Chapter Forty-Four

Adrien brushed a glowing ladybug off his arm.

It was strange, seeing one acting just like a bug. It had been crawling across his arm, looking like a real ladybug, save for the fact that it was made of soft pink light. It was warm against his skin, and the contact had seemed to make his earrings feel warm as well. Was it being drawn to his earrings? Or to him? Or did it just happen to be there? He wasn't sure what the bugs were truly doing, as he had never seen them last this long after a Miraculous Ladybug.

Didn't help that he hadn't been there to cast it himself– a fact that was bothering him.

"So," Adrien said as Lady Noire carried him across rooftops. "What exactly happened in the fight?"

He was probably calmer than most people would be being this high up, as he had done this himself many times– Lady leaping over streets and alleyways as she carried him bridal style. But still his stomach would tighten with her jumps, heart racing at the heights they were at, as if his mind were keenly aware that he wasn't cloaked in protective magic.

"It wasn't an easy battle, but we had everything under control," she replied in an official tone she never used with Crimson, and he took notice of the use of 'we'. "Next time, don't confront an akuma, Adrien; it's not safe for civilians."

Was she covering for Crimson's absence? Or had Master Fu used illusions to make it look like he was there? But that didn't explain the Miraculous Ladybugs, which were very much real. And with the earrings still in his ears, it wasn't like anyone else could have possibly worn them...

The Guardians had helped her, right? Or at least recruited the help of Foxglove again? Or perhaps they had taken out another Miraculous from the box? He hadn't seen anyone else, but it had been hard to notice anything in the sea of pink he had woken up in. Where was Tikki? She couldn't still be back at the show with the Miraculous Ladybug having been used, but she wouldn't have gone too far, right? Did she know where he was? Was she okay?

He swatted away another ladybug climbing up his arm.

It was chaos as Lady Noire carried him down towards the front of the show hall– crowds and news reporters and even a few police cars lined the street in front of the building, seemingly there to respond to the akuma who was long gone. Lady Noire threw them all an uncertain glance as she landed, before carefully setting him on his feet.

"It's Adrien Agreste, he's back!" A voice shouted, all attention being immediately turned towards them. Adrien wasn't sure who was the first one to reach them as the crowd surged forward– some of his fans instantly surrounding him, a reporter shoving a microphone towards his face, and his bodyguard pushing people out of the way to reach him.

"Adrien Agreste, what do you have to say about an akuma not only attacking after a month of silence, but for it to be attacking you once more? Do you feel as if you are in danger?"

"What was it like being gold? Could you see? Could you breathe?"

"Were you dead?"

"Wasn't that Miraculous Ladybug crazy?"

"Lady Noire, why was the Miraculous Ladybugs like that?"

"You saved Adrien again! Are you two dating?"

"Can I get your autograph?"

"Can I get both of your autographs?"

"Is Monarch going to be attacking just as often as before?"

"Where's Crimson Beetle?"

"When will you stop Monarch?"

"Can I have a picture?"

A semblance of silence was created as Ezra stomped forward, his bodyguard towering over everyone as he swung a giant arm out, forcing those closest to step back and give them some space. There was still chatter from beyond those right in front of them, but those closer had fallen silent with Ezra's glare on them, others watching the model and hero for answers as if this were a planned interview.

"Thank you, Lady Noire, for saving me. Again," Adrien said, turning towards Lady Noire instead of anyone watching him; he had no interest in this turning into an interview.

"Of course," she said, eyes flickering across the crowd. "I'm just glad that everyone is safe."

She seemed to carry herself with little hesitation– spoke loud enough to be heard, but he knew that she was far from comfortable. She usually defaulted to Crimson whenever reporters were involved, and Adrien wondered if it would be best to keep the focus on him so she could leave if needed.

Adrien shifted slightly as he felt something in his pocket, hand falling over it– Tikki. She hadn't been there when he had woken up at the tower, but it seemed she was back now. He felt just a bit better knowing that she was with him again, and she would be able to explain everything that had happened while he had been out of commission. Which was good, since he wasn't going to get the chance to ask Lady Noire at all– as she was expanding her baton so it carried her up and onto the roof before any more questions could be asked of her.

Ezra seemed to take a page out of her book, wrapping one large arm around Adrien as he pressed forward, glowering at the reporter who was trying to shove her microphone forward until she stepped back. It wasn't quite as effective with his fans, who trailed after him as Ezra led him into the Gabriel building. Things didn't get better once he was inside, people asking if he was okay, a few workers asking him to go backstage so they could resume the show (Ezra glowered at them), and guests asking what had happened during the attack.

Now he was kind of wishing he hadn't asked Lady Noire to bring him back to this chaos. In the moment, he had been too worried about contacting his father, finding out what had happened without Crimson Beetle there– and looking at his empty friends' seats, it seemed like others might have been brought there too. He would have much rather head back with all of them rather than being herded through this building.

He was led to the front row where a few of his friends were still here– Nino, Alix, Kim, Ivan, Mylene, Rose, and Nathaniel. It was only here that the Gorilla let Adrien go, pushing him among his classmates, before turning to push back those who were trying to head down towards the catwalk and front row. Ezra was easily able to block the whole aisle to keep anyone from approaching. Adrien's eyes flickered across them, confused– because everyone seemed to look slightly different, though he couldn't place how at a glance.

Nino was the first one to reach him, bringing him into a giant hug. "Never ever go after an angry akuma again, my dude!"

"No promises," Adrien said with a small smile, as that was technically his job, and Nino gave him a playful shove in reply. "Is– is everyone okay?" He asked hesitantly. "What happened? I– I don't remember anything."

"Style Queen was a bit zap-happy after she turned you to gold," Nino reported. "Alya, of course, ran off to report on it all; she managed to slip out even though the whole place was put on lockdown!"

