I created an original Akuma for the chapter. I'm sorry the battle will be a bit short, but I have been dealing with a lot of stress in my life.
Peace Keeper was preparing to have a chat with her supervisors. Because of the confidentiality surrounding her very existence, she resorted to alternative methods to monitor the task force.
The meetings had been going over known information. Since their first attempt at apprehending Mayura head-on had failed, they had been talking about ways to use her failing health to their advantage.
Peace Keeper approved of this strategy. It bothered her that they planned to refuse medical attention for Mayura if they caught her.
Monarch had shown that he cared about Mayura. It was fine to use her as bait, but not if they were going to let her die. Thankfully, they had tabled that strategy for now.
One of the strategies that was pondered was to evacuate the city and observe who decides to stay behind. I have corrected any grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors in the original text. Monarch had difficulty controlling Akumas beyond a certain distance.
The plan was dismissed as Monarch could use his civilian identity to evade detection and attack another part of the city. Officer Roger had brought up the idea of creating fake Miraculouses to lure Monarch out of hiding.
He was reminded that the heroes had done that once already. He wouldn't fall for the same trick twice. Officer Rogers had then recommended allowing the heroes to help only to be shut down by the head of the task force.
Mayor Bourgeois and President Macron supported Officer Roger's idea. The problem was the message it would send to the political world outside France. Having teenagers part of a task force would show that France supported child soldiers.
Peace Keeper had discreetly left the data analysis of magical hot spots in the conference room. The task force had used her data to create patrol routes for the regular police.
The task force had also started negotiations with the Board of Museums to be allowed access to magical artifacts. Alix's father was on that board and was not shy about protesting against the use of museum pieces to fight a terrorist.
Then there was her investigation. She had been endeavoring to find more evidence to figure out who was manipulating the Alliance network for Monarch.
She had managed to narrow the list down by collecting on a favor from Mr. Tremaine.
The man had been reluctant at first to assist her. He didn't see why a UN liaison would need background checks on company employees.
It had taken a call from both her French supervisor and President Macron to convince him to allow her access to the information.
With this information, she was able to determine who had the skills to manipulate the Alliance system and have direct access to it. Only the top-level employees had the capabilities to do so.
With a little more time, she would be able to zero in on the culprit. While she was taking care of this, her parents were amassing ingredients for regular potions, as well as transformation potions.
Adjusting her signal scrambler, she started the chat session with her supervisors. The United States Representative spoke first.
"Agent Peace Keeper, are you ready to give us your latest update?"
She nodded and started talking. "The terrorist task force have been unproductive in their attempts to capture either terrorist. Nor have they been able to reach a concrescence on what strategy would work the best."
"The reason for this is of course because a majority of the task force is still learning to accept that magic is real. However, this is an advantage in a way. It's helping keep them from using drastic action."
The French Representative agreed with her. "President Macron is resolved to not turn Paris into a war zone. Do you think it is still possible to avoid a city-wide battle?"
"It might be impossible to completely avoid. I strongly believe that Monarch is going for an all-out attack, which might be the reason why Mayura is on the edge of betraying him."
Her supervisors knew about the deal Ladybug had made with Mayura. The only reason it hadn't happened yet was because of the number of precautions that had to be set up before the meeting.
"How soon will the meeting take place?" the UK representative asked anxiously.
"We hope to have it set up in the next three days. The Celestial Guardian is nearly finished with the potion he needs to protect his identity. The difficulty is going to be able to send a message to Mayura without Monarch realizing it."
"Please ensure whatever code you use is nearly unbreakable. We can't have anyone learn about your existence."
"Understood. Once everything is ready; I'll contact you again," Ning assured her supervisors. A few minutes later she ended the chat and went to check on her father.
She found him in the business area meditating. She could sense the energy around him growing. He hadn't moved since last night.
Master Fu had much on his mind which is why he was meditating. Firstly, he was focused on building up his spiritual strength. The ritual to heal the damage done by a Miraculous on a human was very taxing.
The Kwamiis' magic was very potent. The magic was tied to the universal order of things. To undo the damage, you had to be strong in spirit to fight against the current trying to keep that order.
Another issue was that each Miraculous had its own ritual. To an outsider, they would all look the same. To an expert magical user, there were small subtle differences that needed precision to ensure they worked.
Healing Mayura would require him to spiritually find the tiny fragment that represented the corrupted core of Duusu's magic. Then he would have to battle against it, trying to pull it apart before restoring it to normal.
