous. Nowadays his father would hardly ever come to his room unless he was in trouble. He couldn't think of anything that would warrant his father's anger so he took a deep breath to try and relax.
"Of course, come in." Plagg had already made himself scarce at the first knock. When his father entered however Adrian realized he wasn't alone. Behind him was a boy around his age with dark hair highlighted with a blue stripe, slightly bucked teeth and a pair of goggles resting on his head. While he was dressed in an outfit from his father's latest collection he didn't seem too comfortable as he kept fidgeting with his shirt. He also noticed he wore a pair of dark gloves that didn't seem to match his outfit at all.
"Adrien, this is Varian Ritter, he'll be staying with us for the time being." Adrien's attention snapped back to his father after that proclamation.
"Oh? Um…" he glanced back at the other boy. He didn't recognize him at all. He wasn't from his father's circle of friends or important people he was supposed to make nice with. Seeing the other boy start to grow more uncomfortable Adrien put on one his well practiced smiles. "It's nice to meet you, Varian was it?" Varian nodded. "I'm Adrien. Is this your first time in Paris?" He held out a hand and Varian shook it.
"Ah, yeah, it is actually. Nice to meet you."
"We'll have to give you the tour then." and then his expression turned a little more serious. "So how do you know Father? Are you in town for long?" It was only a few questions but Varian still looked tense. He turned to Gabriel as if asking him permission to answer. In response the man put a hand on his shoulder.
"Varian why don't you wait outside. I'd like a moment with my son." Adrien saw Varian visibly relaxed at the suggestion, only adding another layer to this mystery. As soon as Varian stepped out Gabriel Agreste turned to his son with a sympathetic look.
"You'll have to excuse Varian. He's a little nervous but that's to be expected given his situation."
"I don't understand Father, why is he staying with us? You've barely let anyone into this house at all since…" but he paused seeing his father tense. "Sorry Father. I didn't mean-"
"It's fine." He said cutting him off. "The truth is Varian's Father is in bad shape and not able to care for him at the moment. He also lost his Mother when he was young so he has no one to support him." Adrien's eyes widened at the news. He remembered when his own mother became sick and how hard it was for him but at least he still had his father, it didn't sound like Varian had anyone.
"Not to worry Father, I'll make sure he feels right at home." It would be a little weird having someone else in his home but it was a little exciting as well. He'd always wanted a brother. He supposed Varian would be a foster brother but it still counts.
"I don't doubt that son but unfortunately that's not the entire story. You see his family was not very well off and with no support Varian couldn't afford the medicine his Father needed and stole it. The people he stole it from weren't very sympathetic to his circumstances and he was incarcerated."
Adrien's jaw dropped open. 'This poor kid,' he thought. 'He can't be much older than I am.'
"He's not going to be able to go home for a while. He escaped due to a natural disaster and I've managed to smuggle him into the country but no one else can know that. I've offered him a place to stay and foster him while we try to assist his Father. While he's here he'll also be helping me with a special project."
"What kind of project?"
"I'm afraid the details are confidential." Adrian was confused. He didn't always know what his father was working on but this new kid did?
"Also Adrien, we're trying to keep Varian out of the spotlight. I know we're not going to be able to keep this under wraps forever but his family situation is private and no one else needs to know unless he chooses to tell them. Is that understood?." Adrien nodded. While this was quite unexpected of his father he was happy to see him helping out someone in need. He would be sure to do the same.
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Varian was glad Gabriel took charge and updated his son in private. He had to admit he was a little intimidated by the other boy. His father spoke so highly of him he seemed to be the embodiment of the perfect son. He sighed and leaned against the wall. What he wouldn't do to hear even a little of that coming from his own father's lips.
He glanced down at his gloved hands hiding the angry jagged rings underneath. He was used to wearing gloves; he used them while working with his alchemy. He wore them so much he often forgot to take them off. Now he didn't think he could. Every time he saw them he remembered that horrible day when the guards welded them on never intending for them to come off. The heat burned and the jagged edges cut into his skin. If they weren't so tight he might have bleed to death right there.
He shook his head trying to keep the bad memories away. He wanted to get back to his alchemy so he could pretend the gloves were there just to protect his hands. He needed some normalcy back. The sooner, the better.
