Chapter Sixteen
"Adrien, you might want to look at this," Tikki said, floating in front of the TV as he got ready for school. He glanced up, seeing a picture of the mayor on the news. He frowned, but made his way over to the couch to watch.
"Mayor Bourgeois sent out this video this morning, requesting an audience with the one who has become known as Paris' hero in the fight against akumas, Crimson Beetle," Nadja Chamack reported. "This is the first instance known of any government official attempting to reach out to those who seem to display superpowers, and though we have reached out to both him and the Chief of Police, we have gotten no comments back. Critics agree that something like this should have happened a lot sooner, as we are swiftly approaching the three month anniversary since akuma attacks first began. As for the video itself, we will play it now."
A video of Mayor Bourgeois then filled up the screen; he was dressed up as he usually was during press conferences, sitting at his desk with a huge smile towards the camera.
"Hello, Crimson Beetle. As I am sure you know, I am Mayor Bourgeois, and it has come to my attention that our interactions have been next to none despite the fact that we have both been working endlessly towards protecting our beautiful city of Paris," Adrien raised an eyebrow at this. "I would like the opportunity to meet with you to discuss both our city and those that threaten it, and perhaps establish a means of communication between us."
"That's not going to happen," Tikki said, her eyes flashing towards Adrien. "Magic and government need to remain separate, Adrien."
"Shh," he said softly, agreeing with her– but he didn't want to miss anything.
"The sooner you and I are able to meet, the better," the mayor said. "Both to thank you for everything you have done for our city, and to find more ways to protect this beautiful city. I have my afternoon cleared for today, so please feel free to stop by anytime."
"Huh," Adrien said, muting the broadcast as the mayor's message ended. "Not sure what to make of that."
"I don't like this," Tikki said, crossing her paws. "It always starts out like this– 'thank you for your services towards the kingdom, we would like to honor you– also would you please help us conquer the neighboring country while you're at it?'"
"I don't think they're going to ask me to go to war," Adrien said with a smile. "But I do get what you mean, we're not government agents or anything, so me and Lady Noire shouldn't respond like we're under their command."
"Exactly," Tikki said. "Our job is to protect humanity, but you humans like to divide yourselves up into further groups, and then your leaders think that they're entitled to the Miraculouses just because we're in their countries. Our involvement with politics and feuds is minimal– if a Miraculous user is involved in a war we are not there out of obligation to any country, but rather for our duty to protect." Her antennae fell. "However, there have been times when our holders have abandoned their duties for their own goals."
"...Has that ever happened to you?" Adrien asked softly.
Tikki smiled weakly. "Not as much as some kwamis, but unfortunately I have had holders who have not used my powers the way they should have."
Adrien watched her for a moment, the kwami's eyes looking distant for a moment, the small little creature looking far older than she appeared. She then shook her head, smiling, before zipping up to him and rubbing up against his cheek.
"I am very happy to have a holder like you, Adrien," she said with a small chirp, before zipping in front of him.
"Could... Could I ask what happened?"
Tikki shrugged. "Usually just a case of getting power hungry, pretty common in humans. Or their moral alignment no longer matches the duty they took on, or they simply made choices where... where we weren't comfortable with a Miraculous remaining in their hands, even if they hadn't abused it at that point."
Adrien considered this. "So if Alya's theory about Miraculouses in World War II is correct– and I say 'if' because I already know you refuse to tell me a thing– were they being used correctly?"
Tikki considered this, and Adrien could see the conflict on her face. "Alya's theory was about monsters and potential akumas– so yes, if those were Miraculouses being used in that manner then they were being used incorrectly."
He nodded, knowing what he wouldn't get anything else from her. He had asked her about it the same day Alya had shared her theory, but the kwami had refused to say a thing. She'd just shrug, and then tell him that their duty was to focus on current times and on the current threat.
"How old are you, exactly?" Adrien asked, holding out his hands for her to land on.
"I am as old as the universe," Tikki said, perking up slightly, and his eyes widened slightly.
"Wh-what?" He stuttered. "You're what? But that's– that's like, billions of years old!"
"Yep!" Tikki beamed. "Of course, our consciences weren't the same as they are now, we were more forces of power rather than beings with personality back in the day, and how we perceived the universe wasn't quite the same either. Concepts like Emotion, Conflict, Choice and such didn't exist until much later, so nothing of the sort existed with Us before then."
"...What...?" Adrien whispered, and Tikki giggled.
"Don't worry too much about it," she said, patting his nose. "I've never had a human that could fully comprehend it. Even now I struggle too, looking back... I mean once we started to feel and truly Be, it was hard to understand not having that." She shrugged. "But that's not the matter at hand– you need to decide what you're going to do with the mayor."
He hesitated for a moment. "I think we should talk with the mayor," Adrien said, and Tikki opened her mouth to protest. "And I'll be careful– but I think this could be a time to set boundaries," Adrien said, and Tikki paused, tilting her head. "It could send the wrong impression if we don't show up– people are wary of Lady as it is and they were of me at first, too. We need to be open with the public, seem more human, you know?"
"Your identity is the most important thing," Tikki said. "And you shouldn't get cozy with the public– we have a duty with the Miraculouses and we need to stick to that."
"I wouldn't do anything to hint at my identity," Adrien explained. "We should make our purpose to the mayor clear– to stop Monarch and strip her of her power– and nothing else. That way they won't expect more from us, and hopefully we can make it clear that we're not a threat. We can also back Alya's video about the akuma victims, and confirm that Monarch's influence ends with the butterfly– making it so people aren't just guessing with everything!"
Tikki considered this. "You have good points, and as long as you are careful and stick to a plan, I think this would be okay. The way the mayor worded things, though, makes it quite clear that he just wants to talk to you, not Lady Noire."
"That would be another thing to establish," Adrien said, standing up. "Me and Lady are partners– if he asks for one of us then he will be getting both of us."
"That's the right attitude, Adrien," Tikki beamed. "You should call her, so she knows you aren't going without her."
"Exactly. Tikki, spots–"
Knock knock.
Tikki dove for his pocket, and Adrien let out a sigh, looking towards his doors. "Yes?"
"Your breakfast is on the table," Nathalie said.
"I'll be right down," he said with another sigh. It was amazing how he could be left alone for most of the day, but the moment he actually could use the privacy, he was interrupted.
It was a cloudy afternoon when he and Lady finally made their way to the mayor's office– sticking to rooftops and the side of buildings, knocking on his window instead of entering the hotel he called home. It seemed like they had nearly given the poor man a heart attack, several security guards rushing into the office at his cry. It had taken a few minutes for everything to calm down, for the windows to be opened and for them to be invited in– which Lady Noire had instantly declined.
In the end, they sat on the window ledge, while the guards had moved the mayor's chair around to the other side of the desk so he could actually see them. The man had seemed slightly jumpy at times, especially when Lady Noire shifted– but still had wasted no time getting down to business; there was a reason why he had been voted into office numerous times, though he was far from a perfect politician.
