Marin placed the Snake Miraculous on his wrist, the bracelet turning a rose gold, as a turquoise color light appeared before him, materializing into the snake Miraculous who bowed his head respectfully. They were sitting alone as Master Fu was in his workshop, brewing ointments for his craft while Marin sat with Tikki, Wayzz, and Sass.
"It is an honor to meet you again Ladybug." Sass said as Marin smiled the Kwami. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Come on Sass, I told you there's no need to be so formal," Marin said as he petted Sass's cheek. "I just came by today because I think I have something I think you'll like." He said as he placed a small take out box from his family's bakery. "Ta-da. Mini-matcha tiramisu cakes." He presented, placing 4 small cups on the table. Tikki and Wayzz's eyes lit up with excitement as began tasting the semi-sweet desert. Marin noticed Sass sniffing it for a moment, licking the whipping cream before then taking a bite of the actual cake.
"It is...quite good." Sass complimented, but Marin could tell what the Kwami was really feeling as he didn't seemed moved at all by the flavor.
"Hm, you don't seem to like, sweet, salty, or anything bitter..." He said to himself but then he tilted his head curiously, "How about something more savory?" He suggested.
"I am already humbled that you are trying so hard to please me, but I cannot have you go through so much trouble for me." Sass said formally as Marin's expression softened.
"It's no trouble," Marin reassured as his chest swelled with pride. "I think it helps my creativity when I come up with new recipes for you guys, I like a good challenge. Besides, I want to make something that you'll really enjoy, just like the rest of your siblings." He said as he nuzzled Sass's head. The small Kwami leaned into his touch, a smile drawing on his face at the attention he was receiving. He already knew that Sass wasn't the type to make a fuss, even if there was something that he desired. So to make him smile naturally through something that he actually liked would be a true victory.
Suddenly, an alarm beeped on his phone as Marin pulled it out to check the time. "Uh oh, we have to go now, but I promise, I'll certainly find a way to make something that you'll like." Marin said as Sass nodded his head. "I'll see you later.
"Thank you," Adrien said gratefully, carrying Kagami's bag as well as his own as he waved at his bodyguard driving away. He then walked up to Kagami
"Are you sure your friends will be okay with someone else showing up unannounced?" Kagami asked.
"Yeah, they're all friendly, don't worry," Adrien said as they walked onto the boat.
"Adrien, good to see you!"
"Hello Miss- I mean, Captain Anarka." Adrien greeted as Juleka's mom smiled at him, she was seemingly setting up the stage.
"The kids are already downstairs practicing." She informed as she returned to tuning her own instruments.
"Thanks." Adrien said as he tilted his head towards the stairs. Kagami followed him as they both heard music playing, walking in on the band members and his friends scattered about the room.
"Adrien! Kagami!" Alya said as she greeted Adrien with a hug to which he returned with a hug at her friendliness.
"Your father let you out?" Alix asked as she turned her head towards them, sitting next to Mylène and Rose on the sofa.
"We're officially at fencing practice right now, but - Oh, no, Kagami. Isn't this the wrong address?" Adrien said playfully as he glanced at Kagami, who returned his playful gaze.
"Oh, dear, I think you're right." Kagami said as the two giggled.
"Okay now shush you two." Alya said, as she turned their attention towards their shared friend. Marin was scratching something in his notebook in a deep trance, not even bother by Luka sitting back-to-back with him, strumming his guitar.
"They're so cute together," Mylène sighed as Rose agreed with a lovestruck expression in both of their eyes.
"Sure are."
"I agree. That boy and your friend seem to be very comfortable with each other." Kagami commented as Adrien looked at his friend confusingly.
"You think?" Adrien asked, as he saw Kagami nod, folding her hands behind her back.
"They've been like this for half an hour." Alya said.
"We're taking turns to see which one of us can break Marin out of his trance. We all had our turns, now it's Luka's." Alix explained as a cheeky expression drew on her face just as she seemed to be taking firecrackers out of her pocket, "unless-"
"No." Alya and Mylène said together as Alix scoffed, muttering something about her friends be no fun under her breath.
Adrien then noticed Luka waving at them in greeting, his strumming turning more melodic as Luka hummed a song. One that immediately made Marin react as his face turned red, elbowing Luka's side behind him as the taller boy had the taller boy probably told him something embarrassing. But then he glanced towards Rose who held out her hand, receiving pocket change as it appeared she had won a bet.
Marin narrowed his eyes, writing down deserts he hadn't thought about for a while, doodling costume designs for Kitty Section that aligned with all of everyone's parameters. All of the ideas bounced around in his head, making everything around him hazy.
That was until he heard that stupid song.
He dug his pencil into his sketchbook as his face burned red, feeling Luka's weight on his back as his voice near his ear. Reflexively, he jabbed his friend, with his elbow, but the impact didn't make Luka stop playing. In fact, it seemed to edge him on, a little further, as he sang, "And life will always be, la vie en rose..."
Marin wanted to strangle him on the spot, his face burning red, but couldn't as Alix then walked up to him.
