"I would rather die than tell you anything Cash!"
"Maybe you are willing to risk your life. But are you willing to do the same for him? As it turns out, his uncle is a three Michelin star chef with plenty of money to spend on a family member. Alive or not, it doesn't really matter. When it comes to things that have sentimental value, people will pay any price."
Hawkmoth heard the festering of negativity growing as he stepped forward into the light of the full moon. A smile drew on his lips as he opened the compartment on his can and allowed the Akuma to choose its target. Of the three that were in the area, he could sense three powerful auras of negativity that could serve his plans well; One of limitless greed that could not be bound by reason; one of guilt that had erupted from denial the was rooted from the need for revenge; and one of betrayal that held a plethora of limitless potential when faced with such hurt.
Much to his surprise, the akuma flew past the two teens and made it's way towards the man with endless greed, disappearing into his fan.
"King Cash, I am Hawk Moth. Your quest for riches has come to an end. Something very valuable is hidden behind that waterfall. So long as you help me get my hands on it, I will make you rich beyond your wildest dream."
The merchant grinned as evil seeped through his body. "A deal's a deal." He remarked as he transformed into an akumatized villain that towered over the others. His men were shocked at the transformation of their leader, appearing to look more hesitant as Hawkmoth stepped before them. He laid his eyes on the girl, the adopted daughter of the former master along with Marinus Dupain-Chengue, his son's supposed friend who gave no reaction to the events happening before him. Hawkmoth's eyes narrowed as he glanced at the Parisian who gave off waves of negativity, perhaps even more so than Cash, yet the Akuma chose the older man.
Hawkmoth removed any lingering thoughts as he faced his new Akumatized monster.
"King Cash, your fan will cut through anything and your touch will turn anything to gold- with your new abilities we will claim the treasure of the temple." He informed as he turned towards the young girl, Fei who looked at the two fearfully. "You will lead us to the secret chambers, or else your friend will become the first of King Cash's new treasures." Hawkmoth threatened as Fei gritted her teeth, her fear quickly morphing into anger. But then didn't fight back as he grabbed her arm, pulling her to her feet so that she could act as their guide. For a moment she looked back at her friend, looking like she wanted to say something but she was only pushed forward by King Cash who sneered at her.
"Hurry up little girl. Time is money."
Chat Noir's feet hit the rooftops as he had traversed over the entire city searching for his friend. He sighed heavily as he looked up towards the rising full moon, feeling small within this large city.
"There's no way I can cover this whole place by myself." He said to himself as he took out his baton. But then his ears twitched as he overheard the sounds of groans. The hero looked down towards the streets to see the trio from earlier- battered and bruised. The hero's eyes widened in surprise as he jumped down towards them, shocking them until the largest one of the trio pointed out.
["Hey, you're that hero from Paris!"]
["Uh, yeah. That's right! What happened to you guys?"] Chat Noir asked coyly.
["We tried to fight off these goons."] The one in the glasses informed, adjusting his now cracked frames. ["We were looking for a missing student and we found him but he and a local thief were being chased down by some scary guys."]
Immediately Chat Noir tensed up at the prospect of his best friend being in danger. Clutching his baton in hand he spoke aloud in an authoritative tone. ["Tell me exactly where they were."]
Fei hung her head as she stepped behind the waterfall and towards the entrance of the Sacred Cave. She watched as the masked villain stepped forward towards the stone gate.
"You'll never be able to open the door." She remarked, feeling a semblance of confidence as the villain turned towards her. "My father sealed away the entrance once he began to fear for the safety of the Prodigious."
The villain, Hawkmoth, only scoffed at this as he snapped his fingers, signaling King Cash to step forward.
"The belief in your father's values is charming. But in a fight between morals and my will-" In a split second, the gate was destroyed by the possessed man, shocking Fei as she watched the gate her father spent weeks creating destroyed in an instance. "There is no contest
Her breath escaped her as she began to feel her strength leave- but was forced to push forward by the two villains towards the innermost chambers. With each step she took, her hope dimmed all the more so.
["Aren't you freaked out by what happened?"] One of the two goons asked as he walked down the alleyway with his bud while their third partner looked over their hostage.
["It doesn't matter, once the boss gets back, we get our cut, and then we're all rich."] His larger companion remarked.
["But you saw what happened to Cash right? Apparently, the same thing happens in Paris all the time. All I'm saying is that what if the boss is stuck like that? And we're dealing with a freak of nature?"]
["What an informative conversation."]
The two goons whipped around at the sound of another, unfamiliar voice.
["Who's there!?"] One of them shouted as they looked around wildly until they spotted a silhouette against the full moon standing on the rooftops.
["Just your friendly neighborhood Parisian hero."] Chat Noir remarked, jumping to the ground as he rested his staff on his shoulder. ["Well, maybe not so friendly to you two."]
The two good exchanged a confused glance as they stared at the hero. ["Are you suppose to be some kind of cat-thing?"]
["Kids these days, always up to weird stuff."] One of the goons remarked as Chat Noir tapped his foot impatiently.
["Listen boys- I realize this may be a culture shock to see a Parisian celebrity, but I'm actually looking for someone. A young man taller than me, Asian, handsome face, a little clumsy but endearing, and brightest blue eyes you've seen. Seen him around?"]
As the two goons heard this description they laughed heartily. ["Yeah. That kid is our next paycheck. And once the boss finds out we've caught you, we'll be on easy street for the rest of our lives." The larger goon remarked as he and his bud both prepared for a fight. But Chat Noir wasn't impressed by their display.
["You know in most countries a black cat is a sign of good luck. Unfortunately for the two of you, I'm a Chat Noir."] The hero warned, extending his staff as he charged towards the two goons.
After defeating the final lackey, Chat Noir immediately knelt before his friend whose hands were zip-tied behind his back- freeing him quickly.
"Are you okay? Did they hurt you?" Chat Noir asked hastily, placing a hand on Marin's shoulder, noticing that his wrists were bruised from being bound for so long. Marin didn't even notice the hero at first until he finally lifted his head, looking exhausted and miserable.
"Chat Noir?" Marin asked in confusion as Chat Noir helped him to his feet, grasping his hand. "What are you doing here?"