"I just wanted to thank you for the way you protected my daughter, ah... two weeks ago? Has it already been that long...?" He let out a laugh, which sounded uncertain with Lady's icy blue glare on him– she didn't seem forgiving of how she had been treated when Evillustrator had attacked. "If I recall, you were the only one there during the final fight against him...?"
"...I was," Crimson said carefully. "I needed to be the one to face him head-on to capture the akuma, and so Lady was the one that stayed to watch over the hotel to make sure that the akuma didn't attack your daughter again."
"I– I see," he said swiftly. "W-well, along with protecting my dear little Chloe I have to thank you for your, um, two's service to the city with stopping these akuma attacks. And then the way you can repair all of the damage, M. Beetle– absolutely amazing! You've probably saved us millions in repairs– and helped so many people. How does that power even work?"
Crimson and Lady shared a glance, because telling him about their powers openly was not something they or the kwamis were comfortable with.
"...Magic," he said simply. "Something not easily described."
Andre leaned forward, clearly interested. "Magic, you say– but isn't magic just a means to describe something science has yet to explain? Surely there is a way to understand this, and such technology would be invaluable–"
"It is not technology," Crimson snapped. "We wield magic, M. Mayor, and am I sure you understand that it is not something we are comfortable talking about. Powers like this being in the wrong hands is what resulted in Monarch, so surely you understand secrets staying as secrets."
"Y-yes, of course," he said swiftly. "Speaking of Monarch, she is a threat to both of us, is she not? I feel that we should formally work together, your... powers with my police forces? I am sure it would not take us long to track down this Monarch and bring her to justice, and we could provide protection to you and Lady Noire when you are not fighting–"
"No one gets to know our identities," Lady Noire snarled, causing him to flinch. "And don't act like that's not what you're asking of us– but you are not privy to such knowledge! Not you. Not your officers. Not the city– not even our own partner. Don't you dare ask that of us again."
The man looked like he was trying to swallow a lemon. "Th-then we would know where to find you if an akuma was to strike, and we could offer protection–"
"When an akuma comes, we'll be there," Crimson said evenly.
"What protection could you even offer us?" Lady asked, leaning forward. "Police officers who could become akumatized and tell Monarch of our location? What I think you're falling to realize, M. Mayor, is that our identity is our protection."
"W-well, people are... um, uncertain of nameless individuals roaming about with such power?" he said swiftly. "It's just standard procedure and would make people feel safer."
"Then throw procedure out the window," Lady snapped. "I don't think you have one for magical threats– so why would you have one for the magic on your side?"
"We do not operate under you," Crimson said. "Lady and I are here to stop Monarch, and that you can depend on– but beyond that while we are in these suits we have no ties to Paris, or even France."
He swallowed. "Vigilante work is illegal."
Lady grinned. "Alright then. We'll stop fighting the akumas. Have fun."
"But me and my cabinet are already working towards making an exception for heroes!" The mayor swiftly cried, a hand reaching out towards them as if they were about to leave. "Of– of course we are– what you have done for the city is invaluable and we do not want to hinder you in any way, so we are working to pave the road for you to operate freely–"
"Perfect," Crimson beamed, clapping his hands together. "An exception would be absolutely wonderful. You know what else would be? Perhaps a warning system of some kind, like an app or L'Alerte Enlèvement? Something that could instantly notify both us and the citizens themselves when an akuma strikes, without anyone needing to be watching the news constantly. I'm sure it would make the people of Paris feel a lot safer if you were to do something like that, sir."
Crimson knew exactly how the mayor operated: if it would make him look good in the public eye, he would do it with no hesitation. He understood why Andre had taken so long to contact them in the first place, because at first they had been an unknown group that the city had split opinions on. It hadn't been until now– when Paris looked towards his hero self with confidence– that he was creating some form of connection. He was also fishing for a form of control over them, and he was sure that was because of the power Lady wielded.
"And if you truly don't want to hinder us, though, you know what you could do?" Lady said. "Make a public announcement about the poor akuma victims– right now it's basically people trying to figure it all out for themselves. I definitely feel that a law or two preventing them from losing their jobs and basic rights should be in place at the very least!"
Crimson nodded in agreement. "None of this is their fault."
The mayor swallowed. "Are you willing to go on record saying that?"
"Definitely," Lady said. "A thousand times over."
"The moment the akuma butterfly is released, so is Monarch's control over them," Crimson replied. "They bear no responsibility for what happened in the first place, and should not hold anything after– I'm sure you'd be able to make that clear to the public, right? I'm sure those akumatized and their families would be most grateful and supportive of you for doing something like that."
"Yes, yes, of course," Andre said– while Lady merely raised an eyebrow at Crimson. He smiled back, but he knew how Andre's mind worked: keep his family happy, keep his reputation intact, and finally money. "I will get right on that, M. Beetle, do not worry–"
"Thank you so much," Crimson said warmly. "I am glad to see what you're doing for this city, and I'm sure the people will as well."
"Is there anything else we need to discuss?" Lady Noire asked, standing up. "I have... personal commitments I need to get to."
Crimson smiled. "I think that is all, correct, Mayor?"
"W-well," he glanced at Lady, nodding. "Y-yes, that is all I wished to talk to the... two of you about."
"Wonderful," Lady said, sounding less than enthusiastic, and she turned towards Crimson, extending her baton. "I'll see you next patrol, Crim."
Andre noticeably relaxed as she vaulted away. Crimson Beetle closed his eyes, before pushing himself to his feet. He drew his yoyo to leave, but before he could, the mayor rushed towards the window– something he had not done when Lady had been there.
"M. Beetle, wait!" Andre cried. "I have one more thing I need to ask of you."
Green eyes scanned the mayor. "...Yes?"
He swallowed. "Well, you have been a hope to this city ever since the akumas first appeared, and I was hoping to honor that."
"You don't need to do that."
"Well, I have already commissioned several statues of you to be built," Andre said, and Crimson just blinked at him.
"...Statues?" He was used to his face being up on billboards... but statues? That was new.
"Oh yes, they are absolutely lovely," the mayor continued, looking quite proud of himself. "I thought it would be a wonderful way for the city to say thank you for what you have done– and perhaps seeing images of you around the city would help boost morale, you know?"
"I see. Well... I am very flattered?"
He smiled brightly. "I was hoping that you would attend the unveiling of the first statue? It would be this weekend, and it would be a huge honor to have you there at the–"
"Statues, correct? As in multiple?" He cut the mayor off, speaking slowly. "Are they all of... me?"
Andre blinked. "Well, yes, of course."
"And none of Lady Noire? Not even one?"
The man looked slightly pale, adjusting his tie. "Well, um, as you know, these last few months have been hard on the city, and I figured that having a statue of something that represents destruction and danger may not be a good idea, you know? Don't want to scare the children–"
"This is your city, Mayor Andre," Crimson said, voice even to keep his frustration back. "So I will not tell you what to do or how to spend money, but please be aware I will not be making an attendance anywhere that does not include both me and my partner, just like meeting with you today. I will not be attending this unveiling."