"Hey, space case, we've been trying to get your attention for the past hour now," Alix said as she bopped his head with the end of an empty water bottle. "What's up with you today dude?"
"It's uh-" Marin stammered for a moment until he saw that all eyes were on him, and apparently, Adrien and Kagami had shown up, though he couldn't be sure of when they arrived.
"You're writing down food names?" Marin flinched back, hearing his friend near his hear as saw Luka glance over his shoulder.
"It's...I'm trying to come up with a dessert for a...customer," Marin explained carefully, averting his gaze as he rubbed the back of his neck, the weight on his back lightening as Luka sat properly next to him.
"This dude picky about your family's vast selections?" Alix asked.
"No no, it's more of a personal thing I've decided to undergo. I've been trying for weeks to think of something, but it just feels like I'm going around in circles." He sighed.
"Well, I don't know much about baking, but do you wanna take a break?" Luka asked as he strummed a few notes, making Marin blush as he hid his face behind his sketchbook as he eyed his guitar. Luckily it wasn't his acoustic guitar, something that Marin promised himself he would never ever touch it again for as long as he lived. Then again, he probably shouldn't touch any guitar ever again. Actually, make that any kind of musical instrument, just to be safe.
He glanced down at his sketchbook for a moment, but then nodded as he placed it back in his bag, spotting Adrien as he walked over to his friends.
"You actually came?" Marin asked as Adrien nodded.
"Of course, I didn't want to miss out." Adrien said as he placed his Kagami's bags on the ground, then walked towards the band while Marin was left with her.
He immediately grew nervous as he stood next to her, almost feeling her icy aura against his skin."Um, it's nice to see you Kagami." He greeted, grasping his arm.
"Nice to see you too, Marin. Have you come to watch your boyfriend rehearse?" She asked as Marin looked at her in confusion.
"Boyfriend?" Marin questioned. Suddenly, they all hear yelling, and piano music from outside.
" I will NOT be your second chance!" They all heard as they walked up to see what was causing the noise, but Alya pulled Marin back for a moment.
"Kagami might be on to something, you know." she said suggestively as she has an impish grin on her face.
"About what?"
"You know...Luka?" Alya prompted.
Marin stared at her for a moment, not understanding until Alya sighed, dragging her friend to the deck of the boat. They all were surprised to see Jagged Stone playing a grand piano atop a bus. But the next thing Marin knew he felt something heavy wrap around his leg as Alya screamed, grasping his arm.
"How are you not freaked out?!" Alya asked as she watched her normally timid friend kneel before a strangely eager gator.
"What Fang? He's just a little hungry." Marin said as he took out a macaroon from his bag, feeding the gator who licked the crumbs off his hands. "He's a sweethear-" He was about to say until Anarka started yelling.
"You know, perfectly well you were my first choice. You're the only one, Anarki." The rockstar said as Anarka glared at him.
"Anarki?" Juleka and Luka said in unison as they glanced at their mother.
"You can't fool me, pirate. I bet you threw your guitars overboard again!"
"No, I swear, I didn't. She sailed away from me, she left me in the lurch." Jagged said as he then took out an old looking CD. "Look how perfect we were together. Come back and play with me, Anarki."
"Jagged and our mom?" Luka asked, exchanging a worried expression with his sister, both of them looking uncomfortable at what was developing.
"We're not co-captains anymore. I work alone now, skipper." Anarka said sternly as she crossed her arms, walking away from the conversation as the rockstar sighed. However, his eyes lit up again he saw a familiar face petting his pet crocodile.
"Marin! You're here!" Jagged said as he spotted him. "Awesome designer of these rock in those shades of mine, I'm sure you can help me. I need a guitarist like yesterday. Do you play guitar?"
" Me?" Marin asked as his face ran red, technically, yes, but...
"Guitar? No, not really..." He said as Fang nuzzled his hand asking for more attention.
"Oh, that's a bummer, hey, what about you with the awesome t-shirt?" Jagged asked as Luka was placed on the spot. For once, Luka looked uncertain as he noticed his mother glaring at him but his idol was asking him to play alongside him, effectively placing him between a rock and a hard place.
"-But it's just because I'm a little rusty!" Marin suddenly spoke up as his cheeks burned focusing all attention on him. Everyone looked at him in confusion as Luka looked at him in concern, already knowing how Marin felt about playing but was outshined by the rockstar's eagerness.
"Perfect! You rock, Marin!" The rockstar cheered as Fang's tail wagged at the sound of his owner.
"You play?" Alya asked as Marin only responded with a number of sounds, none of which were words. As Luka walked over to him, gripping the strap of his guitar.
"Are you sure about this?" He asked worriedly, about to hand over his guitar.
"N-no problem." Marin
over his guitar as the sound of trumpets that made everyone look up towards a new Akumatized villain.
"Jagged Stone! So you fire me, and now you want to replace me with what? A school-kid?" She demanded.
"Vivica? Is that you?" Jagged Stone asked.
"THERE AIN'T NO MORE VIVICA. There's only Desperada now. If I can't be your guitarist anymore, I'm gonna make sure NOBODY can!" She said.
