Chapter 7:

Seeing as Chat Noir is already under the effects of Ego Split's power, there was no time to waste. Chat Noir already made up his mind, and unlike Blair, Shizuke is not good at talking his way out of things.

Also unlike Blair, Shizuke is not much of a strategist. It appears neither is this Chat Noir.

Their opponent aren't the sorts they could brute force their way through - that's pretty much what they did and look where it got them. Being formidable fighters can only take them so far.

What they need is a plan.

Shizuke and Chat Noir climbed their way up to the platform at the very top of the clock tower. The fogged glass clockfaces casted light into the tower for miles down.

"Renard Rouge!"

Like a mirage, the fox hero melted into existence. The clockface's light behind his silhouette casted his shadow to stretch over the heroes below. He looked down at them with unreadable emerald green eyes.

Shizuke's been hesitating on meeting him in person since Blair's disappearance. Though it's only for a week, as her twin, he must be devastated. He didn't want to ask too much from him right now…

The sound of cracking glass echoed, and the glowing crack grew, now reaching Chat Noir's bicep. The boy braved the pain with almost perfect calm.

Both older heroes looked at the cat with concern. Then they glanced at each other, one pleading and the other pensive.

Renard Rouge eventually shook his head.

"You must be truly desperate to come to me for a plan."

The fox jumped down from his perch. His approach shed the shadows around him, revealing the furrow of his brow and the tight line of his mouth.

"I can think of some. But you're gonna have to get comfortable with how I do things."

He's no Blair, but her fox brother is the next best thing they got.

0-0-0-0-0

Upon laying his eyes on Chat Noir, Renard Rouge didn't know what to feel.

There stood a boy destined to be a legend. Chat Noir, the holder of the Black Cat Miraculous from over a century ago. One of the heroes in the stories his mother used to tell him and his sister as she tucked them into bed. It should be an honor to meet him in the flesh - it's a once beyond a lifetime opportunity! He should be thrilled!

And yet he couldn't help but think it should be Blair standing where Chat Noir stood right now.

It's not the kid's fault, Renard Rouge knows that. This is beyond anyone's control. Nobody wants for things to go back to normal more than the two time swapped cats… But still. His presence is a painful reminder his sister isn't here.

For his own sake, he's resolved not to interact with the boy more than strictly necessary.

0-0-0-0-0

Trust is everything with this plan.

Chat Noir is used to entrusting his life to his Lady's hands. He knows he can count on her to save him every single time.

Yet here he is, having to do the same with these strangers. His only reassurance is being from the past, surely they wouldn't let him die or lose his Miraculous. They wouldn't risk messing with the timeline… And Shizubug probably wouldn't want him hurt. Worst case scenario, his identity could get exposed, but what does it all even matter?

He'll be gone in a week.

Before Chat Noir could walk out the door as the bug and the bee swung ahead, he was pulled aside by the fox. Emerald green eyes followed the lines of the cracks that by now has completely covered his arm and snaking its way up his shoulder.

"From one victim of Ego Split's blade to another, let me tell you a trick to get your separating sides to cooperate."

Chat Noir's ears perked up in interest. "What is it?"

"Have a common goal between you and the mask."

Chat Noir's ears folded down as his brow rose. "… Like my goal to stop Ego Split?"

"No, that's not enough. Dig deeper."

"Repay your Bug for his kindness?"

"It has to be important to you," before Chat Noir can argue that it is important, Renard Rouge raised a finger to quiet him and added, "Personally."

Chat Noir curled his claw into a fist, feeling his ring - the only thing left keeping him anchored to his home.

"Don't let anyone take Plagg and my Miraculous?"

Renard Rouge shook his head. This is getting frustrating.

"Then what kind of goal do I need?"

"I'm not talking about short term goals. It should be a goal deeply rooted in your very being. Something you would believe in mask or no mask. Something that would keep you grounded."

"I'm sorry, could you please be less cryptic? I'm afraid I don't have time to crack your riddles."