"I hope the heroes are okay," Rose said quietly. "I think this is, like, the longest that it ever took them to show up to a fight?"

"Maybe they were out of town or something," Alix said with a snort. "Thought akumas were over, or something?"

"I wish," Nathaniel muttered.

"Maybe it had something to do with that giant Miraculous Ladybug," Mylene said, shifting uncertainly, adjusting the bandana on her head.

"Giant how?" Adrien asked, looking at her– because there was no way there should have even been one without him.

"It was crazy!" Kim said, leaping to his feet with a big grin. "One moment we were watching the news, and the next, the roof caught on fire!"

"What?" Adrien cried– not sure what he had been expecting, but it wasn't that.

"Then all the Miraculous Ladybugs came swarming through the whole building! Everything was pink and it felt like the fire was burning us and it was crazy!" Kim continued. "And I mean, look at what it did! Don't I look good?"

He ran a hand through the thin wispy stubble that was starting to grow on his chin– one that most certainly hadn't been there at the beginning of the show. His eyes flickered across his friends again, and it was now he was realizing what was different about everyone. Curly hair was sticking out from under Nino's cap and some more on his chin, while the roots of Alix's hair were a deep red and not her normal dyed pink. He reached for his own head, and found that his own hair was longer than he was used to, as he ran his fingers through it.

"...The Miraculous Ladybugs did this?" He asked in shock, his mind racing as he thought back on everyone he had encountered since he had been awakened at the tower.

Audrey's hair hadn't been as kempt, but he had probably assumed it was from the fight she had just been a part of. Lady Noire's hair was always down to the floor, and he didn't think he would have noticed if it was longer or not. He looked back at his bodyguard, now noticing that his gray sideburns were as dark as the rest of his hair, and they too looked longer than before.

"I mean, it wasn't like this before?" Mylene said, shifting. Though her bandana covered the top of her hair, he assumed that like Alix she would need to re-dye the roots due to the sudden growth. Again he touched his own hair, trying to make sense of this new information.

Tikki poked at him, and he wasn't sure what she was trying to say. Not to worry about it? That she'd explain later? Or was something important going on, and she needed to talk to him right now? He put a hand over her where she hid in his shirt, and she gently nudged him: not seeming urgent, and he relaxed. He looked at Kim, who was still running his hand through the thin, uneven beard on his chin. Adrien couldn't help but touch his own, finding only a few wispy hairs.

"Looks like salons are going to be getting good business the next few days," Nathaniel said softly with a smile. He had tied his hair back into a small ponytail, while his bangs were tucked behind his ears.

"There were so many ladybugs," Alix muttered to Adrien. "This whole place was filled with those ladybugs, ceiling to floor, they covered everything."

"Way too many," Ivan agreed.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say they had bit me," Alix said, rubbing her hand. "It kind of hurt."

"No, those were just flames from the fire," Kim said confidently. "That burned us and the ladybugs healed us."

"The fire didn't even reach down here, though, birdbrain."

"Because the Miraculous Ladybugs stopped it, duh," Kim replied.

"Did you know the news reports say the fire was all across the whole city?" Rose asked.

Fire? Across the whole city?! Surely Style Queen didn't have the power to start fires, right? And it wasn't like just glitter existing would do something like that; at least, Adrien thought it wouldn't– but that left no explanation for what had happened while he had been out of commission. But it being across the whole city couldn't be a coincidence...

"Oh my gosh! There's still ladybugs around!" Rose suddenly squealed in excitement, holding up her hands to show a glowing ladybug crawling on her palms. "This is so cool, do you think I can keep it?"

The pink ladybug flicked open its elytra, taking to the air with wings of light, and fluttering towards Adrien. His eyes widened as he saw it coming straight at his face, and instinctively pulled back, waving his arms to shoo it away. It instead landed on his waving hand, crawling up towards his wrist.

"Ah, she likes you!" Rose cooed. "How sweet."

"Heh, I guess so," Adrien said, watching as it started scuttling up his arm, and his earrings felt warm, and he hurried and flicked it off of him– causing both Rose and Mylene to let out a protesting call. "Um, sorry, I don't like bugs."

He could feel Tikki stiffening up in his pocket at this– and she most certainly should not be offended at the comment! She knew it wasn't true, and he couldn't exactly let people notice that these ladybugs seemed to like him, because he was now spotting two more clawing up his pants. He shuffled in place, hoping to knock them off.

"See, though? The ladybugs have never lasted this long before," Alix said to Kim. "It's new, something must have happened for them to be fluttering about like the purified butterflies!"

"Maybe they're searching for every last piece of glitter," Rose suggested after a moment. "They probably don't leave until everything's back to how it was before, and glitter is hard to clean up."

"Why can't they instantly whisk it away like everything else, then?"

"Dudes, why are we fighting over this?" Nino asked, shaking his head.

"Can you tell me about the Miraculous Ladybug?" Adrien asked, turning to Nino– because he needed answers and not speculation. "What exactly happened? What was it like?"

Nino shook his head again. "It was insane. They were just… everywhere. Like the little dudes were crawling all over me, covering me. You could just feel the energy from them, I don't know how to describe it." He eyed Adrien uncertainly. "What does it feel like now?"

Adrien looked down in horror to realize that the three glowing ladybugs were still crawling across him. He yelped, trying to brush them off, but his classmates were already looking at him, watching as he retreated behind Nino to escape the bugs.

"Maybe they can sense that the akuma used their powers on you?" Rose suggested.

"Yeah, maybe," Adrien said swiftly, happily taking the excuse. "Or maybe they can tell the akuma was here?" He pushed himself to his feet, praying that no more ladybugs were near him. "Um, I'll be right back– I'm going to run backstage and grab my phone, I'm sure my father is worried sick about me."