"You ship rat! I knew you were lying. Vivica didn't leave you. You dropped her just like he would drop the bar over the most ridiculous things." Anarka snapped at the Rockstar who recoiled fearfully.
"What? You were thinking of replacing me with HER?" Desperada demanded as she took out a warped looking trumpet.
" Hey! - I'm a much better guitarist than you, and I was his first choice."
In that case, you'll be my first choice too! I never miss a musical note. Vivica ALWAYS hits her targets!" Desperada cackled as she shot Anarka, cackling as she disappeared in a puff of yellow smoke. She laughed like a maniac shooting almost everyone on board. Marin spotted Kagami grabbing a microphone stand, dashing towards the enemy, but didn't last a second as she was captured along with almost everyone else.
Marin immediately ran towards the bus, hiding behind it, overhearing Desperada's voice yelling out.
"Where are you running to wannabe?!"
"Marin, you have to transform now!" Tikki informed as he peeked out behind the bus. He froze for a moment as he saw Adrien and Luka ducking for cover.
"I can't just leave my friends." Marin said, trying to come up with a plan. Suddenly, he felt a nuzzle as he looked down to see Fang looking up expectantly at him. "Not now Fang-" Marin was about to say, petting his snout, but noticed his ladybug printed tie. An idea then sparked in his head as he took out his phone.
Adrien ran towards the captain's deck, just about to walk in to transform before he felt someone grasp his shoulder.
"Not there. You'd be a sitting duck in that cabinet." Luka informed as they both peeked out towards the bridge but only saw Desperada shooting Jagged stone and his manager.
"Where are you running to wannabe?!" She called out, summoning two horns from her guitar case.
"This could be a problem," Luka said as they saw Desperada guarding the only way off the boat.
Adrien silently agreed, with Luka here he couldn't transform, they were pretty much trapped together until Desperada decided to-
A phone buzzing caught Adrien's attention as he saw Luka taking out his. He saw a fond smile drawing on his friend's face as he then turned towards Adrien.
"See Fang out there?" He asked as Adrien carefully looked out, seeing Fang's tail peeking out from behind the bus, wagging happily.
"Yeah." Adrien nodded as he saw Luka typing back.
"Get ready." Luka said, as Adrien then heard guitar playing.
Desperada immediately whipped her head around, growling at the sound of guitar playing as she charged towards it. "There you are!" She remarked, leaving an opening for Adrien and Luka to run towards. Adrien overheard Desperada grimacing as he saw her looking down at Fang who was growling having something tied around his neck as she turned her attention back towards the boat.
As Adrien took cover behind a nearby pillar he was shocked for a moment as he saw Luka wasn't behind him, sighed in relief as he saw his friend running up.
"What happened?" Adrien asked as Luka was trying to catch his breath.
"Just needed to grab something." He said, putting something into his back pocket. But then they both heard a yell of annoyance as they saw Desperada getting slammed to the ground by Ladybug's yo-yo wrapped around her. Just as the hero was about to grab her guitar she kicked him back, slipping free of the bindings. Time seemed to slow down for a moment as she lined up her shot, smiling in amusement as she held him to the ground with her foot on his chest.
"NO!" Adrien reflexively called out stepping out into the open, hearing the shot fired, frozen for a moment as a yellow puff of smoke hid his partner. But then Desperada was kicked back all of a sudden as Ladybug glanced at him, now missing his yo-yo. The villain yelled at him, trading her horn for a dangerous-looking guitar as Ladybug could only evade with his strongest weapon.
"Where's Chat Noir?" Luka asked as he pulled Adrien back to safety.
"He might not make it here in time." Adrien murmured as he felt guilt bubbling in his stomach.
"Then we must help Ladybug." He said taking out his guitar, stepping out into the open as Ladybug was very narrowly evading the villain's attacks. He immediately started to play, garnering the attention of the Desperada who glared at him.
"Pesky brat!" She said gritting her teeth together, aiming her shots towards Luka who stood his ground. Adrien then pushed him out of the way just before the shots could take him out, the two of them now exposed as Desperada now aimed for both of them. She would have taken them out as well if it weren't for Ladybug using his scarf to blind her for a moment, then kicked her off of the bridge as he glanced towards them.
"This way - quick!" Ladybug called out, opening a sewer grate. Luka climbed down first then Adrien, who noticed his partner making sure they weren't being watched as he then followed them. He heard Desperada call out, "You won't get away for long!" As Ladybug closed the grate, sliding down as he glanced at Luka.
"You shouldn't have put yourself in danger like that." He scolded, "But... thank you."
Luka smiled at the Ladybug fondly, "You can count on us whenever you need help." He said strumming a few notes on his guitar that echoed through the sewers.
"I appreciate it, but when you're dealing with a supervillain, it's better to have a partner with superpowers." He said, but then looked up towards the grate. "Speaking of..." He said, as he was about to reach for his yo-yo, but then remembered. He crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes for a moment deep in thought. "Without my yo-yo and Chat Noir, I'll be at a severe disadvantage..." He said as Adrien glanced away apologetically. "I'm gonna have to leave you guys for now, but I'll be back soon." He said glancing at Adrien for a moment. "There should be a maintenance shed down the tunnel, hideout there and I'll find you later on." He ordered walking down the other direction.