Soon enough the pair excited Adrien's room and escorted Varian to his. The room was almost as big as Adrien's but it looked a lot more sparse. While it looked like it needed a personal touch it did have a nice bed, a private bathroom, a large desk with a new computer, a large wardrobe and a few bookshelf already half full of books. Varian's eyes watered at this show of generosity. Gabriel had been providing for him in the sub-level of the house for a while now but it was more like a hospital room. This one felt more like a place to live and not just heal.
"This…this is really too much." Gabriel just shrugged him off.
"Nonsense, these are merely the basics. Adrien can show you how to use our personal ordering system to acquire whatever else you need." He handed Varian a card with his name on it. He'd been shown how currency worked in this world but he was still baffled by money that could just be sent invisibly through the air. He was going to have to add that to the things he needed to look up to understand this world better.
Adrien stepped forward. "Yeah it's really easy but I was thinking, since this is your first time in Paris why don't we do a little shopping in the city?" He looked at his Father pleadingly. Gabriel was about to say no when Varian spoke up.
"It would be a good way for me to get to know the lay of the land." He suggested but his true meaning was that he could learn the city if he needed to fight with Shadow Moth. Varian was still deciding but told Gabriel he wanted to stay and help him at the very least.
"Very well, but you both stay with Gorilla and no wandering off." Adrien was a little surprised his father agreed so easily but he was happy for any excuse to get out of the house. Maybe he'll see some of his friends while they were out and he could introduce Varian to them. This was going to be fun.
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Varian was nervous at first, it was his first time really out of the large manor in a month but as soon as they started to drive he leapt to the window like an excited puppy. Adrien thought it was all the sights and beauty of the city and it was but Varian was practically drooling over all the technological advancement that everyone else took for granted. He had seen a little of this his first night but he barely remembered the next day and certainly didn't have time to enjoy the view.
Adrien gave him a brief audio tour as the passed landmarks and places of interest. Their first stop was to a clothing store. Varian didn't know much about fashion but he was pretty sure this wasn't the type of high end clothing Gabriel designed.
"I thought you'd like to try something a little more comfortable." Varian smiled. These were a bit more practical and more to his taste. He got a few more shirts long and short sleeved. He found a few hooded thick shirts called hoodies so comfortable he could sleep in them and a few pairs of pants that were filled with pockets. Perfect for tools and a much more comfortable place for Ruddiger to hide in.
He kept asking if it was really ok to be buying all of this and Adrien kept telling him it was fine. He still felt guilty for spending so much but Gabriel must have been richer than he thought if his son wasn't even batting an eyebrow. He let himself buy a pair of shoes called sneakers, a good set of boots to work in and another pair of gloves.
Adrien asked if he needed anything else which nearly made his jaw drop. This was more than he'd ever had and he was being offered more? He politely declined.
There was a place Adrien wanted to stop by before they headed home. On their way they passed by the Louvre Museum which used to be a royal palace now opened to the people. France was no longer ruled by a monarch but by an elected official chosen by the people. He had read a little bit about France's history but he made a note to read more, it sounded fascinating.
"Would you like to visit the museum sometime? My friend Alix's Dad is a curator there." Varian sat back down in his seat.
"I'm not much of an art lover but I hear they have some of Leanardo Da Vinci's works on display. He was a scientist I really look up to."
"Oh, so you're into science? I'll have to introduce you to my friend Max, he's really into it and he's the smartest kid I know." Varian was intrigued. He had never met another aspiring scientist his own age. He would be thrilled to have someone to talk science to, since alchemy wasn't really practiced anymore.
"Yeah, I think I'd like that." They rode in silence for a little while before Adrien spoke up.
"So Varian, how old are you?"
"I turned 15 not too long ago."
"Oh, so you're older than me by a few months." Varian nodded.
"So we'd still be in the same grade. Will you be attending school with me while you're here?" Varian shook his head sadly. He would have loved to have gone to a proper school but…
"We don't know how long I'll be here. Miss Nathalie will be tutoring me while I help Gabriel with the project." Once again this mysterious project was coming up.
"The one you're not supposed to talk about." The other boy nodded.
"I made a promise and I don't make promises lightly. Besides, if it works it could really help my Dad." Adrien assumed it was a medical thing his father was sponsoring. But why would Varian need to be working on it? He didn't want to pry, the other boy already looked uncomfortable as it was.
Soon enough they reached their destination. Varian looked up to see it was a fancy bakery.
