When you Akumatized an underappreciated mistreated dog of a fashion elite, and he wants to show gratitude to that one person who treated him with kindness by making her his princess, you would not expect that person to be your niece!
Amshel had a catering job at a party in the Mayor's hotel. Many world-renowned members of high-class society were in attendance. Some were dressed in clothes of the highest quality. Some were having bragging competitions with their friends on who made the most money in the month. Some even brought their purebred pets with them.
He could have asked Marinette for help. It was Saturday after all. But certain events requires her to take a much-needed break, away from potential villain-breeding grounds.
Like this party.
Riches. Always the source of negative emotions.
The seed that brings forth pride. And to be proud means to be perfect.
A small smudge can tip the scales of balance. Even the smallest tip, can bring forth chaos.
In this case: a spoiled Pomeranian puppy who accidentally ripped her dress, inciting her owner's wrath.
Humiliated, unloved and his gender misread, he accepts a deal from a man in a a silver mask, wearing a dark-purple suit, allowing him to transform the little pom into a giant nine-tailed dog.
Normally they would akumatized people. But after countless failures, Hawk Moth decided on a change of pace.
The beast appeared, causing massive panic. His pack of followers rounded-up every human and locked them up in giant dog carriers. A few tried to jump out from the balcony, but were stopped by Hellhound's nine tails before they were dragged to join the other prisoners.
Once all the humans were caged, Hellhound commanded his followers to search for the one human who treated him with the most kindness: His princess.
Hawk Moth was ashamed.
He didn't want to do this. He had fantasies of stuck-up elites getting punished for bragging about their wealth and looking down on those of lower class than them.
But now that he has powers granted by him by a corrupted jewelry powered by the broken heart of his dear niece... powers that make him corrupt other people... turning them into worst versions of themselves to cause chaos and destruction in their wake...
What was he thinking?
He grabs a glass of champagne and took a sip to calm his nerves. At that moment, the dog search party have returned with Canis' (Paris renamed) new princess.
"Good evening." Marinette waves sheepishly at the Dog King.
Hawk Moth spits out the champagne in surprise. THAT'S his princess?!
Hawk Moth mentally slaps his head, recalling earlier that his niece told him she had saved a puppy on her way back from her delivery.
Oh what a small world...
Well... At least she's with her friends.
Aaand she just spotted the mastermind of all Akuma Attacks. Sort of.
Suddenly, one of the dogs alerted their king that they saw a member of Team Miraculous hiding behind the bushes. With one loud bark, Hellhound summoned a pack of 10 dogs to scout the entire hotel and find the heroes.
He may be Hawk Moth, but he was also Amshel Cheng: Brother of Sabine Cheng; Brother-in-Law and Best Friend to Tom Dupain; and Uncle to Marinette Dupain-Cheng!
Even if he is currently a villain, there was absolutely NO WAY was he going to put his dear niece in harm's way all for the sake of some magical set of jewelries.
Even if it's the other darker side of her that obsessively wants them.
One of the dogs, a... German, Shepherd...? (A really big one.) was nuzzling Marinette, who looks and feels awkward with the attention she was given.
The German Shepherd licks her, causing her to faint, but was caught by 2 Siberian Huskies. They help her back on her feet.
Weird. She does have a weakness for dogs. But not in a degree where they make her faint.
As thanks, she affectionately cuddles the Siberian Huskies, who gave her licks in return. More dogs approached her. More wanting her affection too.
She pets them, gives them tummy rubs, rubs heads with them, braid the long-haired ones, and would even take selfies with them.
When a bunch of toy dogs jumped into her arms, she looked like she was about to fall on her back.
And since she was carrying a relatively number of little dogs that could fit in a crate in her arms, she lost her footing and did.
Hawk Moth's uncle instincts were triggered. He rushes to his niece and catches her back before she could hit the well-polished floor.
That, was a mistake.