"What about you?" Adrien asked as he watched his partner walk past.
"I need to see a friend." He only responded as Adrien knew what this meant. He felt bad for almost getting his partner shot but, for now, he could only follow Luka down further into the tunnels. Promising himself that as Chat Noir, he would surely keep his partner safe.
Marin peaked his head out of the sewers, seeing the coast was clear he immediately ran into the back alley of the shop.
"Master Fu there's an emergenc-" Marin said, opening the door, but his master froze as soon as he heard his voice. He turned towards him slowly with his cheeks stuffed the cakes he had brought by earlier.
"Master!" Marin schooled, "you're not supposed to be eating those!" He said noticing that Wayzz wasn't around right now. Master Fu had probably saw his chance when Wayzz took his afternoon nap. But there was no time for that now as Marin knelt before him. "There's a new villain, Desperada, she shot away my yo-yo and a bunch of my friends, and probably Chat Noir as far as I knew because I can't find him. So I think it's grounds for bringing a new ally into the fray." He informed quickly as Master Fu placed his plate down.
"Then there's no time to waste." He informed, removing the Miracle box out of the gramophone, placing it on the table between himself and Marin. "Marinus Dupain-Cheng. You must pick an ally you can trust to fight alongside you on this mission. Once the mission is over, you will take the Miraculous back and return it to me."
Marin narrowed his eyes, reciting the abilities of every Miraculous in his head as he mumbled to himself, but then immediately picked up the snake Miraculous.
Master Fu looked at his choice in surprise. "Sass's power is a very strong one, Marin. Whoever uses it must be wise enough. Not to be tempted to manipulate time for their own personal game."
Marin nodded, placing the Miraculous into it's box. "I understand, Master Fu, I think I know just the perfect person." He said as he could feel his cheeks heat up.
"You can hide in here. It's a bit tight for the two of us. I'll go in another one." Adrien informed as he opened a locker for Luka to hide in.
"Okay - see you later." Luka said, closing the door behind him.
Adrien walked over to the other locker, opening and then closing it as he tip-toed out of the room and ran down the hall.
"How about a little nap while we wait for Ladybug to come back?" Plagg asked as he hovered nearby.
"It's time for Chat Noir to make his entrance. Plagg, claws-" He was about to say until he then bumped unto someone, Plagg quickly hid away. Adrien's eyes widened as his face burned red with embarrassment, looking at who he bumped into.
"I'm so sorry!" Adrien immediately apologized, standing up as he held out his hand towards his partner. But Ladybug's attention was more centered on the black box on the ground. Adrien stared at it as Ladybug picked it up, making sure that it wasn't damaged.
"It's fine, what are you doing out here, is Lu-your friend, alright?" Ladybug asked as Adrien averted his gaze guiltily, silently apologizing to Luka.
" Yeah. I was just hiding a bit further down. I thought it'd be better if Desperada couldn't find us both in the same place." He said as he recognized the black box in his partner's hand. "Um, what is that?" Adrien could help but ask as he saw Plagg hovering nearby, behind Ladybug out of sight of his partner's vision.
"It's an advantage." Ladybug said as Adrien noticed his partner didn't have his yo-yo, but had his scarf back on.
"What happened to your weapon?" He asked.
"Usually my weapon disappears when I transform back, but in this case, it like Desperada's guitar case is holding it captive. Chances are, if we can destroy it, then I can get it back. But for now, we'll have to face her without a Lucky Charm."
"We?" Adrien asked as he was stunned at Ladybug holding out the Miraculous towards him.
"Adrien Agreste, this is the Miraculous of the Snake, which grants the power of Intuition. You will use it for the greater good. Once we defeat the supervillain, you will return the Miraculous to me. Can I trust you?" He asked as Adrien stared at the box presented before him. He stared at his partner for a moment as he then noticed Plagg behind him, furiously shaking his head.
But Adrien took the box, "Yes, Ladybug." He said, and then opened the box as a light formed, materializing into a snake-like Kwami. Adrien looked at the new Kwami in amazement as the Kwami looked up towards him with a smile.
"Salutations, my name is Sass. I'll shall your Kwami."
"Alright." Adrien nodded as he placed the bracelet on. "But what am I supposed to do?" He said, playing the role of a first-time user.
"All you have to say is...Sass, scales slither."
"Sass, scales slither!" Adrien repeated as he transformed into a new hero. He looked over his new form, it felt similar to when he was Chat Noir, he probably had the same enhanced strength and speed. "This feels..." Adrien said, but was speechless as Ladybug then placed his hand on his shoulder.
"The Snake Miraculous is an especially powerful one, it gives you the ability, Second Chance. With enables you to travel back five minutes to when you activated your power." Ladybug explained as he walked towards a nearby ladder.
"What will you do then?" Adrien asked as he gripped the hand where his Miraculous should've been.
"Without my Lucky Charm I can only do so much, maybe incapacitate her at the most. I'll take a blow for you if I can, but it'll have to be on you to find a way to take her out." Ladybug informed. "You need to be extremely careful."