Renard Rouge let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You know what? How about I show you a quick demonstration…"

He pulled out his flute and a screen popped out one of the holes. He pointed it up to the tower like a telescope, the screen zooming in until it showed Kaji. He was insisting he needs to go down to film the akuma fight…

But the two Fuyus were united in holding him back.

0-0-0-0-0

By now, Shizubug should be keeping Pavonis busy.

Ego Split was stabbing students by the school building. The cobblestone road was littered with unconscious students covered in red cracks.

Pain buzzed from Chat Noir's own crack - it's now up to his chest. Chat Noir braced himself for the wave of emotions attempting to drown him. He took deep breaths until he was as stable as can be. No time to hesitate.

He walked over so he's within Ego Split's line of sight. Taking up a fencing stance with his staff, he shot a taunting smirk at the akuma.

"En Garde."

0-0-0-0-0

Their clash started once again.

"Those cracks look painful," Ego Split blandly observed the cracks spreading all over him. "I could make it quick and painless if you'd just let me split you already."

"I don't think the world is ready to handle more than one of me," Chat Noir drawled before parrying away Ego Split's attack, then sidestepping her second sword.

Ego Split rolled her eyes and tried to stab him once more. "Could you drop the cocky hero act? I'm sure people would prefer whoever you're hiding behind it."

"I've told you before, I've always been una-paw-logetically meowself," Chat Noir dodged both swords, mockingly winked at her, then ran off, singing "Nya nya nya nya nya!~ Now you gotta chase me!~"

"Oh, it's on," Ego Split glared at his retreating form before giving chase.

They were moving away from the buildings and into the school's gardens. This was all on purpose. Chat Noir will have to thank Renard Rouge for leaving little whisps - only visible if one knows what to look for - to point him in the right direction for the next stage of their plan.

"Don't you ever get tired of putting on a show?" Ego Split asked once she caught up to Chat Noir.

Staff met two swords.

"Does the pressure to keep it up ever drive you crazy?"

Chat Noir ignored what she's saying in favor of scoping the area.

"Why so quiet now?"

Elsewhere, Shizubug should be at a stalemate against Pavonis - except Chat Noir couldn't see them.

"Afraid your so-called friends won't come rescue you like last time?"

Good.

"You're all alone now, kitten."

If he can't see them, neither should Ego Split.

There was a loud crack and another wave of emotions hit him. It got stronger every time, it left him breathless. By now, the cracks have spread to most of his body. Ego Split took advantage of his momentary distraction and sent his staff flying. She pointed her sword at him, just one inch from running through his chest.

"Any last words before I free you?"

"Just one."

Chat Noir smirked as he grabbed the sword by the red crackling blade. He grit his teeth as he was torn apart from too many emotions hammering in his heart. He powered through it. More important than Renard Rouge's words of advice that didn't make sense to him, were his parting words...

"Cataclysm!"

The sword quickly disintegrated into ashes.

"We're counting on you," the fox had said before they parted.

Chat Noir didn't want to let them down. He never wanted to let anyone down. It's not a grand goal, but it has to count for something.

Then clones of the whole team ran about the area out of thin air.

Ego Split lunged at an incoming Shizubug only to be met with smoke. A ladybug patterned handcuff locked over her extended wrist. The real Shizubug finally reappeared, yanking Ego Split away from Chat Noir.

The force made her drop her other sword - which Princess Honey grabbed. The sword was pulling on her to stab the bug who has now fully handcuffed Ego Split. The bee stood her ground and grabbed her trompo.

"Venom!"

The sword stopped moving. A wide grin broke out on Princess Honey's face and she bounced in place.

"Ren! I did it! I got the sword!"

Finally! The hard part was over!

"Chat Noir?"

Shizubug's eyes landed on him. Worry struck his face and the bug ran over to him.

"CHAT NOIR!"

Now, Chat Noir can collapse knowing he succeeded on his part and was of use to this team.

0-0-0-0-0

Ladybug caught the kid as he fell unconscious. Red cracks glowed all over his body. He's gonna have one sucky time in his mental space as he splits.

