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Ladybug's P.O.V
I managed to sneak out the back with a cookie and quickly transform. My attempt to pursue the intruder was feeble, no trace of the criminal left behind. Dishearteningly, I began my voyage towards the guardian's whereabouts.
I am still in disbelief that this old master is trusting me with where he and miraculous heroes dwell. A huge step and an even bigger risk. I need to let them know that they can trust me...yet, it is going to look very bad on my end for being so late.
I pause on a rooftop and open my yo-yo, revealing the compass Tikki promised me. The instrument pointed slightly northwest in the direction of...
"Is this thing damaged? There is no possible way such an elite team is living in the poor side of Paris," I thought, shaking the spotted weapon to see if the direction changes. Yet, the compass merely reset itself in the exact direction it last pointed. I hum, my curiosity rising with every moment. I close the yo-yo and continue on the path given.
"I suppose it would make an excellent hideout but it will put many innocent people in danger," I thought, regarding the lesser fortunate civilians, "There is a very thin line between the rich and poor. Any sort of disagreement could set off a war but the only winner will be Hawkmoth."
A war would bring chaos and misery, enough for Hawkmoth to create an army of monsters to rein terror over Paris. I hope that day may never come or at least, stop it from ever arriving. I have heard many innocent people dying from all around the city from Akuma attacks. Yet, everyone blames one another for someone else's misdeeds.
It is like a pointless argument where neither has done wrong. The main cause being an outer party's fault.
I wish to unite Paris without any status or misunderstandings. Everyone is equal in my eyes. So, I suppose if an elite team of heroes are hiding in the poor section, who am I to speak so ill about it. It has been working for the miraculous rebels so far.
I land in front of the barbed fence separating Paris. I know there is a gate somewhere but it will be heavily guarded by some high-standard guards recruited by the mayor—Chloe's dad. I roll my eyes at the mere thought of Andre Bourgeois. He is not someone I would deem as a worthy mayor but I suppose he is better than the tyrant that last ruled the land.
I easily jump the fence and land on a rickety roof made of old boards. A grimace forms on my face before checking the compass once again. I carefully leap from building to building, following to direction of the arrow.
"I wonder how I will know if I have arrived?" I wonder in my mind, not paying much attention to my next jump. My foot lands on a weak point of a rotted board, creating a hole which my left leg fell into. I gasp, having a heart attack for a split second before realizing my leg is stuck.
"Well, I seem to be in a...situation," I murmur to myself. I do not want to break any more of the roof than I already have. Maybe, I can use my Lucky Charm or-
"In my many years as a holder, this is probably the funniest thing I have ever seen."
I shoot my gaze over my shoulder, meeting eyes with the super heroine, Rena Rouge. She is squatting down on the tippy top of the roof with an amused grin on her lips. I can feel my face flush in embarrassment. I must look quite dimwittedly unprofessional in this predicament I have placed myself in.
"Do not stress yourself, Ladybug. I assure you it takes lots of time and practice. My fellow teammates and I were not perfect when we first received our powers," Rena Rouge reassures me, assisting me out of the hole, "I was trained in the dojo before I was given a miraculous to wield. You must be very unique if you are given it right away."
Her words somewhat sooth my worries. Yet, my nerves continue to rattle my very soul. I gave Rena Rouge a small smile, "Thank you."
"What are we going to do about this?" I asked, gesturing down at the hole. Guilt churns in my stomach for being as foolish as accidentally putting a hole in a less fortunate person's roof. My clumsiness can be such a hassle sometimes.
"Do not worry about it. I am sure we can find someone to seal this hole. For now, let us get you to the rendezvous point. I shall guide you from here," Rena explained. I quickly check the time, having only half an hour left before returning to the mansion.
"Lead the way," I replied.
We land on the hideaway's roof a couple of minutes later. Rena Rouge opens the skylight and gestures towards it, "Hop in."
Hesitatingly, I drew closer to the skylight and peek inside at the wooden flooring. I slip into the building and decently land on the floor. My eyes scan the small area, many instrumental equipment and tools lay about.
"This is the dojo but we also call it the training room," Rena explained, appearing next to me.
"Remarkable," I said, slightly impressed. I have seen much nicer exercising and training equipment before. Somehow, this feels like a completely different experience. This place is where the heroes of Paris train.
"Over there are the changing rooms so you can change into your training outfit and a sealing mask, which will magically stick to your face like your regular mask," Rena Rouge explained, showing me around, "Then, that hall will lead you to the master and the grump's rooms and a kitchen."
My eyes glue to the hallway Rena just shows me. Just down that hall is where the guardian of the miraculous resides. It is surprising how close I am to meeting the man who gave me this power and changed my life.
"Look," Rena sighed, earning my attention. She gave me a weary look, grimacing, "master seems to trust you and his judgment on people is hardly ever wrong anymore. Yet, you need to pass more than just master's judgement. You need to pass all of our judgments—our trust in you."
I nod, "I understand. I promise to earn your and the other rebels trust. Although, one might be harder than the rest."
Rena Rouge give a sheepish smile, knowing exactly who I am talking about. Chat Noir is not going to be easy to work with but he hopefully will come around.
