Chapter Eight

Lady Noire sat on her bed, carefully turning her baton over. She had used the weapon quite often when it came to fights, having grown confident in trusting the staff as she vaulted and leapt across Paris. It was like the balance her braid brought or the enhanced hearing her ears gave her– the baton being like an extra limb when it came to facing the akumas.

Yet of the five buttons on her baton, she had only used two of them.

It seemed quite strange now as she sat there, claws running over the buttons, that she hadn't tested all of them out. But when it came to transforming, her mind was always focused on battling, not exploring the limits of her suit. The first one expanded her baton, the second one shrank it, and she had never seen a need for any of the others.

Lady spared one quick glance around her room, hoping that she wasn't going to ruin anything, and pressed the third toe on the paw print. She heard a faint click, and her baton snapped in two, one falling into her lap. For a half a second she panicked, picking up a second half, but it seamlessly fused back together as she brought the ends close.

"Huh," she said, pressing the button once more as she split it in two once more. "That could be useful."

It took a bit of experimenting– once she split her baton in half she could only expand one of them, which had the buttons on it, the other just remaining as a small stub. However if she expanded her baton beforehand then it would be much longer when she divided it. Up in her loft she couldn't expand it too far without breaking a window– she had already accidentally hit herself in the face with it– and she soon merged the baton back into one piece.

She then pressed the fourth paw print, and again her baton split– but instead of from the middle it was the top that slipped open down, revealing the inside of the staff– which was pulsing with a black light. Lady sat up slightly, having no idea what this was, and she carefully slid her claws towards it.

She let out a hiss as she touched the dark glow– one that sounded just a bit too feline– and instantly pulled her hand back. It hadn't hurt, per se, but the energy just felt... off. She stared at it for a moment longer, before pressing the fourth button once more, the baton sealing itself up once more.

She eyed the final and largest button– not even remotely having an idea of what it could be. Her fingers still tingled from when she had touched the light, and so when she saw her baton splitting open once more she couldn't help but flinch as it slid apart once more.

Lady Noire was pleasantly surprised to find a screen staring back at her, one that looked basically like a phone screen– nothing like what one would expect from a magical transformation. She couldn't help the smile that tugged on her lips, not hesitating to tap the icons on screen. Despite her hands being covered and clawed there was no resistance from the touchscreen. Finding what appeared to be several apps, and a contact list with only one person on it– labeled with a Ladybug emblem.

"There's internet," she said as she spotted the icon into the corner, a grin tugging on her face. "Okay, this is pretty awesome. Plagg, claws in," she said– because as much as she wanted to mess around some more, she had some questions for Plagg.

Her costume melted away from around her. Her kwami tumbled out of the ring, letting out a low groan, hovering weakly in front of her. "Cheese..."

"There's some crackers down on my desk."

"That's not cheese."

"I can't just keep cheese laying about in my room, it will rot. Besides, I bought those crackers just for you– they're cheese flavored and not 'sickeningly sweet' like you say all the pastries are."

He zipped down towards the box, his voice carrying up to her. "This fake cheese has nothing on the true gooey goodness of real cheese!"

Maybe he'd like sourdough from the bakery? That wasn't sweet.

"Sooo..." she asked, holding up her ring as he came flying back. "When were you going to tell me that this thing comes with a phone?"

He shrugged. "I didn't know it did."

"Isn't it your magic that does all of this?"

"Meh, that button changes all the time," Plagg said, popping a cracker into his mouth, continuing to talk even as he chewed. "I've seen it as maps, compasses, a spyglass," he swallowed. "The fanciest thing I've seen it be is a radio, but that wasn't even with a permanent holder."

"The magic just suddenly knows what a phone is?"

"It can give you an indestructible suit, enhance your abilities, allow you to destroy anything, but it's the phone that's too unrealistic," Plagg said dryly. "I mean your suit design is nothing like what I've seen before, but that's what you had in mind when you thought of playing hero– it's my magic but you influence it just as much."

"I guess that makes sense," she said, twisting the Miraculous on her finger. "What about that black light– the fourth button. Do you have any idea what that was?"

Green eyes regarded her, the only movement being the curling of his tail. "...Nothing to worry about."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means don't press that button again," Plagg said. "Don't matter, not relevant to our mission."

