Tears of a Wolf

Chapter 3 Consequences

Ladybug and Cat Noir sat next to each other across from Master Fu in his shop. Not much time had passed since the akuma attack or the Gray Wolf incident, and Master Fu had a lot to discuss with them both since Wolf had now apparently returned.

"The two of you have my sincerest apologies." Master Fu began. "I was hoping that this day would never come."

"What exactly happened, Master Fu?" Ladybug asked. "How did you get akumatized, and who was that guy that saved Alya and Nino?"

"Yeah and why would he threaten the whole city after saving the day like that?" asked Cat.

Master Fu took a sip of his tea and sighed a long breath before trying his best to answer the questions.

"His name is Alex Moon, and he was once a hero that fought alongside the previous ladybug and black cat. That however, was 2 years ago. He is now someone that must be stopped at all costs! It was because of him that I was akumatized."

Ladybug and Cat glanced at each other. A hero who knew their previous Miraculous owners? Neither one of them had ever given much thought as to who had been the heroes before them, but now more questions rang in their minds.

"What did he do to get you akumatized?" Ladybug asked.

"In the past, I had never known Alex to be so… sinister, but in order to answer your question, I must first tell you about his Miraculous. Alex wields the Gray Wolf Miraculous which grants him the power of isolation and it is represented in his manipulation of shadows. He is quite literally a 'lone wolf' having only his shadow as his companion."

It was poetic, just as all the other Miraculous were, but it was also probably the most somber ability that Ladybug and Cat had ever heard of.

Master Fu continued with his explanation. "He is able to manipulate shadows in multiple ways and even turn them into a state of solid matter, albeit for a short time. He is able to merge his own body with shadows and he can even manipulate the darkness inside of another person's body, giving him full control of that person, as if they were a puppet. He gets far more sinister than that however. He can use his shadows to create clots in your bloodstream, to wrap around your heart, to constrict your lungs, you name it. In fact, anywhere there is shadow is fair game to him. He used these methods to torture me until I was eventually akumatized."

It was a terrifying thought. The ability to control shadows to such a degree… not exactly an easy opponent to fight against.

"Okay… as scary as that is, it still doesn't make any sense." Cat interrupted. "Why would he get you akumatized just to stop you in the end?"

"He did it for publicity!" Ladybug shouted as it finally clicked in her head. "He didn't care about the akuma, he just wanted to spread his message to the ladyblog. If I know Alya, it won't be long before she uploads his threat."

"You are correct Ladybug. My akumatization was only a means to an end, but there is more about him you must know before I answer any more questions. I need to tell you about his weapons, his twin katana swords. Similar to your own weapons, they are more than meets the eye. His blades have a unique ability of their own. Unfortunately they are the reason why he is in his current state of villainy."

Master Fu took another sip of his tea before continuing his lecture.

"His blades have the ability to permanently damage anything that they cut. Whatever damage his swords inflict cannot be undone. If he slices a person with them, they will never heal. If he slices an inanimate object, the damage can never be repaired."

"What about with my power?" Ladybug asked. "Or with the power of Bunnyx?"

"Not even the Miraculous ladybugs nor time travel can revert the damage his swords do. Any attempt to do so is futile and in Bunnyx's case runs the risk of creating a paradox. No, there is no way around it. It was for that reason that Alex rarely ever used his swords. They were in good hands back then but now… he must be stopped as soon as possible."

Ladybug and Cat once again glanced at each other. They had never quite faced an enemy of this caliber before. Each of them wore a look of shock and concern.

"Master Fu?" Cat asked. "Just who exactly is Alex anyway? I mean… how did a hero end up as one of the bad guys?"

Master Fu bowed his head with his eyes closed, as if he were picturing a moment from the past.