"I– I see."
He turned, throwing his yoyo. "I should be going. Thank you for your time."
He didn't wait for a reply, swinging away the moment the yoyo went taut in his grasp, gritting his teeth.
It was a cloudy morning when Monarch laid claim to her next akumatized victim.
Theo Barbot was a young sculptor, who had gotten the honor of designing and overseeing the execution of Paris' five new statues– all of the wonderful Crimson Beetle. He had admired the hero since the first time they had witnessed the Miraculous Ladybug flying across the city, healing all it had touched. He had loved the power the hero had, being able to summon objects with just a single word. He was powerful in both word and ability, and the possibility that he could meet him at the statue unveiling had been something he had been looking forward to.
However, he had not shown up.
The sculptor paced his workshop, chewing on the stick of a sucker, anger boiling through him. It wasn't directed at the hero– because Crimson Beetle could do no wrong– but rather, at what the mayor had told him when he had asked where the Ladybug-themed hero was.
"He, well, Crimson Beetle said he would not be attending any event that did not include Lady Noire."
It was her fault that he had not shown up, that Crimson had felt the need to do the honorable thing for his sidekick and stay back. Did Crimson not realize that he was the reason why this city was safe? He was the one that led the charges, that put in so much effort to defeat the akumas that plagued their city– and it was his magic that healed them of what had been inflicted upon Paris. Lady Noire... she was a leech to his success, taking credit when she could cause just as much destruction as the akuma itself.
Their poor hero! Feeling indebted to this other 'hero' that was holding him back! Most of Paris seemed to recognize the danger she could be, but how had Crimson not realized it for himself?
"It is a shame, isn't it?" A voice said softly in his mind, and he found himself pausing to listen. "Crimson Beetle has done so much, but does not see the danger in front of him. Lady Noire seems to bide her time, and by the time she strikes it might be too late for our poor hero."
Panic welled up in him at this realization, and the idea that Lady Noire was a threat suddenly seemed so much more real.
"I could give you the power to show both Crimson Beetle and Paris the danger Lady Noire could bring upon the city." The voice told him. "Give them an example of what she could do."
"Yes," Theo said. "Please, I would do anything."
He heard a soft laugh. "Very well then, Imposteur. I need you to go about the city, spreading fear. If Lady Noire appears, I need you to lay claim to her Miraculous and bring it to me– then she will never steal the spotlight from Crimson again."
"That sounds perfect," Theo said with a grin, dark energy enveloping him.
"What?!"
"Alya," Miss Bustier said with a frown as the class was packing up for the day. "School may be over, but please refrain from shouting in the building."
"No, you don't understand," Alya, voice frantric, holding up her phone. "Lady Noire is attacking the Louvre!"
Marinette's pencil case slipped from her hand at these words, her head whipping towards Alya. Silence fell across the classroom for a few moments, before there was a shuffling for their phones. Marinette fumbled for her coin purse, pulling it open, but found that Plagg had already unlocked her phone, tapping to open up a news app by the time Marinette pulled it from his paws.
She stared at the video on the screen, security footage of, well, her walking right through the doors passed the admissions line. No one seemed to dare to stop her, the Lady Noire moving swiftly, clearly with a destination in mind. The footage switched to another camera, following the hero through the museum, until finally someone approached her, the security guard looking hesitant.
The footage didn't provide any sound, but clearly a conversation was being held. Marinette's heart was thumping as she watched the exchange, the fake crossing their arms challengingly. The guard then said something else, and the Lady Noire then held out their ringed hand against a wall– calling for a Cataclysm. Marinette's eyes widened as she watched dark energy flare out from the apparent Lady Noire, and instantly an ashy gray spread across the walls. The guard stepped back, and immediately those in the room began scattering.
The footage ended, and Marinette looked up to see her equality shocked classmates. "When did this happen?" She demanded. "Who was that?"
"Fifteen minutes ago, according to a message I got to my blog's email," Alya said, scrolling through her phone. "The news says Lady Noire left moments afterwards, and the entire museum has been evacuated, as the integrity of the building is unsure."
"But why would she do that?" Rose asked. "Isn't she a hero?"
"Maybe she didn't like the fact that there weren't any statues of her unveiled yesterday?" Kim suggested.
"That wasn't Lady Noire," Adrien cried. "She wouldn't do that!"
"Y-yeah," Marinette said, not quite sure how to defend herself when she couldn't say it was her– but she had to say something. "She's a hero, that couldn't possibly be–"
"Who else would it be?" Nino asked, blinking. "She used her Cataclysm."
"She threatened me, you know," Chloe said. "Got that horrible ring right up in my face!"
"I have to go," Marinette said to Alya, who seemed absorbed with her phone. "I'll c-call you later if I can."
She stuffed her papers into her bag without a care if they got crinkled, rushing out the door as quickly as she could. She stared down at her phone, bumping into a few people as she rushed towards the door, trying not to listen to the conversations around her– but with the mention of her hero name spreading around her she couldn't help but take notice.
As soon she was alone she stuffed her phone back into her purse, Plagg flying out. "Who is that?"
The kwami snorted. "Akuma. What else could it be?"
"We need to take care of this quickly," Marinette said. "Claws–"
"Don't transform!" Plagg snarled, cutting her off. "People don't know this is an akuma– they're not going to react well if they see you leaping across the roofs!"
"What choice do I have?" Marinette snapped. "We can't stop them otherwise, and the last thing we need is for Crimson to think that's really me if I don't show up. Claws out!"
"No, this isn't a goo–" Plagg said as he was dragged into the ring, turning into a burst of green energy. She closed her eyes as she transformed, gaze cold as she became Lady Noire. She grabbed her baton, propelling herself up towards the roof. She raced off towards the Louvre, determined to get to the bottom of this.
Lady Noire was tense as she made her way towards the Louvre– the gathered crowd pointing up at her, fearful gasps and loud whispers echoing through the streets as she made her way across rooftops. The police that were holding back the crowds were looking up at her– some uneasy, others having a steadfast look in their gaze. She didn't watch them for long, looking towards the museum instead.
It looked like time had frozen mid Cataclysm– the once proud building covered in the ashy grey her powers often withered things to, but yet it was still standing tall, no sign of it crumbling or even swaying. Her nose crinkled– she sensed no destructive presence like she did when she summoned a Cataclysm.
There was a tension in the air as she stood up there, all eyes on her, silent despite how many people were gathered. The only ones moving were the officers, shuffling among themselves, eyes never quite leaving her. She watched as one took out a megaphone, aiming it up towards her, their voice carrying up towards the roofs.
"Lady Noire!" The officer called. "We are asking yourself to surrender yourself peacefully. You are under arrest for the destruction of priceless artifacts and for a public building."
She tilted her head. "Priceless artifacts?" She asked. "If I remember right, the fake only aimed their pathetic excuse of a 'Cata'– of their 'power' at the wall, not at any of the pieces in the museum?"