"You say that like you didn't expect your Chat in shining armor to rescue you." Chat Noir informed, trying to lighten the mood, but could see that his best friend was in worse shape than he originally thought. Chat Nori dropped his comedic facade as he gripped his friend's hand. "Come on, we're going back to your uncle." He informed leading Marin out of the alleyway but then was stopped as Marin stood in place- hanging his head.
"I..I can't." Marin said aloud.
"What? Why Not?" Chat Noir asked in surprise, noticing that his friend was trembling. For a second the hero thought his friend was about to cry, but instead, Marin shouted aloud- shocking the hero as he had never heard his friend act in such a way.
"BECAUSE THE THIEF WHO ROBBED ME WAS MY FRIEND AND NOW SHE'S IN DANGER BECAUSE OF SOME PSYCHO WHO RUINED HER LIFE!" Marin exclaimed aloud as he then gritted his teeth together, grasping at his shirt as his breathing became hitched- overcome by anger. "WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN!? I PLACE MY TRUST IN SOMEONE AND THEN I GET BURNED! EVERY SINGLE TIME! CAN'T I JUST GET A BREAK FOR ONCE?!
Chat Noir's ears flattened as he suddenly felt helpless. Though Marin was the one who had the most going on, he always appeared to have the situation under control for the most part. He was the one who was always helping each other with their problems, and here he was now on the verge of a meltdown.
"...I...I don't...are you okay?" Chat Noir asked but flinched back slightly as Marin walked past him, surprising the hero. "Woah woah hey-" Chat Noir immediately said as he grabbed Marin's arm. "Where do you think you're going?"
"I'm going after Fei."
It took a second for Chat Noir to process what his friend had just said. "Wait, you're going after the thief?" Chat Noir asked in disbelief. "No way! Your family is worried about you!"
"That-" Marin held his tongue for a second, looking conflicted but then glared at the hero with determination."That doesn't matter. I'm not abandoning her."
"Then I'll go after your friend, after I get to to a safe place of course." Chat Noir informed but Marin shook his head.
"I'm going with you."
"Excuse me?" Chat Noir said in disbelief but Marin only pushed forward.
"They're going to a place that's hidden away and you're never going to find it in time without my help." Marin said sternly, pointing a finger in the hero's face with an unwavering expression on his face. Chat Noir almost broke into a smile, seeing his friend's courage despite all he went through, but the other part of him was very much annoyed.
Chat Noir sighed heavily as he scratched the back of his head. "How have I never noticed how stubborn you are?" Chat Noir remarked wrapping an arm around Marin's waist as he extended his staff. He then carried his friend in his arms as he sprinted across the rooftops under the light of the Harvest Moon.
"How do you know about this place anyhow?" Chat Noir asked as he jumped down into the courtyard of a burned temple, looking around as they walked through the burned remains.
"Technically I'm not supposed to. Only the masters of the temple had knowledge of this place. When I came here a long time ago Fei and I were the only students." Marin informed as he walked ahead of the hero, guiding them towards where they needed to be. However, something caught his attention as Chat Noir watched him walk away towards a small living space.
"Looks some someone's been shacking up here for a while." Chat Noir observed as he saw a worn-out mattress, tarp, and a few supplies. He turned towards his friend who appeared to have pocketed something, kneeling before an incense burner and a photo of an elder man. "...Who is that?" Chat Noir asked hesitantly.
"...My great uncle's best friend, and Fei's father." Marin said sadly as he looked at the image. "He took care of me when I was younger. He was known for his hospitality, and sharing stories to all who would listen." Marin remarked as a small smile broke out on his face. "If I had stayed in Shanghai I probably would have continued to be his student. I could have..." He then shook his head, seemingly indulging in a future where everything turned out better.
Chat Noir expression softened as he felt for his friend, knowing all too well what is was like to miss someone who was long gone. "For what it's worth, I'm glad you came to Paris."
Marin turned towards him, smiling at his words but just as he was about to say something there was a large explosion heard, coming from the mountain- shocking the two. "We need to hurry!" Marin immediately exclaimed as Chat Noir nodded, scooping his friend up and then jumping towards the source of the sound.
" Where's the fortune you promised me?" King Cash demanded as they stood before a large gate as Fei stood behind them.
"Soon, have patience." Hawkmoth informed as he stepped forward taking out a bracelet from his pocket, looking down at with a victorious smile. "Now I can finally see if this was a good investment.
"So you were my mysterious buyer! I've never made so much money on a lousy trinket." King Cash remarked with a chuckle as Fei's eyes widened.
"That's my bracelet!" She exclaimed, her eyes began to water up seeing it again after so long after believing that it was lost forever.
"Rest assured, it'll be returned once it has served its purpose." Hawkmoth informed as he stepped towards the gate, which had been opened under the light of the Harvest moon. But just as he was about to place the jewel in it's slot Hawkmoth sensed someone approaching quickly and was able to intercept Fei's kick with his cane. He stared down her angry glare as she jumped back, ready to fight.
"I was meant to protect the cave and the bracelet from villains like you. I may have failed then, but I can right that wrong now!" She exclaimed as she tried to attack him again, but Hawkmoth only scoffed as he snapped his fingers. Fei quickly turned to see King Cash attacking her, using his fan to keep her at bay while Hawkmoth continued his work. As he placed the jewel in the slot, a being appeared before him from the light of the jewel.
A fierce beast towered over him holding an orb in his hand. "Human, prepare to face the judgment of Mei Shi, the lion protector of the Prodigious!"
"Mei Shi! You can't!" Fei exclaimed as she backflipped to avoid King Cash's attacks. "They're villains!" She tried to say but continued to be hindered by the akumatized villain.
Mei Shi paid her no heed as the entrance to the vault opened and the guardian stood aside. Hawkmoth stepped in hesitantly. As he entered the sanctum he saw an aged box sitting on a stone platform. As he tried to pick it up, the box turned to ash, leaving behind a red and golden amulet, the treasure that he had been searching for.
"Place the Prodigious around your neck, human, and prepare to face my judgment." Mei Shi ordered, but Hawkmoth only scoffed.
"Whoever said that I had any intention of facing you." Hawkmoth informed, walking away from the guardian who looked at him in shock. "King King Cash, the time has come to honor our deal. How much do you think a golden guardian of this size would be worth?" The villain asked as his creation smiled greedily as he pointed his fan towards the guardian.