"Alex's story is a tragic one, and I am ashamed to admit that I am not entirely without blame when it comes to his present state. Let me tell you the story…"

(Flashback of 2 years ago)

Gabriel Agreste paced the floor of his study, his hand up to his chin and his mind almost in a state of panic. Emilie was getting worse. She was no longer capable of doing the regular mundane day-to-day things. Instead she was more often than not bedridden. The doctors had assured him that it was only exhaustion, just a state of fatigue, but Gabriel knew better. He knew the Miraculous was to blame.

What would he do if things got worse? How would he even be able to go on without his wife beside him? Worse still… what would become of Adrien? These were all questions that he swore to himself he would never have to find out. Surely if the Miraculous had gotten him into this mess, then another Miraculous, an even more powerful one, could get him out of it. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think he would have to do what he was about to, but if it was for the sake of his wife and son… Gabriel cared little for the consequences. Desperate times called for desperate measures.

(Meanwhile in downtown Paris)

Another day was saved thanks to the Scarlet Beetle. An apartment complex had caught fire and unfortunately the entire building had been engulfed in flames. Scarlet Beetle had taken all of the glory for herself, dousing the fire with her lucky charm and even saving the civilians who had been trapped inside. She was good at what she did, perhaps too good. Definitely good enough that it forced Feline Black and Gray Wolf to watch from the sidelines and wonder to themselves if she even wanted them there.

"It's not fair Wolf." Sylvia said with her head hung low. "I can't believe she told me to just stand back and let her handle it! How am I supposed to gain her trust if she won't even give me a chance? Sure I blundered before but how am I going to get better if she won't let me try?"

"I'm sure she was only worried about you." Wolf said trying his best to be positive.

"You know it's more than that! She wouldn't even let you do anything to help this time."

Sylvia had a point. Lately Amy had been doing more and more missions solo these days, and whenever either her or Alex had come to assist her, all they got was the cold shoulder. Maybe Amy really was becoming addicted to the spotlight.

"Maybe we should try talking with her?" Wolf suggested.

"I've tried. She just accuses me of being jealous, but it's not about jealousy! All I really want is to become a better superhero, to make Paris a safer place to be, but this is the fourth time now that she's insisted on me staying out of this. It's like I barely even know her anymore."

Yet again, Sylvia had another really good point. Alex had noticed it too, that Amy would seem more irritated than thankful whenever someone had helped her on a mission. Slowly as time went on, she was getting worse and worse with it, and it wasn't hard to tell when your presence wasn't exactly wanted.

"Let me talk to her then." Wolf suggested. "Maybe if she hears it from more than one person…"

"You can try, but I don't think it'll work."

Wolf gently placed his hand on her back, trying to communicate with her in any way he could that things were going to be okay. The truth was though, Sylvia was right. He knew it wasn't a question of jealousy, it was more like concern for a friend. Sylvia cared more about the city than she did for herself.

Wolf let his hand fall as he walked over towards Scarlet Beetle. How exactly was he supposed to bring this up?

"Umm… Beetle? Mind if I speak with you for a second?" It was an awkward moment already.

"Hmm? Oh sure Wolf." She had turned to face him, her attention previously on the scorched building. "What's up?"

"Well… this isn't exactly easy to say but, you know that you, me and Feline Black are all a team right?"

Beetle simply stared back at him, an eyebrow raised and her arms going crossed. "Did Sylvia ask you to come and talk to me?" She asked, showing no attempt to hide the irritation in her voice.

"No, she didn't. This was my idea. I think that sooner or later you're going to come across a challenge that's too much for you, and you're going to need some teammates to back you up when that happens. We're both willing and able you know… why not take advantage of that?" Wolf tried to be logical, hoping that this conversation wouldn't turn into an argument, but lately it was like tensions were high with Amy for some reason.

Beetle sighed and pinched the space between her eyebrows. "Look Wolf, don't take this the wrong way but… I've been thinking, maybe Sylvia isn't cut out for superhero work."

Wolf's eyes widened. "Well, she'll never be if she doesn't get any practice in."

"I tried to be patient, but she just gets in the way. How am I supposed to rescue people from a burning building and hold her hand at the same time?"