"I think I have the right to know of the strange energy coming out of my baton," Marinette said, sitting up slightly. "It was... I dunno how to describe it? Familiar but–"

"–Wrong," Plagg finished, both of them speaking together. She stared at him in surprise, and his ears were flat against his head. "That's how all my Kitt– kids have described it. Most get used to it after some time, but it's nothing to mess with. Worry about actually deciding to use your Cataclysm first, okay?"

Chills instantly rushed through her. "But I can't control it!"

Plagg's reply was merely a laugh, and she felt her stomach twisting. How was this a joke to him? He knew the way it surged out everytime she called on it, he knew how others reacted to it.

"It's– it's not funny," she whispered. "It's out of control, and it's dangerous."

"Oh kid, if you think that's 'out of control', then you got another thing coming. Your little wave of Destruction is nothing compared to a true Cataclysm– especially an 'out of control' one. If you truly had no hold over your powers then this city would have been leveled many times over."

"...That's not funny either," she whispered. "I don't even want to imagine what it would be like if a Cataclysm could be that strong."

"You think I'm joking? Because let me tell you something– Destruction is no joke. You're young, you're inexperienced, so fortunately you can only draw on a mere fraction of Destruction at the moment. This city is full of nothing but idiots who don't know a thing about magic, so don't you go being one of them too."

She stared down at her ring with wide eyes– how could he be so nonchalant about all of this? She could bring down buildings without even trying, and he called it 'small'? And if that were so, what did it mean that she couldn't even control that tiny amount?

The ring on her finger felt heavier than ever– but she had to remind herself that it brought more than Destruction. She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. "Plagg– claws out."

"Wha– wait– I was–!" He didn't get to finish as he was drawn into the ring, a flash of green light transforming her once more.

Lady Noire drew her baton, pressing the largest button, opening up her new phone. Perhaps Plagg wasn't the most helpful when it came to advice– so that just left one other person she could talk to about all this.


Lady Noire landed on the rooftop silently, looking out at the city laid before her– which lit up the night. It was one of the few times she had seen the world this way without an akuma on her tail, and so it was strange to take just a moment to sit back and savor it, tasting freedom in a way she never had before. She closed her eyes as a wind rushed by, taking in the scents her enhanced senses drew in.

Lady heard the zip of a yoyo, and glanced behind her shoulder to see Crimson Beetle landing next to her. His skills with the weapon had improved since their first day out, and she smiled at him in acknowledgment as he looked out towards the Eiffel Tower with her. It was strange to be near him without some sort of creature racing after them, but even now she found his presence calming. This may have been their first moment of peace with each other– but their times together in danger brought a sense of safety as well.

"Purr-ty amazing, isn't it?" He said, looking at her with a grin, green eyes gleaming– but she just rolled her eyes in reply.

"More puns, really?" She asked, flicking an ear. "I must say, they're bugging me."

Crimson let out a laugh at this, and Lady Noire couldn't help but smile.

"Well, I got your message," Crimson said, sitting down on the rooftop. "Was quite a surprise when my yoyo started beeping at me when I transformed. Can't believe the kwamis didn't tell us that we could do that sooner, I thought we had no way to contact each other. And Tikki said we weren't allowed to exchange phone numbers, not even if I bought us a second phone."

"Well, that would be a bit overboard," she said, running a finger along her baton. "Might have been nice for the akuma yesterday, though."

"Well, now we can contact each other– meaning we can plan," he said simply. "I feel we should be doing more than just showing up to fight akumas."

Lady sat down next to Crimson. "I agree," she said, thoughts turning to Mylene. "We fight the villains, but... but I've noticed people don't react well to those that have been akumatized."

"I had to talk the police out of arresting Cameraman," he agreed, a slight growl in his voice. "I get they don't have kwamis of their own to explain everything– but how hard is it to understand they were brainwashed against their will!"

"They aren't villains, they're victims," Lady Noire said.

"Exactly!" Crimson said, pointing at her. "We need to make sure people understand that, which is why I think we need to start doing more. Hanging around after fights if we can, getting our word out there, going about the city outside of akumas– you know, like patrolling or something? We can use that time to talk and plan, prepare for whatever comes our way."

"Sounds perfect," Lady said, nodding.