"You would disobey the sacred laws of your master?" Mei Shi inquired as his eyes were trained on the villain.
"You've been sleeping for too long relic." Hawkmoth remarked. "The teachings of Wu have been lost along with him."
"What?" The guardian looked at the villain in shock at the mention of the previous master until a voice rang out in the cave.
"Fei!"
Fei turned her head towards the shout and saw her old friend along with a Parisian hero standing at the entrance of the cave. Shock ran through her, unable to believe that Marin was standing there. "What are you doing here?!" Fei exclaimed in a panic as this was no place for Marin to be, fearing for his safety.
"More importantly, what is HE doing here?!" The hero, Chat Noir pointed out as he glared at Hawkmoth, his ears flattened as it was evident the hero held anger towards the villain. "Haveta say gramps, slinking around in dark caves suits you, maybe you should put in an offer and live where no one can see you."
Hawkmoth scoffed at the hero's words. "And being akumatized suited your partner, perhaps cowardice to face his defeat is the reason he's not here with you right now."
Chat Noir gripped his staff in hand taking a moment to pat his partner's shoulder with a smile. "Marin, go find somewhere to hide while I talk to that old man with terrible taste in fashion." He said with a smile, patting his shoulder as he ran into battle, clashing his staff against Hawkmoth's cane.
Rather than listening to him, however, Marin ran behind the rocks of the cave, taking the opportune chance to grab Fei, pulling her behind cover.
"You shouldn't be here!" Fei immediately said, expressing concern as Marin rolled his eyes.
"None of us should be here!" Marin pointed out. "We need to go, now!"
"I can't! Not while they have the Prodigious!" Fei said, resolved to fix her mistake.
"The Prodigious is real?!" Marin asked in surprise, but then slapped his forehead as he recalled the multiple magic fairies that lived in his room. "Of course it is, why wouldn't it be?" He then turned to his old friend with a serious expression on his face. "Fei do you have my earrings?"
"What does that have anything right now?" Fei asked in confusion as the battle behind them appeared to turn against Chat Noir as he was knocked against a stone pillar. Marin could feel the tension quickly rising as he turned back to his friend now more desperate.
"Yes or no?!"
"Yes!" Fei exclaimed, but then her attention was drawn away as she saw a chance. "Stay here." She ordered before Marin could stop her. She tumbled to her feet kicking Hawkmoth to the ground and picking up the Prodigious.
"Mei Shi! I am Fei Wu, daughter of Master Wu! And I will take over my father's mission!"
Mei Shi narrowed his eyes at her, taking a seat to the battle that was about to unfold. "Then prove to me your resolve, daughter of Wu." He said as Fei gripped the amulet in hand, placing it on. The moment she did it began to glow and her body felt lighter, more powerful than before. In a second her form changed into something new, into some more than the person she was before.
Before her appeared new creatures, happy to see her. "Greetings to our new Renren!" They said in greeting as Fei looked at them in surprise.
"New what?" Fei asked in confusion as she looked around to see how many there were. Her eyes widened as each animal was the incarnation of each value her father and master taught within their school.
"Renren, the person who wears the Prodigious, only one who holds the Prodigious is granted our wisdom." The small dragon-looking being informed.
"Who are you talking to!?" Chat Noir exclaimed as he was still fighting. He dodged King Cash's fan, jumping on it as he tried to attack the larger being with his staff.
"Some kind of magic little creatures, but apparently I'm the only one who can see them!" Fei quickly informed but was helpless to the situation at hand.
" We are the Renlings, the spirits of human values." The snake being, informed. "Each of us can turn you into a different animal if you are worthy of the virtues it represents."
Fei's eyes widened at the Renlings words, recalling the values her father had instilled in her. But then those thoughts immediately faded as King Cash turned on her, striking her with his fan. Though the possessed man was larger, that didn't diminish his speed as he followed up each attack with another. She knew that she would quickly run out of stamina as she gave some distance between them.
"If you want me, Tang Tang, the Renling of patience, to turn you into a mantis, you must show patience." The mantis Renling informed but Fei shook her head as she had to keep evading.
"Thanks, but I don't have any patience right now, sorry." Fei informed as the small bear hovered before her. "I'm Xiong Xiong, Renling of serenity."
Fei stared at the Renling in disbelief. "Calm? Is this a joke?!" She asked as Chat Noir clashed against Hawkmoth, but the villain knocked him aside against a pillar, stunning him as the two villains began to corner him. Immediately Fei knew she had to help and seeing no other option took a moment to breathe.
Serenity of the mind
Her father's words echoed in her head as she felt strength course through her, slower yet far more powerful.
"Xiong!" She exclaimed, transforming into the beast of the forests. She charged at King Cash, knocking him down while Hawkmoth evaded, she then protectively stood before Chat Noir as he fathered his senses.
"Nice charm you have there, Lady Bear." Chat Noir remarked with a smirk, as Fei nodded her head at him. But then Chat Noir's smile quickly faded as he eyed Hawkmoth and his possessed human. "Without my partner, there's no way we can purify the Akuma." He informed as Lady Bear looked at him in confusion.
"What does that mean?" Lady Bear asked.
"It means that the only way to prevent the Akuma from growing more powerful would be to destroy it. But it would mean that all the damage to this place can't be undone." Chat Noir informed quickly as Lady Bear's expression tensed up, thinking about how much harm both villains had created. She snarled at the villains but then eyes the hero.
"We have to do what has to be done in order to make them leave!" Lady Bear said as Chat Noir nodded with a smirk.
"I like your style. Did you see where the Akuma might be?" Chat Noir asked as Lady Bear nodded.
"In the fan."
"Okay then. You take on the tacky tin man, and I'll take gramps." Chat Noir informed as they split up towards their respective targets.
Lady Bear closed her eyes for a moment as King Cash flicked his fan towards her, producing golden spikes. She recalled her hours spent towards meditation, her skills in battle when she learned to wait for the opportune moment to strike her foes.
Patience of the body
"Tang!" Lady Bear exclaimed as she transformed into a mantis, scurrying across the ground at great speeds, unable to be touched by the villain who was grander in size. "Okay, I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. Xiong!" She exclaimed, transforming into Lady Bear to send King Cash flying towards a stone pillar.