Oh, who is he kidding? He may be a villain but he never wanted to be one. Villains don't save people in danger. Especially their own niece, who... just stood frozen in shock in front of him at the realization that she was just saved (or helped) by one of Paris' Most Wanted.
Come on Man, say something!
Having regained his composure, Hawk Moth gives Marinette a courteous bow, "It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness."
He looks up. She was still nervous in front of him.
Of course it wouldn't work. Villain. Civillian.
His eyes locked on the bracelet on her wrist. The very bracelet that was the core of Paris' suffering.
He could just easily take it from her... Act all villainous... "You're weak. I'm powerful..." The usual villain charade...
Sigh...
But he CAN'T. All because of that stupid curse.
Marinette manages to calm her nerves and returns the greeting with a smile and a curtsy, "It's... an honor to meet you too. Kind... Sir."
Hawk Moth quietly sighs in relief. She managed to calm down, but she's still wary of the big, bad, fancy-suited Butterfly.
Why did the magical jewel that grants someone the power to give other people powers have to be butterfly-themed?
More dogs surrounded her. They took her measurements and made her wear a pink dress that was a little too big and tight for her. Hawk Moth had to stifle a laugh as he watches his niece trying to maintain her balance as she attempts to walk in heels while wearing her "Royal" Dress.
She manages to find her way to a nearby table. She grabs a knife and a fork. Using both utensils, she begins attacking the torturous dress she was wearing.
Everyone in the room gasps in shock. Hellhound's followers whimper in fear, afraid that they may have upset their princess.
Once she was done, Marinette was now wearing a new-improved version of the pink dress the dogs gave her. One where she can move more freely in, fits her size comfortably, and is more fashionable than the original.
The newly-named princess smiles sheepishly, "Sorry. I couldn't breathe."
She expects Hellhound to be insulted by how she vandalized his gift and have her imprisoned with the others.
To her complete surprise, he claps his paws, and his tails. The other dogs followed. Some also whistled, while others cheered.
Hawk Moth didn't even bother to hide his pride. He crosses his arms over his chest as he watches the elites gawk, baffled by how a mere teenager managed to alter a dress with dining utensils in such short time.
And how on earth did she add those little embroidery designs that resemble roses to her dress? Those weren't even there before!
It was no surprise to him that his niece was a clever artistic girl. You could throw away a broken pair of scissors, and she could turn it into a work of art.
Seriously. That pretzel decoration hanging on the walls of the bakery? Used to be a broken pair of scissors. And the way she blended the colors to make it look real and delicious-looking...!
Hey! Who's whistling in away that sounds impressed, yet suggests something inappropriate?
Many of the imprisoned guests were impressed by his niece's skills. Among them was Gabriel, nodding his head, and Hellhound's perfection-obsessed owner Unique who looked like she just witnessed the most exquisite magical show of all time worthy of a round of applause.
The canine scouting party came back. They couldn't find a single trace of Team Miraculous.
"Queen Bee?!" Marinette screams in surprise, alerting the dogs.
If Team Miraculous was inside the hotel, then the Princess (and her friends) are not safe.
That's what Hellhound believes. So he sends a pack of dogs to bring his Princess (and her friends) to the hotel's garden and keep her (them) safe from the heroes.
The garden was the only thing Hawk Moth likes about the hotel. Though excessive, the many types and colors of flowers planted always calm his nerves and give him new ideas to create new artworks and recipes.
His niece was enjoying the place too. She made a flower crown for Rose. The pink-loving girl smiled as the "Princess" placed it on top of her head.
Hawk Moth smiled. This was his real niece. The sweet caring girl who always makes people happy.
Not the one who takes advantage of others' problems and use them like toys for her own amusement.
Marinette suddenly trips as she was chasing a Scottish Terrier. Like before, Hawk Moth rushes to catch her in his arms. She looks up at him and jumps back in surprise. He sighs, once again blaming his unwilling transformation.