"...Purrect?" He asked with a grin, and she just closed her eyes in response. "Oh, come on Lady, you have to admit they're a-mew-sing."

"Afraid we'll have to agree to disagree," she replied, looking out at Paris.

"Everything okay?" He asked, and she blinked at him. "That smile just now– that wasn't your real one, is something wrong?"

"No," she said. "Well, um, this just isn't easy, you know?"

"Protecting the city isn't an easy task," Crimson said. "We have to take this seriously. People may have been hurt during akuma attacks, but we can't let those akumatized be hurt either."

Lady Noire watched Crimson as he spoke. Alongside her heightened senses came with the ability to see in the dark, and she couldn't help but watch her partner closely as he spoke, probably not even aware of the determined expression she normally wouldn't be able to see, especially with the overcast sky choking out any starlight. Bright green eyes remained locked out on the city-scape, face etched with shadows as lightning flashed in the distance.

Their time together was limited, so it was strange to feel such a strong sense of trust towards him. They protected each other, fought side by side, and it felt so natural– so this trust must be as well. The idea of seeing him outside akumas was something she knew she wanted– having such a trust in him but not knowing so much about him hurt. They were to be partners, but she wanted to be friends as well.

"How do you do it?" She finally asked.

"Do what?"

"All of it... just seems so natural to you, you make being a hero look almost easy. You know what to say to the crowds, even in a middle of an attack you're just so upbeat and... and people actually like you."

Her voice cracked slightly at the last part, saying the very thing she had been refusing to acknowledge ever since the attacks began, and she felt her braid curl around her.

Crimson turned towards her. "Lady–"

"They're scared of me," she whispered. "No one's directly said it, but I've seen the way they pull back when I get close. They compare my powers to Monarch's, and honestly I don't blame them considering that I can even control it, no wonder they hate me–"

"Lady, stop, stop it," he said, and he grabbed her shoulders. It was only then she realized there were tears forming in her eyes, and she swiftly blinked them away. "No one hates– you're a hero. Maybe they don't fully understand your powers, and maybe you don't either– but we're still learning. We were kind of thrown into this without any training."

"Some training would have been nice," she said softly.

"But we didn't get anything, just a 'oh hey, here's some magical jewelry– go save the city!' We have to learn as we go along, and there's nothing wrong if we can't do it absolutely perfectly. I'd like to see anyone that says otherwise try to take our place for one attack and see how they do."

She snorted at this. "Well as long as you're there I'm sure they'd do just fine."

"Heh, I doubt it," Crimson said, leaning back. "Did you know that on my way here I slammed straight into a lamppost? You'd think that I'd have this magical yoyo thing figured out by now– but nope, I'm pretty sure it has a mind of its own. One moment it's a grappling hook, and the next it's sending me faceplanting into a street light– wham!"

She couldn't help but snicker.

"I just happen to have a magical reset button to fix everything I mess up, pretty nice actually– wish I could have one of those in real life, but then I'd probably just keep using it with the mess that my life is... yeah, the city would be pretty much doomed if it was relying only on me."

"Don't say that like I'd be the better choice."

"Oh really? Says the one that figured my first Charm before me, always finds out where the akumatized object is in like two minutes, somehow comes up with crazy plans in the moment despite the fact that we're getting pelted with ice blasts and goo, doesn't even need to use your powers to actually win the fight, definitely has the cooler costume out of the two of us–"

"What does costumes have to do with anything?"

"I'm just walking around like a giant target," Crimson spread open his hands. "Here I am, akuma– aim for the spots! Meanwhile you're a cat, both cool and cute–"

"C-cute?"

"–Just lurking in the shadows, and the moment Monarch's minions think they have a chance you just appear and take them down like it's nothing!" He grinned at her. "You're amazing, Lady, I would have lost on day one if you hadn't shown up."

"Well I definitely wouldn't have been able to do this alone, I was a mess in the fight against Stoneheart, and you just slide in like 'Yes, I know exactly how to superhero', talk to the camera like it's nothing, can make it so it's like the attacks never even happened–"

"I have sparkly magical reset bugs. You have skill."

"You have confidence!"

"Would you like some?" He asked. "I think I have a bit too much, and I definitely know you deserve to have much more than you're showing." His gaze softened. "And I truly mean that, Lady– I couldn't imagine doing this with anyone else."