It wouldn't be easy at all. Undoing the power of Cataclysm would be even tougher. He would have to find a sliver of creation magic and force it to expand.
Another issue he was meditating on was what Ning had told him about her experience during the acupuncture session. He was extremely concerned about what she had described.
When she first attempted to open a wider connection to Duusu, she felt as if something hooked her and dragged her soul through a different doorway. Instead of landing in a person's soul room, Ning had found herself in a peculiar place.
At first, she thought it was a cathedral because of a large glass window, but then she noticed she was standing in a small garden. She recalled looking around and remembered seeing a lot of walkways above flowing water.
The strangest thing was when she tried to move from her spot, she couldn't. She couldn't even raise her arms. She had attempted to move from side to side only to realize she was confined in a box of some sort.
That's when she felt herself being yanked back to her body. As she was returning, she caught sight of what appeared to be a blond-haired blob heading back the way she came.
What Ning described was not a vision of the past. Nor did it sound like Marinette's experiences in her soul room. No, it's like her soul changed places with someone else. Somebody who has a connection to Duusu and could still be alive.
But who could it be? If it was Mayura, I strongly feel like she would have mentioned it. So, who had the pin before she did? Is this person the reason Monarch started hunting for the ladybug and black cat Miraculouses?
Monarch, this evil wielder has been misusing his Miraculous and harming Nooroo and Duusu for a year and a half now. Master Zhao always said that the deepest bonds can have the most dangerous consequences should they be shattered.
As a Celestial Guardian, I must protect the Kwamiis and their Miraculouses above all else. Does that mean I will have to take Monarch's life to save the rest of the world? This is very troublesome indeed.
Meanwhile, at the school, Ms. Bustier was handing out practice tests to her class. "These practice tests cover most of what will be on the brevet exam. I want to see how well your studies are going."
"I want you to use this period to take the practice test. Turn it in by the end of class, even if you didn't answer everything. After you come back from lunch, I'll return them to you."
"Once you've reviewed what you're weak in, I'll ask you to come up to my desk for a one-on-one conversation. I'm going to come up with some study plans to help you improve on your weak points."
Max raised his hand and asked if this test would affect their overall scores for this year. Ms. Bustier told him that it wouldn't. A lot of students looked relieved to hear that.
She sat down at her desk and told them to begin. She absentmindedly stroked her baby bump. Thankfully, her little one was quiet today.
Giselle and her had reached a compromise. Caline would work until the day of the brevet exams. Then she would go on maternity leave and someone would take her place on the approval board.
Her eyes surveyed her students as she looked for their tells. Juleka was pushing her hair back indicating she was hyper-focused. Alix had a tiny bit of her tongue sticking out, while Chloe was unaware of her fingernails lightly tapping her desk.
Sabrina's smile was getting wider as she continued to answer questions with ease. Judging by how much Alya was shaking her hand, she was already getting hand cramps from writing too much. Rose was wiggling with satisfaction as she breezed through the first page.
Eventually, the period came to an end. The kids handed in their practice tests. Ms. Bustier smiled as they headed for their gym class. They could get some of their tension out by playing dodge ball.
When the kids returned to her class after lunch, Ms. Bustier had a pleased smile on her face. "I've just finished grading your practice tests. I want to let you know that each of you is capable of passing this section of the brevet."
She passed the tests back to the students. Ali was pleased with how well he was doing despite only learning to speak French a year ago. Ivan was happy he got all the vocabulary terms correct.
Nathanial was surprised by how well he did on the section. Guess all that time with Marc really helped out. He would have to thank him later.
Ms. Bustier called Kim up first to go over what he needed to improve on. The teen athlete was very anxious as he stood next to his teacher's desk.
"Kim, you did an excellent job. You seem to be struggling though when it comes to remembering which book the questions refer to. Why do you think that is?"
Kim's left leg started to bounce a little as he explained how he would feel confident before the test. Then when it came to take it, he felt his mind go blank. He knew the answers, he just couldn't get to them.
"Everyone gets test anxiety when it comes to the brevet. You should take a few calming breaths before answering. I also suggest rereading sections of the books to help you keep things in order."
Kim nodded and then Nino was called over. Nino's issue was different than Kim's. Ms. Bustier asked him about replacing accent marks with music notes.
Nino flushed in embarrassment. He hadn't even realized he did that! "I was singing a song in my head to help me concentrate. I'll pay closer attention next time."