"You know that your power spreads," he replied, and despite how even he kept his voice, there was a slight pause before he continued. "Let's keep this civil; please come down and surrender yourself."
Her ears went back. "I will be doing no such thing– but I will catch the fake that did this. I'm going to ask you to step back and let me into the museum– I want to see exactly what this imposter did."
Anger was pounding through her, and she could barely keep a growl out of her voice. The officers glanced at each other, and the crowd was hushed as they waited for someone to speak. She found herself growing more and more impatient– the longer she waited, the longer the fake would be running about. When no officer made an effort to reply to her she gritted her teeth, drawing her baton as she vaulted down towards the museum.
Several people in the crowd let out a scream as she landed.
She spotted an officer rushing at her out of the corner of her eyes– and she quickly leapt out of the way, using her baton to push herself into the air. She spun about, landing several yards away. She lashed out with her staff, swinging it towards their legs to knock them off balance. Then without waiting she turned and charged into the museum, expecting for them to chase after her, yet she heard no footsteps following after her as she passed through the doors.
Lady paused, risking a glance back over her shoulder, but no one had stepped near the large doors– no one seemingly dared to pass into the range of the 'Cataclysm'. She panted slightly– before hurrying deeper into the museum. Her eyes scanned the place– the walls, ceiling, and every display covered in gray save the floor. She frowned slightly, before wiping her clawed hands across the wall.
It was like she had run it across a dusty surface, the powdery gray sticking to her costume, revealing an unharmed wall underneath. She sneered– because as much as she hated to admit it, it was clever. It looked like the remains of her power, and that was enough to send people running.
Her baton began ringing. She paused for a moment, before moving to answer it, already knowing who would be on the other line. "So, do you think I'm a criminal too?"
"Of course not!" Crimson's voice came through the baton. "Where are you, I'm heading towards the museum now."
"Beat you too it, the fake already left," Lady Noire said. "The police just tried to arrest me."
"Stay where you are," Crimson said firmly. "I will be there soon, and we'll track down this fake together, okay?"
Lady Noire looked down at the dust on her hands. "...No."
"What do you mean 'no'?"
"Monarch made this personal," she growled. "People not liking my powers– sure, whatever, I get it. But this? She's using my image to make people scared– and I'm not going to stand for that. I'm going after them."
"I'm almost there, just wait for–"
She ended the call.
"I'm almost there," Crimson Beetle told Lady. "Just wait for me and we can do this–"
The line went dead.
"...Together," he finished weakly, coming to a stop from his run across the roof. He hesitated for a second, before swiftly calling up Lady Noire once more. It rang and it rang, but as it carried on it became quite clear that she wasn't intending to answer. He didn't understand why she didn't want his help– they were partners!
He may have not gotten to spend time with her as often as he did his other friends, but of all of them she was easily the one he trusted the most. They had come to depend on each other in their time together, their lives in each other's hands in each fight they fought. There was an energy that flowed between them, a sense of understanding that he did not feel with anyone else. She was someone he could trust– and the sudden dismissal hurt in a way he hadn't felt before.
Muttering under his breath he switched the screen on his yoyo over to the news.
"We are still currently being updated on the current situation, but for now the police have advised all Parisians to stay indoor as the current situation is sorted out." The reporter said. "Lady Noire was last seen in the 1st arrondissement at the Louvre– wait," the reporter paused, tilting their head as they listened to something on their headset. "Alright, an update, she has just been spotted in the 21st arrondissement–"
Considering that Lady just told him that she was at the museum then this had to be the fake. He immediately closed his yoyo and started heading back in the direction towards his school, even though he had just come from there, keeping his eyes open– but he didn't see any sign of anyone who resembled his partner.
What Crimson did find was a fairly sizable crowd gathered near his school, all eyes turned towards the park across from it– where once green grass had now been turned a withered black. Crimson paused on a roof, looking out at the dead field. Gray leaves hung on trees, and the newly revealed statue of himself had been rusted over.
"Crimson Beetle," a police officer said as he landed on the sidewalk, trying to keep the small crowd back. "Thank goodness you're here– we need your help, we officers aren't equipped to handle situations such as this!"
"No, you're not," Crimson said stiffly. "Akumas are for me and Lady Noire to handle."
The man hesitated. "Crimson Beetle, I am not sure if you have been watching the news, but–"
"That was not Lady Noire," he growled. "She would never abuse her powers like this."
"Who else could do this?" A woman nearby cried, pointing to the park.
"This is the mayor's fault, he should have put a statue of her up too to please her," somewhere else muttered.
"The BeetleBlog was talking about this happening, she has dark powers, so why wouldn't she return to her roots?"
"We need to–"
"All of you!" Crimson snarled, turning to face the forming crowd. "Shut up!" The crowd fell silent as he took a step towards him, and he jabbed a finger at the nearest person. "You know, I don't care what you think of me and my partner– but none of you have the right to treat Lady Noire like this after she has put her life on the line battle after battle, doing everything she can just to protect all you ungrateful Parisians!"
"How can you say she's protecting us when she's attacking us?" Someone said, and his eyes flashed across the crowds, but he couldn't figure out who had spoken.
"This wasn't Lady Noire," he growled. "And this wasn't caused by a Cataclysm."
He turned back towards the park, looking out at the black grass, while the police officer approached him. "Then what do you think this is, Crimson Beetle?"
"I don't know," he said honestly, kneeling down and looking at the grass. "But I don't sense any of Lady Noire's energy here."
The officer glanced at him. "What do you mean?"
"When Lady is around... I don't know how to describe it, but I can sense her destructive energy," he said softly, frowning as he studied the grass. "When she uses Cataclysm I can feel her summoning her powers, and its remains– and I sense none of that here. This wasn't caused by her, I just... know."
He then reached out and hand his hand across the grass, sending an ashy powder into the air– revealing bright green grass underneath. Crimson's eyes narrowed, and pushed himself to his feet.
"What on earth?" The officer muttered, stepping back.
"There was no Destruction here," Crimson said. "Nothing was harmed– it was only made to look that way."
He walked out across the field, sending up small plumes of the ash as he went. It was like he was walking through a light powered snow, the grass just hidden underneath. He walked up towards the 'rusty' statue, swiping a hand across the surface, revealing the sparking metal underneath, not even looking a day old.
"Akuma," he muttered, his mind flashing back towards Multiman. Lady Noire had been duplicated by the akuma's abilities– but her power had not. Whatever akuma was running around was meant to appear to have her Cataclysm, but it did not truly wield her power, because seemingly it could not. For as endless as Monarch's abilities seemed, there were indeed limits.
This was a frighteningly clever akuma, not meant to be destructive, but one that was meant to spread fear– and it was doing it well. He looked back towards the crowd, all of who was watching him.
"Are you going to stop Lady Noire?" Someone called to him. "You can't just let her run about the city like this!"
"I will stop the akuma," he said simply. "Because that's what caused this."