Adrien nodded towards the hero. "I won't disappoint you, Ladybug." He said, but then blushed as Ladybug smiled at him reassuringly.
"I know you won't. You're perfect. Uh, perfectly capable of defeating Desperada!" Ladybug stammered for a moment. "I know you'll be able to handle this, I chose you for a reason after all. Alright, activate your power now, while we're in a place of safety."
Adrien nodded, grasping his bracelet. "Second Chance!" He said as his Miraculous glowed for a moment, the snakes' eyes were now lit up.
"When the head returned to it's original place, you'll transform back." Ladybug informed as Adrien nodded to him in understanding. Ladybug climbed up towards the surface first as Adrien followed, he made sure the coast was clear before walking out carefully.
Ladybug held out his hand for Adrien to stay hidden under the cover of the manhole. "I can't sense the Akuma anywhere nearby." He said suspiciously looking around, but then looked behind him as he heard a faint sound, however then disappeared in a yellow puff of smoke as Adrien gasped, about to reset his bracelet until Plagg appeared, clearly annoyed.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Plagg demanded.
"Plagg, Ladybug needs me. He needs "Adrien"!" He tried to explain but his Kwami had his arms crossed in disapproval.
"Oh please," Plagg scoffed, "you just wanted to spend some time with your little "lovebug" as yourself!"
Adrien looked away as Plagg's observation was right on the nose. "He said that he chose me for a reason and right now I have to live up to that expectation." About to reset until Plagg hovered before the Snake Miraculous.
"No no! You can't be Chat Noir and another superhero at the same time! Which means that you're not the perfect guy for this mission!"
"Ladybug needs someone who can use the Snake Miraculous, if that what he believes-"
"Ladybug needs Chat Noir more!" Plagg retorted, "The only reason he went after the Snake Miraculous first was because he had no idea where Chat Noir was. Why can't you ever remember what I tell you." The Kwami sighed. "Chat Noir's mission, is to always support Ladybug."
Adrien averted his gaze, knowing his Kwami was right, but gently pushed his Kwami away, "This is the best way that I can support him."
"That's not how it works. Why am I bothering? You're not even listening-" He heard Plagg say just before he reset the snake.
"When the head returned to it's original place, you'll transform back." Ladybug informed as Adrien realized he was back in the sewer. Just as his partner was about to walk back up towards the surface Adrien grasped his hand.
"Wait, if you go back up, you'll be ambushed." He informed as Ladybug stared at him for a moment.
"You already reset?" Ladybug asked as Adrien nodded.
"Yeah, you said that you couldn't senes the Akuma anywhere nearby," Adrien informed as Ladybug nodded.
"Alright." Ladybug said, "We'll need to head out in a different direction." They climbed up again this time Adrien guided him down a different direction, but then noticed a bouquet lain on the ground nearby. He couldn't help himself as picked up a red rose. He grasped his partner's hand for a moment as he held out the rose before him.
"Thank you for choosing me, Ladybug."
His partner stared at him for a moment, but just before he could respond, he pushed him out of the way as Desperada slammed her guitar against him. Adrien immediately sprinted away as his partner disappeared before his eyes once more, heaving down into the subway as Plagg appeared before him.
"Thanks for choosing me Ladybug." Plagg mocked. "What were you thinking, accepting the Miraculous like that?!"
"I just need another chance!" Adrien said, as he reset his Miraculous.
"When the head returned to it's original place, you'll transform back-" Ladybug was explaining until he was cut off when Adrien grasped his hand, leading him down the sewer tunnels.
"We can't leave through that way." Adrien quickly said as Ladybug realized what he was implying.
"Any sign of Chat Noir?" He asked as Adrien averted his gaze.
"No, none. But I think we'll be okay if we find a different exit." Adrien said as they sprinted down the tunnels. As they found another ladder Adrien was about to climb up first until Ladybug grasped his hand.
"I'll go first." He ordered as Adrien looked at him with uncertainty, not wanting to see his partner disappear again. However, his expression didn't go unnoticed as Ladybug placed his hand on his shoulder. "I told you before didn't I? I'll take the blow, you just figure out a way to defeat Desperada." Ladybug said as he climbed out first, making sure it was safe before Adrien walked out.
Adrien immediately grasped Ladybug's hand as they both took cover behind a car. "If we can't see her, we can at least make sure she can't see us." Adrien said as Ladybug nodded.
"Thanks Ag- I mean..." Ladybug stumbled over his words for a moment as Adrien's expression couldn't help but soften.
"Aspik." Adrien said, as Ladybug glanced towards him. "It's my hero name." he introduced as Ladybug nodded.
"Thanks Aspik." Ladybug thanked, but then reflexively pushed him out of the way as they both heard something land atop the car. Aspik saw Ladybug disappear again as he grimaced to himself, siding under the car for cover as he grasped his bracelet. Plagg appeared before him, about to say something until Aspik glared at him.
"I know already!" He snapped at his Kwami as he reset again. However, it appeared to be the same situation over and over again.