"Same," she said softly, and with a small smile she offered him a fistbump, which he returned without hesitation.

"I wish all my friends could be like you," he said, and she looked at him. "I mean, my friends are amazing– I wouldn't trade them for the world! But... but it was nice to just be able to form it all without..." He frowned. "I don't know how to word it. You just saw me for me, and liked that– you didn't see anything else."

"I... I don't know exactly what you mean," she said. "But if people aren't looking at you for you then that isn't right."

He smiled. "Let's just say that having a mask can be nice." He traced the spotted red mask on his face. "Though I guess even that is wearing off now. People see the spots and just think of magical healing ladybugs."

"They see me and think of crumbling buildings," she muttered.

They sat there in silence for a moment, letting these thoughts bounce across their minds, when Crimson spoke up:

"Well then, Paris is just full of idiots."

"Crimson!"

"Yep, idiots there, and some more idiots over there," he waved his hand out towards various buildings. "Oh, and what would you know– way over there there's more idiots!" He leaned back, letting out a sigh. "Sheesh, I didn't realize there were so many–- looks like we have our work cut out for us."

She just shook her head. "You're ridiculous, you know that right?"

"Call it what you like– but I got you smiling that real smiling of yours again," Crimson said, leaning towards her with a grin. "It suits you much better than that frown, Chaton."

He poked her nose, and she couldn't help but flush slightly. "D-don't."

His grin only widened, cheeky and playful, and Lady didn't know how he managed to be that upbeat. Her braid swayed behind her, and she opened her mouth up to speak– but promptly jumped as a low rumble echoed out across the city. Her ears flicked up, hair on her neck standing on end as blue eyes desperately searched for any possible threat–

"Not a fan of thunder?" Crimson asked as the rumble died down.

"I thought it was an akuma..." She muttered, trying to calm herself. "Much louder from up here– or maybe it's just my hearing when transformed?"

"You get better hearing?" He asked, looking at her with wide eyes. "No fair."

"Yeah, pretty good night vision too, and a better sense of smell," she crinkled her nose. "Honestly I don't know how to make use of that though, just too many smells."

"I have an enhanced sense of smell too when transformed, can't think of much else though. Too bad I don't have wings, that would be awesome."

There was a flash of lightning in the distance, soon followed by another echo of thunder rang out. "Well, I don't know about you, but I don't want to be up on these giant metal beams when the storm hits. Stormy Weather's lighting was bad enough."

"Yeah, Stormy Weather was not fun to fight," he looked up at the sky. "But looks like the fearsome Regular Weather will be cutting us short tonight. We need to meet up again sometime."

"Let's figure out our schedules," she suggested. "See what times work best for us, then text them to each other. We can make plans from here."

"Suppose that's better than just winging it," he said casually, but the grin on his face said otherwise. She shot him a glare as another rumble of thunder echoed across the city.

"Was that a pun?"

"I see you spotted that one."

"Oh goodness," she said, leaning forward slightly. "Spare me, please."

"Well if I'm bugging you–"

"Don't steal my puns from earlier."

"Good point, Lady, you did pun earlier..." He leaned towards her, grinning. "So that means you like puns then, right? So that means mew should have no problem with me kitten around a bit, hmm?"

She had a witty retort on the tip of her tongue, her braid curling as humor burned in her eyes– but before she could say a single word she felt something land on her nose. She jumped slightly as another droplet of rain came falling down– the only warning they got before the rain poured down onto them.

She let out a hiss– a literally hiss– jumping back as it fell on her. She had never minded the rain, but right now it felt like the most unpleasant feeling in the world. It was different than when they battled Stormy Weather, where she could avoid the weather-based attacks, but right now there was nowhere to go.

"Lucky Charm!"

She was snapped out of her panic as she heard his voice, the rain suddenly ceasing as a red-spotted umbrella was held up above them. She stood there for a moment, trying to collect herself– before giving a shake like she was a wet dog. Crimson held up a hand as droplets of water were sent flying at him, a laugh escaping his mouth.

"Sorry," she said meekly. "I didn't mean to do that. It... it just felt right?"