"Tch- you brat!" He exclaimed angrily as his golden spikes shot at her. She thought about her training, the pride she felt in her practice, the feeling swelling into something more as fear couldn't touch her.
Courage embedded in the soul
"She!"
Transforming into the snake, Lady Snake evaded the attacks and then curled around the fan, intending to destroy it in a swift strike. Within her, she felt a flash of anger she recalled the moment she saw the fires of the temple, the despair she fostered, and the burning rage that had sustained her up until this point.
"Long!" Lady Snake exclaimed but nothing happened. "What?!" She asked in disbelief as her failure only fostered more anger. "Why can't I transform?!"
"The power of the dragon is the most powerful of them all. Your intentions must be noble and just if you aim to use it." Mei Shi informed as he watched Wu's pupil scowl in frustration.
"Of course my intentions are just! This man ruined my life! He deserves to be defeated!" Lady Snake exclaimed in disbelief, her wrath seething through.
"Revenge is the opposite of the values of the dragon. Your judgment and your intentions are clouded!" Mei Shi informed while Lady Snake hissed at the guardian.
"Then I'll find another way to defeat him then!" Lady Snake exclaimed back. "Xiong!" She exclaimed transforming into Lady Bear atop of King Cash, grabbing his fan in her mouth and biting down hard. As a crack appeared in the fan, the akuma was released, fluttered out of it while King Cash transformed back into his original form.
"Chat Noir!" Lady Bear exclaimed as he turned around for a moment towards the cat-themed hero whose wears perked at the sound of her voice. He backflipped away from Hawkmoth and spotted the akuma fluttering overhead. A grin appeared on his face as he flexed his claws.
Meanwhile, Fei's eyes were trained on Cash who was backing away from her fearfully, knocking away his fan as she stood over him."You..." Her teeth were gritted together as anger coursed through her. Looking at the terror the man had in his eye only reminded her of the sadness her father had on his face when he was finally defeated. At the time, she recalled how the second Cash turned his back he smiled victoriously.
"I couldn't do anything back then to protect him, but I can right that wrong now." She remarked as the Renren in concern.
In the foreground, Chat Noir exclaimed aloud. "Cata-"
"That's enough." Hawkmoth's voice echoed through the cave as both heroes turned to see Hawkmoth
"Tell me Chat Noir. Do you think you'll have enough time to destroy my Akuma and save a civilian?" The villain asked as he had Marin trapped, keeping him slightly elevated above the ground. Marin struggled against his grasp, trying to escape but was powerless against the villain's heightened strength.
Fei hesitated as time seemed to slow under the pressure she felt as she looked towards her old friend in danger and the person who ruined her life fleeing the scene. Knowing Cash, he had contacts and could easily disappear.
"It's over Hawkmoth." Chat Noir warned, his eyes narrowing as the villain threatened his friend's safety. "There's no one left to akumatize."
However, the villain scoffed at the hero's words as the Akuma fluttered overhead but it was in that moment it was all it took for the Akuma to fly towards Mei Shi, shocking everyone.
"Yanluo Wang!" Hawkmoth exclaimed as the butterfly disappeared within the orb he held. "With the demise of your master, there is nothing that binds you to this sacred place. The prodigious is in the hands of the unworthy!" Hawkmoth exclaimed. "With your new power, rein your judgment on the girl that would scorn the values of your lost friend!"
"Fei Wu!" Yanluo Wang bellowed as he stood from his place. "Until you prove yourself as a Master of the Prodigious, the entire city with know my wrath! No one will be spared!"
"No! Mei Shi!" Fei exclaimed in disbelief. "You can't allow Hawkmoth to control you like this!" She tried to reason but her words did nothing as the beast
"You need to destroy the orb!"
Fei tensed up as she heard Marin's voice, still a captive of Hawkmoth who cursed under his breath.
"Your first offerings Yanluo Wang, but leave the holder of destruction unharmed." Hawkmoth informed as his creation's eyes began to light up.
"NO!" Fei immediately dashed towards her old friend reaching out her arm in hopes of bridging the gap. But in her state of panic, in her desperation, she could only watch as a beam was blasted towards Marin.
In a split second, he was saved by Chat Noir, the two were sent tumbling to the ground, safe for a moment as Fei snapped into action. "Hong!" She exclaimed, transforming into a large eagle. She grabbed the two boys and flew out of the cave no longer caring about anything else and only wanting to get them to safety.
Marin's attention immediately went to Chat Noir as soon as he crashed to the ground. Fei transformed back to her normal human form but Chat Noir was unresponsive.
"Chat Noir?" Marin asked on the verge of tears as he saw his partner's arm was partially gone due to Yanluo Wang's attack, completely passed out. A chill crept up his spine, seeing that one of Chat Noir's arm, and Miraculous was covered in a glowing red jade essence that was slowly creeping up towards his body. "Chat Noir!" Marin shook his partner's shoulder slightly. He avoided touching the red jade that was infecting his friend. Chat Noir himself was unresponsive, mostly likely he had passed out due to the aftermath of being attacked by Yanluo Wang.
Marin's breathing became hitched, fearing the worst his placed his head on Chat Noir 's chest. He only let out a breath of relief as he heard his friend's heart still beating. But there was no chance for that feeling to linger as the entire ground began to shake. From the stone hill in the distance the landmark itself was destroyed as Yanluo Wang grew in size, towering over the entire city more, just as tall as a sky scraper.
Marin's stomach sank as the former guardian was walking towards them, not having spotted them yet but making it's way towards the city. Marin turned to Fei who was grasping at her Prodigious in hand, in shock at the events that had just unfolded. There were a number of things that he wanted to tell her, probably even scream at her, but there was no time for that as he spotted Hawkmoth leaping onto the edge of the temple. He watched as the villain appeared to yell something towards his akumatized creation but then was blasted- much to Marin's shock.
"I take orders from no-one!" Yanluo Wang bellowed as the villain turned to ashes.
Marin's grasped his shirt as he quickly realized the same would happen to his friend if nothing was done in time. Looking down at his friend once more he could see that the Jade was already at his shoulder and continued to spread. He took a deep breath and turned towards Fei who saw the same sight unfolding. She took a step back, looking down at the amulet while Marin could she the distress in her eyes.