Without waiting for any reply he threw his yoyo, pulling himself back up towards the rooftops. He pulled out his yoyo again, watching the news as he waited for any other possible reports of Lady Noire's whereabouts. He didn't have to wait long, a report from the 8th arrondissement– and he took off running. He didn't want to end up on a wild goose chase, but he had no other lead if Lady wasn't going to answer his calls.
"There you are," a familiar voice sneered from behind him. "I've been looking everywhere for you, you pathetic bug."
Crimson turned to see a dark figure perched up on a nearby chimney, electric blue eyes glaring at him. He cautiously drew his yoyo, shivers running down his spine. They looked just like Lady, and while he could feel a negative energy about this figure, it was nothing compared to the presence he felt when his partner was near.
"So the little fake finally shows themself," Crimson said. "I don't know who you are, but hand over your akuma, why don't you?"
"I'm Lady Noire," the fake insisted, drawing their baton as they walked towards them.
"Alright, I'll just call you Copycat, then," Crimson said with a grin. "Get it? Copycat? Fitting, huh?"
The faux-Lady Noire didn't reply, just advancing with a snarl. Crimson started spinning his yoyo around like a shield, and in the same moment Copycat sprang forward, lashing out with their weapon.
Crimson dodged with ease, raising his shield once more as the baton came flying at him. He laughed as he moved back across the roofs, the akuma's attempts almost frantic as they tried to land a blow.
"You're always hoarding the spotlight!" Copycat shrieked with his Lady's voice. "You said you'd take me in, yet you just pushed me aside!"
Crimson pulled the yoyo back, leaping up to land a kick in their stomach. "Oh man," he said, shaking his head. "Are you really pulling from theories on the BeetleBlog now? You know that those are theories for a reason, right?"
"I'll crush you and show you who's the strongest hero in this city!"
"Yawn," Crimson replied, running and leaping across an alleyway. "I know you're not M'lady, so stop trying to act like it, will you?"
Copycat sprang, aiming right for his head, and Crimson ducked. The akuma regained their footing with ease, sliding across the roof and rolling up into a kneeling position. Crimson eyed them, interested. They had the enhanced abilities that could come with a Miraculous or an akuma– but they lacked the clear feline skills that Lady seemed to possess when fighting. Copycat glared at them for a moment, before the telltale glowing mask of Monarch flickered over their face.
"Alright then," Copycat said with a smirk. "Maybe you do know, Crimson Beetle– but guess what? The city doesn't– they didn't even believe you when you told them, did you?"
"Once I claim your akuma, they will know."
Their smile turned into a grin. "The longer I keep you busy, the more people see their two heroes fighting, which I think establishes my story quite nicely, don't you think?"
He hesitated, before he turned, ready to take off once more, knowing that his best course of action was finding Lady, but the moment he turned his back, Copycat struck.
The blow knocked him to the roof, sending him tumbling across shingles, but he used the momentum to get back to his feet. Copycat leapt over him, blocking his path as they drew the baton, their braid lashing out in the wind, ears flat against their head. He drew his yoyo as he rolled to his feet.
"Oh no, you're not going anywhere," Copycat said. "Lady Noire can cause panic on her just by letting herself be seen– so I'll be happy keeping you occupied."
"If it's a fight you want, then I'll be happy to beat you down," Crimson said, shifting to a charging position.
Copycat expanded their baton and rushed forward, and Crimson ran to meet them.
Moments before he and Copycat clashed, he heard the zip of something flying through the air, and managed to catch a glimpse of something wrapped around the akuma's foot– and Copycat staggered as they were suddenly dragged to the edge of the roof.
Crimson ran forward as the fake fell off of the side– and as he peered down he saw no sign of what had pulled them over, only the akuma free-falling towards the street. He stiffened up, a part of him immediately wanting to rush after his partner, and he had to remind himself that this was not her.
A strange scent ran past his nose as the akuma fell, no panic in their gaze as the magic from Monarch would protect him. Copycat hit the ground with a grunt, but started to rise to their feet moments later. Their ears were back, baton being swung around as they scanned the area, but there was no sign of their attacker.
Crimson just stood there, used to an enhanced sense of smell, but this was the first time it was providing him with something more than stronger scents– but was telling him about his surroundings.
The smell was... was like Lady Noire, but not? He didn't know how to describe it at first. It wasn't from the akuma parading around as her– he hadn't noticed any scent until Copycat's fall. The presence wasn't the same though, there was no sensation of her destructive energy or presence, but the scent was one he had come across before outside of Lady.
It was of a feline.
"Who's there?" Crimson Beetle said, eyes scanning the rooftops.
No reply.
He took a step forward, and heard the sound of stumbling footsteps behind him. He turned, eyes wide– but only caught a glimpse of gold. He took a step forward, spinning his yoyo about– when Copycat came flying up and over the edge of the roof, blue eyes lit with fury.
Crimson knew he should stay– to fight the akuma and to investigate what had just happened– but he needed to find Lady! He threw his yoyo down towards the streets just as the akuma sprang at him once more, swinging down across the road, landing on the roofs across the streets.
Then, without a single glance back, he ran.
"Stupid coward," Lady Noire muttered as she looked at the map on her baton screen, leaving a small marker at the latest location that had been 'Cataclysmed'. She had thought it wouldn't be too hard to find her double and take out the akuma– but it was becoming quite clear that Monarch hadn't just released this akuma to run rampant.
Her guess was that Monarch was keeping a close eye on the news and online networks– because as soon as she was spotted, all signs of this stupid fake would just vanish– leaving her as the only Lady Noire visible to the public eye. It didn't matter how long she paraded across the rooftops, her presence didn't seem to lure the akuma out at all. The only thing it attracted were people filming as she vaulted across rooftops, a hush in her presence as they waited for her to unleash her attack.
As soon as she slipped out of sight to check the news she would find another report of 'Lady Noire', another 'Cataclysm' being unleashed on a new location. Crimson would shortly show up afterwards, refusing to talk to anyone, leaving as soon as he found that no akuma or Miraculous holder was present.
She did feel bad– but this was her battle to fight! Monarch was using her image to spread fear, and it was her responsibility to stop this.
Getting tired of this game of hide and seek she had decided to duck out of sight once more– which of course had prompted another attack from the akuma– but this time she had stayed hidden, working with her map instead. She had carefully been marking out each of the places where the fake had attacked, wondering if there was any pattern to where they chose to strike.
She found herself smirking as she looked down at the map. There were a few outliers– but those were easy to explain. The museum was both a landmark of the city and the first place they had struck. The other outliers on her map all happened to be a place where a statue of Crimson had been unveiled this weekend, which made sense as a place to attack if the akuma's goal was to ruin her name.
All other locations, though, were located fairly close together, forming a rough ring on her map– which meant that wherever the fake was hiding had to be close. It made sense as well, strike and then swiftly retreat off to... somewhere. As long as they had somewhere they could quickly duck into to hide then they could maintain the idea that there was only one Lady Noire running around, as they wouldn't want to risk both of them being spotted at once to ruin their facade.