"I have faith that you will live up to your promise, Ladybug. Now, go change into your training outfit real quick and see if it suites to your likeness. I assume you have places to be today. So, I do not want to waste any more time," she said, pointing at the mask.
"Alright, I shall be back in a moment," I said. Then, I walk off to the changing room to put on the awaiting training clothes. Once I enter the room, I scan the premise before my gaze latches onto the clothes. A pale white mask sits on top of the pile, giving off a ghostly reminder of its last wearer's departure.
"Tikki, spots off," I said before walking over and sitting on the bench with the clothes. I pick up the mask and frown, knowing very well that there are fond memories in this mask that will surely bring sorrow. I know I will never replace the last Ladybug's spot on this team but I hope to live up to her name.
"Tikki, what was she like?" I asked my Kwami. The red bug gave a sad smile, recalling her past with recently passed hero.
"She was brave, strong, and a great leader. She may have been tough as nails on the outside but she cared deeply for everyone, including strangers," Tikki fondly explained.
"That is...quite a reputation I will have to live up too," I replied, grimacing at my own words. How will I come close to the hero she once was? The hero that everyone needs. Am I really that worthy?
"You do not need to live up to anyone. Many believed she lived on a whole different level than everybody else but she was just like everyone else. Human," Tikki wisely spoke, "This includes my many holders before her as well."
"Really?" I said, continuing to be more fascinated with the little creature.
"Yes," Tikki nodded, "Each one was uniquely different in their own extraordinary way. You do not need to live up to the past. You create a brighter future with your own skills."
I smile, gently petting the top of Tikki's head as a way of thanking her. It definitely boosts my optimism, yet I cannot get too egotistic or I may as well be a fool. I place the mask over my eyes, the material changing from white to red. Then, I switch into the training robes.
"How do I look?" I asked Tikki. She tilts her head in thought before jokingly answering, "Like you just rolled out of bed."
"Very comedic are you not, little one," I replied before sheepishly opening the door slightly and sticking my head out. I hold in a gasp when seeing more familiar faces in the room—Carapace, Vesperia, Bunnyx, Pegasus, Polymouse, and-
Quickly, I retreat back into the room and shut the door.
"Are you okay?" Tikki asked, confused on why I have not exited the room.
"He is here," I responded.
"Who is?" She questioned.
"Chat Noir," I answered, whispering, "Why are there so many superheroes here? I thought it was only going to be two other people here, not a crowd."
"I assume they are all curious and want to meet you. Ladybug is the leader of the miraculous rebels. Would you not be quite curious yourself?" She asked. I open my mouth but no words formed. She is correct.
I let out a sigh before straightening my poster and opening the door. This gains the attention of every eye in the room.
"Uh...greetings?" I said, sounding like a question and timidly curtsying. Chat Noir rolls his eyes, arms crossed over his chest. The other five heroes either respond their greetings or look in confusion.
"It is very nice to finally be in your presence, Ladybug."
I jump in fright when seeing a short, elderly man standing beside me. He gives me a kind smile and extends his hand. I stare at his hand, unsure of what he is doing.
"It is...nice to meet all of you too," I said. The elder man seems to get the hint and returns his arm behind his back. I feel bad for not understanding his welcoming technique and probably displayed some rudeness for not recuperating.
"I am sure you know who they are," he said, gesturing towards to the heroes, "but I have yet to introduce myself."
The longer I look at him, the more familiar he becomes until it finally hits me. I have assisted this man at the last party my parents hosted.
"You are the man I helped," I said, eagerly pointing at him and earning a few giggles from the group of heroes. I can feel my face heat up in embarrassment, not sure what I did to make myself look like an idiot.
"Yes, but you may call me Master Fu," he answered. I did a double take, soaking in this new information. This elder man is the master and guardian of the miraculous.
"I would have never guessed...just like this location," I thought. The more I learn about these heroes, the more impressed and surprised I am. I have heard many rumors from the rich about the rebels, mostly bad things.
How they are dirty rats that stole their power or that the wicked sorcery should be locked away. How they are a menace to the city and do more bad than good.
Yet, I never believed any of it.
The rich thinks that the Akumas are on their side and are going to destroy the poor since they always head in that direction. The truth is, Akumas only know to destroy and hurt people. Sometimes, I do not think they realize how much the heroes save the rich's' lives (and their money).
Chat Noir let out a huff and went to moodily lean on a nearby wall. I give him a look before Rena Rouge hooks her arm around mine.
"Ignore the sourpuss moping in the corner. Come forth and meet your teammates. You may know us by name, but let us get to somewhat bond. Do not give anything about your personal life away though. That is rule number one of being a hero, secret identities," Rena explained.
I nod, following Rena over to the small group. It is not long before we all begin to converse over things only acquaintances speak over. Chat never once joins in on the fun, seeming like he is waiting for something else to happen. What he is waiting for?
"Are you ready, Ladybug?" Polymouse questioned.
"Ready for what?" I asked.
"To train," Rena answered, "We will start with a few basics if you have time."
"You have ten minutes before we leave," Tikki informed.
"Okay," I nodded in confirmation, "Then, let us not waste any more time. What are some of the basics?"
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