He didn't pause to see what anyone would say, just hurrying forward as quickly as he could. The quicker he got away from prying eyes the sooner he could talk to Tikki, and the sooner he wouldn't have to worry about people noticing the way the ladybugs seemed to be drawn to him. Unfortunately, backstage was just as busy as the main area as Adrien slipped through the doors– meaning that his changing room would have to be his shelter.

By the time he was able to duck into the changing room and lock the door, he had fifteen of the glowing ladybugs landing on different parts of his body, all trying to crawl up towards his earrings. He stamped his feet, tried to brush them off– but unlike real bugs they had no fear of his hands. Tikki came flying out of his pocket as he tried to get rid of the ladybugs, who kept flying and landing on him once more.

"Adrien, you can never do that again!" Tikki cried as she appeared. "I don't care who the akuma is going after, you're not allowed to confront them until you're transformed!"

"Tikki, they won't get off of me!" Adrien protested, trying to get the bugs away from him.

Tikki couldn't help but give a soft smile despite her worry, before drifting forward, beginning to tap the ladybugs that scurried across them. They vanished under her touch, the energy being drawn within her. Adrien sat down after the last one had been turned back into energy, letting out a small breath. Everything was happening so quickly, and this was really his first moment to just stop and think.

"Tikki, what's going on?" He asked, looking up at his kwami desperately. "Why are there still ladybugs? Who cast the cure? How was the akuma defeated? What caused the–"

"Adrien, breathe," Tikki said, flying over and landing on his knee. She placed a paw against him. "I am the one that summoned the Miraculous Ladybugs, and that's why there's so many; things are a bit more powerful without it being filtered through a holder. They will naturally disperse with time, though, don't worry."

"You used your power?" Adrien said, shocked. He remembered one time when Trixx suggested doing the same thing– and the Guardians had shut down that suggestion immediately.

Tikki looked embarrassed. "It– it was the only idea I had in such a short time! But it didn't turn out so bad! There's going to be excess Creation in the air, but it was tempered by a Black Storm, so it worked out. Kind of."

"Black Storm?"

Tikki didn't say anything for a moment, considering, tail flicking. "Black Storm is the Black Cat's equivalent to Miraculous Ladybug," she finally said after a moment of thought. "Just like we are able to summon a force of Creation to heal and restore, the Black Cat can summon a force of Destruction to wreck and maim. This can be anything from a thunderstorm, to disease, to an earthquake; it can be any Destructive element."

Adrien furrowed his brow together, trying to make sense of this. Logically it did make sense that the Black Cat would have its own widespread ability, even if he had never heard of it before. But what did Tikki mean by 'tempered'? And why hadn't they been told about it until now? And why had it been used, what would it have even summoned–

"The fire," Adrien said in realization, eyes wide. "The fire everyone was talking about– was that the 'Black Storm'?"

"Correct," Tikki said with a nod. "Usually, Black Storms aren't so... widespread, but then again, neither are Miraculous Ladybugs." She looked at him. "I've explained this to you before– when we use the purified energy from the akuma, we are able to have the cure reach out much farther."

"We can heal the whole city," Adrien said, and he took this information, trying to piece together what he had missed. "So if Black Storm is the same, that means Lady Noire had to have extra energy of some kind to have it affect the whole city, right?"

"Exactly!" Tikki seemed proud at his conclusion. "Since you weren't around to purify the akuma, Lady Noire had to take in the excess energy, which of course resulted in the widespread Black Storm."

"Why was Black Storm used, then?" Adrien asked.

Tikki's antennae fell, and she was silent for a moment. She closed her eyes, and when they opened again they were much more serious. Adrien couldn't help but blink, and felt slightly on edge as the kwami gathered her thoughts.

"Adrien," Tikki said quietly. "I... I understand why you did what you did today– but confronting the akuma as you did was a grave mistake. You put a great burden on me, the Guardians, and especially Lady Noire– and in turn the whole city."

Adrien felt his heart twist.

"You left Lady Noire to act on her own," Tikki continued. "You left the Guardians at a dead end. Plagg was forced to teach his holder to use a power he never wanted her to learn, and in turn I needed to act behind the Guardians' backs in order to fix this. I had to use Miraculous Ladybug for myself, Adrien– and I don't think you realize just how dangerous such an action was."

"I'm– I'm sorry–"

"Shh," Tikki said gently. "I don't want you to blame yourself, I just need you to understand. Lady Noire had to use Black Storm so my Miraculous Ladybugs would have another powerful force to counter. I tried to keep my abilities to a minimum, but even then we are talking about pure, uninhibited Creation surging across the city. Without that Black Storm... we'd be dealing with far more than extra ladybugs."

"Like... what?" Adrien asked. He could see the logic behind why they had done this, but he couldn't see the necessity. His powered up Miraculous Ladybugs healed the whole city– but what would be wrong with Tikki's being stronger? Wouldn't it have just stretched her restoration a bit further? What harm could come from it spreading to other places in the country?

"We'd be dealing with unlimited Creation, Adrien, endless growth. A very dangerous force, especially when unchecked."

"So everyone becomes Rapunzel?" Adrien joked, desperately wanting to lighten the mood– but her expression remained hollow.

"Adrien, I do not know why you humans refuse to comprehend this, but Creation is dangerous. Mortals seem to understand what danger Destruction can bring, yet fail to realize that I am Plagg's equal– and I can bring just as much harm, if not even a crueler fate."

"I..."

"Earth is just a speck within this universe, Adrien, it's so tiny. Some might say it's nothing, if you were to look at everything. My abilities were never meant to be limited to such a small sphere, and as such I am not granted the same level of control as you are when transformed."

Tikki's voice was even, and almost sorrowful.