"Th-thank you." She shyly whispered, blushing as she looks down.
Hawk Moth smiled. Honestly, his niece can sometimes be so cute.
She faces him again, "Why are you Akumatizing people?"
Of all the people...
"It's because YOU want to."
Those were the words he wanted to say... but shouldn't.
"I wasn't given much of a choice." Hawk Moth answered instead, trying to hide the sadness in his voice.
This was... partly true.
He has the choice to renounce the power of the corrupted Miraculous. He has the power!
But the Miraculous... tainted by dark desires... wouldn't, let, him...!
"There's always a choice."
Hawk Moth was surprised to hear that from Marinette.
"You don't seem like a, full-time villain." Marinette recalls the time Hawk Moth saved her from Darkblade's knights. A few hours ago, he caught her before she could fall on the ground. He did the same thing just minutes ago. And when she asked why he became a villain, she could sense a hint of guilt in his reply.
It makes her wonder, if he truly is a villain since the first day.
"Even if you made the choice to be a villain," She continues, "there's still a chance for you to make the next right choice."
He is truly blessed to have a kind, selfless niece.
She could have said nasty things to him for all the innocent people he has akumatized... She could've told him how much she hated him for being a villain...
And yet... she saw the good side in him.
Even if she is unaware of his true identity, she still encouraged him to do what's right.
There may be hope for both of them yet.
From a distance, a German Shepherd bites the rose he was holding in his mouth into two as he watches the interaction between the princess and the villain.
He had seen multiple videos of dogs dancing with people before. They were just oh-so adorable.
This... was a little more... awkward.
In his perception, he guess. To everyone else in the room, it was a Beauty-and-The-Beast scenario.
After a thorough search of the hotel by his fellow dogs, Hellhound declares Team Miraculous are not in the building.
Which means it was safe for his princess to come back for her welcoming party.
Some of the dogs played the instruments; piano, violins, harps, clarinets, and other classical musical instruments you can think off. The music they played was so melodious that it brought the mayor and a teenage-sized poodle to tears.
Hellhound shrank himself, (another ability granted to him by Hawk Moth) until he was 2 feet taller than Marinette. They waltz to the music, catching everyone's attention in the room.
It's actually pretty roman- Oh NO! NOT, HIS NIECE, BUSTER!
Marinette looks like she was having fun. Hawk Moth was actually worried she would trip or step on Hellhound's foot, but she was dancing gracefully. Like an actual princess.
Sniff. Tom? Sabine? Wherever you are, you should know your little girl is growing up.
Hellhound twirls Marinette around, but the claw that held her hand suddenly looses its grip, causing her to twirl away from him. She manages to stop when she bumps into someone.
Who, just happens to be Hawk Moth.
Hawk Moth smiles at Marinette, causing her to blush. After helping her regain her footing, he offers his hand to her for a dance. Marinette turns to Hellhound for approval, which he agrees to. She gingerly places her hand on top of the gloved one Hawk Moth offered. The next thing she knew she was waltzing once again, but with a different man.
The people who Hellhound originally locked-up, but were freed thanks to Marinette cunningly using her princess privileges, were once more mesmerized by her dance. When they were freed from the dog cages, they thought they were done for. But when Marinette whispered an apology and something else that reassured the Mayor that they will no longer be prisoners, they realized how brave and selfless the teenager was.
She could've basked in the power of her new title and ask for fancy dresses, fancy food, all the puppies she could play with, etc. But instead, she chooses to help the people who were suffering emotionally because of the Akuma Attack.
Such a wonderful girl!
Hawk Moth feels the whole thing to be weird; Akumatizing a dog... Akumatized dog making his niece his princess... Dancing as his villain persona with his niece without creeping her out...
And all he wants is a bunch of magical jewelry to set things back to the way they were so his niece will stop being unwillingly evil...
...
Wow. His current life is weird.
At least his niece seems to be enjoying herself. While also empathetically worrying for others' well-beings.