"This is one of the best bakeries in Paris. My friend's family owns it. Since this is your first time in Paris I insist you try some of their famous Macaroons." Varian had to admit the sweets and cakes in the window were more impressive than anything the royal palace could offer up.
"What's a macaroon?" He asked, tempted by all the treats on display. Adrien pointed to a tray of colorful round layered cookies filled with cream.
"They're made with almond flour and come in a lot of different flavors. Let's get a mixed box." They certainly looked tasty. As they entered he caught a whiff of something familiar. Inside another case were small apple tarts similar to the ones his dad used to make after harvest. Ruddiger seemed particularly excited, smelling them from his pocket. He turned around looking for Adrien only to collide with another person carrying a large bag of flour. The other person yelped in alarm as she lost her grip on the bag, dropping it and covering them both with flour. The flour on the floor caused them both to slip and they toppled over in a large heap.
"I'm so sorry!" They both yelled at the same time. The person who had been carrying the bag was a girl who looked to be about his age. A tall bulky man in an apron rushed to the girl's side.
"Marinette, are you OK Sweetie?" He asked, helping her up.
"I'm fine Dad, is he OK?" A shorter woman came up to him and offered him a hand as well.
"I'm so sorry young man, are you alright?" He got to his feet and began to brush himself off.
"Ye-yeah I'm fine." The girl still covered in flour nearly slipped again as she came over.
"I'm so so sorry I wasn't watching where I was going. Ah, I hate being so clumsy." Varian waved his hands dismissively.
"It's alright, no harm done. I've caused my share of accidents in the past." The girl's parents were already starting to block off and clean the mess when another girl with reddish brown hair and glasses came around the corner.
"I turn my back for one second." The girl sighed eyeing the mess. "I told you not to rush." The girl, Marinette blushed through the flour still covering her face.
"I know I know, at least Adrian wasn't here to see-"
"See what?" Adrian said coming up and seeing both Varian and Marinette covered in flour. The instant the girl saw Adrian she squeaked and stiffened as if she was just baked into a cookie. "What happened here?" The girl seemed to be trying to form words but only weird noises came out of her mouth. Taking pity on her, Varian explained.
"It was just a little accident with a bag of flour, no big deal." He said still brushing the white power out of his hair.
"Oh, well as long as no one's hurt."
"Nope we're fine! I'm just banana-I mean I'm Mr. Peach-I mean-"
"Peachy?" Varian finished.
"Yes!" she said a little loudly. "That." Just as he was starting to wonder what was going on the other girl intervened.
"Hi, I'm Alya Césaire, you've met Marinette Dupain-Cheng." The flour girl waved shyly. "Do you know Adrien?" She asked, extending a hand to Varian. He shook it and smiled.
"Varian, Varian Ritter and yeah I do. I'll be staying with his family for a while." As soon as he said that both girl's eyes shot open.
"Wait!" Alya said, holding up her hands. "You're saying Gabriel Agreste is allowing you to stay in his home?" Varian looked back at Adrien who looked like this was indeed an unusual occurrence.
"Ah, yeah he's helping me and my Dad out." If possible their eyes became even bigger.
"The Gabriel Agreste," Marinette exclaimed. "The same Gabriel Agreste, fashion Icon and father to Adrien is allowing someone to stay in his home?" Varian rolled his eyes.
"Are there any other Gabriel Agreste, who's also a fashion Icon and father to Adrien?" Marinette looked even more embarrassed while Alya smirked.
"It was a surprise to me too." Adrien said, speaking up. "He just got into town this morning and Father told me he was going to be staying for a while." Varian was well aware Gabriel was not always the warmest of men and their situation was a little…unique but still.
"I take it your father doesn't have the best reputation." he said to Adrien who shrugged sheepishly.
"Father's not a bad man but he can be a little…overprotective with me." Varian thought of his own Father pushing him away from the amber.
"Fathers…protect their children," he said in a quiet voice. "Besides, isn't this city constantly being attacked by Akumas?" The girls didn't look convinced. Clearly there was more going on here than he thought.
Suddenly there was a low rumble and the people outside started running in one direction.
"Everyone, I just received word of an Akuma attack." The baker said, trying to get everyone's attention. "Please proceed to the safe zones at once." He then ushered Marinette and Alya upstairs and turned to Adrien.
"I think it would be best if you took shelter with us son."