"Say my uninhibited powers had touched the land," Tikki continued, holding out a paw. "Perhaps this unlimited growth would have created a mountain range right where we stand. Rip up the earth as it grew up towards the heavens at an unspeakable pace, how would that have affected those that lived here? Or perhaps it would have been something else that was touched, like the plants that grow here. They could have flourished to unimaginable rates, choking out the city. Perhaps creating something that could be admired, but it would be very different for those who had once lived in Paris– because what you know as Paris wouldn't even be there."

Adrien wasn't quite sure what to say to this, and Tikki wasn't done. She was no longer looking at him, instead staring off.

"But it is not only the land which would be affected, Adrien, no– the people would be as well, touched by Creation," she said quietly. "Sure they were touched today– but the most they'll face is longer hair and perhaps heightened fertility– but there is so much in the body which can grow. Each cell within the mortal form naturally multiplies, maintains itself– but what if that were to spiral beyond what it was meant to be, Adrien? Because it can happen within humans, and it is not harmless."

"Tumors?" Adrien said quietly.

"Tumors. Cancer. Those are all possibilities, and there is more." Tikki still wasn't looking at him. "The physical body is perhaps the ultimate act of Creation, and anything within it can grow. I... I have learned of this the hard way." She looked back at him. "Plagg is not the only one who has had corrupt holders, Adrien. Any power can be abused, no matter what it is. Creation is a force, and just like any force it can go out of control. It can be dangerous, it can be torture."

"Why are you telling me this?" Adrien croaked– because he felt sick. Not just at what he had been told, but all that remained unspoken from the words she had just said. The silent horrors she had left him to only imagine.

"Because Creation needs to be in the right hands," Tikki rose up into the air, eyes locked right on him. "You were chosen to be my holder, Adrien, and you have chosen to become a Guardian. You must understand what is truly hanging in the balance, and how this duty is one that cannot be taken lightly."

She drifted towards him, her gaze soft and gentle– but those bright blue eyes looked so ancient. Full of emotions he couldn't read, burdened with centuries he would never understand for himself. She leaned her head against his forehead, and he closed his eyes.

"Adrien, please, never go after an akuma without me again," Tikki whispered. "The city needed you today; Lady Noire was alone without you."

"I'm– I'm sorry–" Adrien began, tears stinging his eyes.

"You didn't make a bad choice, Adrien, but it was still the wrong one," Tikki said softly. "You were defending your father, that is a good thing– but it wasn't the decision we needed. We needed Crimson Beetle, the city needed him– and he wasn't there." She laid a paw against him, and he opened his eyes. "You have a responsibility, Adrien. It's to this city, to the Miraculouses. I know it is a lot to ask, but faltering is something we can't afford, not with Monarch waiting to strike."

"I... I understand," Adrien said quietly, even though he wasn't sure he truly did– either way, the guilt was still there. But he understood what the kwami was trying to tell him. The world of magic and powers were wondrous, and dangerous.

It was not something he could take lightly.

They sat there in the silence of the changing room, that heavy weight still in the air. Tikki drifted to his shoulder, letting out soft chime-like sounds. He wanted to be comforted by them, but his heart kept on beating heavily. He wanted to say something more, to let Tikki know he wouldn't fail her or Lady or the city again– but he didn't know how to put it into words. So instead, the two stayed there in the silence, nothing around but the other.

Then the door to his changing room shuddered– someone trying to get in.

He rose to his feet, slightly alarmed– and before he could even ask who was there he heard the lock clicking– and Tikki vanished into his pocket.

The door was thrown open, and seeing as this person had the key Adrien was prepared for his bodyguard or Adeline to be there, or perhaps even Nathalie had arrived to take him home to his father. And as the door opened he saw that some of his father's employees were indeed there– his bodyguard looming in the background, with Adeline standing nearby with a look of uncertainty, but they were not the one to have opened the door. Instead, a tall figure stood in the doorway, a pair of desperate gray eyes locked onto Adrien.

He immediately froze up as that gaze fell onto him.

Those eyes were nothing but familiar, yet their presence felt nothing but foreign here as they looked down at him. Confusion pulsed through him as they stared at each other, his mind trying to take who was in front of him, who was here. At the show, not at home. That he was here, seeking him out, not just waiting for him to arrive. Adrien's voice cracked slightly as he spoke, disbelief running through him.

"Father?" Adrien whispered.

Gabriel Agreste never went anywhere. He never left their house, not since his mother had vanished. For over a year it was one barrier that he had never broken, a constant in his life. No matter what happened, even when he had been akumatized he still hadn't stepped outside.

And yet there was Gabriel Agreste, staring at him so desperately as Adrien was trying to comprehend the fact that he was here, that he was coming towards him, that he was actually here–

Then suddenly his father was moving forward, through the doorway and standing right in front of him. A pair of arms wrapped tightly around him, and he was suddenly pulled against his father's chest, being clutched tightly to the man. Tears stung Adrien's eyes, his own arms bringing his father into an embrace– gladly seeking out the comfort he had so desperately needed right this moment.

"You're here," Adrien whispered in shock, barely believing what was happening. "You're here."

"You're safe," Gabriel whispered fervently.

Adrien felt so warm... and yet he felt terrible at the same time. His father quivered against him, his grasp not loosening. He remembered all too well the fear he had seen the last time an akuma had targeted him, and this time... he had practically invited Style Queen to lash out at him. Not only had he hurt Tikki and Lady, left the city on its own– but he had hurt his father as well.

"Are... are you okay?" Adrien asked quietly– there was so much he wanted to say, but none of it he could.

"I'm so sorry, son."

"It wasn't your fault," Adrien said softly, because it was his– and his father held him tighter.

"I'm sorry."


"Please," Marinette begged as she detransformed. "Please tell me that the Bee Miraculous was returned by the Miraculous Ladybugs."

Plagg's face said otherwise as he hovered in front of her.

"No," Marinette whispered, horror sweeping through her. "No, no, no, no–"

"Kid, calm down," Plagg said, though he looked far from calm himself, tail flicking. "It's okay, we'll figure this out, okay?"