The music stops. Marinette faces Hawk Moth and curtsies as a sign of respect and gratitude. In response, Hawk Moth kisses her hand, and-?!
The last thing Hawk Moth saw before he found himself on the floor was a brown glaring blur. When he opens his eyes, the largest German Shepherd of the pack was growling angrily on top of him.
Now criticize him if you may, but Hawk Moth knows the difference between a dog bark, and a fake one. Some customers would leave their dogs tied outside the bakery while their owners buy some delicious pastries, along with their favorite dog biscuits. Dogs are impatient creatures, especially when it comes to food. When food is just a mere few feet away from them, and they can't reach it, they bark to signal their owners of their hunger, anger, and impatience.
And this particular dog is angry. And barking.
And not a genuine bark...
Now it looked like the "German Shepherd" was about to take a bite out of him. Obviously, he has to react by quickly grabbing the animal by the neck. Once he did, he could feel the fur... which, wasn't real fur at all.
With great strength, he pried the head off the body... revealing the masked face of the leader of Team Miraculous.
"Dude!"
Carapace?
If Chat Noir was disguised...
An Afghan Hound leaps into the air and attacks. Seconds later...
All the members of Team Miraculous were captured, tied-up, and unmasked.
Well... their dog masks that is.
Where did they even get those dog costumes?
It doesn't matter. All 6 Holders before him... All 6 magical jewels...
Finally... In just a few hours, he can put an end to this nightmare...?
Marinette was losing her balance and was about to trip. Hawk Moth, who was the closest to her, managed to catch her on time, unaware of the shiny object she kicked which landed beside a tied-up Rena Rouge.
Hellhound approaches Ladybug. He wishes to keep his powers and fulfill his dream of creating a world where dogs roam free, and humans become slaves.
In order to fulfill those wishes, he needs to be the one to give the Miraculouses to Hawk Moth. Starting with the Ladybug's.
All of Hellhound's nine tails went for Ladybug's earrings. But before they could reach the Miraculous, a stinger made out of black and yellow energy collides with the tails, immobilizing them, and the rest of the Akumatized dog.
Team Miraculous... all 6 members... out of dog costumes and back in action.
Hawk Moth notices a knife on the floor, right next to a pile of rope that has been cut.
He remembers Marinette... tripping...
Hawk Moth had to hide his smirk. He maybe a villain in a hurry, but he can't help be proud of his meaningfully sneaky little niece who would rather do the righteous things rather than be royally pampered by a pack of cute doggies.
Even with their king immobilized, the dogs fight the heroes, while also defending their canine ruler. Since there were many fighters, Hawk Moth decided to stay out of the fight.
Just when he made that decision, Chat appears from above and they clash weapons. He has seen the leader of Team Miraculous angry before, but tonight, he looks more angry than usual, striking his staff aggressively to the point that it could break his sword-stick in half.
"For a 'gentleman', you really know how to make a cat sick." Chat Noir spoke through gritted teeth.
Hawk Moth was puzzled. He was used to the heroes getting angry at him for corrupting civilians to get their Miraculouses. So what else could he have done to get into Chat Noir's nerves?
Carapace was fighting with a Bulldog when he collided backs with Chat.
"Dude! We talked about this." The turtle hero whispered, "Let it go, or we gonna end up as dog food, and Hellhound's gonna end up a grandpa!"
Despite the silent scolding, Hawk Moth could still hear him. And became confused.
Last time he checked, Unique said Hellhound will never impress a handsome dog with his rowdy attitude. (Reminder: Unique wanted a pretty girl dog to dress in the many dresses she made herself.)
While the heroes kept the dogs at bay, Marinette opened the doors of the ballroom, where they were, and guided the people out. At the same time, Ladybug attempted to hit a Doberman with a table she grabbed via yo-yo, but missed, and the table was heading straight for Marinette!