"Thank you Mr. Dupain-Cheng but my chauffeur can get me and Varian to safety. He's right outside." He left the bakery while trying to think of a way to ditch both Gorilla and Varian. It was only then he realized something.
"Wait, where's Varian?"
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Varian hated leaving Adrien behind but if Shadow Moth and Ladybug were fighting this was his chance to try and end this war. Ruddiger didn't like the idea of teaming up with Shadow Moth but left the decision up to him. He had also suggested trying to end things peacefully but for that he needed both parties together. He wasn't sure this would work but he was never getting home without the Miracle or Ladybug's help. He opened his pocket and Ruddiger popped out.
"Ready to do this for real?" the little creature said.
"Ready as I'll ever be." He pulled the goggles down onto his face. "Ruddiger, Mix it UP!"
There was a noticeable difference this time. He felt much stronger than before, guess it was for the best he waited until he felt better to try this again. He raced to the area where the fight was already under way. The Akuma Ladybug was fighting was some kind of…smile monster? He had looked through the roster of some of the Akumas Gabriel had created, this wasn't one of his best. He watched as the monster tried and failed to slow the heroes down with his slime balls.
Ladybug and Chat Noir almost seemed bored with this one. She was about to call her Lucky Charm when he decided to step in.
"Hold it!" He exclaimed, jumping into the fight landing between the Akuma and the Heroes.
"It's you!" Ladybug exclaimed with wide eyes. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
"Sorry, I tend to avoid people who try hunting me down." he shot back, still bitter about their first encounter. For her part she did look ashamed.
"I'm sorry about that. I thought you were an Akuma and jumped the gun." Chat Noir looked this new holder up and down unsure what to make of him.
"You have a name?" He asked and Varian paused. He couldn't use his real name, Gabriel had told him when he transforms he must become another person entirely. In looks, actions, words and in name. It's what kept them safe between battles.
"Tanuki, you can call me Tanuki." He wished he had given this more thought but the video game he was playing the other day had a man in a racoon suit and that was all he could think of.
Ladybug glanced around and noticed the Akuma stopped attacking as soon as Tanuki showed up. "Ok, Tanuki, what's going on here? You aren't with Shadow Moth are you?" The Raccoon holder took a deep breath, he had one chance to turn this around.
"Yes, I've allied myself with Shadow Moth." Chat Noir went stiff for a moment.
"You teamed up with a villain." Varian hated that word.
"In your eyes he's a villain but if you knew what he was really after-" but the cat cut him off.
"He wants our Miraculous to gain ultimate power and take over the world."
"No!" Tanuki cried out in frustration. "He's…lost something, something precious that can't be replaced. I've seen it and…it's the same for me." Ladybug was starting to get the picture. Was all this to bring someone back? It didn't justify a war but it was painting a much different picture than she thought.
"All we want is the wish, you can even have them back once we make it." But Ladybug shook her head.
"I can't do that." she said softly.
"And why not?!" Tanuki called out, raising his voice. "Just let us make the wish and this all ends, no more Akumas, no more villains and you get them back afterwards. Everyone wins, everyone's happy." Ladybug looked like she was considering it for a moment but Char Noir wasn't buying in.
"Yeah right, Shadow Moth would never agree-" suddenly Shadow Moth's voice was heard through the slime monster.
"I would surrender all my Miraculous to you once my wish was granted." Chat still wasn't going for it.
"He's lying!"
"Then I'll make sure he complies." Tanuki shouted back, feeling hope slip through his fingers.
"It's not about if Shadow Moth is telling the truth or not." Ladybug countered. "The Miraculous of the Ladybug and Black Cat must never be brought together." Tanuki felt his anger rising, Shadow Moth warned him she'd be unwilling to help.
"Oh. so you're just a stickler for rules are you? Didn't stop you from letting the Horse Kwami use its powers without a holder." She gasped as he called her out.
"How did…"
"So it's true then." He only had Gabriel's word that it was her doing now he knew it to be true.
"Alright, I admit I made a mistake but we can't fix one mistake with another." Tanuki bristled, once again Gabriel's words ringing true. "To gain a wish something else must be lost. I can't sacrifice someone like that. That's too high a price."
"Then I'll pay it." Tanuki said in a low desperate voice. Both heroes were shocked by his confession. "We're both willing to do anything to get back what we lost. There's no blood on your hands and our promises are kept. So PLEASE!" Chat Noir was stunned wondering what was so important they would give anything and everything for. He looked at Ladybug not sure what she would do next.