Every time he tried to protect his partner from getting shot, he failed, more than once he became the reason his partner disappeared. That feeling of frustration burned inside of him, inside his heart as he tried to think through every possible way, anyway he could save him. But the sight slapped him every single time as Desperada took Ladybug out.
Ultimately, there was only one thing he could do as he reset the Snake Miraculous for the final time.
"When the head returned to it's original place, you-" Ladybug explained as Adrien suddenly interrupted him.
"Sass, scales rest." Adrien said as he caught Sass who looked exhausted when he fell into his hands. He couldn't bring himself to look at Ladybug, who glanced at the snake Kwami in concern, then looked at Adrien with a cold steely gaze.
"How many times?"
"25,913." Adrien said, as he tensed up, looking at Ladybug's shocked expression.
"I've already tried 25,913 times to save you but I failed every single time-OW!" Adrien was just about to explain as suddenly Ladybug flicked his forehead. He looked at him in surprise, his hand planted on his forehead noticing his partner's eyes burn before a wave of realization washed over him. He walked away for a few moments, hands grasping his hair as he was seemingly processing what he was just told.
"I'm an idiot." Ladybug staid as Adrien's heart fell, feeling like he just got slapped in the face at how badly he had messed up.
Adrien hung his head shamefully, removing his Miraculous and placing it back into the box as he held it out towards his partner. "I'm sorry I failed you." he said, eyes watering. He immediately turned his head away as he felt the Miraculous being taken hanging his head shamefully as he grasped his arms.
"Adrien?" They both turned to see Luka walking over, looked at the two of them in confusion. "I heard you voice echoing, I got worried when I saw you weren't in the locker anymore." He said as Adrien quickly turned away, wiping away his tears.
"Kind, courageous, empathetic, I think he's the one you're looking for." Adrien said, still feeling terrible, but offering some sort of consolation to his mistake. But just as he was about to run away, he felt Ladybug grasp his hand.
"This isn't over by the way." Ladybug informed as Adrien felt a fear strike his heart, only nodding. But was stunned as Ladybug pulled him into a tight hug. The moment felt like an eternity due to the shock, but he wished it would last a little longer as Ladybug pulled back. He then walked away, resting his back against the corner as Plagg phased through the wall. The two stared at each other for a moment before Plagg hugged him, not saying anything as Adrien accepted the gesture, smiling down at his Kwami.
"I don't think Ladybug is fond of his experience with Adrien Agreste. He probably hates me now..." He said with a heavy tone, but Plagg looked up towards him a rare reassuring expression.
"Sure, Ladybug loves and cares for all of us Kwami, but he would never- well." Plagg was about to reassure, but then remembered the disdain the hero held for Hawkmoth. "But what matters, is that you make up for your mistake as Chat Noir!" He hastily added as his partner sighed sadly.
"What were you looking for?" Luka asked as he walked up looking at Ladybug in confusion as he saw a small black box held towards him.
"Luka Couffine, this is the Miraculous of the Snake, which grants the power of Intuition. You will use it for the greater good and once the mission is over, you will return the Miraculous to me. Can I trust you?" Ladybug asked as he saw Luka look down towards the Miraculous box in surprise. He didn't hesitate to pick it up.
"Desperada took out my family and my friends, I promise I'll help you get them back." He said with resolve but he flinched back opening the Miraculous box. A turquoise-colored light flew around him as it materialized back into Sass.
The Kwami was shocked at the new person presented before him, looking back at Ladybug who nodded at him supportively.
"Salutations, I am Sass. I shall be your Kwami, to use my power simply say Sass, scales slither." The Snake Kwami said as Luka placed the silver bangle on.
"Sass, scales slither!" Luka said as he then transformed, holding a lyre in his hands as both of them overhead approaching footsteps.
"Sorry I'm late to the party." Chat Noir said with a carefree smile. "Miss me?" He asked as Ladybug sighed heavily.
"I was worried you were taken out, what happened to you?" He asked.
"Well someone didn't have their phone on them, so..." Chat Noir implied as Ladybug averted his gaze nervously. "Anyway, who's our new friend?" He asked as Luka stepped forward.
"Viperion, I look forward to working with you two." He introduced as Chat Noir nodded towards him. "What's the plan Ladybug?"
"Not that we have Chat Noir, we're better off then we were before, but I still need to get my yo-yo back to turn everything back to normal." He said. "Chat Noir, your staff." He asked as his partner handed it over to him. Ladybug then walked up the ladder, pushing away the manhole and used the weapon as a makeshift telescope, narrowing his eyes as he spotted Desperada upon Eiffel tower, waiting for them to appear.
"I've got her insight," He informed as he jumped back down. "She's waiting for us at the Eiffel Tower, Chat Noir, do you think you'll be able to take out one of the legs with you Cataclysm from below?" He asked as his partner rested his staff on his shoulders.
"Piece of cake." He said going on ahead but saw Ladybug still held a worried expression on his face.
"We'll be at a disadvantage without my Lucky Charm, so we're going to have to rely on you Viperion. Do you think you'll be able to handle it?"
"I think so," He said, "I guess you'll have to be our Lucky Charm for this mission." Viperion remarked as Ladybug chuckled at his comment.