She had an area to work with of where they could be hiding, but the exact details of where were still in question. She scrolled in close to the area, looking at the small labels that popped up for each building. At first she was thinking maybe an abandoned location of some kind, but she wasn't seeing anything of the sort. There were a few resident apartment buildings, maybe one of them was the akuma's home? But which one? She couldn't exactly go busting down doors at any point, especially with where her reputation was right now... maybe she could detransform and hang around and see if she could spot which place the akuma was slipping in and out of? Or maybe she could send Plagg–
She was snapped out of her thoughts as she looked at the name of a small business that had just popped up– "Barbot's Sculpting, Commission and Classes". She stared at it for a moment, the name meaning nothing to her, but sculpting...?
A quick Google was all that was needed to confirm that the creator of the Crimson statues was indeed a 'Barbot'.
It was a bit of a stretch... because why would a sculptor want to make it look like he was destroying his own art? Why would they be upset at her of all things? But it was the only connection she had at the moment, and the building was a studio, not a home, so she wouldn't feel as guilty having a look about...
Just a quick peek, and if it was a dead end then she would come up with a different plan.
The studio was a small little brick building, somewhere between a warehouse and a garage. Lady Noire was sure to stick to the shadows as she made her way towards it, ducking behind a chimney. The last time she had checked the news it had reported that her fake was still out and about, but she had no idea if they would be returning... or if this was even where they would be returning to.
Look around, plan later.
She slipped in through an open window pane on the roof, jumping down into the building. With the lights off, there were plenty of shadows for her to move through, which she preferred even with the small workshop looking empty. As she moved about, a glimpse of red caught her attention, and she looked over towards a corner, where pictures and a poster plastered the wall above a work desk.
They were all of Crimson Beetle, and with some scattered sketches of him it wasn't too hard to tell that this was an artist's workspace. She couldn't help but comb through a few of the drawings, there definitely being a quality to the work. She prided herself on her own ability to draw clothes with great detail, and she could pull off a general human shape in her sketches, but when it came to features like faces, that was where she struggled– but the details on these drawings were amazing. She recognized a few of the poses as the ones that had ended up on the unveiled statues– she had attended the one in the park yesterday.
This was definitely the sculptor, but there was nothing here to suggest that he was the akuma. She sighed, before carefully replacing the drawings, knowing that she shouldn't be messing with his workspace. She turned, eyes drifting up towards the ceiling to find the window she had entered through– only to find a dark silhouette standing there.
"So," the fake Lady Noire said in her voice. "This is where you scampered off to. I must say I'm surprised– I didn't think you'd figure me out."
They dropped down into the workshop, and Lady could only gawk– because this was the strangest thing she had ever seen. Sure she had seen her duplicates back with Multiman, but she had done that willingly and had the memories of all of them, and they were truly her. But now she was watching something that shared all of her features, down to her voice, come towards her– but it wasn't her.
"It was a guess," she replied, grabbing her baton, and the fake did the same. "I'm actually surprised I was right. So, little sculptor– what do you have against me to even want to ruin your own art?"
The copycat shrugged. "It wasn't like I actually destroyed my statues. Unlike you, I don't run around with a dangerous ability calling myself a hero. 'Sides, I thought it would be something you would realistically go after, hmm?"
"Actually, I like what you did with them," Lady replied. "So, what brought all of this on, anyway? Like, I get why Monarch would do all of this, but I can't think of anything I did to you?"
It was so strange to see the way her own face twisted into a horrible scowl. "What did you do? You're just masquerading as a hero! Taking the spotlight away from Crimson Beetle and everything he has done in this city!"
"...So you're just a Crimson fangirl?" She said slowly, blinking. "Really?"
"I'm not a fangirl!" The fake protested, and she couldn't help but let out a snort– thinking about how she protested when Alya teased her about Crimson, but apparently this didn't make the fake happy.
They charged forward, their baton raised overhead, which she blocked with ease. She leapt up, jumping up and slamming a kick into the fake's stomach. They were sent flying back, and she charged forward, only for them to extend their own baton, sending it falling down towards her. She jumped over the staff, only for it to come flying right back at her once more, the length of the baton easily keeping her back. While she was familiar with her weapon, she had never fought against it before.
She extended her own as well, before pressing the button to divide it into two. The fake Lady Noire's eyes widened as she was now wielding two staffs, pressing the buttons on their own– but it did nothing more than extend it further. They scowled, swinging it like a bat at her once more. She used one of her one to block the strikes, pressing the expand button on the main, which was aimed right towards them.
"Why can't mine do that, Monarch?" They snarled as they were knocked to the ground, shrinking their baton back down to something more manageable before they rolled back to their feet, a glowing purple mask over their face. "First you can't even give me her stupid powers– and now you can't even split this thing in two? I don't care if that would ruin it, you're putting me at the disadvantage–"
The fake's sentence was cut off as one of her batons was slammed into their chest.
"Where's your akuma," Lady demanded, raising her baton to block another blow.
"What's it to you?" the fake taunted. "Not like you can do anything with it without the real hero of the city. Where is your 'partner' anyways? He didn't trust you enough to come help you? Might as well hand over your Miraculous to me, it's not like you can do anything on your own."
"This is between me and Monarch," she replied. "And unfortunately you're the puppet that has to be stuck between us."
Blue eyes narrowed, the baton in their hands shrinking down. Lady's eyes narrowed as well, but before she could say anything they suddenly turned– charging across the workshop. They darted between tables and half completed statues, easily running up and clearing a large jump onto a ledge lined with finished products. Lady was right on the akuma's heels, and her eyes widened just a moment too late as the akuma jabbed their baton between the wall and a metal statue– a single tap to expand the weapon to send the statue falling right over the edge.
She turned, trying to leap out of the way as the statue came crashing down onto her. She heard the crash behind her before she felt the burst of pain, a sharp tug sending a jolt of pain through her head. She turned, finding the end of her braid pinned under the fallen statue. She immediately tugged at it, but the braid would not budge under the weight.
"Cataclysm," she said instead, taking a moment to make sure she only summoned a small burst of the destructive energy.
The fake used that moment to pounce on her, knocking her to the ground and grabbing her by the wrist. They twisted her hand about as they wrestled on the floor, slamming the energy-charged hand onto one of the many tools that littered the ground. Lady's eyes widened as she watched it turn to dust, the ring on her hand chirping as one of the paw pads flickered.
"Not so dangerous without your powers, huh?" The fake said as they pinned her to the ground, knee digging into her back, one clawed hand still holding her wrist– and she swiftly closed her hand into a fist. "I'll just be taking this ring, if you don't mind."
Her other hand found a baton– she didn't know if it was one of hers or theirs, but she swung it about with as much force as she could muster in her current position, slamming the metal into their side. It wasn't enough to knock them off of her, but the force of the blow combined with the sheer surprise was enough to rip her hand from their grasp. She twisted about, drawing her knees in and landing a kick against their chest to knock them away from her. She quickly dove for her batons, wincing as her braid was still trapped, fusing her batons back into one.