"Pollen is out there alone!" Marinette cried, covering her head as her panic set in. "I– I lost a Miraculous, I–"

"You dropped a box that we're going to pick up," Plagg said in a firm voice, tugging at the ties that held her pigtails– which had felt uncomfortable from the moment she had detransformed, her hair not sitting right with them tied up. He ran his paws through her hair in calming strokes as he dropped the hairbands, it all feeling much longer than what she was used to. "So we're going to go and pick it up, okay?"

"I– I– I–"

"Marinette," Plagg said firmly, zipping in front of her face. "We're going to go pick up the box and get Pollen back. This is okay."

"This is... This is okay..."

"We will get Pollen back."

"We'll get Pollen back..."

"Good," Plagg said with a nod, before zipping down to her hand that held the ring. "Now, let's get back to that tower, okay? Just say–"

Plagg didn't get to finish though, as he suddenly dove back into her bag before she could say a word. Marinette felt her panic spike as she vanished, becoming aware of the sound of footsteps approaching. She needed to run, she needed to hide, she–

"Tom, I found her!" A familiar voice called out in relief, and Marinette wheeled about to see her mother standing at the top of the stairs. "Marinette, you don't know how worried we were!" She paused as she saw Marinette's hollow expression. "Dear? Are you okay?"

She was supposed to say something, to smile and put her mother at ease, but it didn't come. She just stood there, the desperation to get away stronger than ever. The Bee Miraculous was out there for anyone to find– and she needed to get it now. She couldn't stay here, she couldn't hold a conversation, she had to–

But her mom was suddenly by her side, and she could hear her dad's worried tone as well, arms suddenly wrapped around her. They were holding her, leading her away, and she was supposed to be safe now. Her parents had her, so everything had to be okay, but it wasn't, and she needed to get away, she needed to get to the tower–

"The tower?" Tom asked, frowning in worry, and she realized she must have spoken out loud.

"The heroes already took care of everything, Marinette," Sabine said, arms on her shoulders. "Everyone is okay now, your friends are just fine."

"I– I need to go see them," Marinette blurted out, needing to get away.

"By the time they get there they'll already be back," Tom said, and arm around her comfortingly. "Come on, how about we go downstairs and wait for them, okay?"

"No I– I need–" She tried, but she was already being led away. Back downstairs, back to the show and the crowds, the last place she needed to be right now. As she walked with her parents she looked down at her purse desperately, looking at the glowing eyes peering up from within.

Her success at the tower was feeling less and less like such, especially with the knowledge that the Bee Miraculous was still out there. An unprotected kwami alone, a source of powerful magic right in the open for anyone to grab. Marinette couldn't wait here a moment longer, she couldn't just do nothing.

'Go,' she mouthed to Plagg.

His little paws curled along the edges of the purse, his form stiff. She needed him to go to the tower– he could get there faster than she could– yet he was hesitating. Then he phased through the purse, darting out and towards the wall– vanishing within seconds. A shudder of relief ran through her, because at least someone was out there now. She'd rather it be herself, as she was the one that had dropped the box in the first place. Plagg shouldn't be cleaning up her mess, but at least he was out there. He would find the Miraculous, and everything would be okay. Pollen would be safely back into the Miracle Box, and then she could forget that today ever happened–

"Marinette, did you get caught in the fire?" Sabine suddenly said, coming to a stop as she looked down at her daughter.

I caused them. "N-no."

Tom and Sabine shared a worried glance– they could see right through her. Her mistakes from her hero life were leaking. She couldn't let herself spiral like this. Plagg was out there getting Pollen. Everything would be okay. The attack was over, it was all over, she couldn't let her worries of being a hero leak into her civilian life. She couldn't just stand here suffocating, she needed to move, she needed to do something. Up here she felt trapped, but downstairs she could have a chance to slip away, perhaps meet up with Plagg.

"Come on," Marinette said, attempting to have her voice be a bit lighter. "Let's go downstairs. I... I think I just need to see that everyone is okay, that's all."

Fortunately they believed her words, and led her downstairs where they could wait for those who had been taken to the tower.

Yet things didn't feel better once she was back on the main floor, even with more people surrounding them. She still felt like she couldn't focus, mind being pulled in a thousand directions as they made their way through the crowd. Marinette didn't know if the show was going to continue or not– and she didn't care. Just an hour ago it had felt so important, a stake in what could lead to her entire future, but now it felt like nothing.

Marinette noticed a small little glowing ladybug crawling over one of the seats, the Miraculous Ladybug still having yet to fully vanish. Was this the result of Tikki's raw power? Or perhaps it was still searching for something to mend? She couldn't help but hold out her hand, letting the glowing bug crawl across her palm, trying to keep herself calm.

The ladybug froze up as it scurried over her ring, the glowing bug going completely still. Marinette blinked in surprise, then watched as its elytra snapped open, the little creature taking to the air and flying away.

She felt more empty than ever as she watched the ladybug leave her.


Gabriel shoved a camera away as they exited backstage.

His father had one arm wrapped around Adrien, while the other was used to try to turn cameras and microphones away. It seemed that word had gotten out that Gabriel Agreste was here, because everywhere they turned there were cameras facing them. Not just those who had been hired for the show– but news reporters, magazines– all hoping for just a glimpse of the hermit who had stepped into the sunlight.

"No comment," Gabriel growled at those who managed to get past Ezra, face tensed with frustration.

While the media was someone his father did not hesitate in turning away, Adrien spotted a face up ahead that he knew his father would have to answer to. Audrey Bourgeois stood in the middle of the aisle, arms crossed as her foot tapped impatiently for Gabriel to approach. People had spread out around her, perhaps knowing they did not want to get in her way, or maybe the stigma of akumatization was still lurking. Adrien hoped it was the former.