But while Ladybug was sympathetic and while this would stop the war she had another of those bad feelings again. Tikki and Master Fu only barely explained what would happen if the two Miraculous came together but she always had the feeling there was something more, something darker, something that could never be allowed to happen. She ignored this feeling before, she couldn't do it again.
"I'm sorry. For what it's worth I do believe you but I can't." For a moment Tanuki was stunned but that quickly turned to anger. He had just offered them a full surrender and even their lives but it wasn't enough. It was never enough.
"So that's it then. You break the rules when it's convenient for you but when someone comes to you with a fair and honest proposition? Nope, can't have that, sorry but it's the rules."
"That's not…look I know I messed up."
"Messed up!" He shouted his anger now turning into rage. "You pulled me from my world, my home. I have someone waiting for me, someone who needs that wish."
"Then let me help you. "
"How?"
"What?"
"How are you going to help me? I read up on the Miraculous and the Pegasus is only supposed to open portals within its own dimension. So how are you going to get me home without breaking the rules."
"I'm…I'm not sure but I'll figure it out I Promise!" Varian's whole body shook at those words. Those horrible poisonous words.
"You promise?" he chuckled darkly. "Promises are nothing but lies told in advance. I was promised I wouldn't be alone, I was promised help if I needed it, she was promised I'd be taken care of ha ha ha. LIES!" He screamed, startling the heroes as well as the Akuma.
"I'm tired of waiting, I'm tired always being thought of last, I'm tired of nobody listening to me and I'm tired of all the lies." He reached into a hidden pocket in his coat, "Bag of Tricks!" and pulled out a bottle of glue.
"You don't want to end this war peacefully, so be it." He grabbed all an orb from his staff and used his powers to fuse it to the glue bottle turning it into a blue orb with an alchemy symbol on it. "This isn't the first time I've played the role of the villain, you'll find I'm quite good at it." He took the glowing ball and tossed it to the slime Akuma.
"Hey Slime Ball!"
"It's Slime Time!"
"Whatever, bone apatite." The Akuma opened its big mouth swallowing the glowing ball. "Yum." In an instant the creature turned from green to blue and nearly doubled in size. "You looked a little bored earlier, let's make this more interesting." Tanuki stepped back as Slime Time hurled another slime ball at the heroes. They managed to dodge it but it was much faster than before. It hit a parked car, lifting it off the ground and pinned it to the wall of a nearby building. Ladybug's eye shot opened.
"What did you just do?" Tanuki chuckled.
"He seemed a little weak so I just gave him a little boost. Magic isn't really my forte but I am a master of Alchemy." Slime Time came at them again but Chat Noir wasn't fast enough. The slime ball hit him in the foot trapping him to the roof. He tried with all his might but couldn't pry himself loose.
"Aw, Little Kitty got his paw stuck." Tanuki mocked as Slime Time went after Ladybug.
"You know you went from tragic hero to villain real fast." Chat Noir commented, still trying to free himself. Tanuki frowned, still hating that title.
"I've always tried to play by the rules but every time I just get screwed over." Tanuki brought out his staff intending to knock out the hero and take his ring. "Let's take away everything you hold dear and see how you turn out!"
"Cataclysm!" Chat Noir shouted waving his claws in the direction of Tanuki. The boy jumped back falling for the bluff and the hero then freed himself from the hardened slime.
"Too bad you can only do that once." Snarled Tanuki but Chat Noir just smirked.
"Once was all I needed." There was a roar in the background as Slime Time was covered in salt water. It seems like Ladybug managed to use her Lucky Charm and somehow used it to find the Akuma's weakness. This exposed the bag it was holding which held the Akuma butterfly. Tanuki tried to race over to stop her but Chat used his bo staff to trip him up and grab him.
"Shadow Moth's just using you!" He tried reasoning with the villain. "All he cares about is the Miraculous. It may seem like you're on the same side but if he has to choose he'll leave you in the dust." Tanuki squirmed trying to get out of the hero's grip.
"You think I don't know that. Of course he would and I'd do the same." Tanuki slowly moved his hand to the ground and made a fist. "But at least he's honest about it." He threw a handful of dirt into Chat Noir's face. His mask protected his eyes but he was temporally blindsided just as he heard Ladybug's shout,"
"Miraculous Ladybug!"