"See that you do. You are a talented individual Nino and I want you to get into the best lychee for your goals."
Max was perplexed when Ms. Bustier called him over. According to his test, he got every question right. Why did she want to speak to him?
"I'm sure you're wondering why I called you up when you got a perfect score." Max nodded and waited for her to continue.
"Max, I admire your dedication to your work. The issue I want to talk to you is about time management." Seeing her student's confusion, she explained to him.
You were the last to turn in your test. You finished seconds before the bell rang. I know you like to give extremely detailed answers, but in the actual test you might not finish on time if you spend too much time on one question."
"I was trying to be thorough with my answers. I want to ensure that I have provided the best possible answer. However, I see where you are going with this. I will work on my time management skills."
"That's all I ask."
The next day, Ning sealed herself in the guest room. She told her parents she had to make a private call and didn't want to be disturbed. In reality, who she was calling would get her in trouble with her supervisors.
"Hello, Ms. Hill. It's Liberty Bellsworth. I don't know if you remember me. Oh, you do? I wish this was a friendly call to check up on you but it's not."
"Are you aware of what is going on in Paris right now? Good, I need to speak to you and Barbara as soon as possible. Oh, and please don't inform the girls I called just yet."
Half an hour later, Peace Keeper was having a three-way chat with Ms. Hill and Ms. Keynes. Both ladies were looking at her suspicious about what she wanted with them.
After the shutdown of Project Power Bracelet, the two women resumed their ordinary lives. The mother/daughter dynamics had improved between Barbra and Jess. They had adjusted but it was taking a bit longer with the girls.
Jess was determined to become a heroine again. She still didn't want to enlist in the army. She had been pushing her body to the limit set by the power bracelet.
Aeon was also pushing herself intellectually. The experience had made the teenager want to learn more about science and history. Lately, she had been carrying a thick book on the history of NYC wherever she went.
"Thank you for making time for me. I know you're both very busy." Barbra scowled a little yet didn't say a word. Peace Keeper took that as a sign she could continue speaking.
"I hope Ms. Hill was able to bring you up to speed on the crisis in Paris, Ms. Keynes. The situation with Monarch is reaching a critical point. Monarch is dying and his magic has become unstable."
"The Monarch Task Force has been doing everything they can to find him, but they haven't had any luck. His partner, Mayura, wishes to discuss terms of surrender with the heroes and myself."
"The details for the meeting are currently confidential. The heroes believe she is genuine but we can't take that risk without having backup. The task force has made it clear that they will do anything to bring the terrorists to justice."
"Even if it means causing casualties and mass panic," Olympia surmised from the statement.
The army believed it was acceptable to have casualties for the greater good. That was the only part of the army Olympia had disagreed with. "You want us to come to Paris and act as backup for this mission?"
Barbra interrupted the conversation. "No, we're not getting involved with this! I am all for helping my country, but this has nothing to do with America. Nor do I want to encourage Jess's desire to be a magical superhero!"
Olympia's expression turned to stone. "You don't speak for me, Barbra. I for one believe that we owe this young woman a favor. Admit it, without her assistance, Techno-Pirate would have turned NYC into a crater."
"I'm sure the military and police would have…"
This time, Olympia interrupted. "We know how the military would have handled it. We also witnessed that the police were failing. It was because we worked together that Techno-Pirate was stopped."
"Ms. Keeper can you give us a few hours to discuss this between the two of us?"
Peace Keeper nodded and said she would contact them again in four hours. She went to the kitchen to help her mother prepare a late lunch when she heard the Akuma Alert go off.
Bolting to the kitchen, she called for her mother to get her father. Marianne did as she asked and returned in a minute. Peace Keeper had removed her mask and used her special computer's holographic feature to show them the latest Akuma.
The Akuma was wearing a dark blue robe with an obi-style belt. He wore a matanpushi hat on his head. His skin was the color of rice paper.
In one hand, he was holding a calligraphy pad. In the other, a calligraphy brush. As he passed a sign advertising for new store, he tapped it with the brush. The words disappeared into the brush, which was now filled with ink.
The video footage was too far away to see what was written on the pad. After five seconds, a massive tornado suddenly appeared and caused the news helicopter to spin away from the Akuma.
The small watched in horror as the helicopter lost control as they spun towards the ground. The news castor was screaming this was the end. Suddenly, the helicopter stopped in midair.
The camera showed them that Ladybug had fashioned a giant net with her yo-yo string. That's when Chat Noir opened the door. "Take a fun slide down a fire pole to safety," the hero joked as he helped the crew.
