Oh my gosh...I CANNOT BELIEVE I GOT THIS FAR INTO THE BOOK AND DID NOT REALIZE THAT I GOT MYLENE'S SUPERHERO NAME WRONG!
From here on out, I will be using "Polymouse" instead of "Multimouse" (because that is Marinette's identity with the mouse miraculous).
Anyway, I hope you enjoy! I'm just gonna...go hit my head on the wall for a bit.
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Ladybug's P.O.V
I gritted my teeth, rejecting whatever influence wanted me to kill Bunnyx.
"No," I renounced, "I will not...hurt...my friend."
"DO NOT BE DECEIVED, YOU FOOL! KILL HER!" the voice continued, arguing. I could feel the anger pulsing through my veins like a raging volcano emitting lava.
"No!" I yelled. I gripped the sides of my head when it began to throb. It felt like a hammer was repeatedly hitting nails into my brain. I yelped in agony, fighting the diseased voice forcing and controlling me to do its every whim.
Yet, I will not comply with such a deed. I will not let this demon manipulate my judgment both physically and mentally. I grunted when a pressure caved in on me. My limbs weighed as much as an enormous chandelier.
The world around me was starting to implode on me.
Maybe, this was a good thing? If I am unconscious, the beast within will be as well.
Yet, there has to be a way to stop this madness spell. Surely, I will wake again and revert to what the monster desires me to do. But if there is a way, we can return to stopping the Akuma.
I do not know if anyone else would be able to stop the monster unless they have my miraculous. That shall be the plan to resort to if it becomes dire enough. Someone on the team will temporarily use my magical earrings to defeat the Akuma.
For now, we have to try getting rid of this evil possession from my body.
So...what is the cure for hate?
My mind was beginning to fail me, growing harder to think. The pain did not help. I could tell I was getting close to passing out but I have to tell Bunnyx the plans. If only I could think of the main plan but I do not know the answer.
"Wait..." I thought, "That is it! The cure for hate...is...is..."
"B-Bunnyx," I started, "Get...get Chat..."
And if this plan fails, I trust they will come up with a plan to save the day. I truly believe they will prevail without my assistance. They have done it before and they can do it again.
Bunnyx seemed to be reading me for a moment but gave me a firm nod in agreement. It was enough of an answer for me to finally pass out into with world of unconsciousness.
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Chat Noir's P.O.V
"Have you seen, Ladybug or Bunnyx?" I asked Polymouse. This battle was getting tiring with just the two of us.
With Carapace and Rena out of the battle, Pegasus and Vesperia guarding headquarters, and the disappearance of Ladybug and Bunnyx, it was a struggling fight. I do not know how much longer Polymouse and I can handle this.
"I have not," Polymouse answered, "I do hope they are okay and not in any sort of trouble. We are already scarce on heroes as is and this villain is quite the menace."
I could tell Polymouse was worn down by her labored breathing. I am too. Yet, the poor section and all of Paris were counting on us to save it. I will keep fighting until I collapse and pass out from exhaustion. I am sure Polymouse has the same feelings as I do.
Polymouse and I dodged an oncoming attack. The Akuma roared, lashing out at anything in its way. Huts and stands were no exception, broken from the monster's onslaughts.
"Ladybug, where are you? I thought, racing behind the creature. I extended my baton before leaping at it from behind and putting all of my strength into this one swing.
Unfortunately, my reputation for being unlucky proceeds me.
The Akuma somehow knew my attack and caught me from behind. I was stunned for a moment before struggling to free myself from its grip. It brought me face-to-face with it. The mask on its face switched to the crying face. In the other hand, it charged a sphere of its power.
"Well...this is unfortunate," I murmured. I glanced at my weapon before returning to the monster. I angled my arm back with the baton and began to aim.
With whatever energy I had left, I spear-threw my baton directly into the mask's left opening for the eye. The monster lost its concentration and howled in anguish. The sphere had disappeared into thin air.
The Akuma released me. I was falling towards the earth until Polymouse used her rope to catch me. She lowered me down and safely placed me on the ground.
I gave her a nod of appreciation before running to take cover from the flailing monster. My body ached and grew to the point of exertion. I had to push past those limits. Keep moving. Keep going. Paris is depending on us—on me. I will not fail it!
Suddenly, a portal opened in front of me. I came to an immediate halt. I fell onto my hands and knees.
"Get up!" I thought, yelling at myself, "Get onto your feet! Now!"
I shot my head up, seeing Bunnyx stepping out of the portal.
I narrowed my eyes at her, "Where in all of Paris were you..."
My scolding died out once seeing a passed-out Ladybug being dragged out by the rabbit hero. An arrow of concern hit me right in the chest. My fake ears drooped upon my head.
"What...what happened? What is wrong with Ladybug? Is she hurt?" I questioned, drawing closer and sitting at my unconscious partner's side. I scanned Ladybug for any signs of injury but found none.