"Gabriel Agreste," Audrey said slowly, eyes scanning him. "Didn't think I would ever see you out of your cave again."

"I am glad to see you are doing okay, Audrey," Gabriel said slowly, voice tense as he spoke.

"It seems that there has been a horrible mistake today– as you see I was left to be seated on the second row for this little show of yours. I trust the one who has made such an arrangement has been fired?"

Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "I believe it was me who did such, Audrey. I did not intend to seat you among mere school children on the first row– I was to put you in the best seats I had to offer. If they weren't up to standard, I will personally make sure it is taken care of."

"It wasn't on the first row, Gabriel," Audrey repeated again– and Adrien had to hold back a small smile as his father merely tilted his head as if he weren't understanding this.

"Yes, that was where the collège children were, I had you seated with my VIPs," he confirmed, and then his eyes lit up in false realization. "Oh, I am so sorry, my dear Audrey– I should have seated you with your daughters! Please forgive this grave error on my part, I will make sure that doesn't happen again in the future."

"I–" Audrey stammered. "Well, I–"

Adrien watched as his father stepped forward, grabbing her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Do not worry, old friend. I will not allow this to happen again. Please, allow me to treat your family to dinner to make up for this."

Audrey pulled her hand away. "...It is fine, do not concern yourself over this." Her eyes flickered over to Adrien. "Agreste Junior. What are you doing here, shouldn't you be back with the other models?"

"The show has been postponed," Adrien replied in an even tone.

"Ah, how unfortunate," Audrey said, not sounding upset at all. Still, she was looking over Adrien and his outfit, before frowning slightly. "That hat is not your work, Gabriel– which of your designers did you let create a main piece for your show?"

Adrien reached up, pulling off the hat that Marinette had made– which Audrey had seemed to take as an invitation to grab from him, looking over it with a critical eye. Adrien hesitated, half wanting to grab it back.

"Ah, that piece," Gabriel remarked. "That in fact was not made by any of my designers, that was a winner of one of my competitions I hosted a few months ago. Lovely, isn't it?"

"Hmm, the quality definitely isn't up to the industry standard," Audrey remarked as she looked over the seams, and Adrien felt a pulse of anger ran through him. "You can tell it was handmade, and not by an experienced hatmaker. The level of quality for someone lacking experience, however, is actually impressive." Audrey held it out once more. "The design is quite remarkable, I must say. Simple in style, yet it doesn't look like just another average hat on a shelf. A classic design with a modern touch; I like this."

Adrien's eyes widened slightly at this– wondering where on earth Marinette was right now, as she had to hear this. His father seemed to realize who he was looking for as Adrien glanced around, and turned to Adeline. "Would you please go fetch Miss Dupain-Cheng?"

"Of course," Adeline said, hurrying off.

He wished that he could have given Marinette some sort of warning– because she looked like a deer caught in the headlights when he saw Adeline leading her towards them. Or maybe a heads up would have only given her more time to work herself up into a panic. Her parents were with her though, and he could see their friends following after, those who had been taken to the tower with him now all safely back.

Adrien waved to Luka as their eyes met– which immediately prompted several cameras to flash in response, and he couldn't help but flush slightly. Luka grinned in reply, and Adrien's eyes returned to Marinette as she joined him, Audrey, and his father.

"Are you the one responsible for this?" Audrey asked Marinette, holding out the hat.

"Y-yes, ma'am."

"Huh. Younger than I thought you'd be. Much younger, no older than my two," Audrey remarked, scanning Marinette. "I suppose this makes this all the more impressive. Very exceptional, in fact."

Marinette stared on, clearly not sure what to say to this. Adrien felt his heart skip a beat in excitement, because he knew just how difficult it was to impress Audrey Bourgeois. At the same moment, however, his eyes couldn't help but flicker back towards where the others were, where he could see Chloe watching on, and his gut tightened.

"I think something like this could be what brings feathers back," Audrey continued, plucking the metallic one from the hat. "The sleekness gives it a modern flair. The silver and the gold complement it well– you could be a visionary, Dupain-Cheng, if this is what you're creating now, just imagine where you will be in a few years. I haven't seen potential like this since... you."

She looked at Gabriel, who in turn looked at Marinette, smiling. "She does have talent."

Marinette just stood there, speechless, and Adrien couldn't help but feel giddy for her– a compliment from both Audrey and his father? That was no easy feat. He grinned at Marinette, who still seemed to be struggling for words.

"I... I don't know what to say..." Marinette began. "I– I–"

"Are you planning to pursue a career in designing? In fashion? Do you have more designs than just this hat?" Audrey asked.

"Y-yes, ma'am."

"I just might have to bring you to New York with me one day," Audrey mused, and Marinette's eyes went wide. "Give you a few more years to bloom, and then with some proper training... you just might set the trends for tomorrow. What do you say, girl?"

"Wha–?" Marinette stuttered, eyes flicking about. "I–"

"Also a definite boost in confidence is needed as well," Audrey said. "You'll have to give yourself a voice if you want to be heard. But I have given many people a voice. A start in the world of fashion– just like Gabriel here."

"True," Gabriel said, crossing his arms. "But I don't think that gives you the right to pluck up the talent I've found right from under me. I have my own interest in where Marinette could end up, and if she continues on this path, I think I'd like to see it in my own fashion house."

Marinette whipped her head towards Gabriel, expression unreadable– and Adrien grinned.

"Perhaps you should have said something sooner, Gabriel," Audrey remarked.

"I believe me putting her hat in the show was speaking loud and clearly."

Audrey chuckled. "Alright then, Gabriel, I suppose you're right– you found her, after all," she handed Marinette her hat back. "But that doesn't mean I won't be keeping an eye on this one." She produced a business card from her pocket, handing it to Marinette. "If this old man never acts on his words, or you just want your talent in the hands of the one who sets the trends, reach out to me."