"Fei- we need to save them." Marin said, holding onto Chat Noir's hand as he sat by his friend's side.
"What?" Fei looked at him helplessly.
"Yanluo Wang is not going to stop until someone does something." You're the one who holds the Prodigious. You're the only one who can stop his rampage."
"I can't...I can't do anything right!" Fei said, tossing aside the prodigious, detransforming and running away in tears.
"Fei!" Marin called out picking up the amulet but was then shaken by the area around him changing color as well as small Kwami-like spirits appeared before him.
"Renren!" They all said in unison but were in confusion as they saw that he was standing there.
"Where is our Renren?" The dragon-looking one asked, floating before him in concern.
"Is she okay?" The snake one asked.
Marin looked around at the smaller beings, feeling a pang of homesickness as he was reminded if the Kwami's that were waiting for him to return.
"We are the Renlings, the source of the Prodigious's power." The hawk informed. "We are meant to guide the user of the Prodigious in whatever challenges they are meant to face."
"Are you our new Renren?" The Mantis asked.
"No..I'm not. My name is Marin, I'm...I'm Fei's friend." Marin introduced. "Right now I need to get you back to her. Mei Shi is causing havoc across the city." Marin said as he Renlings gasped in shock.
"Mei Shi would never do that!" The Bear said in disbelief as the other Renlings.
"I'll explain on the way but right now we need to find her." Marin said as put on the Prodigious around his neck. But then he felt a rush of reluctance as he looked back at Chat Noir still unconscious with the red jade still threatening to destroy him.
Marin walked back to his partners' side while the destruction of Shanghai could still be heard in the distance. He placed a hand on his partner's forehead, brushing aside some of his hair as he felt Chat Noir's body burning- a sign of a fervor. If the situation wasn't so dire he was certain that he wouldn't leave his side. But while on his own he didn't have that luxury.
"Marin?" The dragon Renling asked as he hovered nearby him.
"He's my friend." Marin informed as he took a deep breath, calming himself some. He took a deep breath as he had to push away impulse for logic. "But I can't help him just by sitting here."
Fei broke down into tears near the remains of the sacred temple, she fell to her knees unable to stop crying. She had run away; away from the responsibility of her actions, from accepting her father's demise, and now from the problems she had caused. There were many times she wished to find a way to go back into time and correct the wrongs she had enacted but even then- it would only prove that she would never become the guardian her father wanted her to be.
"Fei...
Fei turned to see her old friend wearing the Prodigious, looking at her with a saddened expression. "Marin?" He sat down next to her but she refused to meet his gaze.
"We need to stop Yanluo Wang." Marin spoke gently but was firm with his resolve. "If we don't-"
"I can't. I can't help anyone. " Fei sobbed, hiding her face in her arms. " I lied to you, I stole from you, and everything that's happening right now is because of me. My father would be sad to see how miserably I've failed! He would have never betrayed his honor for revenge, even when things were hard he never stop trying to do good; I've failed him, you and everyone in Shanghai..."
"Fei..." Marin's words failed him as he tried to reach out to his friend, wanting to console her. But in this situation, a few words wouldn't be enough to reassure someone who had known what it was like to lose everything.
"Do you remember when we were children and Uncle use to tell us the story of the Mid-Autumn festival." Marin said, looking up at the Harvest moon above them. "There were those who believed Change e was a selfish thief who betrayed her loved one for her own gain. But there was another side to that story; the one that Uncle enjoyed telling. As I recall, the other side of the story came in order to protect the potion from evil she consumed it herself. To understand someone, you can't just assume the worst of them. Fei, I'm still upset about what you did, but right now we need to help each other."
"I can't, you have no idea what it's like to be a failure. To wrong everyone around you, and convince yourself that everything you were doing was right-" Fei said, distancing herself from her childhood friend emotionally, knowing that she was all alone. "When in reality all you were really doing was betraying everything you once stood for."
"Fei..." Marin said, as he felt a spark of kinship, his heart sinking. But then he held back as he realized that words weren't enough, reminding her of the past wasn't enough, reassuring her that she wasn't a terrible person wasn't enough. Marin threw aside reason as he knelt before his childhood friend removing the Prodigious around his neck and placing her hand under it, grabbing her attention as the Renlings appeared around the two of them. "You don't have to face this alone anymore. We can fix this, we can save Mei Shi together."
"But I've dishonored myself as guardian-"
"Being a guardian doesn't always necessarily mean that you have to uphold the previous master's values! You're not Uncle Wu, and you don't need to be." Marin exclaimed, speaking sincerely as he could see a spark light up Fei's eyes. "I'm not telling you what to do, or that one act will right every wrong you've done. I just want to show you that this is a chance to help make things right, to take a step forward out of the path you've taken." He said, pulling her to her feet as Fei nodded, wiping away her tears with new resolve.
"But how are we going to save Mei Shi when he's like that?"
Marin gripped her hand a little tighter as he looked up at the Harvest moon shining above them then towards the ruined temple where Chat Noir was running out of time. As he said those words aloud, he recalled the cardinal rules Master Fu had instilled within him. He had always held them close to him, had always preached that they could never be broken. But with the previous master now retired, he had to make his own decisions as Guardian and could hope that he would do well by his predecessor.
"Give me my earrings and I'll show you."
Fei looked at him in confusion for a moment but complied, taking them out of her pocket and handing them over. The moment Marin placed them in his ear a red ball of light twirled around him forming into a small red creature that made him smile.
"Tikki!" Marin said, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders as his Kwami immediately flew into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"What is that!? A bug..mouse!?" Fei exclaimed as the Kwami was cuddling her partner's face.
"She is a Kwami!" Long Long exclaimed in surprise as the rest of the Renlings looked on in surprise and shock at the scene before them. "But they were meant to be sealed away."
"A Kwami?" Fei asked in confusion, stunned by the situation unfolding as Marin turned towards her.
"Meishi is under the control of the butterfly Miraculous, Hawkmoth's Miraculous, and it's my duty to purify evil and reverse it's influence."
"Your duty?" Fei asked as Tikki hovered before the other girl who took a step back.
"You stole me." Tikki said with an angry pout as Fei's expression fell for a moment.