How would she have passed out if there were no noticeable damage on her head? Could she have passed out from exhaustion? I do not understand how that could be considering she and Bunnyx had disappeared from battle. Was there another enemy I am unaware of?
There were many questions I had, trying to figure out what happened to Ladybug. Yet, I could not come to a conclusion I was satisfied with.
I do not know if I would get the answers until she awakens. Bunnyx would be unable to communicate with me due to her muteness and my inability to understand sign language. Now, I want to hit myself for not learning. Not only to learn of Ladybug's situation, Bunnyx is a part of the team—our family.
I have disrespected Bunnyx by not knowing or trying to learn. Maybe, I will try to learn. I cannot imagine how alone she must have felt, not that she seemed to like anyone's company...except for Ladybug's presence.
Bunnyx snapped her fingers in front of my face. I could see the urgency and determination wrinkling her face, getting my attention.
Bunnyx pointed at where the Akuma was before readjusting her gesture to Ladybug. I scratched my head, deciphering what she was attempting to tell me. Something with the Akuma and Ladybug.
"Did Ladybug get hit hard enough to get knocked out?" I asked. Bunnyx shook her head and made an x with her arms. She brought her hands close but did not interlock them as if to gather power in the center. Then she released the imaginary power on Ladybug.
A torch flickered to life above my head when realizing what Bunnyx was trying to tell me.
"Ladybug got hit by the Akuma's powers!" I answered.
This earned an excited nod from the time traveler. It was odd seeing her with such excitement, let alone a smile on her face. She always wore such an empty look. It was nice to see her happy.
"But which one? Anger or sadness?" I asked. Bunnyx formed an angry look on her face.
This was bad. This was really bad. Ladybug will not be able to cure the Akuma if her main focus was destroying everything.
Bunnyx waved her hands, grabbing my attention.
"What is it?" I asked.
The rabbit hero pointed at Ladybug then at me.
I raised an eyebrow, "I do not understand. What does this have to do with me?"
The ground shook from a massive explosion. Once we regained our balance, Bunnyx dragged me over to Ladybug.
She knelt to the dirt and wrote out: You can cure her.
"How?" I asked quickly. If there was something I can do to help, I will not hesitate.
Bunnyx returned to the dirt and wrote merely two words. My eyes widened in surprise.
Kiss her.
I coughed, feeling my cheeks heat up a little. I cleared my throat, "A-Are you sure?"
Bunnyx nodded in confirmation.
I took a deep breath in before glancing over at the battle.
Polymouse has to be struggling without any help.
"Alright, I will...try. But it if does not work, you will find someone else to temporarily wield the Ladybug miraculous. For now, go help Polymouse fight the Akuma," I ordered.
Bunnyx gave me a firm nod. She gave me a ladybug-themed paper before running off to help Polymouse. I looked at the paper, knowing that this must be the Lucky Charm. I wonder how much time she has left.
Finally, my focus returned to Ladybug, who still lay in a peaceful sleep. I elevated her with my arms.
"What if this does not work?" I thought. My stomach knotted and my face twisted with bitterness at the idea. Then, my mind mused over another scenario.
"Of course...what if it does?"
The cure was not just a simple kiss. It had to be a kiss with depth—of a deeper feeling—from both parties. Ladybug was bound by a curse of hate and the only true way to break it is with love. As tacky as it sounds, love does conquer hate.
There was only one way to find out. Chat did not know how to feel about the outcome. Yet, there was no time to hesitate or overthink this. It was now or never. He had to at least try before Ladybug woke up.
"Either way, I hope she does not resort to punching me in the face if she does awaken," I said in my head.
I brushed a few strands away from her face before leaning down, capturing her lips. Much to my surprise, they were quite soft with a hint of sweetness. My heart drummed at a faster beat before I leaned away.
I felt somewhat vile for not asking for permission but I could not say I did not like it either. It felt...right and it confused me.
I was brought out of my head when Ladybug started to stir. She made a hum-like noise and rubbed her eyes. She blinked up at me as her vision adjusted.
"Chat Noir?" Ladybug questioned before letting out a groan of discomfort. She placed her hand on the side of her head as she sat up. I moved away to give her some space.
"Are you okay? You do not feel like gutting me alive, do you?" I asked, earning a quizzical eyebrow raise from my partner.
"Why would I do such a thing?" Ladybug asked before looking around, "What happened? The last thing I remember was Bunnyx."
"She does not remember," I thought.
Before I could answer, the ground shook from another massive explosion and Ladybug's earring started going haywire in warning of her transformation wearing off.
Ladybug gasped when her suit started to slowly disappear.
"Do you have any food on your person?" I asked, covering my eyes. I had a deep urge to peek and satisfy my curiosity. Yet, I knew the rules. Identities must remain a secret at all costs for our protection.
"Y-Yes," she answered.