Marinette took the business card like it was pure gold– and considering it was covered in golden glitter, it also looked like it was, indeed, pure gold. "I... I don't know what to say–"

"Say nothing, then: just call," Audrey replied, before pushing her sunglasses up. "Well, if the show's not going to continue, then there's no reason for me to linger here. I do need to get ready to head back to New York, I'm going to only be here for a few more days, after all."

"Are. You. Kidding me?!" A voice snarled.

Adrien felt something inside of him wither, eyes looking back to see Chloe making her way forward.

"You– you– you just don't get to go ask any nobody off the street to go to New York with you when you've never even taken me!" Chloe shouted, face twisted in rage. The same pain and anger she had been carrying since her mother had announced she was going to come visit– but one she had never shown in public until now. "You don't get to come back to Paris, grab someone else– then leave us behind like we aren't even here!"

"Cleo, don't be so unbecoming," Audrey said with a scoff. "It reflects on the whole family, you know."

"Family?" Chloe screamed. "And what do you know about family! You don't get to throw that word around when I haven't even been to your home, if you can even call it that when Paris should be our home! When you don't even care what 'home' means!"

"If you want to go to America so badly, then perhaps you should do something exceptional yourself," Audrey said coolly, looking tired of the conversation.

"Exceptional?" Chloe whispered, gritting her teeth. "I'm– I'm your daughter!"

Why must I prove myself? Adrien could practically hear Chloe's plea as she looked up at her mother, hoping, searching– looking for anything.

"That is just about the only exceptional thing about you, isn't it? Seems that even my blood isn't enough to make you into something, though, is it?" Audrey muttered, and Chloe's face fell. Her eyes were closed tightly, lowering her head as she fought for control of her emotions– but it wasn't her mother she let them loose on.

"I HATE YOU DUPAIN-CHENG!" Chloe screamed at Marinette, before turning on a heel and running. Audrey watched her go, before turning to make her own way forward, only pausing by Zoe for a moment as the girl looked after her sister with worried eyes.

"Zana, make sure you start packing– you'll be coming back with me," Audrey said, before walking away.

A look of desperation flashed in Zoe's eyes, but Adrien didn't get the time to make sense of it, as she was already moving to go after Chloe. Adrien moved forward, going after his oldest friend as well. He was glad that his father was making no effort to stop him, because Adrien couldn't leave Chloe like this. He weaved through the crowds, pushing away from reporters as he rushed forward.

He found Chloe and Zoe in the private VIP section, Chloe curled up against the wall, arms over her head. Zoe was kneeling down next to her, clearly so desperately wanting to do something, but not knowing what. She looked up as Adrien entered the room, pleading for help, and he slowly made his way forward.

"Chlo," he said quietly.

"Leave me alone," Chloe growled, voice muffled by her arms.

"If that's what you want we will," Adrien said. "Do you want us to go?"

She said nothing, and Adrien slowly lowered himself to the ground, leaning up against the wall next to her. Zoe copied him, sitting on the other side of Chloe, who peeked out at them for a moment. He saw red eyes and smeared makeup, before she retreated back into the safety of her arms. Adrien tried to figure out what to say, what could comfort her– but what comfort could he offer to a girl that had been rejected by her own mother? Who had been tossed aside like she was nothing in front of everyone to see, while she had watched the one she hated be praised by the very one she just wanted to love her?

"I'm not sure what dumpster that woman crawled out of," Adrien finally said. "But man, was she stinking up that place."

Chloe lifted up her head, resting her chin on her knees, while Zoe held back a laugh– looking frightened that she had laughed at such a comment about her mother. She quickly composed herself though, eyeing Adrien for a moment, who gave her an encouraging nod.

"Well, I'm not too surprised," Zoe said, shifting. "I mean, New York is absolutely filthy. I'm pretty sure she scurried out of the subway with the sewer rats– you can just see it on Mother's face, it's scrunched up like she can smell how terrible her rat roommates are."

"Shut up, you two," Chloe mumbled. "The rats don't deserve to be insulted like that."

This time Zoe wasn't able to hold back a laugh, letting out a small snort while Adrien smiled. He leaned forward, trying to get a good look at Chloe, whose eyes just shifted away. "Hey. Talk to me– what can I do?"

"Mmm," Chloe grunted.

"We can go save the New York rats," Zoe said with a playful tone. "They don't have much longer before their worst nightmare returns to their city."

Zoe fell quiet, her own expression falling, and she looked like for a moment she wanted to say something– but instead she looked away without another word. Chloe shifted her head to look at her half sister, before sighing.

"Spit it out," she muttered. "I don't want to be the only one sounding pathetic here."

"I... I don't want to leave Paris," Zoe whispered. "I know I haven't been here long, but I– I think I've truly been happy here. With you and your father, Chloe. You too, Adrien, you've been kind and reached out, and..." She closed her eyes. "I don't want to go back to America."

"Trade?" Chloe muttered.

"Trust me, you don't want to," Zoe muttered quietly. "I'll just be shipped off to some summer school or camp or something. You'd hate it; you wouldn't last a minute in the woods."

"Heh, I'd make that camp want to kick me out in half that time– so I wouldn't have to worry about a thing."

"They'd be missing out," Zoe said softly.

Chloe was quiet for a moment, before she spoke quietly. "...I don't want you to go back to America, either. What's the point of getting a sister if you're just going to leave?"

Adrien carefully pushed himself to his feet, seeing that this conversation was going in a direction he wasn't meant to be a part of. The girls said nothing as he went to leave, but the heaviness that had been in the room when they entered wasn't quite as strong.

"Love you too, Chloe," Zoe said with a small smile as Adrien headed out the door.

"Whatever," Chloe replied.