"And for that I apologize. I promise I will do whatever it takes to correct my mistakes." Fei said with confidence as Marin smiled at his childhood friend.
Tikki on the other hand crossed her arms, still pouting in annoyance. "I'll forgive you- only for treats."
"Treats?" Fei asked, tilting her head slightly as Marin pulled his Kwami back towards him.
"Treats are for later Tikki." Marin informed as he and Fei looked on at Yanluo Wang blasting the city and her residents with no remorse- waiting for his rampage to be stopped. "Right now we have to get into the city."
Marin was placed on top of a building roof that a good distance away from Yanluo Wang. Lady Hawk dropped him down and he almost passed out from his fear of heights, which was only aided by the fact that they had flown over the bay for a faster trip.
Fei transformed back as she knelt by her childhood's friend side, who was clutching his chest, his face paler than normal. "Are you still afraid of heights and water?" She asked as Marin could only nod. He felt some embarrassment at the fact that he had previously talked a big game, yet was still hindered by his normal phobias. "How exactly are you planning on defeating Yanluo Wang like this?"
"With-" Marin gasped as Fei helped him to his feet, catching his breath for a moment as he pushed back his hair to help steady himself. For a second Fei's eyes widened as she saw the claw marks raked over part of his face but it quickly covered up as Marin's bangs fell back into place. "With my Miraculous. Tikki, spots on!" He exclaimed, transforming into his hero form while Fei was shocked as she now stood before the most famous hero in Paris.
"You...you're Ladybug?" She asked as the hero before her nodded. Seeing the transformation with her own eyes Fei could see that the hero had an entirely different atmosphere around him, one that radiated confidence and serious nature. Ladybug then took out his yo-yo, opening it up and taking out what looked to be a necklace of sorts. Fei assumed that the necklace was another Miraculous, and as he placed it on another Kwami appeared before them in a ball of red light. The light then materialized into a small dragon-like Kwami how looked around curiously before their eyes rested on the hero who summoned them.
"Ladybug!" The dragon Kwami shouted in glee as they hugged the hero.
"Fei, this is Longg- the Kwami of Perfection." Ladybug informed. "We're going to need her help. The plan is simple-" As he said that however, the building began to shake as Yanluo Wang's attacks became more violent. The two reflexively grabbed each other's hand's to stabilize themselves, now looking at Yanluo Wang who was walking deeper into the city. Ladybug's eyes narrowed as he eye's scanned the giant akumatized villain, spotting the Akumatized orb in his stomach. "We either need to get that orb out of his stomach- or get one of us in there to destroy it."
"I think there are a few rows of teeth that may have a say in that plan, also the giant possessed dragon." Fei pointed out as the building started to crumble.
"Then first things first." Ladybug said, as he glanced at Long. "Tikki, Longg; unify!" Ladybug said, transforming into Lóng Chóng, however- He looked down at his form now changed, for some reason. "Hm, this is new." He remarked as Yanluo Wang eyed them.
"My Prodigious!" Yanluo Wang bellowed as he began to charge a blast towards them. The two teens jumped off the building that blew into flames as Yanluo Wang's blast hit it. Fei then transformed back into a Lady Hawk, grabbing onto Lóng Chóng's arm as they were sent flying towards the bay. Lady Hawk became scrambled as she was hit by debris but was saved when Long Chong's feet hit the ground, using his sword to steady them as he planted it in the ground.
"We need to stop him from moving." Long Chong said as Lady Hawk transformed back to normal. "Once that orb comes out of his stomach we need to destroy it. I'll stop him from moving and you transform and you jump into his mouth and destroy the orb.
"You're asking me to turn into a monster's snack?!"
"Temporarily- yes." Long Chong informed as he then placed a hand on her shoulder." Long Chong then took out his yo-yo and threw it into the sky exclaiming, "Lucky Charm!" And from it fell a small charm fell into his hand.
"An eternity knot?" Fei asked looking down at the charm that was red with Ladybug-shaped jade ornament woven in it. "What does it mean?"
Long Chong looked down at the charm and then promptly and then wrapped it around his wrist so he wouldn't lose it. "That luck is on our side."
"Right...right. I think I got it!" Fei said with confidence as the two nodded at each other. Fei transformed into Lady Hawk and soared through the sky.
Long Chong closed his eyes and focused his energy around his body. He took a deep breath as he could feel his form beginning to shift, transforming into water as he slipped into the bay.
Lady Hawk soared over the bay while the akumatized villain tried to blast her out of the sky while Long Chong started to spin within the bay, started a whirlpool that gathered the floats and lanterns that were in the bay for the Mid-Autumn festival. She felt a pang of sadness as she saw the destruction caused by the Yanluo Wang- caused by her mistakes.
"Mei Shi, stop destroying everything!" Lady Hawk pleaded as she evaded his blasts.
" I'm not Mei Shi anymore! Yanluo Wang exclaimed, not noticing the whirlpool forming at the base of his legs, engulfing him in a vortex of water. Suddenly, the water began to glow as Yanluo Wang took notice. The sound of crackling reached Lady Hawk's ears as she watched lighting erupt from the water, stunning Yanluo Wang for a second but he didn't have time to respond as his entire body was encased in ice, freezing the entire bay.
Lady Hawk was stunned in awe for only a few moments as she saw the sight before her. But then she snapped back as she saw Yanluo Wang's eyes move and his body started to shake, quickly realizing that the window was too small. Lady Hawk soared directly towards the mouth of Yanluo Wang but just as she was about to enter her eyes widened- seeing a blast starting to form at the base of his throat. She only narrowly avoided being blasted as Long Chong pushed her out of the way as he shifted back to human form- but the two were then grabbed by Yanluo Wang as he broke free of the ice that bound his arms- while his legs were still frozen.
Fei transformed back to her human form as Yanluo Wang grabbed them, she looked on to see that Long Chong has passed out from the impact protecting her.
"Calm down, Mei Shi! We don't want to hurt you!
"Your heart has already been blackened by your hubris. You are not worthy to wield the Prodigious." Yanluo Wang recited coldly, sending a chill up Fei's spine. However, even though those words would have destroyed her only a day ago she now took it in stride as she looked directly into the Guardian's eyes.