Renard Rouge would know, he had firsthand experience. Except he never did fought his counterpart the way Fiona did.

When Blake got stabbed all those months ago, as soon as his two halves woke up, Vincent Liung told him their sister ran off as Ego Split ran rampant. That immediately caused them to form a truce. Mask or no mask, the twins are the only family each other had left. Blake would do anything to keep her safe.

Feeling some sympathy towards the pink haired punk midget, Renard Rouge also gave her the same advice. She got it immediately. He knows how protective she is of her friends. Especially Keagan.

He hopes Chat Noir understood his advice.

"Princess Honey! Take Ego Split somewhere safe and make sure she doesn't see you detransform!"

The newbee saluted at Ladybug's command, picked up the struggling handcuffed akuma and ran through the garden's tree lines.

Ladybug looked worriedly at the splitting Chat Noir before picking him up. The bug hero gave him a narrow eyed stare, like he wanted to blame him for this cat's suffering.

After all, it was all part of Renard Rouge's plan.

But the cat was an eager volunteer. It was nothing personal, just their most pragmatic choice. Chat Noir was already in the process of splitting. Plus, Ego Split is a highly skilled physical fighter: other than Ladybug, who else can match her? Certainly not Renard Rouge or Princess Honey. And unlike with Ladybug, Chat Noir's identity being exposed wouldn't leave lasting consequences - Renard Rouge is prepared to work his butt off to make up for that. Ladybug himself already allowed the cat to keep fighting with them, so he's part to blame too…

Oh. Ladybug is actually blaming himself for this, isn't he?

Typical Ladybug. So overly sentimental... It's no wonder Blair likes him. If it were Blair to come up with a scheme here, she would've found a way without sacrificing anyone - it's what motivated her to master her Cataclysm to the extent she did. As willing as she is to sacrifice herself to ensure Ladybug could save the day, she'd rather not if she can avoid it. She's always one to believe in cutting the wire until she can't.

Now Ladybug wanted to make it so this cat's sacrifice doesn't have to go any further than getting split. Spare him from suffering the consequences of having his identity exposed to an enemy.

It's a sentiment Renard Rouge can spare.

"Go ahead, Ladybug. I'll cover for you."

Renard Rouge casted Camouflage on them to keep them out of Pavonis' radar. Pavonis is almost done getting rid of all his distracting illusions.

"Will you be alright?"

A reasonable concern. Unlike Wonderbug, Renard Rouge wasn't trained in a martial art. He couldn't pick up Mirakung-fu in the month he had since he became the Fox Miraculous' permanent holder.

That's why he had a plan for this.

Renard Rouge picked up Ego Split's discarded sword. With Venom, it can no longer move on its own. With Ego Split restrained, she can't make use of it. Renard Rouge is no fencer, but he has illusions to bridge the gap. And this sword... One shallow nick from this and he could have Pavonis running.

Or even better, he can have Pavonis' identity exposed.

There was a beep, reminding them of Ladybug's pending detransformation.

"I'll be fine. Go before your timer runs out!"

Ladybug shot him a concerned glance.

"I'll come back for you as soon as I recharge!" he yelled before swinging off with the cat in his arms.

The sword hummed with power in Renard Rouge's hand. He twirled it, careful not to let the blade hit him.

Pavonis has realized he's all alone now. He couldn't see where anyone is as long as Renard Rouge's illusion is up. He won't see him coming.

Renard Rouge swung the sword down, aiming for Pavonis' unguarded back…

But a closed fan caught the blade mid swing.

"Thought you could get the drop on me, little Foxkit?"

He knew it wasn't gonna be easy, but damn. Renard Rouge backed away quickly and hid within his illusions. Pavonis laughed at him, like Renard Rouge was just some kid who failed to pull a prank on him.

"You've got a long way to go before you can pull that off."

Multiple Renard Rouges wielding Ego Split's sword popped up and attacked Pavonis. He shrugged them off with an amused grin, popping them one by one with his closed fan.

"Aw, don't be upset. You've only had that Miraculous for like, what, a month give or take?"