"Thank for the vote of confidence." Ladybug said as he led the way towards the base of the tower.
Ladybug watched from cover as Chat Noir destroyed Desperada's vantage point from below, making her fall to the ground as she looked around wildly. The hero scoured the area, seeing that it was mostly clear of debris. He then turned towards Chat Noir who climbed up from the sewage systems.
"Looked like someone isn't a fan of my work." He joked as he saw Desperada pace with her twin horns in hand.
Ladybug turned towards their new partner placing his hand on his shoulder. "Viperion, it's your mission to figure out how to take her out without me or Chat Noir getting blasted. Chat Noir and I will protect you as best we can, but no matter what, prioritize your own safety." He ordered as Viperion activated his power.
"Alright let's-" Chat Noir was about to say, stepping towards the villain but Viperion placed his hand on his wrist to stop him.
"Wait, this time I know what to do." He said.
"How many times?" Ladybug asked reflexively as Chat Noir glanced at him.
"4." Viperion informed as Chat Noir screamed internally. "Also, Ladybug's going to need your belt."
Ladybug could hear Viperions strumming as he and Chat Noir recognized the signal, both of them dashed forward as Desperda aimed for Viperion. Chat Noir knocked one of Desperada's horns with his staff, gaining her attention for a moment as Ladybug had kicked the other one away with the help of his partner's distraction. He then used Chat Noir's belt to bind one of her hand, tightening it as Viperien trapped her other arm, both then kicking the back of her knee as Chat Noir clawed her guitar case, releasing the Akuma and Ladybug's yo-yo as he destroyed the sticker.
"I believe this is yours." Chat Noir said as he tossed his partner's weapon back.
"Lucky Charm!" Ladybug said, as he tossed the yo-yo in the air, then received as ladybug printed bangle. He hummed for a moment, glancing at Viperion who returned his gaze with a smile as Ladybug then glanced at the Akuma fluttering by. "No more mischief from you little Akuma. Time to purify!" Ladybug said as he swung his yo-yo towards the possessed Akuma, capturing it in one motion. Then opening it once more, watching the newly purified Akuma fly away. "Bye-bye, little butterfly. Miraculous Ladybug!" Ladybug called out, throwing up the lucky charm as everything turned back to normal.
Desperada turned back to normal, looking around in confusion as the three heroes then bumped fists together victoriously.
But then, both Chat Noir's and Viperion's Miraculous began to beep.
"Uh-oh. This cat's gotta scram, it was nice working with you Viperion!" Chat Noir quickly said, running away towards the rooftops.
"Likewise." Viperion said Ladybug then stepped forward.
"Come on, I'll see you off." He said wrapping his arm around Viperions waist while the taller boy rested his arm around the hero's shoulder. Ladybug Lifted the two of them towards a nearby alleyway just as Viperion transformed back. He caught Sass in his hands just as the Kwami looked ready to pass out.
"Sorry about today little snake." Ladybug apologized as Luka passed the Kwami over to him. Ladybug then took a macaroon out of his yo-yo's storage unit. Sass sniffed it for a moment before he bit into it hungrily.
"Thank you for trusting me today Ladybug." Luka thanked as he handed the Miraculous back within it's box. As Sass finished off his snack he nodded towards Luka before warping back into his Miraculous.
"I should be the one thanking you." Ladybug said as he stored the Miraculous away within his yo-yo, then throwing it towards another building. "I'm sure we'll meet again sometime." He said as he then jumped towards the rooftops, not noticing Luka's gaze linger on the hero until he disappeared from sight.
Adrien was already waiting back on the boat, overhearing as Jagged Stone and Anarka made up over their earlier squabble, and even with the guitarist is supposedly fired. He glanced at Marin sketching in his book next to Alya with Fang at his feet. Then saw Luka walking back onto the boat, back from their most recent team up together. He waved towards him with a smile as Luka returned the gesture, but the guitarist then walked towards Marin.
Adrien was surprised for a moment as he handed something to Marin who accepted it with an embarrassed expression he seemed to be thanking him as he bowed his head slightly but Luka waved him off.
"What was that about?" Adrien asked as Luka walked towards him, hooking up his guitar to the amp.
"Just returning something." Luka simply responded as Adrien noticed Marin tying his tie to his wrist, as well as his phone to his messenger bag.
"That was reckless, you could've gotten shot by Desperada." Adrien pointed out, but Luka seemed undeterred.
"He's worth it." Luka replied simply.
Adrien stared at him dumbfounded at his friend's actions for a moment, but then noticed the soft expression on Luka's face. He followed his glance, seeing that it was planted on Marin talking to Kagami about something. His eyes widened as his cheeks ran red for a moment, staring at Luka who picked up on what Adrien had concluded, only confirming it with a smile as he continued to strum his guitar melodiously.
Marin sighed in relief as he stared at his friends playing, waving towards Adrien and Luka who seemed to be only focused on their music as they glanced at each other.
"You don't get a second chance when it comes to love." Kagami said bluntly as he crossed her arms.