"What about me? Why did you leave me out of this mission as well?"

"Honestly it was just easier that way. Clearly I work a lot better on my own anyway, and besides, this way maybe Sylvia wouldn't feel as bad."

Wolf's face dropped and his heart sunk. Sylvia was right. It was like he barely even knew her. She was becoming more and more Scarlet Beetle, and less and less Amy Aubert.

"Come on Wolf, you have to admit that it's for the best. How would you feel if Sylvia got hurt during one of these missions? You should be grateful that she's out of harm's way." Beetle argued.

"You're the one who's hurting her now Beetle, and I'm starting to realize that you're too blinded by the limelight to see it." Wolf argued back.

"How dare you! I stick my own neck out to keep everyone safe, and this is the thanks I get?"

"You were supposed to be her friend!"

"A real friend would understand what's at stake here! I have a job to do as Scarlet Beetle!"

"But you ignore your job as Amy, and the moment someone calls you out for it, all you want to do is get defensive and argue! We only wanted to help."

"I don't need your help! You and Feline Black are just another obstacle, so do me a favor and stay out of my way!"

Beetle turned her back and walked away. It was an unofficial declaration of an abandoned partnership. Wolf opened his mouth to try and speak back to her, but his breath was caught in his throat, unsure of what to say.

Little did either of them know that Feline Black had heard the entire conversation. Grief and anger quickly filled her heart as a small purple butterfly flew closer towards her.

Finally akumatization had occurred, and Paris was about to witness its first super villain in a very long time. Sylvia's black spandex turned white and her eyes a light blue. A smile creeped across her face and a malicious intent into her mind, along with a voice that only she could hear.

"Hear me Feline Black, you shall now be known as Feline Blanc! I am Hawk Moth and you work for me now. Reap your revenge upon Scarlet Beetle and bring me her Miraculous!"

"Yes… Hawk Moth…"

Feline Blanc rushed towards Scarlet Beetle while her back was turned, running right past Wolf who didn't even get a chance to react. A devastating blow was dealt to the back of Beetle's head. Feline Blanc was much stronger and seemed to be much more vicious than Feline Black was. Beetle was sent tumbling several feet before landing face down.

"What in the…?" Wolf was trying to process what he had just seen. Surely that couldn't have been Sylvia right? It sure looked like her, but no… no that wasn't possible.

Feline Blanc stepped closer towards Beetle who was holding her head in pain. Her earrings began to beep, indicating that she had only minutes left before she detransformed.

"Cataclysm!" A bright energy formed in Feline Blanc's hand. She raised it high into the air and was intent on plunging it down on Beetle, but she was stopped by a shadow tendril wrapping around her arm.

"Stop! Leave her alone!" Wolf shouted. There was no denying it now. Anyone who used the cataclysm had to have been Sylvia. Wolf just wasn't sure what had happened to her.

"You're supposed to be on my side!" Feline Blanc shouted angrily as she turned her attention to Wolf, this time rushing towards him. She was faster than Wolf had ever seen her before, too fast to dodge. Her attack connected with his jaw, knocking him down on his back. Luckily it was with her hand that did not hold her cataclysm.

"I should have known you would betray me too. She said, ready to strike Wolf again, only to be distracted by a flashing red light and the sound of a detransformation. Amy had just ran out of time.

Feline Blanc smiled wickedly as her attention shifted once again. Amy was in complete shock. For the first time, she had no control over the situation. For the first time she was powerless and afraid.

"Amy… let's make this quick. Give me your Miraculous or I will take it from you!" Feline Blanc demanded.

Wolf leaped over the new super villain with his swords in hand trying to protect Amy. He couldn't use his power anymore, so he had to be extra careful, but he didn't want to hurt Sylvia either.

"Hmph! Clearly I was wrong to ever love you!" Feline Blanc said to him.

"Sylvia stop! This isn't you!"

"It is now." She said back, grabbing him by the throat and lifting him up off the ground with her hand which did not hold the cataclysm.