"I get what you mean," Crimson replied easily. "The rain didn't feel that good to me either. Something else we'll have to get used to, it seems." He held a gloved hand out from under the umbrella, letting the raindrops roll across his suit. "Thought we would have a bit more time before the storm hit."

"Well next time we plan to meet up, let's check the weather too," Lady said, ears falling flat against her head at the idea of heading back home in this storm– and the beeping of Crimson's earrings reminded her that he would be leaving soon.

"Here," he said, holding out the umbrella to her. "I'm not sure how far away you live, but hopefully this will get you home before my transformation wears off."

Her clawed hands carefully held the umbrella. "What about you?"

"Don't worry," he said with a wink. "I won't let the rain bug me."

Heat flooded her cheeks. "Stop stealing my pun!"

He sent his yoyo out into the stormy night. "Sorry, m'lady." He said. "I'm afraid I have officially adopted it. Sorry if it bugs you."

"Crim!" She cried, but he simply gave a salute as he swung away on his yoyo.

She hurried to the edge of the roof, umbrella still over her head, the patter of rain echoing about her as she watched the red blur hurry away. She knew that she could catch up to him with ease, that she would be able to spot him in the stormy night... but she only had a few minutes before her umbrella would vanish. She held the Lucky Charm close, her stomach feeling light.

"Dang it," she muttered. "Why does he have to be so cute?"


At lunch the next day Marinette's thoughts turned towards her and Crimson's conversation from last night, and she linked arms with Alya as they carried their lunch trays towards their usual table, guiding her off towards the corner of the cafeteria.

"What are you doing?" Alya asked, stumbling to keep her food balanced at the sudden change in direction.

"Getting you an interview for your blog," she replied, eyes locking on the table where three people sat: Ivan, Mylene, and Aurore. Alya looked excited for a moment, but when she saw where they were headed she slowed down– but Marinette refused to let her stop.

"Mari?" She hissed. "Mari– what are you doing?"

"Hello!" Marinette said brightly as she reached them, taking a seat next to Aurore– the inhabitants of the 'akuma table' looking up at her with wide eyes. She had to drag Alya to take a seat next to her, who was eyeing their classmates uncertainly. "You don't mind if we eat here, right? The rest of our class is being idiots."

"What?" Alya yelped.

Aurore narrowed her eyes at them. "What? Don't you think I'm going to freeze you in a block of ice or something?"

"I'd prefer it if you didn't," Marinette said casually, taking a bite of her lunch. "It's cold enough in here as it is. Anyways, Mylene– Alya and I are going to go catch a movie after school– do you want to join us?"

"Marinette–" Alya attempted again.

"Yes!" Myelene cried, but then immediately shrank in her seat as she realized how loud she had been. "Y-yes, please... if... if you want to be around me I mean–"

"Of course I do," Marinette said. "How you three have been treated... it makes me sick, and I plan on changing that."

Before anyone could respond they heard footsteps behind them– and found Adrien making their way towards them, Nino in tow. Marinette noticed some other students looking their way, and she gave them a cool glare in reply as Adrien and Nino took the final seats at the table. Adrien smiled out at all them happily, while Nino shifted next to Alya, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else than here.

"Hi everyone, we're not interrupting, are we?" Adrien asked.

"Nope!" Marinette said happily. "The more the merrier!"

"Okay, seriously," Aurore said with a glare, jabbing her at them. "What are you guys playing at? It's clear those two don't want to be here, and then you two are just acting weird. If you don't like us then scram, I've already dealt with plenty."

"Marinette's cool," Ivan said, looking down at her with a surprised gaze. "Don't worry, Aurore."

"Like I said, I can't stand seeing how you guys are being treated," Marinette said, pushing her lunch aside as she leaned forward. "What happened wasn't your guys' fault– to me that's clear to see on its own, and the heroes' words have only confirmed that, but the way everyone is acting hasn't changed, so we need to do something."

Mylene shifted, looking away. "Y-you don't have to, Marinette. I would never forgive myself if people started avoiding you too because... because you were around me."

"We're not leaving you three alone," Adrien said firmly.

"I'm not alone," Mylene whispered, leaning up against Ivan. Marinette didn't miss the blush that crept up on his cheeks, the way that he looked down at Mylene so fondly. She remembered back on the day he had been akumatized– she knew that Ivan had feelings for Mylene for a long time now. She was glad that Mylene had someone to fall back on when all of this had hit them.