He lost his grip on Tanuki as the Lucky Charm cleansed the battle scene.
"Tanuki wait, Ladybug will help if you give her a chance. Help us stop Shadow Moth and she'll-"
"Dump me as soon as the threat's gone or when I'm too much of a burden for her to be bothered with?" Chat Noir rubbed his mask still seeing a blurry image of the Raccoon holder.
"Never again." Tanuki said quietly as he jumped from the roof. Chat Noir ran to the edge but there was a huge crowd at the bottom, one he could easily disappear in.
"Chat Noir!" Ladybug called out rushing over to meet him. "The Raccoon holder, Tanuki, is he?"
"Gone Milady." She frowned looking at her partner.
"This isn't good. It was bad enough when Hawkmoth teamed up with Mayura but now they have a third Miraculous on their side." Chat Noir glanced at his ring, his time was almost up.
"I can't help but feel a little sorry for him."
"I know, he seemed so desperate." she sighed and shook her head. "But as long as he's with Shadow Moth we have to treat him like an enemy, we can't let them get our Miraculous no matter what." Neither of them were happy with this outcome.
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After the battle Adrien continued his search for Varian but was coming up empty. He hadn't had a chance to get his cell number yet. He decided he was going to have to face the wrath of his father and admit Varian got lost in the attack. Just as he reached the limo to find a very relieved Gorilla he heard someone calling out his name.
"Adrien!" He turned around to find Varian running towards him.
"There you are, I've been looking all over for you." Varian stopped to catch his breath looking a little sheepish.
"So-sorry, I panicked when the attack happened and then I got lost. Thankfully someone gave me directions back to the bakery." He said a little out of breath.
"I'm just glad you're OK. I didn't have your cell number yet and I was worried." Varian looked down feeling bad that he had scared Adrian. He'd have to work on escaping better for next time.
As Gorilla was about to shove them into the car a voice called out to them from the bakery.
"Adrien, Varian, wait up!" It was Marinette holding a few boxes in her arms sans the flour. She nearly tripped again but righted herself just in time. She walked up to Varian and held out the boxes. "Here, take this as an apology for running you over earlier." Varian blinked, he wasn't used to people apologizing for their mistakes." He took the boxes smelling the sweet aroma from inside. One was a box of the apple tarts he was eyeing and the other was a box of mixed macaroons Adrien wanted him to try.
"Apology accepted." At least someone knew how to own up for their mistakes. She smiled as he opened the box of Macaroons and popped a brown one in his mouth. His eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head as the sweet treat hit his tongue.
"Oh Suns, these are delicious!" He said scooping up another brown one.
"Oh, you like the hot chocolate flavor?" Varian stopped mid bite and looked even more amazed.
"You've made hot chocolate into a cookie?!" he exclaimed, finishing the rest of his treat. "You were right Adrien, this place is great! We're definitely coming back here." Marinette perked up at the complement and the fact that Adrian might be coming over more.
"I told you." He turned to Marinette who stiffened again. "That was very nice of you Marinette." The girl turned impossibly red from head to toe as she tried to articulate a response. Gorilla however, was out of patience and instructed both boys back to get into the car while Varian discreetly hid an apple tart in his pocket for a very hungry Ruddiger.
"By Marinette!" Adrien shouted. "I'll see you at school!" She just made a weird sound like a rabbit with hiccups.
"Yeah, and thanks for the treats!" Varian called as well.
"You're welcome!" He noted she had no trouble addressing him.
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Shadow Moth waited patiently in his lair after the battle. It was another loss but better than expected. That was all thanks to his newest partner. Once he was officially on board they would have a real chance at winning this war. He just needed to wait.
His patience was rewarded as Varian stepped into his lair with a look of determination on his face. This wasn't the scared sick little boy he first took in, this was Tanuki the Alchemist and he was here for a reason.
He looked up at the man who had done more for him in this past month than anyone else had in a very long time, save Ruddiger. "You were right about Ladybug."
"If surrender was an option I would have done so long ago." Varian nodded.
"So, have you made your decision then?" Shadow Moth asked, eyeing the boy closely.
"I have." The villain smiled as Varian clenched his fist as Ruddiger watched in concern.
"I'm in!" And so, the alliance was formed.
To be continued…
Next time: Adrien is struggling to get to know his new foster brother while Shadow Moth and Tanuki strategies. Varian also gets a little music therapy from a local green haired musician.
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