The field was once again cleared of illusions, save for the one keeping Renard Rouge hidden. Pavonis' closed fan gleamed with a subtle green glow of turtle shell patterns - the Jade Seal. The turtle sacrificed a lot just to handicap this peacock. Yet even without his Sentimonsters, he's still a formidable opponent.

"It's still impressive."

Pavonis wasn't a former hero for nothing.

"Your mother would've been proud."

Renard Rouge bit the inside of his cheek to prevent himself from reacting to such an obvious bait. Don't let his condescending praise get a rise out of him.

That bug better get back here quick!

0-0-0-0-0

The place didn't make sense to Adrien. Where he stood, it was pitch black. In front of him was a huge red crack. Beyond that crack was all stark white. But no matter how much he walked, ran or jumped, he can't get over the red crack to get to the white area. There's no where to go in this place. There was only a floor, but no ceiling or walls or any kind of landmark to tell him if there's an end to this place or if he's going anywhere at all.

Most concerning to him was neither Plagg nor his Miraculous could be found on his person – whatever it is that's become of him. He was glowing white and translucent. Is he a ghost? Did he die?

No. Kaji and everyone else said Ego Split's power isn't lethal.

"Then what is this place?"

Adrien asked aloud out of habit, hoping Plagg's nasally voice would reply somehow.

"Welcome to your mindscape," his own voice replied.

Over at the stark white area stood Chat Noir, grinning at him.

"… Who are you?" Adrien asked.

Chat Noir flickered like television static, changing into Adrien smiling at him politely.

"I'm you."

Another flicker and he was Mister Bug.

"Or at least, the person you feel you need to be."

One more flicker and he was Cat Walker.

"The person you wish you were."

0-0-0-0-0

Jade Seal

It's a new application of the Turtle's powers. There's more than one way to protect a person besides shielding them. Jade Seal works as a way to contain someone's power without hurting the attacker as well as preventing them from hurting others. A power nullifier. It's a power that can only be used by someone with a strong affinity for the turtle. Someone with a strong desire to protect without harming others. It was created during the peak of the Miraculous War in the 2050's by Nino Lahiffe.

Now, at first, this power seems like a weaker Venom. But depending on the situation, one could be more useful than the other. For example, when dealing with a rogue peacock and his Sentimonster.

Venom would've left him paralyzed and one could take the Miraculous from him… but that wouldn't stop the Sentimonster. Even worse if the Sentimonster's item is with his trusted ally, an evil butterfly hiding in the shadows. The heroes could Venom the Sentimonster. But that's assuming they could get away from the lurking butterfly, the akuma and the Sentimonster itself to recharge first.

Jade Seal would've sealed away the peacock's power if his fan got hit. He can't control the Sentimonster, nor can he make another one. The Sentimonster would've been sealed off too, as it is connected to the fan and part of the peacock's power. Two birds, one stone. Now all they have to worry about is the lurking butterfly and her akuma. Okay, the situation still sucks, but that's one less enemy to look out for.

Or in a 1v1, Venom would be better… but if the heroes need the villain to talk later, Jade Seal could keep the villain alive and functioning as a nonthreat. It can also apply to rogue monks and seal off their magical weapons, keeping them intact for Marinette and her team to reverse engineer or use as they are.

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A/N:

The cut the wire thing Renard Rouge thought about his sister was a reference to Tony Stark and Steve Roger's exchange in the first Avengers movie.

Steve Rogers : You're not the guy to make the sacrifice play, to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you.

Tony Stark : I think I would just cut the wire.

Blair is a lot like early Tony Stark, in a sense she thinks she's cunning enough to avoid the sacrifice play like he did. Hah. Last chapter proves she can't always get away with it. Huh. In contrast to Blair, Adrien comes off closer to Steve Rogers. He had less reservations about sacrificing himself, which is ouch.

Man, this chapter is longer than I initially expected that I had to cut it off here. Next week will be the last of Adrien's first day in the future arc, then it'll be back to Blair and Marinette.