Marinette was too preoccupied in helping the others escape that she did not notice the table about to smash into her. By the time she did, someone had already sliced the incoming table into two.
One of these days... his uncle instincts will expose him.
Hawk Moth turns around to check on his niece. Instead of fear or confusion, her eyes radiated a feeling of... wonder...
Wondering why... a villain... a manipulating, diabolical, evilvillain...!
Would save someone like her.
Someone attacked Hawk Moth at his side, knocking him down. The older Butterfly looks up, finding Chat Noir looking down on him with seething rage.
Oo-kay... Let's assess the situations that led to the black cat hero wanting to turn him into a butterfly patty,
Akumatized a fashion elite's dog...
Akumatized dog imprisoned guests...
Marinette definitely captured against her will to become their princess...
Had a nice chat while her friends made flower-crowns for the dogs...
Took selfies with cute dogs...
Danced with niece...
Kissed her ha-anddd...!
That's when he attacked the first time...
...
Oh great. Chat Noir has a crush on his niece and thinks his foe is hitting on her just because of a few courteous gestures.
While dodging and parrying Chat's staff, he tried to reason casually, "Honestly, Chat. Let's be mature here. A man can't show courtesy to a lady 25 years YOUNGER THAN HIM, without any intentions?"
This only fueled Chat's rage and makes him keep attacking.
Hawk Moth just sighs, "Teenagers."
While Chat continues to be delusional by his jealousy, his teammates were still fighting Hellhound's followers who were blocking their way to the Akumatized dog. Queen Bee's Venom wasn't meant to last long, so they only have a few minutes to come up with a plan before Hellhound gets his nine tails wagging and beating them up again.
Azula Paonne was tossed and was sent flying until she landed on a rose bush, complete with thorns. The peacock heroine groans as she painfully removes herself from the plant. She steps on something and picks it up: A branch that had broken off when she fell on the bush.
The sound of the fight returns her mind back to the mission. Any minute now and Hellhound will be moving again, which will make defeating the Akumatized dog even more dif-
She looks at the branch in her hand. Dog...
Hmmm...
While Azula was occupied with the branch, her teammates were still dealing with Hellhound's followers.
The heroes finally made an opening, giving Carapace and Ladybug the chance to leap and grab the Akumatized object.
Only to be grabbed by 2 of Hellhound's tails.
"Where's, my, PRINCESS?!" Hellhound roared at his two captives.
"She's fine and still looks awesome in that dress!" Carapace replies casually. He hears a disgruntled mutter. Annoyed, he looks at his best friend, "Come on, Man."
"Not to worry, Hellhound." Hawk Moth approaches Hellhound, one arm wrapped around Marinette to prevent her from running away. Behind him, Chat Noir was pinned to the ground by a very big, heavy, Tibetan Mastiff, "She's safe. Now please hurry up and bring me their Miraculouses!"
Hellhound nods and grabs the remaining heroes. That's when he realizes the peacock heroine was not in the room. And just as he was about to sniff her out, a cat appears.
Take note: Chat Noir was grabbed by one of Hellhound's tail.
The "cat" was a cat Sentimonster with a body made completely out of wooden sticks. It was the size of any normal household cat.
Now, if you add cats and sticks, and add dogs into the mix, you get...
The Sentimonster ran as it was being chased by the dogs, including Hellhound. As Hellhound ran, his tails swayed with every step he takes. And since the heroes were still held by his tails, they keep bumping into things, and each other.
"Azula!" Ladybug screams as she and Queen Bee bump into each other, "Hurry up and get us out of here!"
"Just... a minute more..." Azula watches the chase as she moves her index finger in a rotating motion.
On cue the Sentimonster ran in circles, literally. The dogs followed. After a few minutes later, one-by-one the dogs fell on the ground, their eyes spinning.
Hellhound took longer but he eventually succumbed to the dizziness and fell down. He may be big, but he was too big to catch a small Sentimonster, especially when it jumped on him and ran around him.