"Very good. I am going to go help the others while you transform back. We need you, Ladybug. We are in desperate times," I told her, standing up. The Akuma was growing ever closer to the headquarters. For all I know, it could be there right now.
"I will come as soon as I can," she responded.
I gave her a nod before remembering the Lucky Charm. I turned around to look for the object. Yet, I could not find it where I last placed it. The Lucky Charm must have disappeared as soon as Ladybug detransformed.
With no other reason to stay, I ran off to give Ladybug some privacy and assist in fighting the Akuma.
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Marinette's P.O.V
"Are you alright? That was a very close call," I asked, worried for my Kwami.
"I am alright but I need to rest for a moment," Tikki explained, finishing the last of the macaroon I gave her.
"Do not take too long of a break. We have no time to dally. Our home is in danger," I said. I was deeply worried that we might be too late. That there is no home to go back to. Sure, Pegasus and Vesperia are still protecting it.
Yet, for how long?
I do not doubt that they will fight to the bitter end and that scared me to think about it. I do not want to lose any one else. They are like family to me, one I have never known from my true blood. It would be a devastating victory to not only lose one of our teammates, especially after losing Master Fu.
We also still have no idea where the Akuma has taken refuge. The only way to find it is with Ladybug's power—my power.
I hummed in thought, trying to recall what had happened. I do remember using my Lucky Charm but it is gone now.
"Do you know what happened, Tikki?" I asked.
"I apologize. I do not know what occurs while in the miraculous," I replied.
"That is alright," I assured her with a smile and gently petting her head, "Are you ready for battle?"
"Ready as I shall ever be," Tikki answered.
"Very good! Tikki, spots on!" I shouted, feeling my suit building itself on my body. I swung off and followed the destruction scarily growing closer to headquarters. On my way, I saw Polymouse passed out on a rooftop.
"Oh no," I murmured to myself, rushing over to her. I knelt at her side and tried to rouse her.
I know I should be stopping the Akuma right now but I cannot help it. Polymouse is somehow hurt. I was unable to avoid her injuries due to...whatever happened in the time I blacked out.
She just has to be okay. I do not think I could bear the weight of losing another person I care for.
"Polymouse?" I called for the mouse hero. I shook her a little to not conflict more damage to her.
Polymouse's eyes fluttered open much to my relief.
Yet, I was not expecting her to start crying. Polymouse brought her knees up to her chest and hid her face behind her knees. I could her saying something but it was too muffled to make out the words.
"Polymouse, what is wrong?" I asked.
She did not reply, merely continuing her sobbing. I patted her shoulder in comfort before realizing that she was probably hit by the Akuma's attack.
"I could not save them," she finally said, "It is all my fault. They are dead because I was useless in saving them."
"Whatever happened, you are not to blame. It is not your fault," I reassured, frowning at her words.
"Yes, it is," Polymouse confirmed, "I could not save my father from the wreckage. I turned and ran away while he burned alive. I could not save Master Fu because I could not find you all fast enough and take out the terrorists. Now, Master Fu is gone too. Why do I fail the people I care for? Why could I not save them? Why did they have to die?"
My heart ached for Polymouse. She too felt the deep, piercing feeling of guilt. I know that feeling all too well. The feeling of being useless and being unable to protect loved ones. It hurts like a piece of sharp, burning metal right through the chest.
I could not save Master Fu.
I could not save the infant's mother.
"Yes, I know all too well what you mean," I said, voice starting to waver with emotion, "I-It is my fault too for what happened with Master Fu. And I may not have known that woman, but that does not mean she was any less important to someone. That baby no longer has a mother."
Polymouse peeked her head up and placed her attention on me.
"That...that was not your fault," Polymouse replied, "Y-You did nothing to cause either to meet their fate. You did not purposely set the building on fire. Y-You did not hold the gun. If you had not been there, that baby would be dead too. Master Fu, he protected you so that you can live to fight another day. A very noble and honorable sacrifice...but it still hurts."
My mouth was slightly agape. Here she was, the one who was crying, trying to comfort me. Yet, she did make a valid point too. While I was not the cause or blameless, some positives came out alive from one's tragic demise.
I had at least saved the baby from meeting the same demise as its mother.
As awful as it sounds for a positive, Master Fu saved me so I could keep fighting. I would be gone if he had not protected me. I owe him my life but it is a debt I cannot ever repay.
The only thing I can do is honor him by being the warrior he saw in me and the hero Paris needs. Be the one that leads all the heroes to victory in this war.
I new kind of determination pumped into my veins, feeling more inspired to work harder on my duties and maybe, even myself.
"The same can be said for you as well," I replied, "I think you should take your own advice."
Polymouse looked like she was going to argue but decided against it. She hesitatingly nodded her head and returned to her fetal position.
"Do not worry," I assured her, squeezing her shoulder, "I will go stop that Akuma."
With that, I left Polymouse.
It was time to stop this wretched Akuma once and for all.
Then, Hawkmoth is next.
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