"You're going to pay for that," the fake cried in pain. Lady Noire slowly pushed herself to her feet, thankful for how long her braid was as she held her staff in a defensive position. "I don't even need to fight you," they sneered. "Monarch told me how this works– I just need to wait for your time to run out, and then you'll be powerless."
Her ring let out a chirp, and she swallowed. Her eyes flicked about the room, but what she needed was right in her hands. The fake had moved the statue with their baton, so she could do the same. She jabbed the weapon up against the fallen metal statue– but the moment she did the akuma came charging at her, forcing her to turn to hold them off with the baton. They were quick to fall back out of her reach, smirking as they paced around them.
She knew she was strong enough to move the statue, but the moment she turned her back they would attack. Lady kept shifting as the fake circled her, not letting them leave her sight.
"Looks like you're useless on your own," they taunted.
"So are you," Lady replied, a smile curling onto her lips as she felt a familiar feeling of lightness around her. "Without Monarch, you have no powers, and without you, Monarch is too much of a coward to fight for herself."
A mask flicked over the fake's face again, opening their mouth to reply– when a shadow fell across them. Their eyes flicked up as a glass window on the ceiling shattered, a red shape crashing down onto them. They didn't even have time to raise their baton, Crimson Beetle slamming into them as shards of glass rained down around them, the presence of creation surrounding them.
Lady Noire didn't waste a moment, shoving the baton up against the statue once more, expanding it to lift the heavy weight from off of her braid. She still wasn't quite sure how she was able to control it, the hair curling up against her leg the moment it was free, and she let the statue fall back to the floor as she turned towards her partner.
By then the fake had been able to break free from Crimson, using their baton to keep distance between them. The two of them were circling each other with their weapons in hand, waiting for the other to strike first.
"Give it up, Copycat," Crimson growled.
"I'm not here to fight you," Copycat replied. "I just want that fake hero out of the way– so that you can step up to your full potential!"
Crimson paused for a moment, staring at him. "How does that make any sense– especially considering that you're allied with my enemy!"
"I want to help you– the true hero!"
"You can do that by handing over your akuma." Crimson said, but instead Copycat charged at him, claws curled. He spun his yoyo about, using the shield to keep the akuma back, his eyes slipping over towards her. "Are you okay?"
Her ring beeped once more, reminding her that she only had a few minutes until she would turn back. She brushed aside the fact that her identity might have been revealed if Crimson hadn't shown up, instead looking at him. "How were you able to find us?"
He blocked a strike from the fake's baton. "I called for a Charm and it gave me a business card for this place. I recharged before coming– could you give us one moment?"
He glared at the akuma in frustration, blocking another blow.
"I'm not your enemy!" Copycat insisted. "Help me get Lady Noire's Miraculous, and you won't be held back by her!"
Lady Noire split her baton into two once more, and charged at Copycat. They were forced to turn away from Crimson to block her strike, which they did with as much skill as they had been fighting before– except for now it wasn't just the two of them.
Crimson's yoyo lashed out, wrapping around the fake the moment they had turned their attention away, causing the akuma to let out a yelp. Lady swung her leg about, sweeping it under the feet of the copycat to knock them to the ground. As they fell she released one of her batons to grab theirs, yanking it from their grasp as they found their arms pinned to their side.
"I believe the akuma is in here," Lady Noire said, holding it up towards Crimson as Copycat's eyes widened. "Earlier they were complaining how they couldn't split it like mine... because perhaps that would free the akuma?"
"Smart eye, M'lady," Crimson said, tightening their yoyo. "But don't go testing that theory and breaking it just yet."
She raised an eyebrow. "You think it could be elsewhere?"
"No, I think you're right," Crimson said, watching as the akuma struggled against their bonds. "But I don't think we should release it here. Give me the akuma and go recharge– and I'll meet you at the park across from... from that one school. Where Horrificator was."
Lady watched him for a moment, before pressing Copycat's baton into his open hand. She didn't say a word more as her ring beeped once more– just scaling up the wall and vanishing through the open window.
Lady Noire felt sick to her stomach as she watched everyone cheer as Crimson dragged the tied up copycat into the park. A small news crew had gathered to record the 'destroyed' park, and all cameras were pointed towards the hero as he came swooping down in front of the crowd. Copycat was tied up firmly in his yoyo, while the baton was in his other hand. The crowd that was near instantly began to burst out into chatter, phones out to record everything as Officer Raincomprix approached Crimson, seemingly the only one who was willing to get close to Copycat, even when tied up and Crimson right there.
"Everyone quiet down!" Roger shouted over the crowd, before turning towards Crimson. "Crimson Beetle, it seems you have once again come to the rescue of Paris once again. Normally I would say that we can take it from here, but I believe we may need your assistance with this one."
"Don't worry," Crimson said easily, planting a foot on Copycat's back as they tried to break free. "Me and my partner have this completely under control– we can handle akumas just fine."
Roger blinked. "...What?"
Crimson first looked towards the cameras from the news crew, making sure they were filming, then looked over his shoulder towards where Lady Noire was hiding. Taking this as her cue she vaulted down into the center of the park– earning a collection of gasps, which led to a burst of whispered confusion. She walked over towards where Crimson and Copycat were waiting, making sure to kick up as much ash as she could from the grass, leaving green footsteps behind her as she approached. Eyes flickered between her and the bound Copycat, a silence filling the air.
Crimson held out Copycat's baton to her, and she took the cold metal into her hands. She looked down at it for a moment, then looked out at the crowd.
"Cataclysm," She growled in a low tone, several people near the front inching back as dark energy burst around her claws. The baton instantly crumbled into nothing, and when she opened up her hand a butterfly flew up from where the baton had been.
She could feel the dark energy pulsing around it, the way it drew in the energy that melted away from Copycat, leaving a brown haired man in its place. She had never experienced much with the energy she could sense, but with her own anger pulsing through her it seemed more keen than ever. Like she could reach out and touch it, take it in among the own negative energy she summoned with her powers.
Then Crimson's yoyo flew forward, no longer holding Theo bound, the pulsing white energy pouring out from within swallowing the butterfly whole. She could feel the way the energy from the butterfly shifted, going from the boiling darkness to the flowing calm she always felt around Crimson– and as the yoyo opened the white butterfly came flying out.
"Miraculous Ladybug!" He cried, releasing a wave of pink light out from his yoyo– which instantly flared out across the park, sweeping away the ash and returning it to its pristine state. The remains of the Cataclysm-ed baton became a mere stick from the sucker, and all the bruises she had gotten from the scuffle with Copycat were gone.
"How did I get here...?" Theo asked, looking around as he slowly stood up. As his eyes met Lady Noire he scampered back, before they then shifted to Crimson. "Ah! Crimson Beetle!" He pushed himself forward, hurrying towards the hero. "This is an honor– a true honor."
Crimson hesitated for a moment, before taking his hand and giving it a firm shake. "How are you feeling? You were akumatized."