"You're right, I'm not. But I will be." Fei said aloud, with resolve in her voice. "I'm not here to destroy you or to get revenge, I'm here to save you and to bring you back to your senses!" She tried to explain but her words couldn't reach the possessed guardian's heart.
"Your words prove nothing when your actions contradict. If you have no will to destroy me, and prove yourself then I will give you resolve." In moment. panic set in as Fei could see his expression turning to Long Chong, who was still unconscious.
"Mei Shi! Leave him alone! It's me and the Prodigious you want!" She exclaimed in desperation. However, the beast only narrowed his eyes as he looked back at Long Chong.
"If you desire my end then you must destroy me." Yanluo Wang warned as he prepared another blast.
"NO!" Fei exclaimed at the top of her lung, watching in terror as her childhood friend was about to disappear before her eyes. As time seemed to slow for her, every part of her tensed up as her entire body became engulfed in light.
"LONG!" She exclaimed, feeling no malice, only the will to protect another person she didn't want to lose. Her transformation caused Yang to recoil back, dropping her friend from his gasp.
Acting quickly, Lady Dragon used her newfound power to save Long Chong, using her wind abilities to stop him from hitting the ice below.
"Fei?" Long Chong asked as he was dropped onto the ice safely.
"It's Lady Dragon now. I always have to play the dragon" She informed with a wink as Long Chong chuckled. But then they both turned their attention back to Yanluo Wang who was struggling to break free.
"Change of plans." Long Chong said as his earrings began to beep. "We're going to switch places."
"Gotcha." Lady Dragon said knowingly as Long Chong transformed back into water.
Lady Dragon spun her entire body as she gathered the water from the bay into another vortex only this time she aimed it directly at Yang's mouth as he was about to blast her.
Inside the stomach LongChong transformed into lightning, bouncing around into the stomach until when he transformed back- he cracked the orb from within, releasing the Akuma from within.
"Mei Shi..." Fei said, transforming back into her normal from as she knelt before the guardian of the grotto.
"You've unlocked the Long-Long's power?" Mei Shi asked as he looked around at the destruction of the city. "Did...did I do this?" So much destruction, by my hand." Mei Shi said in shame as he hung his head. Fei sympathized with the guardian, as she too wasn't innocent of the blame. But then Ladybug stepped forward before the guardian.
"I told you before, there's away to fix this." Ladybug said, holding out the charm from earlier. "Miraculous Ladybug!" He exclaimed, and everything turned back to the way it was before- untouched as if nothing happened.
Fei looked on in amazement as all the destruction had been reversed.
"That power... who are you?" Mei She asked as the Ladybug's transformation timed out, reverting back to his civilian identity. He caught Tikki in his hands, placing her on his shoulder as he looked up at Mei Shi.
"My name is Marinus Xiang Dupain-Chengue, guardian of the Miraculous." He said aloud with confidence. as Tikki rested on his shoulder.
Mei Shi looked between the two teens before him, nodding in affirmation. "Master, both of your former students have come so far." He said to himself as he turned to Fei, who had transformed back. "You managed to let go of your desire for revenge and focused on upholding justice even though it was difficult to do. I know your father would be proud of you." The guardian said as a small smile broke out on Fei's face as she heard the Guardian's praise. "The Prodigious is in good hands with you, Renren. My previous role of Guardian is over."
The guardian said, bowing his head slightly as he then disappeared into dust that disappeared into the wind, leaving behind a lingering bittersweet feeling. Marin placed a hand on Fei's shoulder who looked on at the night sky. But then turned to her friend with a smile, nodded her head and reassuring him that she way alright.
Chat Noir's eyes fluttered open, groaning awake- he lifted himself up from the hard ground, yawning. He then realized that he shouldn't be laying around. But as he was about to stand he realized that there was a familiar jacket placed under his head and a familiar charm bracelet around his wrist.
A charm of protection.
Chat Noir's heart swelled up at the care he was shown, but then quickly remembered that this was his friend he was thinking about- and knowing Marin he was most likely in some kind of danger. However, as he jumped onto the ruins of the temple, looking out over the city he saw that everything was okay, and there was no sign of the akumatized villain. He then turned around to the grotto that was previously destroyed and saw that it had returned to normal, meaning only one thing.
"Just had to show me up here as well, huh?" Chat Noir remarked to himself as he smiled in relief. He knew that so long as Ladybug was around he was sure that his best friend would be safe as well. He then jumped off the temple roof and raced back to the hotel, wondering if his father would ask where he was for the past few hours.
Fei walked into the grotto that was newly reformed. She looked around in amazement as it was like the battle had never even happened.
"That power of yours is quite spectacular." She complimented, turning back to her childhood friend whose expression softened at her words.
"It's all Tikki." Marin said, petting his Kwami's head as the mood became more somber- returning back to the place where the Prodigious was unlocked originally. The two stood beside each other as they looked at the gate that still held the key. Fei took a deep breath as she approached, her breath becoming hitched as she saw the last memento her father left her; the proof of Guardianship.
"I've betrayed all the ancestral values that my father had taught me. From the beginning, I thought that Cash was the reason for why my life had been destroyed, but...in the end it was my choice to turn my back to everything I believed in. Now, I will do whatever it takes to right those wrongs, and be the Guardian that everyone can be proud of." Fei swore to herself as she picked up the bracelet from its place. As she placed it on, looking down at it happily, a ball of light appeared from it and a familiar face appeared before them.
"About time! I was wondering when you'd finally put it back on!" The small lion creature remarked with a smile.
"Mei Shi?!" Both Fei and Marin said in surprise, looking at the former guardian who was now in a smaller form that was far more adorable.
"You thought that was the end of my mission? It was only the beginning." The small guardian remarked with a smile as he hovered before them. " With each new Master, I shall accompany and advise you every step of the way."
Fei then turned back to Marin with a bright, more hopeful smile on her face, hugging her childhood friend tightly. "Thank you, for everything. If it wasn't for you and Chat Noir..." Fei said graciously. "I don't even know how I can repay you."
"There is one way." Marin informed as Fei looked at him in surprise.
By the time dawn arrived the two teens were covered in dust and grime from the past day. Both were exhausted but now what was an endless walk appeared to be over as Marin stepped through the front door of the restaurant his uncle owned.