Peace Keeper turned off her computer and placed her mask back on. "I need to go help them. I don't know who this Akuma is, but you can be certain that Monarch gave him one of the Miraculouses power."
Turning on her invisibility generator, she vanished from the room. When she was a good ten blocks away from her parents' home, she turned the generator off. Activating her jet pack, she flew towards the battle.
When she arrived in the area, she landed to get a better look at what was going on. Chat Noir was engaged with the enemy, trying to knock the pad and brush out of the Akuma's hands.
The Akuma, whose name was Calligrapher, was able to use his enhanced agility to dodge the strikes. He taunted Chat Noir, saying he was no leader, just a follower.
He stole more words to create the word hole. Chat was reeled out of danger by Ladybug. She was shaking her head and pointed in the direction of the plaque. The magic barrier wouldn't go up.
Calligrapher used the distraction to attack Chat by smacking his baton away with his calligraphy pad. Before Chat could recover, the Akuma headbutted him hard in the chest.
He skidded back a foot and started gasping for air. Ladybug was too busy keeping Calligrapher focused on her to check on her partner.
Shooting a grappling line, Peace Keeper swung down to the street and landed next to Chat. "Relax. Slowly, breathe in through your nose and exhale slowly with your mouth. That's it, do it a few more times."
Chat felt relieved when he could breathe properly again. He gave Peace Keeper a grateful look. "Thanks. I've never had the wind knocked out of me before."
Peace Keeper acknowledge the complement. She then inquired if he learned who the victim was and what their motive was.
"I think it's Kagami's father. She called me saying she overheard an argument between her parents. Kagami didn't catch all of it, but her mother implied that she didn't believe her ex-husband could mold Kagami into a great leader."
Peace Keeper took a glance at Calligrapher. There was a glow emanating from the man's hand holding the pad, which she hadn't noticed earlier.
"Monarch's given him the confidence and skills a leader needs to win a battle," she remarked as her mind started conjuring up a plan. "If I could get you near enough, would you be capable of using Jinx on the brush?"
"Yeah, but how do you know it's not the akumatized item? If I use Jinx on it, the situation could get out of control fast."
"I have a strong feeling that Monarch wants you to think that. If Calligrapher is endowed with the skills of a leader, he knows to always use a decoy to hide the real plan."
Chat didn't seem very sure but trusted Peace Keeper. The two of them stealthily approached the Akuma from behind. Ladybug made sure to avoid looking past Calligrapher so her partners could get closer.
Finally, they were close enough. Whirling her rope dart above her head, Peace Keeper focused on the target and whipped the weapon forward.
The dart knocked the calligraphy brush out of the Akuma's hand. Chat Noir pounced on it and used Jinx on it. He tossed the item back to Calligrapher, who instinctively caught it.
"What did you do to my Ahh!" The brush exploded in his hand. All the words he had stolen returned to their signs. Without the brush, he couldn't use his pad.
With Calligrapher's power disabled, Ladybug used her yo-yo to snatch the pad from his other hand. Ripping it to shreds, the akuma flew out. Ladybug caught it and purified it.
After the cure passed through the city, Ladybug was surprised to find the pad and pen still unrepaired. While Chat Noir consoled Kagami's father, she approached Peace Keeper.
"Why didn't my cure fix the akumatized object or the Jinxed object?" she whispered anxiously.
"Monarch's magic made the items unstable. Your cure attempted to fix it only for it to dissolve into nothing when it came in contact with unstable magic," Peace Keeper explained calmly.
She glanced at Chat Noir and the victim. Tapping her mask, she activated her magic filter. Thankfully, nothing was wrong with either of them.
"This is why you need to be careful with the use of your magic. You never know what could happen with unstable magic in the air."
A notification popped up on her mask filter. "Take of Kagami's father. I have to take care of some international business."
She jetted up and through the skyline, until she came to a stop on top of the Arch de Triumph. Opening up her special computer, she video called Olympia and Barbra.
"Hello again. I'm surprised to hear back from you so soon. Have you made your decision yet?"
Both women nodded. "We will come to Paris with our daughters to assist you. We won't be able to get there for at least a week due to our daughter's final exams," Olympia explained.
Peace Keeper acknowledged their request and advised them to stay in touch with her for any updates. If something changed before they made the trip, she would alert them.
She gazed at the horizon as the afternoon faded into dusk. "That makes four more warriors. Where will I find more?"