"Hey girl!" Queen Bee's eyes were spinning as she turns to her peacock teammate, "You didn't tell me you have a twin sister."
The heroes managed to free themselves and tear Hellhound's Akumatized object, the neck-bow Marinette gave him earlier, into two, releasing the black butterfly.
After everything was repaired and restored by Ladybug, Chat Noir pointed the tip of his staff at Hawk Moth, who still has Marinette wrapped in his arm.
Hawk Moth sighs. He pushes Marinette to Chat, "She wasn't even a real princess to begin with."
"No." Marinette smiles, "But I do have treasures more valuable than any gold, gems, and whatnot: My friends, and my family."
Hawk Moth had already turned around and was preparing to leave when Marinette spoke those words. Since he was still in his villain persona, he had to make sure no one saw the warm smile on his masked face.
He disappears in a swarm of white butterflies and was brought to a hotel room nearest to the ballroom. The door opens and Amshel rushes to the ballroom and hugs his niece in relief. The heroes were still here, being swarmed by their fans of high society.
Which still gives Amshel the chance to correct one big misunderstanding.
"Now what this I hear about you getting engaged?" He gives his niece the most suspicious eyes he could muster.
As he expected, Marinette groans, "Uncle! I am not getting engaged!"
"You're not?!" Chat Noir happily exclaims before clearing his throat. He acts calmly, "Shame. A princess like you deserves a prince."
He wags his eyebrows at her, earning a blush and giggle from his princess. (And a glare from her uncle.)
"Now where's that Akumatized dog who set you up with that Butterfly villain?" Amshel demands, angrily searching for said dog.
"I wasn't 'set up'." Marinette points out, "He was just being a gentleman. For a villain."
Amshel thought it was unnecessary for her to say the last part.
"Plus he looks like he's already married." She adds. Amshel had to hide his sudden cough as he forces a nervous smile.
"Yeah... Married..." Carapace gently elbows Chat Noir while giving him a knowing look.
Amshel did not plan for this. Still... if it will clear up that misunderstanding, then...
Eh. Speculations come and go as they say.
The de-Akumatized Hellhound approaches them, along with his owner, Unique, the one who caused his Akumatization in the first place.
To Amshel's surprise, she apologizes for her role in the Akumatization. Then decides to give her Pomeranian to Marinette...?
After realizing her need for perfection was the reason why everyone was put in danger, Unique realized she wasn't fit to be a dog owner. The Pomeranian deserves a better, more loving owner who will only dress him when he wants to.
AKA: Marinette.
She always said she wanted a dog... a small one that is...
Plus with the right training, dogs can sense incoming danger and protect their masters before the danger could even start.
Also... Unique didn't even bother to do a full body check on the Pomeranian, nor understood his feelings when she dressed him up.
Marinette had practically squeezed the air out of her uncle after gaining his approval. She lets go only to hug her new Pomeranian, unaware that said Pomeranian was growling at her Uncle.
Oh good. He's aware of his new owner's uncle's dark side and is protective of his new owner.
He'll be of great help to the family.
The heroes left. (Along with their Miraculouses...) The original party resumed.
The guests surround Marinette. After witnessing the many feats she performed, from altering her dress using dining utensils to helping Team Miraculous, it's no wonder she suddenly became the belle of the ball.
Many of the male guests, young and old, wanted to dance with her, but she chose the one boy who wasn't among the crowd of sudden fans: Her classmate, Adrien Agreste.
The young face of the Gabriel Brand froze like he had just saw a ghost. He didn't even say anything and just let Marinette grab his hand, drag him to the middle of the ballroom, and led him into a waltz.
Ah young teenage romance...
When is she going to realize the genuine feelings of the boy sitting in front of her in class, and forget the hopeless chance she has with that German Shepherd- black cat hero...
...
Realization struck Amshel: Chat Noir was the German Shepherd...!