"I have an idea," Marinette said. "The heroes' words are already out there– that this is not your fault– but people are still wary of what happened to you. It's not you though, it's the akumas that scare them– and we need to show Paris that what took place when Monarch was in control had nothing to do with you– which is why I brought Alya along. I'm sure she won't want to miss out on an exclusive interview for her blog, right? Something new and unique to boost her views?"

Her best friend looked torn at the moment.

Ivan closed his eyes. "Marinette, you are sweet, you really are, but you don't have to do this. Alya isn't comfortable around us and... and we're used to that." His voice went even quieter at those last few words. His gaze shifted to the ombre-haired girl. "You can go. Please don't feel like you're being pressured to stay here."

Alya's eyes flickered between all of them, and Nino looked like he was about to take up the offer as well, pushing his chair back slightly to leave. Alya hesitated, then closed her eyes. "I... I don't know, okay? Everything that's happened– it's amazing, it's frightening– and honestly I don't know what to make of it all." Her voice went higher pitched in her uncertainty, and she uncertainly looked out at everyone, twisting her hands. "...Do you guys feel any different after being akumatized...?"

Aurore sneered. "I feel ostracized and despised, if you haven't noticed."

Alya pulled back slightly, looking away.

"We don't remember anything," Ivan offered. "The last thing I remember was hearing a voice in my mind, and then seeing the heroes. I've seen videos of Stoneheart, and I feel nothing."

"The only thing I remember after being turned into H-horrifcator was... w-was–" Mylene curled up against Ivan. "Was thinking about h-how everyone was going to hate me..."

Alya swallowed, nodding, but couldn't make eye contact with any of them. "I see..."

Marinette spoke up before the silence could draw out too long. "I have an idea, but I understand that it isn't perfect, and it could go wrong– and everyone needs to be willing if we're going to do this. But I think Alya should interview you guys and make a video for her blog."

Mylene glanced at Alya, who was staring down at her tray of food. Aurore snorted, Ivan said nothing, while Nino and Adrien also looked at Alya expectantly.

"People are interested in what you have to say," Marinette continued, drawing the attention of those who have been akumatized. "From what I understand multiple attempts have been made to talk to you and your families, right?"

"My dad has turned away several reporters now," Mylene said softly.

"You've seen firsthand what it's been like for me," Ivan said, smiling slightly. "I never did thank you for that, did I?"

"My family's turned away plenty by now," Aurore said, and her cold expression shifted ever so slightly. "They... they won't even talk to me." She didn't make eye contact as they all looked at her in shock, even Nino and Alya not pulling away. Aurore crossed her arms slightly, giving them half a smile that carried no emotion. "Believe it or not, school has been one of the better places to be."

"Okay, dude, that's just wrong," Nino said softly. "Wrong on so many levels."

Aurore raised an eyebrow. "How is it different from what you've been doing?"

He looked away guiltily. "...Th-then I've been wrong too. You dudes don't deserve that. No one does."

"I'll do it," Alya said, sitting up straighter. "If you guys want me to I'll do an interview for you guys."

"It can't be just an interview," Marinette said. "This needs to be done right. We need something that can't be manipulated, something that shows what you three have gone through."

"Something that shows you guys are victims, not villains," Adrien said, and Marinette stared at him. "What?"

"Nothing," she said swiftly. "I was just going to say something similar."

"'Akumatized Victims Speak Out'," Alya mused softly. "Strong title, leaves no questions."

"And we would make sure nothing is published that you guys aren't comfortable with," Marinette said, looking out at the three of them. "That you would see the final product before it was uploaded, that it is exactly what you want the world to hear– right, Alya?"

"Of course!" She said swiftly.

"Something to show what you've gone through," Marinette continued. "People need to see you, not just the videos of what Monarch made you guys do."

"I... I don't know," Mylene said, pressing up against Ivan. "I just... I just don't do well with cameras and– and I–"

"We won't do it if you aren't comfortable," Ivan promised.

"Interview me," Aurore finally said– but she didn't sound too happy about it. "My loss was on TV anyways, everyone already saw my humiliation and knows of me– if this whole idea crashes and burns then it really can't get worse for me."