"Hm?" Marin hummed, as he looked to Alya for an answer. "What's she talking about?" Marin asked as he looked at Alya for an answer, to which she simply petted his head with a sigh.
"Don't worry your sweet little head about it cutie pie." She simply responded as Marin was still confused.
Afterward, a few hours later as night began to fall Marin walked back into his Master's shop with Tikki hovering nearby.
"Marinus." Wayzz greeted as he Marin entered.
"Heya, were's Master Fu?" He asked curiously, looking around, but Wayzz chuckled nervously.
"He's a little...occupied. He hasn't been eating a lot of fiber lately, but I think he'll be back in a while." He informed as Marin nodded.
"Right, thanks. I'm just here to drop off Sass." He informed as he took out the Miraculous box, placing it open on the table. Marin placed the bangle on once more, placing a white box on the table as Sass materialized.
"Salutations Ladybug." Sass said, sitting down on the table instead of hovering, the toll of the day clearly still evident.
"I think I got it this time." Marin said, as he placed a white box before Sass. Opening it, he couldn't help but smile as he saw the Kwami's eyes light up.
"Egg pudding, not too sweet, not too savory." He said as he saw the normally stoic Kwami lick his lips as he tasted dessert. No words needing to be said as he quickly devoured the desert as his siblings would. Releasing a satisfying burp before his averted his gaze in embarrassment.
"Excuse me." He said, as Marin couldn't help but chuckle.
"Enjoy it, you've worked hard today." Marin prompted as he placed another pudding cup out for Tikki and Wayzz to share, savoring the desert as much as Sass did.
As night fell and Plagg was curled up in his cheese cabinet in deep slumber, Adrien was restless. He didn't bother changing out his clothes, couldn't find the will too as he flinched at the sound of someone entering his room. He sat on his bed, not even looking up as he already knew who was here, keeping his word as the moon began to rise.
Adrien waited for it, to be scolded, to be yelled at, for be belittled, he didn't just fail one time. He had repeatedly failed his partner, someone who he genuinely loved in the worst way possible. He knew that Ladybug cared for each Kwami, what he did, abused Sass's ability in a way that was unforgivable. He would accept any consequence, any negative light that Ladybug would see him in-
"I'm sorry."
"Huh?" Adrien lifted his head as Ladybug knelt before him resting one arm on his knee as he looked up towards him. Physically lowering himself so that Adrien wouldn't have to look up towards him.
"Don't get me wrong Agreste, I am not happy about what you did, to yourself or Sass. But I misjudged the situation, for that, I'm sorry." Ladybug said, lowering his head respectfully. "I hope you can forgive me."
"What? No, I was the one who messed up!" Adrien insisted, almost close to tears as he reached out towards his partner, unfamiliar with the emotional situation he had just been thrown into. "I thought-" Adrien's voice broke as tears welled up. "I thought you would hate me. I-I couldn't do it, even though you chose me of all people..."
"Adrien, you didn't do anything wrong." Ladybug said, using his first name as a sort of comfort, speaking to him personally. "You did your best, and that's all I or anyone could ask for. I needed someone who was certain of their ability to adapt to a daunting situation and confidence in their choices. You're also an incredibly kind person, you care about others even if it's detrimental to yourself, everything I could have asked for. But you're eager to please, too eager, someone like that can't inherently utilize the Snake Miraculous to its full capability, not when you're like this." He explained gently as he then placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Even though I'm not happy what you did to Sass, I'm more worried about what you went through. A Miraculous can make you stronger, but it can also mess with your head. Why exactly did you put yourself through that so many times?"
Adrien hesitated for a moment, he knew Ladybug wouldn't push if he didn't want to talk about it. But he couldn't just say, I'm so in love with you I can't imagine ever being without you. "It's...it's like you said," He murmured. "I just didn't want to fail, you chose me and I let you down."
Ladybug smiled at him, capturing him in another hug, one that he returned, wrapping his arms around his lithe waist.
"You didn't let me down." He said simply as Adrien buried his head into the crevice of his partner's neck. "And you never have to think that you have to please me when completing a mission."
Adrien pulled back, wiping away tears that almost fell. "I guess that you'll never have to worry about that. I proved that I don't deserve the Snake Miraculous." But was stunned as Ladybug kissed his cheek.
"Probably not, but the thing about mistakes is that we can learn from them." Ladybug said leaving his comment unfinished as he then stood up, jumping towards the window. "It takes a strong person to accept power, but an even greater one to accept responsibility for their actions. Give yourself a little more credit Adrien." He said as the moon illuminated his figure, just as he jumped out of the window and onto the rooftops.
Adrien's gaze lingered as pressed his hand to his cheek, his entire face turning red as he laughed to himself, realizing just how easily Ladybug managed to sweep him off his feet. Not that he minded one bit, as any previous tension was replaced a warm feeling he knew all too well.
Notes:
-They're just friends, calm down.
- But if it wasn't clear, Adrien is in the love with Ladybug.
-Running gag of season 3, Adrien/Chat Noir will never be able to keep his promises.
-Next episode is the Kagami episode, so don't worry, our girl will be getting her screen time.