"Feeling?" He gasped. "This is the best day ever– I've wanted to meet you since the day you first showed up!" Theo then froze. "...Akumatized?"
"What you did under the influence of an akuma is not your fault," Crimson continued, loudly enough so the cameras could hear him. "You have nothing to worry about, nothing you did was willing, and my powers had made sure no more connection remains."
Theo clasped his hand tighter. "I have been touched by your powers– by your purity!"
It was now that Crimson looked slightly uncomfortable, and he carefully took his hand from Theo's. Instead he reached out towards Lady, pulling her in close as he took a step towards the camera, which was still rolling.
"Today, Paris was tricked by Monarch," He said. "Monarch preys on emotions– and using the akuma she created today she tried to spread fear. Lady Noire and I will fight all akumas that will appear– but I hope this city will do its part by not letting Monarch win with this emotional warfare. We won't let her tear this city apart, so do not let her tear our people apart." He paused, before looking at her. "Do you have anything you want to say?"
There was so much she wanted to say, and she could sense Plagg within her mind, his anger feeling keen against her hurt. Instead though she just took a deep breath, and took a step forward.
"Paris is my home," Lady Noire said. "And I will do everything I can to protect it and those who live here."
You have nothing to fear from me. She wanted to say this, but the words lingered on her tongue– because she shouldn't need to. From her first day with this Miraculous she had done the same things Crimson had, fighting against the akumas and trying to protect this city. She had never given anyone a reason to fear her, perhaps her powers were daunting, but she herself had never done a thing.
When she didn't continue, questions burst out from the crowd. She just stood there, feeling slightly dizzy, and she felt an arm slide around her waist. The next she knew she was being lifted up into the air, swinging off towards a roof as Crimson held her tightly. They landed on the top of her school, cameras still pointed towards them, and they slowly retreated from out of sight from the streets.
For a moment they stood there in silence on the rooftops, her ring chirping once to let her know her timer was counting down. She shook slightly, and Crimson laid his hands on her shoulders, voice soft.
"Hey," he asked gently. "Are you okay?"
Tears stung her eyes, and she threw herself into his arms. Instantly they wrapped around her, the two of them sinking down to the roof. She didn't want to cry, but the moment the tears started they wouldn't stop, sobs shaking her form. What had felt so much like anger earlier had been turned into something else, trembling as she was held tightly in his arms.
"I'm sorry!" She burst out, the first coherent words able to escape from her.
"Lady," Crimson said softly. "Don't apologize. There's nothing wrong with crying."
She shook her head. "I'm sorry for not waiting for you, f-for fighting without you, I was just so mad and– and–" She closed her eyes. "I just– I'm supposed to be a hero, but I needed to be rescued today, my identity would have been revealed if you hadn't shown up, and even if I could have stop him I wouldn't have been able to do anything with the butterfly–"
"Whoa, whoa, wait one second– slow down there!" He said, pulling her back so he could look into her eyes. "We're partners, Lady– there's nothing wrong with helping each other out! You've saved my hide plenty of times, and I'm happy I could return the favor." He ran a thumb across her mask, wiping away her tears. "Not like you were a damsel in distress– you were a damsel of justice! Beating up akumas while the rest of Paris cowers in their houses, setting off to clear her name when she was wrongly accused, restoring her honor!"
He thumped his fist against his chest, looking out at the sky dramatically, and she couldn't help but let out a snort. She wiped an arm across her face, vision slightly blurry from her crying, but she felt so much lighter now that she had. She sat down, pulling up her knees, looking out at the horizon as she took in several deep breaths, Crimson sitting beside her.
"You know, I'm kind of surprised that it wasn't me that Paris had thought had gone all rogue," Crimson said lightly.
"You?" She raised, raising an eyebrow. "Why would anyone think you would?"
She knew she had made a mistake the moment a huge grin crossed his face, leaning in close as he whispered. "Because wouldn't it make sense for me to be the criminal?"
It was a terrible pun. A horrible, terrible pun– but Lady Noire couldn't hold back a snort.
"The criminal beeting up people..." he continued, a gleaming in his eyes.
"That was terrible," she said.
"If I write my puns down on a piece of paper, then they really would be tearable."
These were horrible, not anything worth laughing at– but she burst out laughing regardless. Crimson's grin turned to something softer as she did, shoulders relaxing as she tried to hold back her laugh.
"It doesn't seem like my puns are bugging you right now."
"Crim, no," she said, shoving him back as he leaned in close.
"Yeah, maybe you're right. I should quit the jokes and join a band. I would make a good Beatle, right?"
She snorted. "You're a few decades late for that one."
"I'm trying my best," he replied. "It's not just making puns up on the fly, though honestly half of the time I'm just winging these puns."
She just shook her head.
Crimson smiled. "They're all worth it– because I got you to smile again."
Lady Noire's eyes widened, heat flooding her cheeks– how did he do that? One moment he was a silly dork, and the next she was aware of just how close they were sitting, how there was an arm around her, and just the awareness of the fact that he was close.
He pushed himself to his feet, grabbing her hands and pulling her up as well. "Don't worry about what the press says," he said. "Nothing lasts more than a few weeks, and it will all blow over." He smiled that smile that was somehow too perfect. "Soon, all they'll see is how amazing you are."
She really hoped that her mask was enough to hide her blush. "Well, they aren't wrong to recognize everything you've done– you're amazing too, Crimson."
Crimson laughed. "Well, having a pretty awesome partner helps as well." His hands tightened around hers, and he frowned as he looked down at them. Her mind instantly started panicking, wondering if he was realizing what he was doing and regretting it, or maybe– "Looks like you only have two paw pads left." He said, thumb touching her ring. "We should probably get going– you'll be okay getting home, right?"
"I think I'll manage," She said with a small smile, not mentioning that she could see it just across the street.
He then let go of her, and despite the suit that covered her hands, the air felt cool around them. Crimson drew his yoyo, raising a hand in farewell as he threw it. She gave him a wave as well, before looking away as he went off. As much as she wanted to watch him go, she knew that it wouldn't be right to get any hint of where he might live.
She waited up on the rooftop for her transformation to fall, Plagg bursting out in a flare of green light. Marinette was already expecting him to start demanding cheese, and she did have some crackers hidden away in her bag, but the Black Cat just hovered in front of her instead. She glanced up at him, surprised to see a pensive look in his gaze.
"Are you okay?" He finally asked.
"Crimson cheered me up."
Plagg sighed. "I can sense your emotions when we're transformed, kid."
She closed her eyes, trying to fight back more tears. "I... I don't know, Plagg, I just don't know," she swallowed. "I thought I was mad, but when it was all over... they were scared of me, they act like I'm a bomb about to go off and I don't think I'm mad, but I'm not really sad, it just–"
"Hurts," Plagg finished. "It just hurts."
She nodded weakly, and she felt more tears stinging her eyes. Plagg sighed, drifting forward, landing in her hair. He curled up, paws patting at her head as she wiped away the forming tears.