"We won't let it," Marinette promised. "Not one word you don't approve of will be uploaded to her blog."

"I can help," Adrien said. "I've been coached many times on how to handle interviews and being in the spotlight. I'm not a professional, but I do know what sort of things to avoid saying."

"I... I can make music for it?" Nino offered uncertainly, scratching the back of his head. "Make it seem more official? Set the tone? I don't know, I don't really have a lot to offer, but I..." He glanced at them. "I think I do want to help."

"So," Aurore said, looking at Alya. "When are we doing this?"

"I need time to get some interview questions ready," Alya said. "We'll need to find a good place to do the interview, make sure we have plenty of time..."

Aurore raised an eyebrow. "So you're really on board with this then? You do realize that if this doesn't work it will tarnish your blog's reputation? I mean it doesn't have much right now, but your video of Stoneheart has gone viral."

"You've seen my blog?" Alya said, looking surprised.

"Making sure you didn't put out anything with Mylene's face in it," she replied.

"Marinette said not to," Alya said softly. "And I'm really glad that I didn't." She looked up at them. "I... I haven't been fair to you guys. I hope that all of this will make up for something... but I am sorry for avoiding you all."

Aurore pulled out her phone. "Here, put in your number so we can get a hold of each other. I'm free pretty much anytime outside of school, because plans are now a thing of the past."

Alya took her phone, handing over her own for Aurore to put in her number. As they traded phones back Alya looked up at Mylene. "Remember, movies after school today– me, you and Marinette."

"Thank you," Mylene whispered.


"Race you to the Louvre!" Crimson shouted, racing to the edge of the roof, letting out a whoop as he jumped.

The thrill was amazing, and he was becoming more trusting of the skills that came with the suit every day. He didn't even bother throwing his yoyo until he was half way down to the streets, seeing the gleam of a silver baton hitting the sidewalk below them. The wire went taut in his hands, pulling him back up into the air as he swung across, butterflies dancing in his stomach with the sensation. He hadn't been to an amusement park since he was a child, but this was already better than any roller coaster he had been on. Except he wasn't bound to tracks or a set path– the entire city was below him.

He did a flip before he landed on the rooftops, just because he could, before taking off running once more. Their first patrol ever had been just that, but this second one was quickly turning into fun and games. Neither of them could resist it, however– with all physical abilities enhanced in the suit how could they not take full advantage of what it had to offer? Especially when there was no akuma breathing down their back.

Crimson ran up the side of a taller building– a skill he had that Lady didn't, probably due to his bug-themed suit– costing him a bit of ground as Lady Noire continued on, but he knew the extra height would be worth it as he tossed his yoyo once more, easily passing his partner as he swooped towards their goal, which was now in view.

They were doing well when it came to akuma battles, Crimson knew that, but he also knew they were limiting themselves at the same time– and he wasn't quite sure how to approach the topic with Lady. She seemed wary enough every time he mentioned her powers, but the fact that she hadn't used Cataclysm since Stormy Weather was definitely inhibiting them. But it wasn't like she was holding them back– she was often the one to locate the akuma, or noticing the weak point of the enemy, even pointing out how his Lucky Charm could be used when he was lost– he couldn't do this without her! But the fact that they had one more tool at their disposal that they ignored was lacking. The Destructive energy could be used in so many ways, and he was sure that with her quick thinking she could come up with hundreds more.

He retracted his yoyo for the final time, hooking it to his waist as he came soaring down onto the Louvre Pyramid, gaining traction on the slick sides with ease. Lady was only seconds behind him, braid whipping behind her as she landed, but the clear winner was himself. He gave her a grin, running a hand through his hair.

"Looks like I beet you," he said with a smirk.

She glowered at him in reply, and he let out a long laugh. "Why am I even surprised?"

"I thought you'd be red-dy by now for my amazing jokes," Crimson continued, climbing down the pyramid, as they were quickly attracting attention. "I mean, they are claw-some and purr-ty amazing."

"Do you look these up beforehand or something?" Lady Noire asked, jumping the rest of the way down, easily landed on her feet. She stretched a bit, carefully avoiding to look at those approaching the heroes as he climbed down beside her.

"Doubting my skills?" He asked with mock offense, hand over his chest. "These are one hundred percent my own, thank you very much. I'm just lucky enough to be able to make them up on the fly."