She was much stronger than before, as if she had the strength of a machine. Wolf tried to break free from her grip but to no avail. The thought crossed his mind to use his blades, he lifted one with his arm before putting it back down. He couldn't do it. He refused to hurt the girl he loved, even in these circumstances. He would rather let the life ooze out of him than ever raise a hand against her.

Feline Blanc threw Wolf effortlessly across the pavement. His swords dropped right between herself and Amy. Finally… finally Sylvia would get the respect she deserved. If no one respected her as a hero, then maybe they would respect her as a villain.

"Do it!" Hawk Moth screamed inside her head.

Feline Blanc sent her cataclysm plummeting down towards Amy once again, this time with nothing to get in her way. Blood spattered, time seemed to move more slowly around them, pain invited itself into Sylvia's chest. Amy opened her eyes and looked in front of her, horrified at what she saw. She had picked up one of Wolf's swords and held it forward as Feline Blanc attacked her. She felt a weight on the blade that hadn't been there before and blood flowing down her hands.

What had she done? She didn't even realize that she had picked up a sword. But surely this couldn't be happening right? She couldn't have killed her best friend. She didn't mean all those awful things she had said before. She loved Sylvia! She would never hurt her! She couldn't! She wouldn't. Please God let this be a dream!

Feline Blanc coughed up a small amount of blood before falling backwards.

(A few hours later)

Amy stood alone in Master Fu's tea shop with both the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous in her possession. In fact, they weren't just in her possession, she had unified Plagg and Tikki together and stood in a dark corner, waiting for Master Fu to make an appearance.

When Master Fu finally did return to his shop he was astonished at what he saw.

"Amy! I have been looking for you for hours! Why haven't you responded to my calls?"

Amy stood in her corner silently, refusing to face Master Fu. Tears of turmoil and regret wetted her cheeks.

"Amy… you've combined the Miraculous…"

"I'm sorry to have failed you Master Fu. I was a terrible Scarlet Beetle." Amy's voice was soft and somber, she had clearly been crying for hours.

"This is a time for mourning Amy, I know the pain of your loss. I can help you."

Master Fu's words seemed to fall of deaf ears.

"You said before… whoever combines the Ladybug and Black Cat Miraculous gets a wish right?"

"Wait Amy, please! Whatever it is you're planning to do, please don't do it! You have no idea what the consequences will be!"

Amy didn't respond to Master Fu's plea. He couldn't tell if she ignored it or if she was in too much pain to even hear it.

"I didn't deserve a friend like Sylvia. I never did."

"I'm sorry Amy. You can't bring her back."

"I know." Amy finally looked back at Master Fu. Her face wore a look of regret that few people ever feel. "I don't plan to."

"You must not give into temptation! Give the Miraculous to me. I promise if you give me a chance I can help you."

"Just promise me one thing, Master Fu."

"Anything Amy." Master Fu was nervous. He couldn't tell exactly what was going through Amy's mind.

"Don't tell Alex. I don't think he could take it if he found out. He's been through enough already."

Master Fu was a bit confused at her request. Don't tell Alex what exactly?

A huge flashing red light filled the tea shop. There was nothing Master Fu could do. Amy had made her wish.

(End of Flashback)

"So what did she do? What did Amy wish for?" Cat Noir's voice was a little louder than what it should have been.

A single tear rolled down Master Fu's face.

"No…" Ladybug whispered to herself.

The Miraculous left nothing of her behind. Not even a body. After that I…"

Master Fu struggled to hold back his tears, somewhat failing as he recalled the memories he would rather forget. "After that I decided to honor Amy's last wish. I told Alex that she had simply ran away and asked not to be followed. It's my fault that for the past 2 years he has been hunting down a ghost. It is the deepest regret I have ever had to endure."

Ladybug and Cat Noir looked at each other to gauge one anothers reaction. They both wore the same look, one of pity and sympathy. Alex still didn't know the truth and now they couldn't afford to tell him.

And so the question remained. What were they going to do?