"We need to put the Miraculous away," Gabriel said in a low voice, eyes closed. "This... this isn't working. The akumas are dangerous as they are, but if we can't even control them at all..."

"I agree," said Nathalie, and Gabriel couldn't hide the gleam of surprise in his eyes as she said this. She had been so desperate to reclaim the brooch and to move forward with her goal, but today's akuma had been a step back. "We aren't getting anywhere like this."

She took off the brooch, watching as Nooroo was drawn into it with a flash of purple light. She held the Miraculous in her hand for a moment, sensing the energy pulsing through it. Oh, it would be so easy to call Nooroo back out of it. To have the power in her hand once more, but instead she tucked it away into a pocket. This seemed to satisfy Gabriel, and he looked away.

"How are you feeling, sir?" She asked, to distract herself from the gaping feeling in her chest.

"I don't know," he muttered. "Adrien was..."

Adrien had almost been lost to an akuma. Again. Nathalie understood how Gabriel was feeling, because Adrien had to be okay. This family was fractured as it was, and if another were to fall, if Adrien were to come to harm... she wouldn't know where to begin. The Agrestes had to be made whole, she had promised to bring Emilie back, but if she came home to her son being gone, she would only fail once again.

Nathalie realized just how blind she had been back with Gorizilla, and now with Style Queen today. When she had akumatized Gorizilla she had been looking for information, for answers– but an akuma wasn't the way she should have gone about that. Akumas were powerful, a weapon, and oh she craved that thrill– but like all weapons, they should be used on the attack, a tool to reach her goal, and nothing else.

Style Queen had been a temptation, a powerful force that had seemed so appealing in the moment, but when that power had been outside of her control it had become an obstacle in her path– and that couldn't happen again. An akuma could not just be anyone, but someone who would listen. Someone she could carefully guide along as they fought the heroes.

There was also herself to consider, as well. Today when the akuma had slipped out of her grip she had not only lost control of it– but of herself as well. She had let her fear get the better of her, the guilt had consumed her, and she had been rendered useless. Wasted an opportunity to see through the akuma's eyes to find where it had been hiding, to understand what its mindset was, information that could have been used to help her gain control once more. But no, instead her panic had forced her to shut down.

No, this could not happen again. She had failed Emilie once, and she couldn't let the rest of this family fall apart in the meantime. Nathalie looked at Gabriel, who was unmoving as he sat in his chair. What had happened today still had a hold on him, and she wasn't sure what to do about it. Unlike her, however, there wasn't a risk if it kept hold of him. He could afford to grieve, to worry, as it wasn't his duty to repair the damage she had caused.

"Sir," Nathalie said, approaching and kneeling down in front of him. He didn't need to carry this burden for her. "You should go see Adrien, I think you would both benefit from each other's presence tonight. The more you worry, the more he worries for you."

"Which is why he shouldn't see me worry," Gabriel murmured.

"Gabriel," Nathalie said, and this time he looked up at her. "Go to Adrien. He needs you."

Gabriel closed his eyes for a moment, before pushing himself to his feet. He took to her words instantly, because Adrien was his support. It was the one lifeline he had right now– both desperately clung to the other to keep themselves from sinking below the waves. Of course, they wouldn't be able to swim forever, but it should be enough for now. To keep them afloat a little longer until all would be well again– and Emilie would be home.

He was heading for the door, yet he paused before he pushed them open. Nathalie watched him, not sure why he would hesitate when he had made up his mind, and he looked back at her.

"Nathalie?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you. For being here."

"Of course, sir," Nathalie said, giving a nod. This seemed to be the confirmation he was looking for, and he pushed the doors open and exited his office. Nathalie let out a long breath as she was left alone, closing her eyes as she listened to his footsteps echo up the stairs.

And once she was sure that he wasn't coming back she reached for her pocket, pulling out the Butterfly Miraculous, pinning the brooch to her chest once more.


She didn't know why she had taken the box.

It had been laying on the stairs of the Eiffel Tower, on its side and tucked away in the shadows of the steps. She had only taken notice of it from the red symbol on the front– unreadable, yet strangely, almost familiar. She had picked it up with the intention of handing it over to workers once she had reached the bottom, but instead it had found its way into her pocket.

A part of her did feel guilty for stealing it, because it most certainly belonged to someone from the tower, perhaps another victim of the akuma– but at the same time, there was just something about the box. A hum of energy that seemed just out of reach when her hand laid against it. The urge to pull it out and just hold it in her hands was strong, but it was that unnatural feeling that kept her from actually doing it.

That, and a fear that somehow someone would realize she had stolen something if they even caught a glimpse of it.

So it wasn't until late that night she dared take out the box, when she was tucked away hidden in her room free from prying eyes. The energy she had felt before was still there, as if an electric current was pulsing through it. It was a small box, hexagon in shape and made from a dark wood– a deep red that almost looked black. It was very beautiful, but it was that pattern on the top that kept drawing her attention.

She traced a hand across the engravings. There was a pattern to it, but it didn't seem like it was meant to be words. That, of course, didn't give her any answers, so instead she picked up the box, slowly opening it up to see what was hidden inside and sate the curiosity that had been haunting her all day.

She was able to catch sight of a beautiful comb within the few moments it was cracked open– with golden teeth and a crystal top– but it immediately began glowing before she could attempt to get a better look at it. The box and comb fell to her bed in her shock as she moved back, watching the bright yellow light pulse up from the comb and into the air.

It spiraled up, the orb swirling about her, before it materialized into the largest insect she had ever seen.

Eyes went wide at the sight as this bee (hornet? being? thing?) opened their eyes, glancing about, before looking straight at her. She didn't know how to react– this thing had come out of nowhere, was flying without wings, and was now smiling gently at her.

The Bee placed one of their arms on their chest as they hovered there, before going into a bow as they spoke in perfect French: "Hello, my queen."