He winked, and she groaned. "Oh goodness."

"Mama, mama– it's Crimson Beetle and Lady Noire!" An excited voice squealed, and he turned to see a little girl racing towards them. She didn't slow down at all, throwing herself into his arms happily. He took a step back in surprise, but thanks to the strength his suit gave him he didn't struggle to hold her. "I saw you on TV fighting the monsters!"

"Well, it's nice to meet you," Crimson said with a smile, setting the girl on the ground, because he wasn't quite sure how her mother would react to a stranger holding her daughter.

"I'm Adeline!" She said happily, reaching for his yoyo. "Is that the one you use in the fights? How does it work?"

Lady Noire carefully took it from her before she could do anything with the weapon, setting it back in Crimson's hand. By then the girl's mother had approached, carefully pulling her daughter into her arms. "I am so sorry," she said. "Adeline, you can't run off like that!"

They didn't get the opportunity to say much more, because by then attention had been drawn. A small crowd had curiously formed around the heroes, and like with Adeline it was the kids that were the boldest to approach the heroes, soon a half a dozen surrounding them curiously. Crimson had no idea what to do, because he could count on his hand the number of times he had been around children so young, but Lady knelt down, not looking at all overwhelmed by the chattering of the kids.

"What's it like being a superhero?"

"Can you fly?"

"Do you guys have a secret lair?"

"How does your hair move like that?" A boy asked, pointing to Lady's braid, which flicked in response.

She smiled. "Honestly, I don't know. I think it's supposed to be like a cat tail, it has a mind of its own."

"Can your ears move?" A girl asked.

Lady smiled, and flicked her cat ears in response, resulting in a wave of giggles from the kids. One reached out, clearly wanting to touch them, and Lady tilted her head so they could do so. The ears twitched as the hands brushed against them, resulting in more laughs from them.

"That tickles!" He laughed, which resulted in the other kids pressing close to feel the fake ears as well. A smile flickered over Crimson's face, but just as quickly a loud shout shattered the light moment.

A woman hurried forward, jerking her son up into her arms before he could get close to Lady Noire. "What are you thinking, Jeffrey?" She cried. "You just can't– you can't–" She paused mid sentence, seeing as they were in the middle of a crowd. "Come on now, dear, we need to get going."

Crimson frowned as she hurried away with her son, not exactly knowing what had happened. The other kids around them stared off at where he had been dragged away, and several other parents called for their children to come back. A few waved to the two heroes happily, while one little girl wrapped her arms around Crimson's leg. He looked over at Lady desperately, who chuckled.

"Come on now," she said, carefully picking up the girl. "We don't want to keep your family waiting, right?"

She flicked her ears a few times as she walked her over to her waiting fathers, earning a giggle from the child. She placed her into the arms of one of the men, who held the little girl close to his chest, before they retreated back into the crowd. People had stayed back when the kids had been in the spotlight, so he wasn't surprised when questions were now thrown at them as Lady Noire came back over.

"Crimson Beetle," one man called. "Why do you two always leave after battles? We don't know what's happening to our city, and you two are the only ones with answers."

"I'm afraid we can't stay long after a fight," Lady said, clearly not knowing how much to say. "We... we need to rest shortly after. We aren't trying to keep things hushed..."

She glanced at Crimson, who hesitated before speaking. "I'm afraid we don't know much more than you guys. It is our job to stop the akumas and Monarch, but her motives remain unknown to us."

It was easier to talk without reporters and news crews surrounding them, but people did have their phones out, recording their every word.

"We will do everything we can to protect this city," he promised. "We will stop Monarch."

People started throwing out more questions. "What are you guys? What is Monarch?"

"Is this magic or science?"

"Crimson Beetle, what exactly happens to those who are akumatized?"

"What does your kind want from our city?"

"Let's go," Lady said softly, hand on his shoulder. He glanced at her, and though her expression was neutral her ears were folded back, braid curling close to her. He nodded in reply, drawing his yoyo.

"I'm afraid we must continue our patrol," he said slowly, trying to be heard over everyone. Lady Noire drew her baton, and people pulled back as they extended their weapons, leaping up and away from the crowd. He grabbed onto Lady while they were in the air, swinging them off towards the rooftops.