"Uncle?" Marin asked as he hesitantly walked into the shop, grasping his arm nervously as he was certain he looked like a mess and was missing his favorite blazer. He was only gone for an entire day but it felt like much longer. Then a sudden banging sound caused him to flinch as just then his uncle ran out looking like he had hardly slept. When the elder man's eyes rested on his nephew, his face became filled with emotion, immediately embracing him as Bastion flew towards Marin as well.
["What happened to you? Are you okay?! You must be starving!"] Wang exclaimed hugging him rightly.
["MISSED YOU! MISSED YOU!"] Bastile yelled alongside him nuzzling his face against Marin's.
"Sorry for worrying you both." Marin said, stepping back from the embrace with Bastille jumping on his shoulder.
"We'll talk later, but all that matters now is that you're safe and sound." Wang said, quickly hugging his nephew again, this time in relief.
Marin's expression softened, as he returned the gesture once more, but then heard footsteps outside. Immediately he took a step back and ran back to the door, seeing that Fei was walking away. But once Marin had stepped out she looked back with an uncertain expression on her face.
"Don't leave." Marin prompted, walking over to her as Fei hugged her arms.
"I...I haven't seen Uncle Wang in years. I lied to him about where I was all this time. What if he finds out?" Fei asked grasping her jacket as a flash of fear was etched on her face. "I don't want him to be disappointed in me."
Marin stepped forward towards Fei, taking her hand as he nodded supportively. "You can't expect everything to go wrong all the time. Once in a while, you get to be wrong." He said with a teasing smile as Fei chuckled, her mood improving as Marin led her into the light of the restaurant.
["Uncle Wang?"] Marin said, as he walked out the front door and pulling in Fei by hand into the building. She was nervous and unable to meet the gaze of the older man who looked at the two with a cheery expression.
"Ohh, so you were just out visiting a girl." Wang said with a face Marin easily recognized as the same one his parents had whenever he brought home a new friend.
"Uncle." Marin said more seriously while Wang chuckled. But as Marin pushed Fei forward the previously cheery expression of his Uncle faded. After only a few seconds of looking at her, Wang was almost tearing up.
[I...I'm sorry, for not trying to find you earlier."] Fei said, stumbling over her words as she felt shame being in the presence of her father's best friend, some he was close enough to that he considered him a brother or sorts. [" I didn't want to trouble you with my issues, and I thought it was something I had to do by myself. I'm very sorry for not contacting you earlier-"] She said but then was shocked to be embraced by the older man who hugged her tightly.
["Little Fei-fei, you're gotten so tall..."] Wang said, crying as he spoke while Marin looked on in a melancholic smile at their reunion.
For the next few days Marin was grounded from leaving his uncle's restaurant, mostly due in part to his uncle not wanting to lose sight of him. However, Marin didn't mind remaining in one place for a little while since using his unification power.
When night fell he was laying down on his bed scrolling on his phone, until he heard a knocking at his window. At first, he paid it no mind until he heard a familiar knocking pattern and turned to see a familiar face kneeling on the roof just outside flashing a toothy grin outside the window; his bright green eyes and golden hair shinning against the light of the city lights. Immediately, Marin threw his sheets off and opened the window to greet his partner and friend.
"Good evening my princ-" Chat Noir was about to say before he was immediately embraced tightly by his friend who wrapped his arms around his torso.
"I was so worried about you!" Marin exclaimed as he felt a sudden rush of concern that had been steadily building up. He always knew that his Miraculous ability would have saved Chat Noir, but his ability could never reverse the need to make sure Chat Noir was alright.
"First of all- that's my line. Second, you can't just go running off into danger, that is literally my job." Chat Noir informed, sitting on the edge of the window sill as Marin stepped back.
"I didn't really have a choice?" Marin said shrugging his shoulders as he placed a hand on Chat Noir's arm, the one that was previously turned to jade- threatening his friend's life. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"So long as my partner does his job nothing bad can ever really happen to me." Chat Noir said trying to reassure his friend whose eyes still held concern. "I only came by to return these to you." Chat Noir informed, passing him back his jacket and bracelet. "Next time, I'd prefer you wake me up so I can save the day though." As Marin took back his things Chat Noir could feel his heart swell as he placed the bracelet on his wrist. "Well, my work is done, I should leave." The hero said as he was about to jump away but before he could Marin grabbed his hand.
"Hold on a second, wait here." Marin ordered, throwing aside his jacket on the bed and leaving the room. Chat Noir was lost for a moment as he looked around the darkened room, seeing that it was a far cry from Marin's original room in Paris. There were a few posters in mandarin he didn't recognize and wooden furniture. The entire room looked unused for the most part.
His ears twitched slightly as he heard the sound of Marin returning with a small box in hand. "Here, they were made fresh today." Marin informed as a delicious smell was emanating. Chat Noir's mouth watered as he opened the box up to see there were 4 small mooncakes within, his eye twinkling with excitement. He took out one of the cakes, noticing the white filling along with an egg yolk as he broke the pasty in half, and handed it to his friend.
"Huh? It's all for you." Marin pointed out in surprise as he knew how much Chat Noir enjoyed pastries.
"Come on, food always takes better when you eat it with someone else." Chat Noir insisted with a smile on his face, pressing the half of the mooncake into his friends' hand.
Chat Noir took the first bite and immediately it was evident that he was enjoying the pasty due to his ears twitching and the giant smile plastered on his face. Marin stood in awe for a few seconds as seeing his partner smile made him feel good inside, causing him to smile in turn as he took a bite of the pastry he had made earlier. As soon as he tasted it, a rush of nostalgia came over him as he recalled the last time he had moon cakes. Back then it was when he and Fei were children, sloppily eating them and making a mess. But as he looked at Chat Noir now, he was hit with a different feeling, something more comforting that made his heart skip a beat.
In this fleeting moment that would surely end soon there was one thing Marin was certain of; so long as he could see Chat Noir's smile, he was sure that everything would turn out okay.
Notes:
-Relax, they're just friends.
-Hawkmoth is a jerk.
-Fei is a good girl and is just trying her best.
-Final part of this Shanghai arc, however there will also be a side story added in another chapter to add more fluff. After that, I shall be going in hiatus until more seasons of Ladybug release. (